NZIPP Pro Report May 2021

PRO Report

BE INSPIRED, BE SUCCESSFUL, BELONG

NZIPP MAGAZINE MAY 2021

© ESTHER BUNNING

As an NZIPP Accredited Professional Member you have the support, networking opportunities and camaraderie of your peers within the photographic profession. Becoming a recognised professional also adds to your credibility with clients.

Belonging to an institute that represents all areas of professional photography in New Zealand, with our focus on education, advice and a wide range of membership benefits, will help you improve the success and vitality of your business.

Your Accredited Professional Member benefits will include: · · · · · ·

NZIPP Iris Awards (member rates); New Zealand Photography Show Conference (member rates); Meeting and Networking opportunities; Professional development; Membership discounts; PRO Report eMagazine.

Come along to the next regional meeting in your area and check out what becoming a member is all about and check out page 8-9 for full Accredited member benefits!

NZIPP MISSION STATEMENT To champion, embrace and communicate excellence and professionalism in photography.

CONTACT NZ Institute of Professional Photography (NZIPP) P.O. Box 133158, Eastridge, Auckland 1146, New Zealand w: www.nzipp.org.nz e: info@nzipp.org.nz

We welcome your feedback and thoughts. If you have something to say, send it through to: info@nzipp.org.nz

Cover Image: Image © Esther Bunning

PRO Report is a publication of the NZIPP © NZIPP 2021. All rights reserved.

*A special mention to the children who wrote and drew pictures from their perspective of a WW1 solider or horse (which features on the cover image) from a workshop with Esther Bunning. This image is part of Esther’s Pacific Studio 2020/2021 ANZAC Bridge Fellowship*

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CONTENTS 04

Vice President’s Report Rachael Smith talks about one year on from Covid.

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Honours Council Report Tracey Scott talks about the release of this year’s Call for Entries document.

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Our Newest Accredited Members A BIG congratulations to NZIPP’s newest Accredited Professional Photographers.

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The Things People Say Nick Servian shares a story on the Kelburn Viaduct.

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Readers Q&A Segment This edition we speak to NZIPP member and photographer Simone Jackson and ask her questions submitted by PRO Report readers.

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Nikon Iris Awards and Canon New Zealand Photography Show All you need to know about the upcoming awards and conference

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Simplifying Business Systems Andrea Jordan is back by popular demand and shares more tips on how to organise your business.

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Shop Local North and South Island photographic retailers

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Regional Reports Find out what’s been happening in the regions over the past few months.

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A Huge Thank-You We’ve got a lot of people to thank for their support during NZ’s national lockdown.

What’s in my Bag Gino Demeer shares talks us through what’s in his bag.

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Vice President’s Report Rachael Smith - M.NZIPP I Accredited Professional Photographer

A few months ago, I was walking down the street, an elderly gentleman was walking towards me.

He stepped to the side so I could pass. I did the same, at the same time, in the same direction and we did that whole awkward side-stepping thing a few times before I busted out laughing and suggested to him he just ask me to dance, which he did, so we did, in the street, two complete strangers, giggling at our own silliness.

We had a good laugh and carried on our separate ways – no exchange of names or anything. I occasionally wonder just what his circumstances were – had he spent lockdown surrounded by family, or on his own, fearing an unseen threat.

One year on from New Zealand’s nationwide Covid 19 lockdown. We all no doubt can acknowledge that we are lucky to be in New Zealand and, mostly, living life as normal (except maybe Auckland, but hey – taking one for the team has always been a challenge Kiwis have stepped up to – thank you Auckland!)

I was recently asked at a workshop why someone should join NZIPP. I found this both difficult, and easy to answer. It was difficult because it felt personal – ‘why are you in this family?’ and easy, because, why wouldn’t I become a part of a group of people that encourage, teach, uplift, motivate and nurture each other. I remember the first time I had that “OMG, these people actually understand me” moment, and there have been so, so many more moments like that since then.

This support, the connections, friendships, are for me why I’m part of NZIPP. I do also feel I get a lot out of my membership because I put a lot into it – I’ve put myself well outside my own comfort zones and become an active part of things, and boy have I learned and grown as a result of that.

Our NZIPP community, our family, aren’t just limited to our membership. We are incredibly lucky as an organisation to have ongoing support of the wider photographic community through our association within the NZ retail and wholesale suppliers. Planning for our annual NZIPP Iris Awards and conference, the newly re-named New Zealand Photography Show, is well under way and we already have the confirmed support of Nikon, Canon, Ilford, Lumix, Sony, Momento Pro and Fujifilm. With other long-time industry supporters pledging to also be a part of these two events. The continued support of these companies is an integral part of being able to hold these events – they support us and in turn we need to do all we can to continue to buy local and support them.

The prospect of being able to hold an event where we can all interact in person is so exciting, especially in as stunning a location as Nelson. I can’t wait to catch up with everyone either at the awards judging, the conference, gala dinner, or in the bar afterwards – I’m pretty easy to find so make sure to say hello!

Rachael Smith Rahera Photography

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An eye for detail Achieve pixel perfection with a 61MP sensor.

© Catherine Cattanach Photographer: Mark Galer

Location: Lady Elliot Island, Australia sony.co.nz/resolution

Camera: Alpha 7R IV Lens: SONY FE 135mm F1.8 GM Settings: ISO 320 /ofF1.8 1/2000s PRO Report / Magazine the /NZIPP 5

Honours Council Report Tracey Scott, MNZIPP (Dist) III Accredited Professional Photographer NZIPP Honours Council Chairperson

This month we see the release of the 2021 Nikon Iris Awards Call for Entries document. We would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to Nikon, as the major sponsor, in supporting NZIPP to once again make these awards, possible.

This is the time to remind everyone that reading the guidelines and terms and conditions is crucial. One of the hardest jobs we have each year is notifying entrants that one or more of their entries has been disqualified, simply because the rules haven’t been followed.

After last year’s online awards, we sent out a survey to all participants. We have listened to your feedback and made appropriate changes where possible. This year we are offering: • The choice to enter in a digital OR print format OR a combination of both (excluding the Expressive Category, which must be a physical entry). Please note print and digital Images will be judged together in the same category with one category winner.

• We have updated our Nature rules and taken them from Purist to non- composite to be more in keeping with other Nature competitions around the globe.

• The maximum number of total entries per participant is 20, with the exception of students, who can enter a maximum total of 4 images.

No entrant can submit more than 4 images into any one category.

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• A 5-year limit on all images and all elements, they must have been photographed since May 2016.

• Same subject may be used as long as the images are deemed visually different.

• The Nature Category must have a title: and an optional caption is allowed in the Nature, Documentary and Expressive Categories.

• Uploaded files are to be submitted as sRGB not RGB • The minimum print size has been changed to 25cm • The Landscape Category has been split into two: Landscape In-Camera and Landscape Open.

• The price for a print entry has significantly reduced.

On behalf of the Honours Council, we wish you every success this year.

Kind regards, Tracey Scott (Chair of the NZIPP Honours Council) MNZIPP (Dist.) III, FPSNZ, AFIAP.

© Moira Clark - Mosgiel 2018 ANZAC

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ACCREDITED MEMBER BENEFITS BE PART OF OUR NZIPP FACEBOOK COMMUNITY ATTEND REGIONAL EVENTS ANYWHERE IN NZ AT MEMBER RATES ACCESS OUR LEGAL DOCUMENTS AND BASE RATE CALCULATOR GET NZIPP MEMBER RATES AT NATIONAL EVENTS GET NZIPP MEMBER RATES TO EXPOSUREPRO GET NZIPP ACCREDITED MEMBER RATES TO NIKON IRIS AWARDS BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE TITLE OF NEW ZEALAND PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR GET RECIPROCAL ORGANISATION EVENT ENTRY RATES GET NZIPP DISCOUNT ON ROTHBURY INSURANCE FOCUS PLUS PLAN EARN NZIPP SERVICE AWARDS MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP PAYMENT OPTION GET ACCESS TO FREE LEGAL ADVICE GET 15% DISCOUNT ON PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINTING AT EVOKE STUDIO GET DISCOUNT WITH MARK ROSSETTO - THE PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS COACH GET 15% DISCOUNT AT RICE STUDIO SUPPLY* GET 25% DISCOUNT AT MOMENTO PRO, AND 40% DISCOUNT ON UP TO 5 SAMPLES EARN NZIPP DISTINCTIONS USE THE NZIPP BRANDING BE LISTED ON THE NZIPP “FIND A PHOTOGRAPHER” SEARCH BE PROMOTED BY NZIPP

© CLINTON LLOYD

GET A FREE TICKET TO EXPOSUREPRO IN YOUR FIRST YEAR AS AN ACCREDITED MEMBER GET ONE FREE ENTRY TO NIKON IRIS AWARDS ANNUALLY* GET ONE FREE ENTRY TO NZIPP DIGITAL AWARDS ANNUALLY* HOLD ELECTED AND APPOINTED POSITIONS WITHIN NZIPP PARTICIPATE IN NZIPP SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS COMPLETE THE NEWBORN SAFETY CERTIFICATE AT NO COST 15% OFF RRP OF CUSTOM FRAMING, AND 50% OFF SAMPLES** AT EDGES ART AND FRAMING 10% DISCOUNT ON GEAR HIRE AT KINGSIZE STUDIO *LONG SERVING MEMBER DISCOUNT RECEIVE AN N3 CARD*

N3 CARD DISCOUNTS APPLY AT THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES: AVIS AND BUDGET CAR RENTALS BEAUREPAIRS AND GOODYEAR AUTO SERVICE CENTRE BIG SAVE FURNITURE BIZ COVER BOC BUNNINGS CARTERS BUILDING SUPPLIES CENTURY YUASA EASY STEEL EXIDE BATTERIES IDEAL ELECTRICAL

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© EMMA WILLETTS

s Congratu n o i t a l u

t a r g n o C

To NZIPP’s newest Ac Photog

Joanna Piatek - Portrait

Joanna Piatek

Angela Murray - Portrait https://www.byfriday.co.nz https://www.facebook.com/CapturedByFridayPhotography

Debra Hunt - Portrait

https://www.instagram.com/joannacapturedbyfriday/

Racheal Trail - Portrait Helen McDonald - Portrait NZIPP’S NEWEST ACCREDITED PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER!!!

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the NZIPP Find a Photographer website.

NZIPP are pleased to announce the new Find a Photographer website. The new website is a directory of NZIPP Accredited Professional Photographers and allows members to create their own profiles to advertise their business.

ccredited Professional graphers!

This new feature gives NZIPP members greater power in the market with the opportunity to provide backlinks to their own websites, create their own profiles to attract clients and see their own results using the google analytics feature.

Check out the new website now: www.nzphotographers.co.nz Want to be listed? Click here to contact the Accreditation team to find out more about becoming an NZIPP Accredited Professional Photographer.

PENNY ASPIN - PORTRAIT ANDIE NOON - WEDDING

JACK MCKENZIE - SPECIALISED - FINE ART KURIEN YOHANNAN - SPECIALISED - NATURE

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MEMBER STORY

The Things People Say

Nick Servian, Hon FNZIPP, NZIPP Accredited Life Member

“I realised I had a long list of things people have said to me over the years, and that some of them were worth writing down. Especially the ones with stories attached...”

Wellington, New Zealand. The day after the stock market crash of October 1987, I had a job to photograph a car from directly above for an advert for… something.

I stood on an aluminium camera case on the Kelburn Viaduct, looking over the edge, while my assistant drove the car on the road below.

I think someone must have seen me and called the police.

A few minutes later a squad car pulled up right next to me.

Two uniformed police officers jumped out and stood on either side of me, ready to grab me. They obviously hadn’t seen my camera (although it was quite big - a Mamiya RZ 67.)

One of them said: “Come on sir, it can’t be that bad, can it?”

Top and Bottom Images © Nick Servian.

Cheers, Nick.

Nick Servian HON FNZIPP instagram.com/nickservian nickservian.com nick@nickservian.com Nick Servian Photography Ltd WELLINGTON 027-442 1468

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the all new NZIPP Find a Photographer website.

DID YOU KNOW THAT WE OFFER A $50 NZIPP CREDIT TO CURRENT MEMBERS, FOR REFERRING A FRIEND TO AN AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP? Terms and Conditions can be found here: https://bit.ly/3kBhtfn

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t i f e en

B er b m e M NZIPP BRANDED ACCREDITED MEMBER CLOTHING the all new NZIPP Find a Photographer website.

We are EXCITED to announce the launch of NZIPP clothing for Accredited members.

Puffer Jackets, Soft Shell Jackets, Vests, Polos and Caps!

Visit the NZIPP members area on the website to order yours now. https://nzipp.org.nz/nzipp-members-area-2/ **All prices include postage to your address**

NZIPP Soft Shell Jacket - $99.00

NZIPP Soft Shell Vest - $89.00

The NZIPP Soft Shell Jacket has the following features:

The NZIPP Soft Shell Vest has the following features:

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Decorative top stitch

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Decorative top stitch

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Full front zip

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Full front zip

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Zip closing pockets

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Zip closing pockets

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Chin guard

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Chin guard

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Microfleece inner provides extra warmth

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Microfleece inner provides extra warmth

Embroidered on the front chest and back panel with the NZIPP logo in grey. Optional addition of your name embroided on the front chest under the logo.

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Embroidered on the front chest and back panel with the NZIPP logo in grey. Optional addition of your name embroided on the front chest under the logo.

NZIPP Puffer Jacket - $119.95

NZIPP Woman’s Polo Top - $59.00

The NZIPP Puffer Jacket has the following features:

The NZIPP Woman’s Polo has the following features:

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Polyester pongee shell and contrast polyester lining

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Extra thick poly fill with horizontal design lines

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Chunky front zipper

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50% Modal, 50% Polyester, 220gsm Ottoman knit fabric

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Flat knit sleeve cuffs and collar

Zip-through collar

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Side splits

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Two front pockets with water shedding pocket flaps

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Classic fit

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Back drop tail

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Embroidery Zipper

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Urban Fit

Embroidered on the front chest with the NZIPP logo in grey.

Embroidered on the front chest with the NZIPP logo in grey. Optional addition of your name embroided on the front chest under the logo.

NZIPP Men’s Polo Top - $59.00 The NZIPP Men’s Polo has the following features: •

50% Modal, 50% Polyester, 220gsm Ottoman knit fabric

NZIPP Trucker Cap - $26.95

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Flat knit sleeve cuffs and collar

Size adjustable

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Classic fit

Embroidered on the front of the cap with the NZIPP logo in grey.

Embroidered on the front chest with the NZIPP logo in grey.

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MEMBER STORY

Readers Q&A with Photographer Simone Jackson Simone Jackson, MNZIPP I (Dist.) , Associate of PSNZ and winner of Nature Photographer 2019 NZIPP Accredited Professional Photographer

What is your favourite time of day to shoot a wedding and why?

I guess my choice would be to work in the beautiful light that we get as we move towards golden hour, so around 5pm in summer or 3pm in winter. But thinking about it, it’s not about what the wedding photographer wants, I might stand the best chance of getting the most stunning images then, but the day is actually all about the couple, so the best time for the couple is the best time for the wedding photographer. The reality is that many weddings will happen in bright sunlight and we will often find ourselves trying to deal with a bright white dress and darkish suits in bright light. If we’re really lucky, the ceremony might take place in an area with dappled light.. NOT! I am super happy if the day is overcast but realise the wedding party may not feel the same..

What is your favourite thing about shooting weddings?

Well, I’m very much a people person so for me, I really enjoy learning the energy of every wedding. If I can get into the vibe of the day, I believe I can then get the very best out of the couple.

To try to illustrate what I mean about the energy of the day, I would like to share with you a useful lesson I learnt many years ago. I found myself in the situation where I had two weddings booked for the same day. I couldn’t pass either of the weddings on to another photographer as I was new to Dunedin (back in 2003).

Anyway, the first wedding was a relatively early wedding. This lovely young couple had booked me to do their photographs well in advance of the day. They wanted full coverage, finishing with an afternoon teatype reception. I think it was a dry wedding too.. It was all scheduled to finish by 6pm.

The second wedding was for a couple who came from somewhere around New Plymouth, they were completely disorganised and contacted me 3 days before the wedding. I told them that I already had a booking for a wedding on the same day and warned them that the needs and timing of that wedding came first, but would try to be with them somewhere between 6pm and 7pm. They were totally fine with that and said they just wanted me to cover whatever I could and so I accepted their booking.

So when I left the first wedding for that day, I had the energy of that wedding - I was in their zone, if you like.

Everything had been so ordered and structured.

I arrived at the second wedding party and it was like

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entering a parallel universe! They were a bunch of volunteer fire-fighters and they had so much energy. I’d just walked into a totally different world and I simply had to change my vibe level fast - darn fast! I found myself becoming as over the top and loud as the rest of the wedding party - all fourteen of them. It was amazing!

SO ... MUCH ... FUN!!

I feel just taking that bit of time to feel the mood or the atmosphere, is so important. Every single wedding is different. Within a few short hours those two families and groups of friends are all going to go into one melting pot - which could well include quite marked cultural and social differences. I simply have to have picked up on all those nuances. If I fail to do that, I’ll simply be ‘covering’ the day, which, to my mind anyway, just isn’t OK and would fail to get the best out of the day.

If I had to choose a favourite aspect of wedding photography (apart from picking up on the vibe of the day), it would be the pre-bridal prep. It is such a special time to take unhurried images of the bride. For me, being part of that is a privilege. I always try to do my absolute best with the light and the mood during this time.

If anyone was starting out shooting weddings or events, what would you recommend as the basic kit?

I’m certainly no gear freak or techo expert, but in terms of basic kit I would suggest two camera bodies, ideally with the main camera body having two memory card slots, minimise the risk of losing everything from the day if one card malfunctions or corrupts. In terms of lenses, I would recommend a 24-70mm, together with a larger zoom lens such as a 70-200mm on the other camera body. Try to make sure that at least one of them has the widest aperture you can get, with F2.8 being ideal or otherwise F4 should be OK. If you still have a kit lens like a prime ‘nifty fifty’, throw that in as a backup lens. A flash unit that you can use to bounce light off the ceiling if needed, and that should preferably also have a diffuser.

If you can’t afford a basic diffuser, remember you can always use a cut-off plastic milk bottle or the like and attach that instead. It might look like rubbish, but hey, it works! Always make sure you have spare batteries, memory cards, a plastic bag and a towel.

At events or in crowds, I would suggest a pair of sharp elbows together with an ever bigger smile to placate the ones you have ‘bumped’ to stop them dropping drinks on your kit! Also super comfy footwear that looks good.

What is your most favourite nature photo and why?

The nature images I hold closest to my heart are those images that show a feeling. Some people feel it is wrong to assign human emotions to animals or landscapes. We could spend a lot of time debating the rights or wrongs of that and whether or not any creature may be feeling any particular sentient type of feeling.

My favourite nature image is not actually a ‘nice’ image - in fact it’s actually quite horrible. It brings a lump to my throat simply writing about. It is of an underweight Yellow Eyed Penguin (YEP). The place where the image was captured has been absolutely decimated thanks in a large part to the greed

© Simone Jackson - Top left/right and bottom images

of the human race, as have so many of the areas that the YEPs need to survive. The image shows the plight these creatures experience. It is emphasised even more by the brightness of the day which in turn is accentuated by the darkness of the shadows. To be honest, the image absolutely sucks. Imagine being that hungry, getting your feet chewed by predators when you venture into the water too early to find sustenance or exiting too late into the dusk to avoid land predators, being forced to give up where you have hatched or where you come from and now you have nowhere to go.

I hate that image, but if it serves as a wake-up call for some, it is still the best image I have ever taken.

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© Simone Jackson - Mataura

Which piece of work are you most proud of and is there a story behind it?

Can you tell us a bit about your processing for your beautiful award-winning swan image? It was so ethereal. Thank you!

I thought about this question and how to answer it and feel I have to be honest in my response. I often simply adore an image for the simple reason that I feel there is a real and tangible connection between the subject and the environment. However, I recognise that this is a subjective perspective and realise that it may not align with some people’s views.

There were two or three other images which were similar to the swan image I chose to feature. The light was changing so incredibly rapidly during the time I was taking the images and to be honest, I have never shot so many images as I did that day, simply trying to make sure I covered every base. It was all about the light which went from clear crisp images to the type of ethereal look that was so evident in the image I featured. But the image I had in my head of what I wanted to try to achieve simply had to have that soft, ethereal look. So as I shot, I just hoped that the mist and cold/hot steaminess of the volcanic waters would work their magic and produce the look I was after. And thankfully it did but for such a short time! The sun had just set and the light was fading very fast (mid Winter in Northern Japan). I had maybe two or three minutes, if that.

In all honesty, the images I loved a year ago and which were my favourites at that time, are not as exciting now.

Am not meaning to sound blasé, but a good example would be astrophotography. I was super excited by imagery of that genre five or six years ago. Moving on through those intervening years and now it truly has to be pretty different for me to want to shoot it as the world is saturated with imagery now.

A similar thing happened a few years ago when I became totally enthralled by cool film-style lenses that shoot bokeh, flowers etc. And now? Well, those images are still lovely but same-sameness. Being meh is my biggest enemy as far as favourites are concerned.

It really has to have a super-powerful, lasting classic connection to remain one of my favourites. So that was a long and rather involved way of saying that honestly, I simply can’t think of any favourite image or one that I’m particularly proud of - sorry! Although, the image at Mataura has a lasting far out type thing going on.

Beauty within the Beast I call it.

I returned at the first morning light to make sure in both the late and early morning light I hadn’t missed something. There’s another story there but will leave that for another time.

I captured the image at 1/200 sec at f/9, ISO 2000 at 100mm on my 100-400mm lens, (yes, lugged that beast everywhere around Japan on a snowboarding trip much to my hubbys dislike). I wanted the image to have that soft, muted, pastel toning but I also knew every part of

© Simone Jackson - Award winning Swan Image

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the image had to have detail too. In my mind’s eye of bucket list type imagery, it had to have absolutely all of those elements. The RAW image is not too dissimilar to the processed image apart from the fact that it is more blue in toning. Minus 23C tends to do that when the sun leaves.

I edited the image in Lightroom. In post processing I experimented to see whether I could drop the contrast globally without seeing any loss in sharpness of the image. I dropped the contrast by -40, and took the whites and blacks down too. Also I dropped the saturation of the blues but boosted the blue luminance.

I didn’t touch the levels at all. Sharpness is not needed in an image like this IMO but detail is. So I left the sharpness at 40, and finally, probably the riskiest thing I did to the image was to crop it into a tight panorama. I was SO in love with that landscape and that made it incredibly hard to lose those surrounds.

How has nature and photography played a part in shaping the person you are today?

Interestingly, photographing nature has really made me think about design. Let’s face it, you can’t do it better than what we see all around us in nature. Just thinking about things as diverse as, say, reproduction, seasons, cycles, colour harmony, tone, pattern, repetition, and hopefully you’ll understand where I’m coming from with this. Really thinking about nature can be quite profound and builds in me a huge appreciation of this planet, but I recognise that some people may be uncomfortable doing that. So ultimately, all we can do is put our own very individual play on it photographically. It is crazy humbling though.

What is the furthest you have gone for a photo?

Funnily enough, that was for the swan image I’ve just been talking about :-) I travelled to the very top of Northern Japan on the island of Hokkaido. It was the middle of winter there but it was so worth it. I dumped my hubby at (unfortunately for me) the best ski field, and trained up to the city of Kushiro, then managed to get a car rental and drove in 2 metres of snow and an average of -22c for a couple days before heading back to meet up with a very bragging hubby at how amazing the snow was at that particular field..

How has Covid19 affected your work in general?

Last year, like everyone else, all my work fell like a stack of dominoes in a matter of two days. It was so surreal. Since then, some wedding couples have cancelled altogether, but fortunately for me, most simply postponed. Virtually without exception, they all re-worked their big day to be totally different weddings and I don’t blame them for that one bit. Currently I have only three weddings left to cover as a result of Covid postponements. But how fortunate are we to have had those government grants to help us through that time. Since then, however, work has changed to have more of a focus on natural light family portraiture, whilst businesses are working harder to lift their on-line imagery, so it has been a steady, if rather unexpected, flow of work since the arrival of Covid. Seriously I am surprised.

Wedding couples now seem to book either totally high or low end packages. I honestly can’t fathom the reasoning behind different couples choices.

Wedding bookings certainly seem to have slowed up though, but that might simply be the result of the time of year.

© Simone Jackson - Penguin PRO Report / Magazine of the NZIPP

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If you could take your art in any direction without fear of failure or rejection, where would it lead? What new thing would you try?

I left this question until last. Over the years that I have been using photography to earn a crust, it has been hard. It has seemed like I have always been on the back foot. I often find I am not earning as much as other photographers I know. And then we get told how to market, how to price, how to blah de blah. I’ve tried suggestions along with others in our industry and maybe it has worked for them, but not for me. Even my hubby was trying to persuade me to stop, saying things like, “Why work so hard on a business that you only earn 20% of your actual income from?”

Well perversely, the more discouragement I got, the harder I would try to make things work. And I have actually chosen to fly in the face of the advice to beware being “A Jack-of-all-trades and master of none”. I found myself thinking that as long as I was able to show good work in every genre, I was going to show it off. This has worked. Most of the people who book me to do photography now tell me they have chosen me because I do not have just weddings on my website. But it has taken me years to get to this point.

To be honest, I can’t imagine going anywhere in this business without some degree of rejection or failure.

I guess it is the reality that I have experienced over a number of years. I have only just got to the point now of earning around 35-40% of my actual income from photography (told you I would be honest!).

But there are actually positives from this because I have come to the realization that I do not want to have

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photography providing my sole income. I don’t believe it would be healthy for me to sit at my computer for hours on end editing images, my life being absolutely dependent on the jobs coming in.

I also have a photographer friend I respect very much. We banter with each other about most things photography related. She is a true artist and literally lives on a yacht with her husband and makes wonderful imagery that many in N.Z are envious of. She doesn’t seek to make any kind of living from her photography.

She does photography because she loves it - which might explain why her artistry shines. Something to be said about lifestyle.

Having said that, selling a few more prints would be great! The only way to do that is spending the time promoting my work, exhibiting, getting my name out there. So yea, I would ideally be an amazing marketer and exhibit successfully and have loads of prints flying out the door .. (insert the Tui ad here)..

This takes a huge amount of resources though and if I’m completely honest, the other business I operate and other commitments takes that time away. BUT, have only very recently had the courage to drop a big portion of my other business, (after 18 years of building it up), so am incredibly excited about that as have always been a big believer in having eggs in different baskets, especially in these uncertain times we live in. Early days though, will give it a year and see how it goes.

Simone Jackson www.simonejacksonphotography.co.nz

© Simone Jackson - Landscape in Camera

© Simone Jackson - Bird

© Janyne Fletcher © Simone Jackson - Tui PRO Report / Magazine of the NZIPP

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© Simone Jackson

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© Simone Jackson - Wedding in Camera PRO Report / Magazine of the NZIPP

© Simone Jackson

© Simone Jackson

© Simone Jackson PRO Report / Magazine of the NZIPP

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LEGAL RESOURCES

the all new NZIPP Find a Photographer website.

DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU CAN DOWNLOAD LEGAL RESOURCES FROM OUR WEBSITE?

See our legal resources

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Download our Commercial documents

Download our Portrait and Wedding documents

Cherish your own memories IN PREMIUM PHOTO BOOKS When did you last print a photo for yourself? Keep your own photo collection safe and give your kids a keepsake they can enjoy forever with a family photo book.

Start creating and redeem your NZIPP discount at

momentopro.co.nz/nzipp

© Anya Maria Photography

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WHAT’S IN MY BAG

Gino Demeer NZIPP Board Chairperson & NZIPP Accredited Professional Photographer

A. Profoto B1 with gridded hard modifier used either for side or hair light.

B. Profoto B1 with translucent parabolic umbrella key light C. 2 x Profoto light triggers D. Think Tank International Security, minimum 2 camera bodies E. Profoto batteries, as many as I can carry F. Duct tape and extension cords G. Ona Brixton, laptop, Tether tools cable 10m, Tether clamp and Tether block H. Reflector 1.5 tall, Manfrotto super clamp I. Step ladder J. Think Tank Production Manager 40 K. Profoto B1, short stand used as background light

As most of us are professional photographers I won’t bore you with the contents of my camera bag, instead I thought I would share some of the gear I use on a day to day basis when photographing corporate headshots. Being Auckland based 90% of my corporate work is based in the CBD. This means traffic, parking issues, long walks, stairs, lifts and small spaces. This all poses logistical challenges, so my kit is assembled with portability in mind without the need to compromise the set up.

The other consideration is that a lot of our clients have offices nationwide so being able to replicate shots anywhere is extremely important, so basically *everything you see here (including backdrop) is airline friendly, I can happily travel by myself within airline weight limits. *The ladder stays home Gino Demeer - Cactus Photography

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Top Left - Packed gear © Gino Demeer Top Right - Labeled gear © Gino Demeer Bottom Right - Sample headshot © Gino Demeer

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NZIPP ANNUAL EVENT

Nikon Iris Awards and Canon New Zealand Photography Show Sarah McGregor - M.NZIPP II; NZIPP Executive Director I entered my first ever awards in 2013, with one single

When I went to my first ever conference, I didn’t really

photo of my son. I still remember taking the photo. He

know what it was, but everyone was talking about it, and

was (and still is) such a cute little thing, with his big brown

I didn’t want to miss out. I booked myself a ticket and

eyes and delicate little face. But he cried. He cried,

headed off, into the unknown. I had lots of photography

and he cried, and the only photo I had of him was a

friends I’d met online but I hadn’t actually met any of

crying photo. So I edited the photo as best as I could,

them in person, so I was quite nervous about going.

and followed along in the Nikon Iris Awards facebook group, picking up whatever tips I could to improve my image. I sent my image off to Sean Dick at Evoke Studio

I hadn’t really heard of any of the conference speakers

in Auckland, and was so blown away when the print

before, so I wasn’t sure I was going to get much from the

arrived. I’d never printed my work before and I was so

conference, but it sounded like everyone had heaps of

shocked at how amazing it looked, as a printed product.

fun there so it was worth a go, right?

I patiently waited for the judging to come around. Back

This is what I learnt from my first ever conference. You will

in those days the judging wasn’t livestreamed, so I sent

be MIND BLOWN. You will learn something from EVERY

my image to a friend in the audience and waited for

SPEAKER, no matter how irrelevant their photography

her to let me know how it went. I was so excited when

genre is to your own work. YOU WILL BE INSPIRED and

I heard that my image had received a bronze award,

come home and try something new, and re-ignite your

I was over the moon! I entered, because I wanted to

passion for photography if it is waning. And you will MAKE

know if my work really was ‘professional’. I didn’t feel like

NEW FRIENDS like you’ve never made friends before.

a professional at the time, but it gave me the motivation to carry on and pursue photography after that one single entry.

The FOMO is very real with this event. NZIPP have a very unique community, who come together and build each other up like you have never experienced before. I

The first time I went to watch the live judging was

could never miss this conference again – it’s the highlight

amazing. You can’t even really explain the feeling that

of my year, and the best value-for-money I’ve ever

you get from being in the room watching those images

experienced in my business.

being judged. I remember watching images that took my breath away when they came up onto the judging panel - it’s truly a magical experience. Being able to

If you’ve never been before, don’t worry, we will look

wander amongst the exhibition of awarded images and

after you. We have lots of social events, and you’ll be

take it all in - the Nikon Iris Awards in itself is a wonderful

on our radar! We’ll introduce you to a few people and

opportunity to learn and grow as a professional

make sure you know exactly what is happening, and

photographer.

when. We want you to immerse yourself and enjoy every minute as much as we do.

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© TONY STEWART

We are so lucky to be able to meet in person in New Zealand. It is a luxury we have taken for granted, and realised its true importance last year when we couldn’t.

I urge you to take this opportunity now and come and join us in Nelson this July. This is the best value-for-money photography event on offer, with two-day tickets from just $449.

Our wonderful event team - Justine Weatherall and Nicola Wilhemsen, supported by Peter Allen have done an outstanding job of pulling together an amazing conference in such a short time-frame for 2021.

Key Dates: Nikon Iris Awards •

Nikon Iris Awards entries close: 11.59pm, Sunday 13th June 2021

•

(Judging schedule released mid-late June 2021)

•

Prints must be received by: Friday 23rd July 2021

•

Live Judging: Monday 26th - Wednesday 28th July 2021:

•

Gala Dinner: 7pm, Friday 30th July 2021

Canon New Zealand Photography Show Justine and Nicola have created a program that allows you to really get stuck in and get involved. Featuring speakers: Mike King - New Zealander of the Year 2019; Richard Wood - NZIPP Grand Master of Photography II and Photography educator; Jose G. Cano Humanitarian and Underwater Fine Art Photographer; Amy Scott - Communications Expert; Katherine Williams - NZIPP Grand Master of Photography; Portrait, Wedding and Commercial Photographer; Bea Pole-Bokor Social Media Consultant; Andris Apse - Landscape Photographer, and son Julian Apse - Adventure and Commercial Photographer; Johl Dunn - Business and Mindset Coach; and Fiona Andersen - Wedding Photographer.

Make sure you head to Nelson for the beginning of the live judging of the Nikon Iris Awards from 26th July - you’ll not only be able to watch the judging and see the image exhibition, but you can also join one of the workshops on offer, get a one-on-one business or photography review, and get a headshot image taken, or join one of our many social and sponsor events.

The full event schedule will be released in June in the conference magazine (the Judging schedule will be released following the close of entries to the Nikon Iris Awards), so keep your eye on your email for its release.

•

Workshops, one-on-one reviews: Monday 26th Wednesday 28th July 2021

•

Conference: Thursday 29th - Friday 30th July 2021

Ticket Prices: •

NZIPP Affiliate/ Student/ Accredited/ Life/ Retired member: $449.00 - two day ticket

•

PSNZ/ AIPA member: $549.00 - two day ticket

•

General Admission and NZIPP Regional member: $649.00 - two day ticket

**Special offer: Regional members buying a presale ticket for $649.00 will automatically have their membership upgraded to Affiliate for no additional cost.

Presale ends 13th June 2021 Ticket prices from 13th June 2021 - 1st July 2021 •

NZIPP Affiliate/ Student/ Accredited/ Life/ Retired member: $549.00 - two day ticket

•

PSNZ/ AIPA member: $649.00 - two day ticket

•

General Admission and NZIPP Regional member: $749.00 - two day ticket

Ticket prices from 1st July 2021 •

NZIPP Affiliate/ Student/ Accredited/ Life/ Retired member: $649.00 - two day ticket

•

PSNZ/ AIPA member: $749.00 - two day ticket

•

General Admission and NZIPP Regional member: $849.00 - two day ticket

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Find out more a https://nzphotoshow.co.nz/ 32

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and get tickets: https://irisawards.com/ PRO Report / Magazine of the NZIPP

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MEMBER STORY

Simplifying Business Systems with Andrea Jordan Andrea Jordan - Business Strategist, Writer, Photographer and NZIPP Member Are you actively nurturing the relationships in your

HOW: How will you follow up? E.G. By emails, phone, FB

business? It’s so easy to let our lead management, a.k.a

message.

follow ups, slide when we get busy, yet reconnecting with people is one of the best ways to make money in

WHAT: What do I say? There is no perfect method that

our business.

will work for every business and every client. Let go of the need to be perfect, instead focus on that person,

Everyone buys in a different way. There are early

their goals and what they need. Once you find wording

adopters who leap in as soon as you post a new

that works for you, or feels good for you, then save it as

offer, there are researchers who want to know every

a template. Having a variety of templates will save you

single detail and there are last minute purchasers. Not

time when following up and will help with any mind set

everyone will buy the first time you talk to them so you

wobbles because you’ve got the wording you need all

need to make sure they don’t disappear off your radar.

ready to go.

Creating a simple follow up system will ensure that no

WHERE: Where will you store the details of the people

opportunities are missed.

you’re following up with? EG Spreadsheet, Asana, CRM. Once you have your system in place be sure to set aside

Do you feel that following up is too salesy, yucky or

dedicated time each week to follow up, even when you

pushy? “If they want to buy from me, they’ll get back in

get busy! By committing to consistent nurturing of your

touch”.

leads you can avoid the feast and famine cycle of so

Many of my clients have felt this way but following up

many businesses.

doesn’t need to be a negative. After all, it’s not about you. No one is being forced to buy from you. It’s about helping your ideal people make the best decision for

Andrea Jordan

them.

https://www.facebook.com/ AndreaJordanBusinessStrategist

To map out your follow up system you need to consider these factors: WHO: Who do you want to follow up with? E.G. Past clients? Potential clients?

WHY: Why do you want to follow up with those people?

E.G. Sales to new clients? Nurturing past clients with a view to future sales or referrals?

WHEN: When will you follow up? Decide in advance what your policy is for following up E.G. Within two days of getting an enquiry email or on the 1st birthday of your client’s new born. Deciding in advance will help with any negative feelings you have, as all you need to do is stick to the policy you’ve committed to.

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End of the Day © Andrea Jordan

t i f e n e B er

b m e M

Have you put a Business Continuity Plan in place?

This is a great NZIPP resource available only to members.

Contact us for access: info@nzipp.org.nz

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Shop Local NORTH ISLAND PHOTOGRAPHIC RETAILERS AUCKLAND

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PHOTO WAREHOUSE www.photowarehouse.co.nz

TOPIC RENTALS www.topicrentals.co.nz

SPLENDID PHOTO www.splendid.nz

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© Paul Jones

Shop Local SOUTH ISLAND PHOTOGRAPHIC RETAILERS CHRISTCHURCH PHOTO AND VIDEO INTERNATIONAL www.photo.co.nz

DUNEDIN PHOTO WAREHOUSE www.photowarehouse.co.nz

PHOTO WAREHOUSE www.photowarehouse.co.nz HANAFINS Riccarton and Northlands www.hanafins.co.nz NZ CAMERA CHRISTCHURCH www.nzcamera.co.nz KENS CAMERAS www.kens.co.nz

DUNEDIN PHOTO WAREHOUSE www.photowarehouse.co.nz

© Andy PRO Report / Magazine of the NZIPP 37Woods © Doug Richardson

WAIKATO/BAY OF PLENTY Guy Rencher from Coastal Surf Images is a new member from Papamoa. He is most passionate about action photography where he focuses on objects and subjects moving at speed with purpose and power.

Inspired to get into photography during the 2020 lockdown, Guy is enjoying the opportunity to express himself capturing images through the lens, while being able to explore creativity at the same time. He loves the challenges and rewards that come from trying to nail that one ‘perfect’ image.

Guy’s favourite jobs to date have been shooting for the recent WBCD Community Fun Days and the Doggy Day Out in Katikati. He loves the feeling of getting amongst his subjects while capturing the emotion and engagement rippling through the events.

The gear that Guy uses includes a recently purchased Nikon D500 for its fast auto-focus abilities essential for locking onto fast moving objects/subjects. He usually reaches for his 70-200G2 2.8 and the 150-600G2 Tamron lenses.

In the future, Guy is looking forward to becoming a proficient and confident photographer in all arenas of photography. He realises that he is very much on a journey of discovery, ‘almost akin to being an apprentice’ and wants to remember to enjoy the journey.

Check out more of Guy’s images on his website: www.coastalsurfimages.com Marama Shearer Waikato Regional Representative www.thrivephotography.co.nz

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WELLINGTON What a difference a venue makes!

Through a lot of personal sweat and time, Karolina Stus has a fabulous new studio in a great location, just outside Paraparaumu looking out over green hills. Karolina has been most generous in making her new studio available for NZIPP events.

We started off 2021 with a creative session in February, run by Karolina and Jenny Siaosi. Karolina and Jenny introduced us to some in-camera photographic techniques to open up ideas and concepts many of us have been wanting to try but never knew how. For me this was a refreshing stimulation of creativity, rather than technique. Holding a lens by hand in front of the camera to produce surreal, soft and blurry images, after the challenges of getting eyelashes sharp in portraits with a f/1.4 lens. The dreamy images from an old Helios lens, instead of the latest Canon “L” professional lens. Or using a plasticky LensBaby lens – no autofocus!!! Shooting through objects, rather than avoiding them. After a year of covid uncertainty, this session provided a much-needed creativity boost.

We produced lots of stunning images, just a few of which are here:

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Enhancing our coffees

© Rachael Hughes

One of the main reasons for our monthly coffee mornings has been for networking. However, our members were looking for more than conversations over coffee. Some have families and are not able to attend our evening sessions. So we started to add themes for discussion or learning.

In April, Karolina Stus hosted a session in which we watched some Sue Bryce videos on posing, discussed what we saw and then practiced on each other. How many educational videos do you have on your computer or linked in the Cloud? How often have you watched a video and then wanted to ask questions or suggest a different approach? This “coffee morning” was great for not only hearing Sue Bryce provide useful guidance, but also for us to be on the other side of the camera!

I was too busy having fun to record the event, but here is a quick photo of Karolina.

Bob Zuur Photographer bob@momentsoflight.nz © Shearer (027) 444 3210 www.momentsoflight.nz

© Joanna Piatek PRO Report / Magazine of the NZIPP

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NELSON/MARLBOROUGH Hello from Nelson!

We have had a slow start to the year, but we did host an incredible day with the super star speakers at TONIC. I know that the people there learnt a lot and were really appreciative of the wealth of knowledge that was shared with them. The lengths of time Nick spent lighting cathedrals and sitting on thrones was mind blowing. Even though we struggle to get bums on seats, I believe that the more events we run the more our members will see the value in their memberships and come along more. So thanks so much for bringing Tonic to Nelson.

Also feeling super lucky to have the conference coming our way soon. We promise to have stellar weather and make you all want to stay.

In the pipelines we have an Iris print workshop in Sarah’s band new studio and a coffee with Ole from Canon. Hopefully he will leave his R5 behind so I can spend some quality time with it.

Victoria Vincent - Nelson/Marlborough Regional Representative www.abeautifulphoto.co.nz

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CANTERBURY/WESTLAND February: In 2021, we started the process of meeting at different Studios for a tour and discussion on how each of us does business.

This month, we met at PhotoWorthy Images / Ann Worthy Stephenson.

Ann then spoke on her underwater photography.

March: In March, the Tonic touring event was the highlight. We had a great turnout, with lots of positive feedback. We all met for drinks and dinner afterwards, making it an overall great day.

April: Another great turnout to hear Catherine Cattanach speak on her Personal Photography. She gave a great talk, sharing insights on how she gets ideas, then explores them. Her photographs are all so impressive.

It was fun to have FOUR current/past NZIPP Presidents attending!

Catherine Cattanach, Katherine Williams, Mike Langford and Craig Robertson.

Last part of the meeting was a panel of Catherine Cattanach, Craig Robertson, Kate Christie, Stephen Goodenough. Richard Linton emcee’d with a mix of prepared questions as well as audience questions. Great discussion!

Regards Ann Worthy Stephenson - Canterbury/Westland Regional Representative www.photoworthyimages.com

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THANK YOU TO OUR NATIONAL SPONSORS A special thank you to our sponsors for their continuing support:

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