Chrysanthemum by Armando Chacon, M.Photog., Cr.
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
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Extracting/Compositing
TEXAS SCHOOL
by Duane Blocker
LIVING LEGACY CARVER SHIVERS by Booker Shelton, Jr.
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RANDY POLLARD
KIMBERLEY SMITH
The Artist Within
FELLOWSHIP
by Aileen Harding/Duane Blocker
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SCHOLARSHIPS
by Aileen Harding
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NEW MEMBERS
18
CPP PATHWAY
Image Submission
STAFF Publisher
Kevin Falcon, Cr. Photog., CPP
Graphic Design/Layout Theresa Campbell Laura King, CPP Proof Readers Karen Butts, M.Photog., Cr., CPP Kevin Falcon, Cr. Photog., CPP Aileen Harding, M. Photog., Cr., CPP Photographers Booker Shelton, Jr.
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PPGH WORKSHOP SERIES PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Editor Theresa Campbell
A little over a year ago we had a catastrophic event that disrupted so many people’s lives when Harvey decided to visit our city. We saw the devastation of the hurricane and then the long recovery of all the people trying to put their lives, homes and businesses back together. Many are still working to complete the repairs and get back to a normal. For those members who are still working to complete repairs, we wish you a swift resolution. Kevin Falcon, Cr. Photog., Last month we had a great program presented by CPP Kimberly Smith, M. Photog, M. Artist, Cr. Photog, CPP. The Artist Within was a very well received program by all who attended. There were so many Photoshop tips about using the painting features that I was writing everywhere to capture them. At the evening program, we learned about the many ways to be inspired: art, movies, music, advertising, books and each other. I hope that you enjoyed the program as much as I did! This month, we are privileged to have Bert Behnke present two programs. For our monthly evening program, he will present “Shoot, Sell, Print!” where he will share tips and ideas on how to stay competitive against the cutthroat world of shoot and burn. Bert will share his experience from running a sixty-year-old business, in its third generation. Be sure to register and make this. The following day, there is an all-day PPA Merit program on photographing families, one of Bert’s favorite areas of portraiture. He will cover family posing and lighting. There will be a live portrait session so bring your questions and cameras! We had a great turnout of PPGH members who participated in IPC this year. Be sure to read about your fellow members and be sure to congratulate them on participating in IPC as well as the recognition on their images. So, it is that time of year when we present the slate for 2019 Board member elections. Please make sure that you attend this monthly meeting as we need to make sure we have enough representation to vote and we are also proposing some changes to our bylaws. Both the slate and the bylaw changes were sent to members eligible to vote in an email last month. The SEPTEMBER evening meeting is a FREE meeting. We are making final preparations for our annual holiday party. We have found a location that is sure to be acceptable to all members because the location is closer to the center of Houston. Be looking for the email that will provide details about the evening. Hope to see you there! ~Kevin Falcon, PPGH President
SEP 2018 1
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS GUILD OF HOUSTON 2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
To contact your officers or director, just click on their name.
Chairman of the Board Aileen Harding, M.Photog., Cr., CPP
President Kevin Falcon, Cr. Photog., CPP
Vice-President Duane Blocker
Secretary Booker Shelton, Jr.
Treasurer Kathy Kinser, CPP
Executive Director Teri Whittaker, M. Photog., Cr., CPP
Director Tara Flannery, CPP
Director Blair Haynie, CPP
Director Laura King, CPP
Director - Membership Laura Mansur, CPP
PPGH COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Bylaws Chair: Teri Whittaker, M.Photog., Cr., CPP; Tom Hathcock, M.Photog., Cr., CPP; Belinda Higgins, M.Photog., Cr., CPP; Kim Christensen; Alvin Gee, M.Photog., Cr., CPP
Image Competition Board Liaison: Tara Flannery, CPP; Chair: Sherry Piché, M.Photog, CPP; Blair Haynie, CPP; Aileen Harding, M.Photog., Cr., CPP; Duane Blocker
Clean Up Board Liaison: Teri Whittaker, M.Photog., Cr., CPP
Librarian Chair: Curley Marshall, Cr. Photog., CPP; Booker Shelton, Jr.
Communications/Graphic Design Chair: Alison Carlino, Cr. Photog., CPP
Membership: Chair: Laura Mansur, CPP; Michael Reiland; Sandy Buller
Fellowship Chair: Duane Blocker
Mentor Program /Certification Chair: Karen Butts, M.Photog., Cr., CPP
Financial Review Chair: Kim Christensen; Curley Marshall, Cr. Photog., CPP; Tara Flannery, CPP
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Nomination Chair: Tom Hathcock, M.Photog., Cr., CPP; Teri Whittaker, M.Photog.,
THE VIEWFINDER
ViewFinder Board Liaison: Aileen Harding, M.Photog., Cr., CPP; Viewfinder Editor/Chair: Theresa Campbell; Karen Butts, M.Photog., PPGH Workshop Series Board Liaison and Chair: Teri Whit- Cr., CPP; Kevin Falcon, Cr. Photog., CPP taker, M. Photog., Cr., CPP Cr., CPP; Francie Baltazar Stonestreet, M.Photog., Cr., CPP; Karen Butts, M.Photog., Cr., CPP; Armando Chacon, M.Photog., Cr., CPP
Procedures and Controls Board Liaison: Teri Whittaker, M. Photog., Cr., CPP Social Media/Photographer Board Liaison and Chair: Kevin Falcon, Cr. Photog., CPP Telephone Board Liaison: Laura King, CPP; Joan Reynolds; Lynda Meyer; Sadie Sevier; Rebeca Calzado; Juliana Cedeno
Web Site Board Liaison: Duane Blocker Chair: Sandra Showalter
Welcoming Curley Marshall, Cr. Photog., CPP
Congratulations to all of our Guild members who were recognized at International Print Competition What’s IPC? The International Photographic Competition (IPC) is where photographers from all over the world engage in fierce competition for professional bragging rights. In fact, the IPC is so intense that it actually involves 2 rounds of judging. A panel of jurors from across the United States selects the top images from thousands of submitted entries each year. Judged against a standard of excellence comprising 12 elements, the highest scoring images are then selected to be part of PPA's General Collection and its esteemed Loan Collection—the best of the best.
All accepted images will also be on display at the IPC Exhibit at Imaging USA, held each year in January. And the winners at the IPC are then eligible for the Grand Imaging Awards, which are also presented each year at Imaging USA. PPGH had a large group of winners in this year's awards. Be sure to congratulate the following recognized members. IPC HONOREES Karen Butts, M.Photog., Cr., CPP Open Photographic Category
Laura King, CPP Open Photographic Category Bronze Medalist (90/83/80/80)
Bronze Medalist (80/81/86/88)
Showcase Book - One Image
Master Artist Category
Francie Baltazar Stonestreet, M.Photog., Cr., CPP Open Photographic Category
Bronze Medalist (80/80/81/81) Showcase Book - Two Images
Jaime Castro
Loan Book (85) The Big Bang Theory
Armando Chacon Master Artist Category Bronze Medalist
Aileen Harding, M.Photog., Cr., CPP Open Photographic Category Bronze Medalist (92/86/86/81) Top Ten Case
Maryanne Keeling, CPP Open Photographic Category Bronze Medalist (80/85/87/89)
Platinum Medalist (100/96/91/82)
Master Artist Category
Bronze Medalist (80/81/82/84)
Diana Waguespack Open Photographic Category
Loan Book - Elegance (96) Hidden Showcase Book Treasures (88)
Master Artist Category
Loan Book - Masquerade Dance (92) Showcase Book - Emerald Elegance (90)
INTERNATIONAL PRINT COMPETITION
PPA's Loan Collection images are published each year in the much-anticipated “Loan Collection” book and over 200 selected General Collection images are published in its sister edition, the “Showcase” book, produced by Marathon Press.
Teri Whittaker, M.Photog., Cr., CPP Open Photographic Category Platinum Medicalist (100/87/87/82) Top Ten Case
Congratulations to Michael Crawley for his first merit in his first IPC and to Alison Montgomery for two out of four merits in her case!
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SEP 2018 3
Living Legacy
Carver Shivers
by Booker Shelton
Finding one’s artistic style and expressing it through photography may cause one to do some serious soul searching. Craftsman Photographer Carver Shivers knows and has seen the hardships to success as one of the more prominent African American photographers in the Houston area. Being a child of the military, Shivers was born in the Philippines. His parents came to the United States when he was six years old. Shivers attended and graduated from Madrid High School. Shortly afterwards, he went into the military at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA). There he served as a pilot in the air force and later received his degree in mechanical engineering. After serving in the military, Shivers worked for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as a computer programmer. There he worked on engineering the interior designs of the space station. Toward the end of his long career at NASA, Shivers wanted to try something different. He took an interest in painting. This wasn't a random choice. Shivers's father was an artist, thus inspiring him early on at the age of seven years old to start painting. While Shivers admitted he loved painting, he wasn't confident enough in it to pursue a career. At this point, Shivers decided to pursue an interest in photography. He recalls some of his first on hands experience with photography was in high school. Two of his earliest and biggest influences in photography were Phillip Stewart Charis and George Hurrell. Shivers admitted he loved Charis's work and heavily studied it. Shivers followed in their footsteps by photographing in 4x5 formats. To this day, he amazes many clients when he shoots with his Shen Hao 4x5 large format camera. This was the beginning of Carver's photography journey. Carver was introduced to the Professional Photographer's of America (PPA) by his friends Dean and Sunny Arrant Grimes. Shortly afterwards, he was introduced to the Professional Photographer's Guild of Houston (PPGH). Shivers openly admitted
that trying to become a successful black photographer in the 1970s and 1980s had its challenges. Being that there weren't many black photographers at that time, Shivers strongly felt that there were some white photographers who weren't willing to share information and techniques to help improve his craft. Shivers credits Sunny for mentoring him. She was the first to critique his work. "Sunny would challenge and ask me questions on my photographs to help me see things differently in my work," said Shivers. He also mentioned that he was one of the first photographers in the Houston area to heavily use African American brides for diversity in the bridal market at his displays during the major bridal conventions in Houston. Shivers wanted to do portraits early on but ended up doing weddings then portraits. Initially he did bridal portraits. From there he did engagement sessions which ultimately led him into doing weddings. Being that portraits were his passion, he began focusing more in that area. His journey with PPGH began shortly after Dean invited him to become a board member. At that time, getting on the board wasn't really a goal for Shivers. Before officially joining the board he traveled to others guilds in different cities such as Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas to see how they operated. In doing that, it opened his eyes. After careful consideration, he joined the board. In 2005, he became president of PPGH. Shivers began doing workshops at his first studio in the Museum District. His early seminars included lighting, posing, and fundamentals with digital photography. In making the transition from film to digital, Shivers highly considers himself a pioneer, along with Dean, on shooting
Over the years his perseverance has paid off. He ran a highly successful photography business, which he moved to Clear Lake here he made his mark. He received his Certified Professional Photography certificate early on. He later became a member of The Texas Professional Photographer’s Association (TPPA) and the Organization of Portrait Painters. After teaching several seminars and workshops, he later received his craftsman degree as well teaching Corel painter classes at Texas School. Shivers said one of his greatest achievements in his career was doing a painting of Nobel Peace Prize Winner Dr. Richard Smalley, inventor of the buckyballs. Today Shivers still paints and does portraits for major clients. He is happily married to his wife Louise and has two sons Garrett and Jordan. He currently resides in the Clear Lake area. In closing, Shivers says photographers need to know the basics. They need to learn how to see things. Photographers create art not photos. “Photography and art requires you to be in touch with your soul,” said Shivers. He added, He wants other photographers to see each other as God would wants us to see each other. When you have your business you control your destiny. As an artist we can remind clients of the gift of life through their photos.
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HONORING OUR MEMBERS
weddings with digital photography. At that time, Shivers used an Olympus digital camera. As time went on, Shivers was transitioning into another phase of photography with Corel Painter. Shivers considers himself fortunate to have gone to various events such as the Oklahoma PPA convention, the Dallas PPA convention, the Texas PPA, and the Professional Photographers of Michigan (PPOM). During this time, he was giving seminars on how to use Corel Painter. Some of his favorite painters included Joaquin Sorolla, John Singer Sargent, and WilliamAdolphe Bouguerau. At his workshops, Shivers would refer his students to study these artists to conjure up ideas for themselves. Using these painters’ posing styles was a key element in enhancing Shivers style. For Shivers it was a paradigm shift on how one should view one’s work. “When say you are a photographer people think you just take photos. When you say you’re an artist you can use photography as an art form,” says Shivers. However, he cautions that one’s work has to give a resemblance of a classical artist. Shivers recalls how earlier artists used natural light to light their subjects and posed them for hours. Because of today’s technology, we now can emulate the same effects from earlier times. Thus, he tries to create the same effect when doing paintings. When asked about the future of digital photography, Shivers strongly feels that many of today’s photographers are settling for average quality photos. He sees many using Photoshop as a crutch and not trying to get it right in the camera. Furthermore, Shivers says photographers should charge for what they are worth and not just give their work away on a CD. “You have to show the difference in your work vs. everyone else’s. You have to find your voice to distinguish your work,” said Shivers.
SEP 2018 5
FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM by Aileen Harding
FROM OUR MEMBERS
FELLOWSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM
The PPGH Fellowship Program was designed as a means of rewarding those individuals who have given freely of their time and talents in service to their fellow members. It also serves as encouragement for members who have always volunteered in the past to continue to give to the progression of the membership. The Fellowship Degree is earned in two phases, each phase requiring the member to earn fifty (50) points, for a total of one hundred (100) points. In order to collect these points, a member must fill out the online Fellowship application by the November general membership meeting each year. The link to the online application can be found under "Members Only" on the PPGH website. Points are not credited unless they are submitted in the proper form by the specified date. Tabulation, final confirmation and approval of any degree or bar presentation is the responsibility of the Board of Directors. The point collection year is from December 1st through November 30th of a calendar year. Points are collectable only in the year earned. There will be no exceptions.
the image creation process. The requirement for this degree is to earn an additional fifty (50) points, of which a minimum of ten (10) points must be earned from image competition ribbons. Any ribbons won during monthly print competition or trophies won for end of the year awards count toward the required ten (10) points. A gold plated medallion on a red and black, striped ribbon shall represent this degree. Example Scenario: Fellowship is a two-step process. Any points earned from placing 1st, 2nd or 3rd in image competition during the Associate level process may be applied to the total of 10 required points to earn Full Fellowship as long as you reach a maximum total of 100 points, with at least 10 points from “placing” in image competition. HONORARY FELLOWSHIP DEGREE This degree may be presented to an individual whose years of dedication and contributions to professional photography have reached far beyond the bounds of the PPGH. An antiqued bronze medallion on a solid white ribbon shall represent this degree.
“PLUS XXV” RIBBON BARS After earning a degree, individuals may earn a silver plated ribbon bar for each twenty-five (25) points ASSOCIATE FELLOWSHIP DEGREE earned. Points used to earn a bar may not be returned To earn the Associate Fellowship Degree, and applied later toward a Full Fellowship. an individual must earn fifty (50) points by participating on committees, holding office, BREAKDOWN OF POINTS and helping with various projects necessary to operate the PPGH each year. This degree LOCAL ACTIVITY President - 5 Points does not require that any of these points Service as President of the PPGH earns the member come from print competition ribbons. The five (5) points per year. You must be in this position for Associate Fellowship degree can be earned by an individual not engaged in the photo creation at least 6 months to earn the points. process, making it possible for all PPGH members Executive Director - 5 Points to participate in the program. This includes, but is not limited to, photographer’s spouse, studio Executive Board - 2 Points staff, lab personnel, videographers or artists. A Any member of the PPGH who serves as Chairman silver plated medallion on a solid red ribbon shall of the Board, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer or represent this degree. Director, earns two (2) points for each term served in FULL FELLOWSHIP DEGREE that particular office. You must be in this position for at The second phase of the program is the Full least 6 months to earn the points. Fellowship Degree. The Full Fellowship degree can be earned only by an individual engaged in
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THE VIEWFINDER
COMMITTEES Any member serving as a Committee Chairperson, or those who work as a designated worker on any approved committee, shall earn fellowship points. Membership Workshop Fellowship Image Competition Website Mentor Program Social Media Viewfinder Telephone Photographer
Committee Chairperson - 2 Points (No Max) One must be in this position for at least 6 months to earn the points. If you are the chair, you may not claim another point for being on the committee you chair. There is no limit to the number of committees that you chair.
Article Written for Monthly Newsletter – Viewfinder Illustrated - 1 Point Non-Illustrated - 1/2 Point Members who author article(s) accepted and published in the Viewfinder may claim points as described below. The article must be of a learning or “how to” nature or of an upcoming PPGH function. The text for non-illustrated articles must be at least one page long published. The text for illustrated articles must be at least two pages long published. Editor has final editing approval and may edit article for grammar, spelling, and brevity. Monthly columns may be considered for one (1) point. Submissions not considered for points: Bio page, standings articles (new member report, editor's column, president's column, program listings, and mini-workshop reports. Reports written for TPPA magazine is a duty of the Viewfinder editor and no extra points will be awarded.
PPGH Continuing Education Attend at least 5 regular PPGH monthly Committee Worker - 1 Point (No Max) meetings - 1 point total maximum per year One must be on a committee for at least 6 months Attend a PPGH full day seminar - 1 Point to earn a point. There is no limit to the number of New Member Recruitment - 1 Point (No Max) committees for which you serve. Any member recruiting a new Active, Aspiring, or Associate member who is accepted PPGH PROGRAM PRESENTATIONS Sharing your knowledge with fellow members is as a new member into the guild will earn one one of the most rewarding experiences in your career. (1) point each. These points are collectible only Members who present a program at a PPGH monthly in the year when the applicant joins. One half general membership meeting may earn three (3) points. point will be awarded for each student recruited. Presenting a Mini-Workshop earns one (1) point. These Attend Mini-Workshop - 1/2 Point (No Max) points are collectible only in the year earned. Any member who attends a mini-workshop will Presenting a Monthly General Program - 3 Points (No max) May not claim a point for attending, if you are the presenter.
FROM OUR MEMBERS
The President may also appoint any special committees with board approval. Points cannot be earned if chairmanship responsibilities are included with duties of Board of Director’s office responsibilities.
be in good standing (paid membership dues) at the time of submission of Fellowship points.
qualify for one-half (1/2) point per workshop.
Mentoring a Member - 1 Point (No Max) Any member who volunteers for and is approved by the Board of Directors to serve as a mentor for Presenting a Mini-Workshop - 1 Point (No max) May not claim a point for attending, if you are the a year, with a designated member (mentee), shall earn (1) point per member. The point may only be presenter. claimed during the year when the mentorship is PPGH Continued Paid Membership - 1 Point provided. “On Time” paid membership dues within PPGH will earn members one (1) point each year. A member must THE VIEWFINDER Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
SEP 2018 7
FROM OUR MEMBERS
Monthly Image Competition - 1 Point (No Max) Photographic Craftsman - 3 Points (one time award) Members may collect one (1) point for each image Any member who receives his/her Photographic competition ribbon won or for each entry scoring 80 Craftsman degree from the PPA is eligible to collect or above during a calendar year. This applies to both three (3) points. regular monthly competition and annual category Become a Certified Professional Photographer - 2 winners. The Image Competition Chairman verifies Points (one time award) all image competition points. Note: Only points for Any member who receives his/her CPP (Certified print ribbons will be applied for Full Fellowship. Professional Photographer) qualification from the PPA Judging Monthly Print Competition - 1 Point (No Max) is eligible to collect two (2) points. Members serving as a judge for the normal CPP Continued National Compliance - 1 Point monthly print competition during a general Members who maintain their CPP status by compliance membership meeting shall earn one (1) point each with annual PPA qualification guidelines are eligible to time served. The Image Competition Chairman collect one (1) point per year. must confirm points. TPPA Continued Paid Membership - 1 Point Year-End Trophies and Awards - 1 Point Paid membership dues in Texas PPA. Must supply When the Image Competition Chairman their membership number. This is collectable only in compiles the results from the monthly image year earned. competitions, all participating members may earn additional points if they win any of the Continuing Education State and National Level following year-end trophies. These points will Continuing education is essential to the improvement be applied to the following year, as they will and growth of the association’s members. These points not be known by the November Fellowship are only collectible in year earned. Proof of attendance point submission deadline. is required. • Photographer of the Year - 3 Points • PPA National Convention - 1 Point • Master Photographer of the Year - 3 Points • TPPA SummerFest - 1 Point • Best Annual Image Award - 2 Points • TPPA Fall Convention - 1 Point (Illustrative, Album, Children, Individual • Texas School - 1 Point Portrait, Wedding, Commercial, and Group • President’s Award - 2 Points
Any member of the PPGH who earns the Associate or Fellowship Award from the American Society of STATE AND NATIONAL PARTICIPATION Photographers, shall earn the designated points as President of PPA or TPPA - 5 Points listed below. (This is a onetime award.) Any member of the PPGH who serves • F-ASP Award - 5 Points the needs of the national, regional or state • A-Asp Award - 3 Points association by serving as President, earn five (5) additional points. Revised August 26, 2018 Serving on Board of PPA or TPPA - 1 Point Any member of the PPGH who serves the needs of the State or National Association, by serving as an active board member, is eligible to receive one (1) point per year per office held. Master of Photography - 5 Points (one time award) Master Artist - 5 Points (one time award) Any member who receives his/her Master of Photography or Master Artist degree from the PPA is eligible to collect five (5) points.
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THE VIEWFINDER
It 's that time of the year again!
Your Name
Active and Lifetime Members- start adding up your Fellowship Points. We want to honor you for your service to the Guild! FELLOWSHIP SUBMISSION The submission deadline for Fellowship is Tuesday, Committee and Action Team Chairs, I will be asking November 20 at Midnight, one week after the Nov- you for a list of your committee members who served ember regular meeting. I recommend you start gather- for at least 6 months out of the year, for verification ing your list now but wait until after the November that members served on your committee. meeting to submit, so you can receive credit for Duane Blocker attending the last event before the cutoff date. The PPGH Vice-President Submission Form can be found under Members Only, Fellowship Information, Fellowship Points Submission.
Click the Fellowship Information link for a full breakdown of Fellowship Points (which are also on pages 6-8 of this issue). Hopefully, you have been documenting your Fellowship points throughout the year, but if life has gotten in the way, here are a few tips to help you compile your points. Want to know how many meetings and workshops you attended for the year? Login to the PPGH website and click on your name in the upper right hand corner next to the Join/Renew button, then click on Invoices and Payments. You will discover a nice, neat list of everything you attended. How easy is that! Hint: It’s always a good idea to register for the events on line to help keep track of your points. THE VIEWFINDER Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
SEP 2018 9
SCHOLARSHIPS by Aileen Harding
We are fortunate to have a guild that appreciates continuing education for our members. The guild usually awards at least two or three $500 scholarships, and one $750 scholarship for the Judges workshop. For a $500 scholarship, if you:
FROM OUR MEMBERS
1. Have been a Professional Active Member or a Degreed Professional Active Member for two (2) years, 2. Have not received a scholarship from PPGH in the previous three (3) years, 3. Have paid your current dues for the year of scholarship application, …..then you need to go online and complete a scholarship form. For the $750 Judges Workshop scholarship, if you: 1. Have been a Professional Active Member or a Degreed Professional Active Member for three (3) years OR are a Lifetime Member, 2. Hold a PPA Degree or Certification (priority is given to Master Degree applications) 3. Have not received a scholarship from PPGH in the previous three (3) years, 4. Have paid your current dues for the year of scholarship application (not applicable to Lifetime Members), 5. Must be willing to be frequently available to judge PPGH image competition for 3 years …..then you need to go online and complete a Judge’s Workshop scholarship form. You will need to login to the www.ppgh.org website. Go to the Members Only section. (Hover over the three lines at the end of the Menu line and you will see the Members Only section. Scroll down to the Scholarship area and submit the required information.
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THE VIEWFINDER
If you are selected to receive a scholarship, the following reimbursement information will be helpful to you: 1. The scholarship is good for one year after the date it is awarded. 2. The scholarship may be used for a maximum of one educational event. 3. The scholarship has no cash value (it may not be redeemed for cash). 4. The scholarship may NOT be used for online education. 5. The scholarship recipient must have paid their current dues for the year of reimbursement (not applicable to Lifetime members). 6. The scholarship recipient must pay up front for the educational event. Reimbursement to the scholarship recipient will occur only after the recipient has attended the educational event and reported back to the guild about their experience (either by Viewfinder article or by sharing in person at a monthly guild meeting), AND submitted their receipts for reimbursement to the Scholarship Chairman.
TEXAS SCHOOL: STEVE ELLINGER by Duane Blocker
Photography” which was a stretch for me. By the way you take one instructor for the entire week, I always agonize over who to choose, there are about 40 different classes. Back to the topic at hand, Steve’s class is very different than any class I have attended. The class concentrated on working with modeling agencies, models, makeup artist and stylist. There was a ton of info on what you need to do to get into this kind of work. This class is all about shooting and understanding everyone’s role. We had multiple models everyday as well as makeup artist and stylist. Everyone in the class got to photograph every model, you had 45 seconds with the model to photograph. That doesn’t sound like much time, but you can get a lot of images in that timeframe, in fact later in the class we had only 30 seconds. Let me explain, the lighting is really pretty simple, this is not a lighting class. The models are from agencies and are looking to expand their “book” or portfolio. These models know how to pose, the makeup artist and stylist have them looking amazing, it’s not that hard to get great images. You take an image and they move on to the next pose. So 30 images in 30 second is not a stretch. If you want to take a ton of photos this is the class. You will also learn the Steve crop, which is far tighter than normal. Remember it’s all about the model, her clothes and makeup and you want a tight crop to see this. Thanks PPGH for the scholarship and thank you Texas School for another amazing experience. THE VIEWFINDER Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
FROM OUR MEMBERS
I was able to attend Texas School this year with assistance of a scholarship from our PPGH guild and I wanted to share my experience. As many of you know I’m a retired mainframe programmer and I chose to get involved with our guild in 2015 when my wife and I moved to Houston. There was the potential of a grand baby used to entice us to here. Anyway I had heard about Texas School many years ago when I lived in Austin. This is actually my fourth year at Texas School and I highly recommend that you attend if you are able. First let me tell you about the school and how it’s run. Texas School is the largest affiliate school in the U.S., with over 1,100 attendees, coming from 40+ states. Stock up on sleep and your vitamin C, because it’s a non-stop affair. It runs Sunday through Friday. On Sunday there is a general meeting and then everyone goes to class after that for 1 and ½ hours until 9:30 that evening. On Monday it’s a full day and then a party at night, Tuesday is the same and that part in the annual theme part, this years theme was “Life’s A Beach”, use your imagination everyone else did. My hint would be ask Kat Mack about her costume! Wednesday classes let out early and there is a big trade show with deals that are amazing, people save up all year for this. Arlington camera sponsors the show with a ton of vendor in attendance, simply not to be missed. Thursday was a full day of class again and a huge Photography shoot out in the park. Lots of models fancy cars and pizza. I was unable to attend as I was getting a cold, remember that sleep and vitamin C? Friday is a general gathering with lots of prizes and the annual Texas School video, look it up, or ask Mitch Daniels he co-teaches the video class. Friday finishes with your class meeting one last time for Diplomas and Texas School pictures. At noon it’s time to hit the road back home. I also want to mention our very own Alison Carlino taught an off camera flash course from which I saw some amazing images. I took Steve Ellinger’s class “The Fashionable Side of
SEP 2018 11
FROM PPA
It is with deep sadness that we announce that PPA Charities has ceased operations effective immediately. The letter that follows is the official statement from the PPA Board of Directors on their decision. All programs will discontinue except for the Dream Studio Giveaway which we will continue to administer through Imaging USA 2019. We appreciate the love and support that you all have shown for PPA Charities over the past twenty years and look forward to whatever comes next. Rest assured that all monies donated through ImagingUSA, including sponsorships, will be distributed to charity once we close out our books in January 2019. - Bert Behnke, Executive Director
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THE VIEWFINDER
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SEP 2018 13
NEW MEMBERS
ALISON MONTGOMERY, CPP
I am Alison Montgomery, Mom to two amazing young men, Joshua 33 who is a draftsman at an Engineering firm here in Houston and a hobby photographer and Caleb who is a corporate attorney as well as a coder for Motorola, creating apps for first responders in Chicago. I have been married to David for 28 years this December. David is a Santa who does events and is one of the Santa’s at the Galleria, he loves being Santa. I love spending time with David, our boys and our fur babies Kaylee, our Yorkie, and our grand-dog Riley. We also love to travel and our favorite thing to do is go on cruises. I started out in 2013 when on a whim I bought my first DSLR and decided to make a little fun money with it. This quickly became my love and my fulltime career. My photography education consists of tons of CreativeLive workshops, several in person workshops, four years of Texas School, Imaging for the last four years and Summerfest for the last two years. I earned my CPP last year in June and just completed the requirements for my Photographic Craftsman degree. I began entering
JAIME RAMOS
I attended San Jacinto College and the University of Houston...majoring in biology. I became a Medical Radiographer, which eventually led me into a career in IT...specifically Radiology IT and PACS systems. Photography really began as a hobby when I took vacation trips. I went out on photo shoots with my girlfriend Angela Petersen also a (PPGH member) and she inspired me to try different things and kind of showed me the ropes. I really owe her my start as she was the person most directly responsible for getting me into photography. The photography genre that really inspires me the most are industrial/abandoned spaces...and
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competitions at Summerfest last year when Ana Brandt challenged us in her Texas School class. I am now hooked on competitions and have since entered Districts this year and IPC. I specialize in newborns and I like to photograph maternity and first year milestones. I first learned about PPGH at Texas School several years ago but, was too shy to join. Over the last few years I have met several members like Karen Butts, Joan Reynolds and others who encouraged me to join. I look forward to getting to know everyone, getting involved and learning from all the amazing members as I still have a lot to learn. My goals moving forward are to finish both of my Masters degrees with PPA and becoming a Judge someday. I plan to attend PPA’s Judge school next year. Thank you for allowing me to become a part of the guild.
believe it or not airshow photography. I really love shooting at the airshow. I never miss it. I have also worked on weddings, family photo shoots, and sports photography. One thing I am currently working on obtaining my drone pilot license and eventually my drone photographer certification. I want to eventually work on drone photography. I am also working on several photo books as well.
JULY MEETING: RANDY POLLARD EXTRACTING/COMPOSITING Thank you all again for having me! This is the final image of the catcher. Note the two shadows on him to account for the two stadium lights we can see. Also, if you look at the helmet, another finishing touch is the cast light from the sky on the helmet, blue on the left, orange on the right. Subtle, but it helps in the blending. Hope to see you all soon!! — with on the Edge Photography
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MEETING WORKSHOPS
AUGUST MEETING: KIMBERLEY SMITH ARTIST WITHIN
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July 2018
MONTHLY MEETINGS
Armando Chacon - First Place Master Chrysanthemum
Karen Butts - Second Place Master Little Miss Muffet
Laura King - First Place Active - Robins Egg Maryanne Keeling - Second Place Active - Swan Lake
Aileen Harding Texas Diamond Photographer of the Year
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Armando Chacon and Alvin Gee
August 2018
Karen Butts - First & Second Place Master Beyond Shy & Pastel Cherub
Allison Montgomery- Third Place Active All Snuggled In
MONTHLY MEETINGS
Ann O'Neill Deal - Second Place Active - Tie
Have You Seen My Squeaky Toy & Coat of Many Colors
Cornell McGhee - First Place Active Serenity
Brandon Bankus - First Place Student Symmetry
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CPP Corner
Image Submission: 1. Determine which Image Submission round during which you will submit your images. Submission dates are held in February, April, June, August and October of each year. 2. Review the Image Submission Requirements, Sample Images, CPP Image Submission Definitions, and other CPP Image Submission Resources on the PPA.com website 3. Watch the Image Submission Compulsory videos, the Secrets to CPP Image Submission, and Color Balance and Color Correcting for CPP Webinars. 4. Review your current body of work for the following compulsories*: M andatory Images (3 Images total): Short Lighting 3:1 Ratio, Broad Lighting 3:1 Ratio, and Selective focus with minimum depth of field. Elective Images (Choose 3): High Key Image, Low Key Image, Rule of Thirds, Use of Shape, Form, and Texture, Balance (symmetrical or asymmetrical), Color Harmony, “S” Curve line, Assertive, Angular, or Masculine Line, or Architectural. * If you’re current body of work does not contain the compulsories, set aside time to set these images up in your studio or location. 5. Review your current body of work for client images: Client Images (9 Images of Your Choosing): These images should represent what you do in a normal course of business. They must come from purchased work within the last 24 months from the date you submit your images. Purchased work can come from commissioned sessions or work that has been sold in a gallery. 6. Have your images critiqued by a mentor or CPP Liaison 7. Choose your images and color balance your portfolio appropriately. 8. When your submission period opens, apply for Image Submission. 9. Upload your images before the Image Submission period closes. 10. Wait approximately 3 to 4 weeks for result.
For more info on Certification go to www.ppa.com From PPA. By Curley Marshall, Cr., CPP, Author CPP Liaison and PPGH Past President
Click on the links below to find out more about each one. Be sure to tell them you are from PPGH.
AUSTIN
OT H
E
R
LOCAL AFFILIATES
GUILDS
Austin Professional Photographers Association
AS
BRYAN/COLLEGE STATION
AR
EX
Brazos Valley Professional Photographers Association
OUND
T
ALLAS D FT. WORTH
Fort Worth Professional Photographers Association
LUBBOCK
South Plains Professional Photographers Association
S AN ANTONIO
Professional Photographers of San Antonio
T YLER
Professional Photographers Forum of East Texas
WACO
Heart of Texas Professional Photographers
PPGH SLATE OF OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS FOR 2019 NOMINATION COMMITTEE 2018 Kevin Falcon, CPP - Chairman of the Board Duane Blocker - President Kathy Kinser, CPP - Vice-President Laura Mansur, CPP - Secretary Blair Haynie, CPP - Treasurer Tara Flannery, CPP - Board Member Booker Shelton - Board Member Theresa Campbell - Board Member Cornell McGee, CPP - Board Member
NEW MEMBERS:
IMAGE COMPETITION  / GUILDS
Did you know you can enter the PPGH Local Photographic Competition at any level of membership? The image competition held at our monthly PPGH meetings is a great way to hone your skills and get feedback from proven and respected professionals in this industry. These talented individuals volunteer their time to judge images and provide valuable feedback utilizing the 12 elements of a merit image. You can earn merits on a local level and progress your image to the next level of competition to earn recognition and even degrees through the Professional Photographers of America. All district competitions lead to the annual International Photographic Competition. Visit these links to learn more about entering competition.
To learn about the guidelines for entering image competition at PPGH meetings visit:
http://www.ppgh.org/Resources/ Documents/Image%20Competition/2015%20PPGH%20Image%20 Comp%20Rules.pdf
Follow along with image judging on the Game Day App, downloadable from https://printcompetition.com/. Membership is optional but if you join PrintCompetition.com you can search thousands of archival images to see scores and hear audio from the image competitions. It is a terrific resource.
To learn about upcoming competitions throughout the region visit:
http://www.ppa.com/competitions/
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HONE YOUR
SKILLS IN IMAGE
COMPETITION
JULY 2018 | MASTER
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First Place
Chrysanthemum by Armando Chacon, M.Photog., Cr.
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JULY 2018 | MASTER
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Second Place
Little Miss Muffet by Karen Butts, M.Photog., Cr., CPP
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JULY 2018 | ACTIVE
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First Place
Robin's Egg by Laura King,CPP
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JULY 2018 | ACTIVE
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Second Place
Swan Lake by Maryanne Keeling, CPP
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AUGUST 2018 | MASTER
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First Place
Beyond Shy by Karen Butts, M.Photog., Cr., CPP THE VIEWFINDER Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
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AUGUST 2018 | MASTER
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Second Place
Pastel Cherub by Karen Butts, M.Photog., Cr., CPP
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AUGUST 2018 | ACTIVE
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First Place
Serenity by Cornell McGhee, CPP
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AUGUST 2018 | ACTIVE
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Second Place Tie
My Good Sir; Have You Seen My Squeaky Toy? by Ann O'Neill Deal, CPP
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AUGUST 2018 | ACTIVE
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Second Place Tie
My Coat of Many Colors by Ann O'Neill Deal, CPP
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AUGUST 2018 | ACTIVE
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Third Place
All Snuggled In by Allison Montgomery, CPP 30 SEP 2018 Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
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AUGUST 2018 | STUDENT
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First Place
Symmetry by Brandon Bankus
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AUGUST 2018 | ACTIVE
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Honorable Mentions
Shy Innocence by Curley Marshall, Cr.Photog., CPP, Author
White Gladious by Chelsea Williams 32 SEP 2018
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C
AUGUST 2018 | ACTIVE
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Honorable Mentions
Just Relaxin by Alison Montgomery, CPP
Poet by Allison McPhail, CPP THE VIEWFINDER Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
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WORKSHOPS 34 SEP 2018 Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
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Sales & Marketing Tools for Photographers! You need to show your clients and prospects the value in hiring a professional photographer. PPA is here to help show you, our members, your worth as professional photographers and help you sell more!
Shareable Videos
Consumer Tips
Side-by-Side Comparisons
Customizable Brochures
Logos
Photo Quizzes
Landing Pages
Photo Sliders
“...I’m so happy to have these resources on my website to help consumers see the difference!” Jaime Incontro, CPP
PPA.com/SellMore Marketable