Professional Photographers of Canada Alberta Magazine

ISSUE #08

PPOC

Fall 2020

Professional Photographers of Canada Alberta Magazine

THIS ISSUE What’s new in Alberta?

Light Matters Online: October 23 to 25, 2020 Gerry David: Improving your Craft through PPOC Jenn Gwynn: Photovoice

Just Because She Carries It Well Doesn’t Mean It Isn’t Heavy, Excellence - Best in Class Finalist:Portrait and Portrait Photographer of the Year Finalist

by Cassandra Jones, Noelle Mirabella Photography

Professional Photographers of Canada | www.ppoc.ca | ab.ppoc.ca

What is the

PPOC?

TABLE OF CONTENTS 03

Light Matters 2020

04

Message from the Editor – Chelsea Jones, MPA

05

On the Cover (Making the Image) – Cassandra Jones

06

Oh what a Year! Message from the Alberta Regional Chair – Susie O’Connor, MPA

07

Message from the Alberta National Director – Chris Thombs, MPA, SPA

08

PPOC-AB News in Brief

10

Welcome New Members – Marlene Palamarek, CPA

11

Finding your Photovoice – Jen Gwynn, MPA

12

From Goose Egg to Greatness: Gerry David’s Journey through the PPOC, Gerry David, MPA, SPA

15

Accreditation Update – Tracy Grabowski, MPA, SPA

16

Accreditation Story – Jacquie Matechuk

18

2020 Travelling Dress Project – Craig Sallenbach, CPA

19

Regional and Branch Board Members

The Professional Photographers of Canada is a diversified group of creative artists dedicated to the highest standards in professional imaging. We welcome photographers of all genres to join our community of dedicated professionals.

Sway Excellence Best in Class Award Fashion, Commercial Photographer of the Year Finalist Katherine Calnan

Vision

To be Canada’s leader in developing and maintaining the highest level of photographic excellence.

Mission

To qualify and support photographers to become industry leaders and to inform the public of the value in hiring an Accredited Professional Photographer.

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PPOC Magazine

Message from the

EDITOR The Professional Photographers of Canada Alberta (PPOC-AB) Annual Magazine is provided to the 200 members, conference and tradeshow participants, as well as our sponsors. The goals of this magazine are to: •

Inform the reader of issues, events, education, vendors, and other information related to the photography industry in Alberta,

•

Showcase the immensely talented artists that are members of the PPOC in Alberta, and;

•

Inspire the reader to engage in the Alberta photographic community and within the organization.

Throughout the articles in the magazine, you will view the images by PPOC-AB members who received a score of Excellence as well as those who were finalists for Best In Class or Photographer of the Year awards at the 2020 PPOC National Image Competition.

Thank you to all the PPOC members who submitted images and articles to this annual publication. This was a great example of teamwork within our organization! We look forward to an exciting 2020/2021 within the PPOC and Alberta Photography Community!

Lastly, after being editor of the magazine for the past 4 issues, I am hoping to pass the torch on for 2021. If you are interested, please contact me or Susie O’Connor for details.

Chelsea Jones, MPA PPOC-AB Vice-Chair, North Branch Chair Annual Magazine Editor Little Red Merit, Best in Class Award - Child Portrait Ammara Sadiq

DID YOU KNOW? The PPOC-AB Magazine was the runner up for Best New Magazine in the Alberta Magazine Publisher Association’s 2019 Alberta Magazine Awards?

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PPOC Magazine

On the Cover

JUST BECAUSE SHE CARRIES IT WELL DOESN’T MEAN IT ISN’T HEAVY {LOVE AND RAGE}

By Cassandra Jones, Noelle Mirabella Photography My name is Cassandra. I am an artist, a recordkeeper, a storyteller, a legacy-preserver, and a voice for whoever needs one.

Taking beautiful photos has never been enough.

I was born to tell the stories of humanity through art.

Somewhere, nestled in the collective of our shared experiences lies the universality of our voice.

I believe that giving that voice a visual representation helps people around the world understand it and provokes positive social change.

Love and Rage was inspired by my life as a woman and a young single mother. It is the story of millions…. dare I say even billions of women and girls around the world. Every item on the sack she is carrying tells a story, as do all the items beneath the surface that you cannot see. The image represents the enormous weight women carry day in and day out and the grace with which they carry it… as well as the selflessness of a mother’s love for her children. If they are lucky, the children don’t know the true weight in their mother’s pack.

I never created the image with the intention of dissecting it for its viewers.

The multitude of meanings found within every fold and every word are for you to interpret and find meaning in.

The Technical This is a single image capture.

The sack was mounted from the ceiling and

suspended just off the floor. The ropes were cinched together with clips and used to stabilize the height of the items on the sack. All the larger items were wired directly to the ropes and the smaller items were wired to the larger ones.

It was important to have everything fixed in place to keep mom and baby safe. Once I had everything safely fixed in place, all mom had to do was kneel down on the floor and slip her arms into the straps on the sack.

Fun Facts: I photographed this set up THREE times to get it perfect!

The first time, I did not have the sack mounted from the ceiling and it looked like a hot mess. In the second attempt, I wanted more connection in her expression and body language, so I asked her to come back a third time.

I added the jar of thread in the third round and got the perfect moment from mom and baby.

The website on the laptop was created from scratch and printed out to avoid a reflection on the screen. I also used a cell phone photo of my own stomach.

The name of the woman on the Past Due notice is Emma Dreaming. She lives on Meager Street.

The book spines include, Little Women, Race Against Time, Hard Times, and Agents of Repression.

The all came from my personal collection and I got permission from all the publishers to use the books in this shoot.

Message from the

PPOC ALBERTA CHAIR Oh What a Year!!

Dear Friends!

We have had some interesting hurdles to jump through this year with enough ups and downs to build a rollercoaster. Now that we are coming back into the light amid this pandemic, there is a whole new reality to grapple with. Dealing with the restrictions of Covid provided time for us to slow down and reflect. I know this time brought me a greater sense of what I was put on this earth to do and I hope you were all able to experience similar epiphanies. This is a time to focus on what we truly want out of our careers as photographers.

I would like to give a few shoutouts to some great volunteers: Gerry David has done an amazing job throughout this year bringing compelling speakers to us regularly for PPOC Live.

Although many of us have been stuck at home we have still been able to access some great learning opportunities.

Branch chairs, Chelsea Jones, Ric Matkowski, and Jackie Standing of the North, Central, and South branches have

done a super job keeping things moving and planning for your future educational events.

Light Matters is just around the corner and I would like to commend the regional board for the foresight that large in-person gatherings were not going to be likely, even into the fall. The decision was made early on to turn this into an awesome virtual event. We have so many great speakers bringing a variety of cool topics, you won’t be able to help but be glued to your screens over the two day event.

I don’t know about you, but I’m already looking forward to 2021 and seeing where it takes our world of photography.

Finish this year with greatness!! A positive attitude and leading with compassion will take you a long way in this ever-changing world.

Smiles,

Susie O’Connor, MPA Alberta Regional Chair

A Little SelfReflection Excellence Doug Mitchell

Dance Like No One is Watching Excellence Best in Class Finalist - Editorial, Commercial Photographer of the Year Finalist Katherine Calnan

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Nursery Merit Best in Class Finalist - Pictorial/ Floral, Commercial Photographer of the Year Finalist Jeff Wallace PPOC Magazine

Message from the

NATIONAL DIRECTOR It is the middle of July as I put pen to paper for Alberta Region’s PPOC magazine which will hit the stands in Sept.

There is so much going through my mind that is making it hard to craft my Op-Ed piece as the National Director for Alberta.

Just remember, the past is the past (acknowledge it), and the future has possibility for growth in all aspects. With that growth comes possibility.

The first thing that comes to my mind, is this magazine will be much more than just a magazine this year, as it will be a snapshot of the past. I dare say a paper formed time capsule that will survive the changes in technology if you have the printed copy in hand.

I am going to wrap this with a list of some of the other things that keep coming to my mind.

The second thing that comes to mind, is what will the fall look like? We will continue to grow and adapt as we go forward. We are a resilient lot, us artists, as well as the committed businesses within our industry. Just because we are resilient, doesn’t mean there will not be difficulty, challenges, and continued adaption that needs to be done.

We have never had so much change in our community and that has affected the rest of our lives in and outside of the industry. It has tested us emotionally as well as professionally. Not just in the shift of income, how we have to do business, and such. For some it is an awakening as they are truly seeing their neighbours both literally and figuratively.

Speaking of seeing neighbours, I am also proud that there is a wakening up across the country as well with some of our members. As our members are looking left and right and seeing who is in the room and who is missing. Some have been here all the time in PPOC, others will join us as our organization continues to grow and evolve.

•

Keep growing.

•

If you need help, reach out.

•

We have great volunteers in the Alberta Region (thank you)

•

If you haven’t volunteered yet, we would love you to step up and help us grow. (thank you in advance for doing so)

•

Knowing a lot of you, and seeing the rest you in the membership list, it makes me want to do more for the organization.

I could go on and on with this list, but I will leave it here, and sign off as I do on my reports to National whether it is as Alberta’s Regional National Director or as the Mentorship Chair.

In your service.

Chris TT Thombs CD, MPA, SPA PPOC National Director (Alberta) National Mentorship Chair

Some of you know Alberta PPOC has been leading the way for inclusivity for a bit, as artists are apt to do. We in Alberta all come from different cultures, abilities, ethnicities, gender expressions, and sexual orientations. Also, I am sure our clientele is as varied if not more so. As our society grows, we will continue growing as well.

We have been working on things to make it better for all in the past. We lowered the financial barriers for being part of PPOC by creating the monthly payment system for lower income earning members. We have student memberships to help get emerging professionals a leg up. And during COVID-19 all members have the relief of three months of the year’s membership.

Beside financial, there has also been a committee commissioned by the Alberta Board to audit and see where we can improve to increase accessibility. As there is always room for improvement.

Some may feel sad as there is a lot of work to do ahead, and some are also becoming aware of some of their own perceived shortcomings.

PPOC Magazine

Abandoned Excellence Best in Class Finalist Experimental/ Unclassified, Photographic Artist of the Year Finalist Allan Bailey, MPA Page 7

News

IN BRIEF

COVID-19 and PPOC-AB

The PPOC-AB Regional and Branch board are carefully monitoring the COVID-19 situation with the guidance of PPOC National.

Although the tentative plan is to have in-person events in small groups going forward, this could change in the event the Alberta government modifies the health and safety guidelines regarding COVID-19. PPOC-AB will follow the guidance from their provincial jurisdiction, and will do everything possible to ensure the health and safety of its members, their families, and the public. We thank you, the members, for your patience while we navigate this untimely and unpredictable scenario.

As we go forward with in-person events, a digital form has been created with the expectation that every person attending a PPOCAB event will fill out on the day of the event. The link to this form will be in the Facebook Event and can be forwarded to you by members of the Regional and Branch board. This form assures the event organizers that the risk of COVID-19 transmission is mitigated as best as possible. The personal information requested on this form is collected in accordance with the Government of Alberta’s public health orders and COVID-19 Information Guidelines and under the authority of sections 33(a) and (c) of the Alberta Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be protected under Part 2 of that Act. The personal information collected will be used for the purpose of reporting regarding attendance at PPOCAB sanctioned events during the COVID-19 health emergency and may be disclosed to the Government of Alberta and or Alberta Health Services for the purpose of public health management during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PPOC-AB Branch Boards will be sure only spaces where social distancing is possible are utilized and to have hand washing facilities and/or hand sanitizer available; however, It is up to you to do your part to protect yourself and others from spreading COVID-19. Please remember: • • • • • • • •

Wash your hands frequently Adhere to 2 metres (6 feet) social distancing Do NOT attend events if you are symptomatic with cold or flu symptoms Avoid touching your face Cover your cough/sneeze with a bent elbow Stay up to date with credible information in your jurisdiction (such as Alberta Health Services, the Government of Alberta, and the Government of Canada).

Mask wearing is encouraged, especially during indoor events.

Mask wear will be mandatory in municipalities and counties where local bylaws include mandatory mask wearing (Ex. Calgary, AB as of July 21, 2020).

Light Matters goes Virtual!

Alberta Light Matters Conference is going VIRTUAL October 23rd25th due to COVID-19 concerns. The health and safety of members, speakers and everyone who helps in contributing to the success of Light Matters Education Event is always a top priority. The inperson event will be replaced with a virtual conference, complete with the same quality speakers, education, value, and FUN with your peers all accessible from the comfort of your own home. More details to follow!

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Alberta Regional Image Competition with a Twist!

This year’s PPOC-AB Image Competition will take place on September 12, 2020. This year, with a twist; for the first time in PPOC history, the Image Competition will take place completely virtually. It will be streamed online for viewing. Please pay attention to eBlasts for information on access codes as well as full instructions on how to enter. If you have questions or are unsure of the process, consider signing up for mentorship! These are exactly the kind of things a mentor can assist with. As well, check out the PPOC-AB Members Only Facebook Page to interact with peers and ask questions. Thank you in advance to Gerry David and the team of judges and volunteers that work so hard to make this competition a possibility, especially during times of social distancing.

2020 Alberta Image Competition Chair: Gerry David 2020 Jury Chair: Chelsea Jones 2020 Judges: Lisa Demaline, Jen Ann Gwynn, Mary Jensen, Bruce Hendricks, Terrill Bodner, Iris Jackson, Karyn Lee

Mentors Needed!

Finding a mentor is a great way for new PPOC members to learn the, “ins and outs” of the organization as well as prepare for Accreditation and Image Competitions.

Mentors must: 1) Have three years of membership or two years with PPOC board experience.

2) Be accredited 3) Have strong organizational skills 4) Have strong leadership skills 5) Be results driven, 6) And accountable.

To sign up as a mentor or protege, please watch for the links in your monthly eBlasts or contact Chris Thombs at: mentorship@ppoc.ca

PPOCLive!

On the 3rd Wednesday of each month, join PPOCLive! This is a two-hour digital webinar meeting for members from across the country. The meeting includes time to socialize and get acquainted with your fellow members, as well as a one-hour educational program. The programs begin at 8 pm EDT and use Go-To-Meeting Software. If you’re interested in taking part, email webinars@ppoc. ca to ensure you’re receiving the monthly links.

If you’re in a rural area and find it difficult to attend functions and meet your fellow members in person, this is a fantastic way to grow your peer group. If you have a topic you’d be interested in learning more about, or if you have an idea or technique you’d like to share as an instructor at a PPOCLive! session, please email webinars@ppoc.ca.

A massive Thank You to Gerry David who kept PPOCLive! going nationally for multiple sessions a month throughout the COVID-19 lockdown as well as the many speakers in the PPOC who stepped up to offer free online education to the membership

Diversity and Inclusion

This summer, PPOC-AB held a focus group on diversity and inclusion to listen and inform the building of a foundation of which a more inclusive, accessible, and equitable organization can be created. Conversations and plans are ongoing both on a Regional and National level to facilitate diversity and inclusion; please stay tuned for more information. Let’s open our minds and our hearts to learning, listening, and acting so we can grow as individuals, an organization, community, and society that finds joy in the diverse art and culture we can create!

Congratulations to our PPOC-AB Award Winners!

We had a number of outstanding images at the PPOC National Salon this year as well as a number of awards and designations received by our members.

PPOC Magazine

Designations:

Craftsman of Photographic Arts (CPA) Melanie Cervo, Photo Expressions Photography, Lethbridge, AB Gerry David, Geraldpdavid.com, Calgary, AB Craig Sallenbach, Fused Elements Photography, Coaldale, AB Cheryl Webb, Wells Photographic Design, Cranbrooke, BC Master of Photographic Arts (MPA) Gerry David, Geraldpdavid.com, Calgary, AB Iris Jackson, Iris Jackson Photography, Foothills, AB Jeff Noon, Jeff Noon Photographic Art and Design, Medicine Hat, AB Tanya Sedore, T.Sedore Photography, Grand Prairie, AB Service of Photographic Arts (SPA) Chris Thombs, One Step Beyond (Photography & Video), Edmonton, AB MPA 1st Bar Chelsea Jones, Vitality Images Photography, Edmonton, AB MPA 3rd Bar Allan Bailey, Bailey Photographic, Saint Albert, AB Darwin Mulligan, Darwin Mulligan Photography, Edmonton, AB Jill Shantz, J Shantz Photography, Saint Albert, AB Best in Class: Fashion Katherine Calnan, Katherine Calnan Photography, Calgary, AB Best in Class: Conceptual Illustration Jen Gwynn, MPA, Imajen Portrait Art, Lethbridge, AB Best in Class: Group Portrait Cheryl Webb, Wells Photographic Design, Cranbrook, BC Best in Class: Child Portrait Ammara Sadiq, Fox & Gem Photography, Edmonton, AB Best in Class: Newborn Cassandra Jones, Noelle Mirabella Photography, Grand Prairie, AB

Social Events in Alberta

South Branch is hosting a weekly casual chat each Monday morning at 10am for anyone available to log in. It will be short and sweet and just a way to stay connected, share ideas and see how everyone is doing while we are all staying home. A great opportunity to give each other encouragement and support over these next upcoming weeks as we pivot our lives and businesses. Hope to see you there!

Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/93419923510?pwd=aGFNOD hoYU9hcmhxNjFPemRxRUlvUT09 Meeting ID: 934 1992 3510 Password: 057782 The North Branch’s Get Social! Takes place on the last Thursday of the month with the exception of December. Join us in-person at The Parlour Italian Kitchen and Bar 10334 108 Street in Edmonton!

Volunteers Needed!

Like this magazine? Do you have some “know how” when it comes to publishing? The 2021 Regional Magazine Portfolio is up for grabs! Contact Susie O’Conner if you are interested. Email: susie@imagesstudios.com We will be looking for volunteers for a number of Regional and Branch positions in the coming months. Please let your branch and regional board know if you are interested, and stay tuned!

PPOC Information Overload?

It may seem challenging to keep up with social media, but the PPOC sends Alberta members 1 branch newsletter, Regional eBlast, and a National eBlast every month! Watch for these in your email (check your spam folder) for critical and up-to-date information!

PPOC Magazine

Dates to REMEMBER Please note dates, locations, and medium of delivery (i.e. virtual) are subject to change.

September 2020 September 12, 2020 - 2020 PPOC-AB Image Competition (Virtual) September 14, 2020 - Central Branch: TBD September 20, 2020 - PPOCLive! (Virtual) September 24, 2020 - North Branch September Get Social! 7:00 PM The Parlour Italian Kitchen and Bar 10334 108 St. NW Edmonton, AB, T5E 4Z6 October 2020 October 5, 2020 - Central Branch: Walk with Scott Kelby October 23-25, 2020 - Light Matters 2020 (Virtual) October 21, 2020 - PPOCLive! (Virtual) October 29, 2020 - North Branch Halloween Get Social! 7:00 PM The Parlour Italian Kitchen and Bar 10334 108 St. NW Edmonton, AB, T5E 4Z6 November 2020 November 16, 2020 - Central Branch: TBD November 18, 2020 - PPOCLive! (Virtual) November 19, 2020 - North Branch: Commercial Photography with Ian Grant, location TBD November 26, 2020 - North Branch November Get Social! 7:00 PM The Parlour Italian Kitchen and Bar 10334 108 St. NW Edmonton, AB, T5E 4Z6 December 2020 December 7, 2020 - Central Branch: Secret Santa and Headshot Meeting Mondays at 10:00: South Branch Coffee Chat Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/9341992351 0?pwd=aGFNODhoYU9hcmhxNjFPemRxRUlv UT09 Meeting ID: 934 1992 3510 Password: 057782

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Welcome NEW MEMBERS I just wanted to send out another Welcome! to our new members so far. Whether you are enjoying photography as a hobby, or navigating the rough waters of the business of photography lately, just know that the PPOC family has your back. If you have questions or concerns, or just need to reach out to someone who “gets it”, (lost all motivation? It’s ok, you’re not alone) look no further.

New members of 2020 Lara Matiisen Cassandra Mostad Krystina Kowalik Shae McDonald

Please make sure you’re signed up to receive our emails and if you’re on Facebook, make the PPOC group one of your favorites, that way you’ll be sure to never miss a new post.

Chris Beck Carlin Doeksen Hari Singh Kelly Marleau Justyna Marino Michelle Zemlak Kaitlin Roth

Sincerely,

Marlene Palamerak

PPOC-AB Membership Chair

All Boxed In Excellence, Best in Class Award - Group Portrait Cheryl Webb

I’m Watching You Too Excellence - Best in Class Finalist - Animal Darwin Mulligan, MPA

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Shooting the Rapids Kenneth Parnell

Excellence - Best in Class Finalist - Press

PPOC Magazine

FINDING YOUR PHOTOVOICE

By Jen Gwynn, MPA

Pressures and Resilience of a Woman in a Man’s World Merit Best in Class Award Conceptual Illustration, Travelling Dress Image Jen Gwynn, MPA

A picture is a thousand words, right? When I journeyed into the world of research design in graduate school, as a photographer, I found a particular qualitative research method, called Photovoice (or photo-elicitation), interesting.

Photovoice is a relatively newer participatory action research method that uses photography to enhance the voices of populations without a voice. These populations are usually non-verbal, and/or marginalized populations (e.g., people in poverty, with language barriers, different ethnicity, children, sexual orientation, those with mental health issues, or substance use disorders, to name a few). The photos, and accompanying dialogue are the data that the research is based on. The research design is meant to elicit the realities of these populations.

Photovoice occurs when a member of the group-in-question creates photographs related to the phenomenon being PPOC Magazine

researched, and an interview elicits the story behind why that particular photo was created. The photos and interviews are then utilized in the research, as well as beyond the research to bring a voice to the phenomenon in political and social arenas.

Photographs are a natural way to disseminate the findings of the research as well through in-person or online galleries.

As a photographer who can potentially straddle both worlds of research and photography, knowing the purpose and limits of this method is important. As photographers, storytelling is a mainstay of what we do. It is gratifying that the world of research is meaningfully understanding its value. It will be fun to see how this research methodology evolves in the future.

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From Goose Egg

to Greatness

Gerry David’s journey through the PPOC

Hey (Hey) You (You) Get Of my Back Excellence Gerry David, MPA, SPA

By Gerry David, MPA, SPA I come from a family that loved photography, so I was “exposed” to it at a very young age. My Mom and Dad were decent photographers, but my Uncle Norman was the best of them.

I remember sitting around the living room hearing the, “click click click,” of the slide deck turning as we all experienced our cousin’s vacations. Everyone in my family, all 4 brothers (my Dad and 3 Uncles), had slide decks and screens.

Fast forward 1987. I was desperate for a part-time job, and Black’s at Sheppard Centre in Toronto was hiring. I had no money, so I went to a bookstore, and sat in the aisle reading every single photography book I could for several hours. I couldn’t afford to buy them, and I needed this job. I needed to nail the interview.

Got the job! I also got a very fast and simplified education on photography, which only made me more curious. I bought a used Canon FTB from an old guy who lived in my apartment building. Then, I started taking lots and lots of photographs.

In my 3rd year of university, I took a course on electron microscopy. As you can’t look into a lens as a barrage of high speed electrons are lighting up your subject, you must expose a film and look at it later. That meant I had to learn black and white film development.

Looking back, life seemed to be pushing me in a specific direction; over time, events and experiences just kept on taking me down this path towards photography.

Let’s jump to 2008 - 2 kids and cities later. A friend of mine, and master photographer, decides to switch from Canon to Nikon. I buy his Canon 40D and 2 of his lenses. This is my first foray into “real” digital photography, using a camera that has a Page 12

sensor bigger than my pinky nail. I was back to snapping away at will. Oddly though, I still had the, “don’t waste an exposure,” mentality and struggled with high speed shutter and never wanted to take too many exposures!

A good friend of mine, and realtor, Lorne Coultman, was a PPOC Master photographer in the 1970 and 1980’s, and rejoined in 2012. He encouraged me to join and work with him as he regained his footing in the digital photography realm. I decided that joining the PPOC could be fun. My kids were getting older, and I loved learning new things, or relearning old things.

I joined the PPOC in 2013, and applied for my first accreditation shortly thereafter. I also attended my first Canadian Imaging conference in Vancouver that year. I was well-versed in Adobe Lightroom, but, to me, software and post-processing was secondary; I thought my images were so good!

Zero for 10. Yes. You read that right. Zero for 10 images accepted for my accreditation. Thus the Goose Egg in the title. What the heck did these judges know anyways? Blown out highlights? Who cares? Look at my kids face? Blocked out blacks?

But look at my Daughters smile? High contrast shadows with no gradient? Huh? What the heck is that?

I was done. I was quitting. I couldn’t belong to an organization that did not see the mastery of my work…Or… I could try to do better. I could listen to their feedback, and get better…

My wife said, “Do you want to be a member of an organization whose standards are lower than you expect out of yourself?”

Or, to quote Grouch Marx, “I don’t want to belong to any club that would accept me as one of its members.”

PPOC Magazine

The feedback on my accreditation focused on a few major problems, so I decided to work on those. Blown out hightlights. Blacks that were blocked.

Composition issues. Three things over and over.

10 for 10! I made it! I was Accredited!

Just in time for regional competition.

I also realized I was putting all my effort into a genre (portraiture) that I did not really know, or enjoy.

Alberta’s Regional Image Competition was coming up, but I didn’t quite understand the difference between accreditation and competition, so I figured I should be ok with my accreditation images and a few of my failed portraiture images. How hard can it be?

Back to the drawing board. I needed a category. I needed some education.

I needed to be engaged with the process. This became my calling card and I scream it from the rooftops today: A category that you love will force you to be engaged and get better. Choose it wisely.

My other passion is music. For 17 years, I played in a 10 piece R&B band. For 5 years, I organized a huge musical event for the company I worked for, and got to hang out with the likes of Colin James, The Plain White T’s, Sam Moore, etc. THAT’S IT!!! My category is Performing Arts.

I became acquainted with the dates of every festival and street performance that was happening in Calgary and made both a list and a plan. I also looked at all the performing arts images I could find. I took courses (there are few offered for this genre).

And… I swallowed my pride, and contacted the accreditation advisor, now the Mentorship Program, for help. I was assigned to Mark Laurie, a Master photographer who specializes in…

Boudoir? How the heck could he help me?

Mark helped me tremendously and worked with me along my journey. He critiqued many images and pointed me in the right direction when I veered off course. I discovered quite quickly that light is light, and a bad image is a bad image, and a great image can become a bad image, but a bad one cannot become a great one.

Composition is the same in Boudoir as it is in Performing Arts except in Performing Arts, it’s about timing and location versus posing. I also started attending PPOC-Alberta Central Branch meetings, and talking to other photographers who had been on my journey.

Oh, I did mention I was going to QUIT as soon as I got my accreditation right? Nope, not any more. Now, I was engaged. I was learning. I signed up for online Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop courses. Did I mention my job as a Marketing Manager for an Oil and Gas company? While juggling parenthood, my full-time career, and my music, photography had become my passion. I. Was. Going. To. Get. My. Frikkin. Accreditation.

PPOC Magazine

Am I sounding like a PPOC addict yet?

I should. I am addicted to learning. I am addicted to getting better. I am competitive.

0 for 4. Goose Egg, Part deux. That was tough. I was quitting PPOC again. I am so done with these guys.

Or… I could take the time, and try to understand competition and judging. Trust me. It’s a different thing entirely from accreditation.

Time to dive in…

The best way to understand competition and judging? Run it. Yes, learn how to run it. Learn it, go 4 for 4, and then quit this darn organization that didn’t seem to understand how great I was…

The first year I ran The Alberta Regional Image Competition it was mind numbing, but I feel I did a pretty good job. In my opinion, it’s the best volunteer role at PPOC for an autodidact, and I really enjoyed it. Then the PPOC asked me to learn how to run the National Image Competition. That is a jump from 120 images to 800…

What this became for me was a HUGE learning opportunity. I got to see 1000-1200 images every year – I got to see every score, hear every comment, and feel every pain of every “Not Accepted” along with the member. It hurt at times, but I progressed.

I was successful in 4 more accreditations. I went 1 for 4 in the next National Image Competition, then 3 for 5, 1 for 4 (this felt like a setback; I was going to quit PPOC again… I am very emotional!) and then…

In 2018 I received a Regional Service Citation. In 2019, a National Service Citation and my Service of Photographic Arts (SPA) designation.

It is 7 years later in 2020. My only goal 7 years ago was to become Accredited.

This year, I will receive both my Craftsman of Photographic Arts (CPA), Master of Photographic Arts (MPA) designations.

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Most notably, I had all 4 of my images accepted into The PPOC National Image Competition with scores of 3 Excellences, and 1 Merit. This was the highest score of any photographer in the entire 2020 National Competition!

In 7 years, I have been Central Alberta Branch Treasurer, Alberta Regional Secretary/Treasurer, Alberta Regional Director at Large, Regional Image Competition Chair, National Competition Chair, Pre-Accreditation Chair, Webinar Chair, and a probably a few more positions that I have forgotten. Why? Because I am competitive, and spiteful. Seriously though. It’s because I stayed in the PPOC, and learned in great detail what the organization had to offer me. When I realized how much that truly was, I decided to start giving just as much back.

Early on, a wonderful mentor told me, “Gerry, you suck at photography but you are a really good volunteer.” Last year they said, “Gerry, you suck a bit less, and you have become a great volunteer!”.

I started keeping track of sayings that have come out of my time at PPOC – I call it the Book of Ger: Chapter 1 – Don’t be a dick Chapter 2 – What would Fred do? The Fred Rogers method of VICT judging

Chapter 5B – For PPOC Observers – Avoid images of family members – when judges don’t accept your children, it’s emotionally difficult. Wait until your second year for that.

Chapter 6 – For PPOC Accredited members – choose a category that has nothing to do with anything you do, and learn about it – see Chapter 3 Chapter 7 – PPOC Competition – Judges know nothing in your first competition. It’s amazing how much they learn by your third one…

Chapter 8 – The Gerry method of quitting – Fail, talk about how you are going to quit AS SOON as you succeed just to show them how wrong they were, and then choose your next goal to fail at.

Chapter 9 – Spend 33% of your time with those that are better than you at this particular skillset. Then spend 33% of your time with those that are at the same level as you and share.

Then spend 33% of your time teaching those that are just learning and starting their journey.

Chapter 10 – more to come!

Thank you all, and thank you PPOC for bringing me to the level I thought I was at when I started!

Chapter 3 – If you are not learning, you are dying Chapter 4 – Whatever you put in, you will get back X 2 Chapter 5 – For PPOC Observers – Accreditation - choose categories that you are passionate about, not ones that you think you should be good at

Falling From Grace Merit Best in Class Finalist - Conceptual Illustration, Marlene Palamarek, CPA

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PPOC Magazine

ACCREDITATION Accredited Professional Photographers are specialists in their chosen field of Photography. The accreditation process recognizes photographers who have reached a nationally accepted standard of proficiency and knowledge in photographic arts. It is achieved by submitting samples of photography (10 photographs) in a specific category to a PPOC Board of Review. This peer-reviewed program challenges candidates to demonstrate their capability of delivering exceptional quality photography in a chosen category.

The judges are a selection of PPOC members who have reached a minimum of the Craftmans (CPA) designation level and have successfully attended judging workshops. Judges will consider the following criteria: Impact, Creativity, Style, Composition, Colour Balance, Centre of Interest, Lighting, Subject Matter, Technique, and Storytelling. All ten (10) images must be accepted to gain Accreditation in a specific category. An Accreditation is required to move from the Observer membership and into the Active/ Accredited Member.

The last 2020 Submission Deadline will be October 5, 2020 at 3:00 PM Alberta time.

Congratulations to PPOC Alberta members who successfully earned Accreditations so far in 2020!

Bromley Chamberlain - Figure Study Jason Desjardins - Animals Iris Jackson - Canine/Dog Portrait Chelsea Jones - Equine, Couples Portrait, Nature The Bear Collector Merit Best in Class Award - Newborn, Portrait Photographer of the Year Finalist, Cassandra Jones

Peter Jowett - Pictorial/Scenic, Wildlife Jacquie Matechuk - Animals, Ornithology/ Bird Photography Ric Matkowski - Digital Illustration Kristine Mendoza - Fine Art/Photo Decor Schae Philpott - Environmental Portrait Blair Takahashi - Botanical, Ornithology/ Bird Photography Cheryl Webb - Children & Infant Portrait, Environmental Family Lisa Witherly - Feline Portrait Heather Fryer - Image Manipulation Heidi Grace - Ornithology/Bird Photography Brianna Payne - Newborn

Defying Gravity Excellence Commercial Photographer of the Year Finalist, Jacquie Matechuk PPOC Magazine

Craig Sallenbach - Wildlife, Ornithology/Bird Photography Sherwin Andal - Fine Art/Photo Decor Page 15

Accreditation

STORY

By Jacquie Matechuk, CPA

My heart was thumping with relentless fury. I was fidgety and nervous, watching for anything that would give me a direction on how things were going to pan out. I wanted nothing more than to feel ‘worthy’ and now that I put it all on the line, I was completely vulnerable. And so enters the world of accreditation in PPOC. I’m not the first to say it, nor will I be the last. Earning accreditation is not easy. It’s not meant to be. But it is one of the most worthwhile and enriching experiences your photography will ever go through. It’s one of the reasons that there is so much value associated with this level of achievement. Recognition reserved for photographers who have reached a nationally accepted standard of proficiency and knowledge in photographic arts (as per the PPOC website). That’s what I wanted for my photography and what I immediately pursued after joining the PPOC just over a year ago.

So is there a way to make this accreditation process easier on yourself? Well I believed there was, so signing up for the Mentorship Program was literally one of the very first things I did as a new member. To date, I can tell you it’s been the single biggest contributing factor towards earning accreditation and here why; it’s no coincidence that the “best in the business” (and I mean ANY business) makes the task at hand look easy. Whether you’ve hired someone to re-design your home or you’re sitting back enjoying the final holes of a PGA tournament. The ones who do it best, have worked the hardest to get to where they are. They have failed more times than anyone could imagine, they have sacrificed time, emotion and pride and above all, they have recognized that as good as they get they must remain teachable.

LOL, will I ever learn? In case you’re wondering, of course my Mentor found plenty of things for me to adjust but I didn’t feel deflated or disappointed by that. I was excited to read through the list to see just how much these images could be improved.

My Mentor never points out what’s ‘wrong’, rather what could be better and THAT is the secret to making the Mentorship program work. It’s a mental adjustment that we all need to make and something I continue to try and teach myself. A little cropping here, dodging there, adjust the hue and boom… it’s new and improved. I could transition an image from ‘what a great shot’ to ‘oh my gosh I can’t believe I took that!?’. Many times the alterations I make are small, but I believe as Artists we feel so connected to our subject matter that it pollutes our clarity to see an image for its compositional value and technical merit. The fresh eyes of an experienced Mentor will assist you to finish what you’ve started if you just embrace the advice and direction.

If you’ve been thinking about submitting for your first (or that next) accreditation, go get it! Throw caution to the wind, take a leap of faith and put yourself out there, just know you don’t have to do it alone.

Our PPOC membership gives us (at no additional cost), one of the greatest tools to improve and develop our skills as Photographic Artists. We have the opportunity to work directly with someone who’s proven successful in creating exceptional imagery and has demonstrated their commitment to bettering our industry. They will streamline your journey to achieving accreditation and teach you how to grow and nurture your talents. Of course you can choose to go it alone but for myself, I wanted to succeed as quickly as possible and benefit from the decades of experience and knowledge that my membership gave me access to.

In this last submission for Animal accreditation, I felt I had compiled a strong portfolio of images to choose from. Even feeling a little cocky when I sent them to my Mentor as if… “go ahead, just try and find something wrong with these”…

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PPOC Magazine

Harmony Merit Best in Class Finalist - Group Portrait, Portrait Photographer of the Year Finalist, Railene Hooper

Dream Kitchen Excellence Best in Class Finalist - Architecture, Commercial Photographer of the Year Finalist, Merle Prosofsky, MPA

Enekem Excellence Best in Class Finalist - Industrial, Commercial Photographer of the Year Finalist, Merle Prosofsky, MPA PPOC Magazine

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Lethbridge

Travelling Dress Project & Exhibition On February 14, 2020 the Travelling Dress Project & Exhibition showed off the talents of 13 Lethbridge and area Photographers at the Mortar & Brick Arts and Events Gallery as a Gala event. All of the images on the walls made huge statements with the portrayal of the Yellow Dress. The images communicated a wide array of messages included emotional and personal visual commentaries as well as social commentaries and advocacy. The works on display brought the visions of the photographers to life as they drew the viewers into their creations. It was an honour to be a part of this project and display.

Four of the participating photographers were PPOC members.

So what is the Travelling Dress Project & Exhibition?

A specific dress is selected and each photographer is scheduled to have the dress for a 2-week time period. In each of the time slots, it is the responsibility of the photographer to plan and execute the shoot for their vision. Slots started in May and ran to October. From October to the unveiling in February, the Photographer edits and prints the final project. Works are then presented in an unveiling at a local Lethbridge Art Gallery “Mortar & Brick Arts and Events”.

This years Travelling Dress Project & Exhibition was all ready to be underway with the dress complete by a local dress maker and in the hands of a photographer. Due to COVID the decision was made to put on hold. As things normalize the project will get underway again.

Congratulations to those PPOC photographers who helped organize and participated in the event!

Craig Sallenbach - Fused Elements Photography – PPOC Fan the Flames Set Me Ablaze Merit Jackie Standing, CPA Page 18

Jackie Standing - Standout Photography – PPOC Jenn Gwynn - Imajen Photography – PPOC Melanie Cervo - Photo Expressions Photography – PPOC PPOC Magazine

Regional Board Members 2020 Executive

Chair Susie O’Connor susie@imagesstudios.com

National Director Chris Thombs ppoc@onestepbeyond.ca

Vice Chair Chelsea Jones ppoc@vitalityimages.ca

Treasurer Tanya Sedor tanya@tsedore.com

Past Chair & Task List Jenn Gwynn imajenphoto@yahoo.ca

Branch Chairs

Portfolios

Rural Liaison: Stephen Mah

Chelsea Jones: North Branch Chair – ppoc@vitalityimages.ca

Craig Sallenbach: Communications & Social Media Chair – photo@fused-elements.com

Central Branch

Ric Matkowski: Central Branch Chair - images.by.ric@gmail.com Jackie Standing: South Branch Chair & Convention Chair – jackie@standoutphotography.ca Directors at Large Allan Bailey: Director/Merit Chair – allan@baileyphotographic.ca Craig Sallenbach: Director/Social Media Chair/Comms – photo@fused-elements.com Marlene Palamarek: Director/ Membership Chair - marlene. palamarek@gmail.com Gerry David: Director/Image Competition Chair geraldpdavid@me.com

Craig Sallenbach: – photo@fused-elements.com Allan Bailey: Merit Chair – allan@baileyphotographic.ca

Chair: Ric Matkowski Past Chair: Peter Gold Vice Chair: Jacquie Matechuk Sec/Treas: Stephanie Bunch

Gerry David: Image Competition Chair - geraldpdavid@me.com

Directors at Large: Gerry David, Shelley Vandervelde

Robert Skoye: Website – robert.skoye@gmail.com

Membership Chair: Ken Parnell

Kim Berlie: Best of Alberta Display – kimberliephoto@gmail.com

Education Advisor: Mark Laurie

Jackie Standing: Convention Chair – jackie@standoutphotography.ca

Social Director: Open

Chelsea Jones: Magazine & Diversity/Inclusion – ppoc@vitalityimages.ca North Branch Board Secretary/Treasurer: Theresa Bradley Social Chair: Chris Thombs Education: Tamara Taylor Communications: Crystal Mercredi

Communication Chair: Katherine Calnan Photo Contest: Tracy Hope South Branch Vice Chair: Melanie Cervo Secretary/Treasurer, Membership: Craig Sallenbach Communications: Megan Groenboom

Membership: Mark Hughes

Cheers to the Bride and Groom Merit Best in Class Finalist - Wedding Group, Melanie Cervo, CPA

Sweetheart Kisses Merit Best in Class Finalist - Wedding Portrait, Jackie Standing, CPA PPOC Magazine

Page 19

Why Join the

PPOC?

The Professional Photographers of Canada is a diversified group of creative artists dedicated to the highest standards in professional imaging.

We welcome photographers of all genres to join our community of dedicated photographers.

Meet new friends and mentors and take advantage of the wealth of experience and knowledge.

Once you are an accredited member your personal area of specialty and images are promoted on our national website so clients and other photographers making referrals know who to contact.

PPOC offers photographers a way to rise to professional status. Educational opportunities, along with networking, direct member benefits and the ability to earn awards and designations, will assist in your potential for growth and economic improvement.

We encourage you to get connected by visiting our website where you can join on-line or find contacts within Alberta. http://www.ppoc.ca http://ab.ppoc.ca

Follow the PPOC on Social Media Facebook: @PPOCNational @PPOC.Alberta.public @PPOC-Alberta (members only) @PPOCphotographers (members only)

Instagram: @ppoc_national @ppoc_ab Twitter: @PPOC_National

PPOC Office 209 Light Street Woodstock ON, Canada N4S 6H6 Phone: (519) 537-2555 Toll Free: 1 (888) 643-PPOC (7762) Fax: (888) 831-4036 Email: info@ppoc.ca