2009 PPSC Convention--Ron Nichols

Spend a half a day with Ron Nichols and save hours of time in your workflow!!!

RON NICHOLS

After 25 years in the studio, Ron now owns and runs Ron Nichols Digital Solutions (ronnichols.com), a consulting and software development company serving the photographic industry. His company designs software and training materials related to photographic workflow and efficiency. They also produce training and workflow products for some of the nation’s top photographers. Ron also offers consulting services to studios, labs, and software development companies

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
Saturday, February 7, 20092:00-6:00 p.m
Digital Solutions for the Portrait Photographer

Sponsored by....

Ron Nichols will present tips and techniques, processes and procedures, to help you better understand how to improve your digital images and workflow. He will show you how to involve other staff members so all the weight of digital doesn’t fall on you.

Topics will include:

• Understanding computer equipment and storage

• Organizing image files and archiving

• Sales and presentation techniques using ProSelect

• Speeding up and improving portrait retouching

• Photoshop techniques with the WOW factor

The goal of this program is to:

• Eliminate Repetitive Tasks
  
  
• Create Repeatable Results
  
  
• Efficient use of Time
  
  
• Produce a Quality Product

Ron’s programs are fast-paced and fun. This whirlwind tour of digital is sure to give you the information you need to smooth out the rough edges of your digital process. This program is not just for photographers, so bring your entire studio team.

BIOGRAPHY:
Ron Nichols, M.Photog.,Cr., API

As digital photography became a viable professional tool, Ron quickly adopted the technology and began developing ways to best utilize it in the portrait and wedding studio environment. As a studio owner for over 25 years, he quickly realized the difficulties facing photographers on transitioning to digital.

He began working with manufacturers and software developers on ways to best integrate their products into studios. As a beta tester for labs and developers, he quickly learned and created solutions to optimize workflow. He now provides consulting services to studios, labs and software development companies. He teaches digital transition through in-studio seminars, at affiliate schools, conventions and lab sponsored events. He developed the Ron Nichols Production Retouching Palette that has simplified portrait retouching and is now being used in studios around the world.

The Grand Ledge, Michigan studio continues as a successful venture, while mostly managed by Ron’s wife Carol. The studio specializes in family portraits, children and high school seniors. Ron has been a "Top Seven Master" in Michigan many times, earned Gallery and Masterpiece Awards along with PPA International Loan Collection Prints.

Currently a member of the PPA board of directors, he is a PPA Affiliated National Juror and past chairman of the Education Committee. In 1998, Ron was also the recipient of one the highest honors bestowed by PPA, the National Award, given for service to advance the profession of photography.

Throughout his career, Ron has been active in local, state and national organizations. He has served with the Professional Photographers of Michigan and on the PPA Education and MAC committees. He co-founded the Great Lakes Institute of Photography (GLIP) and served seven years as its director. His philosophy of service is not limited to the photographic community but extends to that of the Grand Ledge community. He is an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and lends a hand in many of the town's festivals and events.

DON'T DELAY
REGISTER FOR THE
2009 PPSC CONVENTION TODAY

http://www.ppofsc.blogspot.com/

UPSTATE DISTRICT JANUARY MEETING

WORKING WITH TEXTURES

Tuesday, January 6, 2009 @ 6:00 p.m.

Speaker:

Tiffiney Addis of Tiffiney Photography

mailto:info@tiffineyphotography.com
http://www.tiffineyphotography.com/

Location/Host:
Ernest Rawlins Photography
Mark Massingill
726 Wade Hampton Blvd
Greenville, SC 29609
(864) 271-0002
markm@ernestrawlins.com
http://www.ernestrawlins.com/

Food:

Bring a drink and $3 for Pizza

Join us for a fun class on how to use digital textures to enhance your images! For me, textures have given a new creative avenue to explore with my client's photographs, adding depth and interest. Textures work best with my bridal, wedding, and location photography. I'll cover basic steps of applying textures using Photoshop, as well as how I'm selling these works of art. Basic knowledge of Photoshop is helpful for attendees, but all are welcome!

This should be a unique and profitable presentation.

Please make plans now to attend. Take advantage of your MEMBER BENEFIT!!

First time guests are always welcome for FREE. Repeat guests, please bring $10! Or join NOW and enjoy your FIRST year FREE.

And remember to RSVP to the list!!!

Kristy

2009 PPSC Convention--Sandy Puc'

Learn and Refresh
with SIX hours with Sandy Puc'

DATE & TIME:
Friday, Feb. 6, 2009,
1:00 pm-7:00 pm

COURSE FEE:
$69

SPONSORED BY:
Canon
White House Custom Colour

The holiday chaos is almost a memory and it's time to recharge and set our goals for 2009. Who can help us do that better than Sandy Puc.' Fresh off her multi-city, often sold out Bellies and Babies tour, Sandy will be at the PPSC Annual Convention at Myrtle Beach. This date is PRIOR to the start of her 'Tots to Teens" tour scheduled to begin in late February '09.

From Maternity to Babies to
Children to Seniors to Families,
Sandy's unique style shines through.
Check out her work & the scope of her artistry at
http://www.expressionsphotos.com/home.shtml

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

Growth
Inspiration
Visualize
Evolve

G.I.V.E

Life is too short to short yourself on life. --Terri Zadra

Are you eager to bring your business to the next level? Have you always known there must be a better and easier way to build your company? With over a decade of hard-earned experience, Sandy Puc' will pass on lessons she's learned that have improved her company and her quality of life. Listen to the voice of experience, a successful business isn't born overnight. Come and learn how to give your company time to grow, create unique and fresh marketing pieces, give your images a creative boost, give yourself the gift of time to relax and more important, give back to your community. The journey to create the company of your dreams is just as much fun as the end result. Let Sandy G.I.V.E. you the tools to transform your business and your life.

BIOGRAPHY:
Sandy Pucʼ, owner of Expressions by Sandy Pucʼ in Littleton, Colorado, has earned accolades in the portrait industry for her creative marketing skills, business acumen, storybook artistry and her breathtaking B&W portraits. Since starting the business in 1991, it has grown and evolved from when her first studio was located in her home. Expressions occupies a 5,000 square foot studio, while awaiting completion of their new photography complex in Littleton.


Sandy currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Professional Photographers of America. Sandy is a co-founding member of Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, a non-profit organization that provides portraiture services to families whose babies will never leave the hospital. (http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.com/)

Her images have been displayed in numerous magazines, public and professional buildings, billboards and showcased on television.

Sandy offers her clients variety that distinguishes her from the competition. As a professional, she loves having total artistic control over her finished product. The artistic process of contemporary digital photography continues long after the portrait is taken to include digital retouching and artistic imaging.

Sandyʼs style has always been to work with all her heart, for better or for worse. "While learning the business, I basically made every mistake in the book, in rapid succession," Puć says, "but each lesson I learned translated into a major improvement in the flow of my business. At this point in my career, photography is not just my means of living, itʼs the way I use my energy to touch the emotions of my clients—who I hope walk out of my studio as lifelong friends.

Sandyʼs high energy, infectious personality, and genuine charm have fueled the connection she forms with her clientele. "I sincerely believe Expressionsʼ success comes from the bonds I create with my clients. Iʼm focused on making images that arenʼt just faces, but reflections of personal relationships—between mothers and children, husbands and wives. And with high school seniors, we push the artistic envelope and go beyond the normal cookie-cutter poses. As a result, the seniors who come to us are expecting us to produce something fun with attitude, something that truly reflects who they are at that stage in their life."

For Puć, her business is more than a nine-to-five job, itʼs a manifestation of who she is. In addition to serving the area as a talented photographer, she also contributes to the community with numerous fundraisers and events.

Expressions Photography by Sandy Puć is known for their accomplished photographers, helpful sales consultants, skilled imaging artists, and gracious hospitality. Clients are treated with warmth and respect from the moment they enter the studio, during their portrait session, and through the selection of their portraits. Clients view their images in a private sales room with a luxurious home-theater atmosphere where they are assisted in choosing the best package for their needs.

"I have been given a tremendous opportunity and responsibility to capture the beauty and spirit of the people I photograph."

-Sandy Puc'

DECEMBER UPSTATE MEETING/ JANUARY MEETING TEASER

DECEMBER UPSTATE MEETING
Thanks Gregg for a great presentation on your sports photography and for making the trek to the upstate to give it. Thanks also to all those who took the time to attend, we had a great group and the discussions were lively!!!

JANUARY UPSTATE MEETING
Mark your calendar for Tuesday, January 6th for a talk presented by Tiffiney Addis—details to follow soon. This meeting will again be held at Ernest Rawlins Studio on Greenville, SC.

I look forward to seeing everyone again soon!!

DON”T FORGET TO PAY YOUR PPSC DUES AND REGISTER FOR THE CONVENTION.

Kristy
Williamson Photography
Belton, SC

UPSTATE DISTRICT DECEMBER MEETING & CHRISTMAS GATHERING

Tuesday, December 16th @ 6:00 pm
Rawlins Photography
212 Wade Hampton Blvd, Greenville, SC
864.271.0002

SPEAKER: Gregg Martin from Columbia, SC
http://www.greggmartinphoto.com/

Please make plans to join your fellow upstate photographers (and any others that want to join us) for an evening of information and fellowship and FOOD on Tuesday, December 16th at Rawlins Photography in Greenville, SC.

Need a break from thinking about Christmas Portraits? Gregg Martin from Columbia will be on hand for a presentation on his approach to sports photography and how this work impacts the rest of his business.

Please bring a finger food or dessert AND a drink to share. We will enjoy your food and fellowship from 6:00-6:45. Gregg will make his presentation and we will have time for Q & A and more mingling afterwards.

As always, please respond to the list if you plan to attend....someone may want to know that YOU are coming!!!

Kristy
Williamson Photography
Belton, SC

Please join us for the Coastal District November monthly meeting in Mt. Pleasant on Monday November 10th. Gregg Martin will be sharing with us his expertise about sports photography and how he incorporates that split second timing into his other types of photography. The meeting will be held at Cindy Cantore's studio in Mt. Pleasant at 7pm. Directions to the studio will be posted soon. If anyone is interested in gathering to eat before the meeting please email me privately (jennifereasler@hughes.net), and if we get enough interest, the location and eating time will be announced at a later date.

Midlands Meeting

Here is the info for the meeting on Tuesday Nov 11th.

Noel Steele of Artistic Touch Studio in Gilbert, SC will be speaking.
Noel will share her creative ideas for pumping up your portrait and wedding sales.
Some of what she'll share with us is her handmade album covers, painted images,
and Photoshop techniques to turn your ordinary images into "must have" works of art
that your customers can't resist.

Dinner will be at Patty's studio beginning at 5:30pm.  Domino's pizzas, salads, dessert
and drinks will be served.  $5 each please to partake, and I'd like an estimated headcount
of those who will arrive early for dinner.  
The pool table (in studio entrance) will be available to anyone wanting to shoot a game or two 
before the meeting starts at 7pm. 

Midlands Meeting Info

Hey Everyone,

Come out and join us this Tuesday the 14th.  

Here is the synopsis from Tammy and Kevin.

Tammy and Kevin Bevins will demo off camera lighting with strobes and video lights in a short photo shoot at the beginning of the meeting.  We'll then talk about how we use creative posing and lighting to flatter our clients and how to get candid looking photos through directed posing....

We will eat at 6:00 at Foxes Pizza (Foxes Pizza is right down the street (2nd Loop Rd.) in the Piggly Wiggly plaza.)  and the meeting will be at 7:00 at  Collin's place.

Collin's home/studio address is 1859 Partridge Circle. Florence, SC 29505

hope to see you there.

Lee

Lamarr Williamson School

Hi everyone! Just wanted to let you know what an awesome time we all had at the school in Myrtle Beach last week.

I took Cheri MacCallum's class on Painter. This was my first "school" experience and I'll definitely go again. The teacher to student ratio was great.

Another great benefit was that we actually got to paint our own images in addition to the ones we painted for instruction.

At the end of the week, we got to print one of our own on canvas (thanks to Ron and Showcase in Atlanta!) and Cheri taught us how to stretch our canvases onto a stretcher frame.

It was so much fun to bring back to the studio a finished painted image - ready to sell!

Here is one of our images I painted as a watercolor.

OCTOBER UPSTATE DISTRICT MEETING

Fun with Food with Charlie Jordon!!!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008 @ 6:00 pm


Join us in the professional kitchen of Coach’s Low Country Brands, in Seneca, SC, Tuesday, October 7th for an evening of cooking, food styling and photography!! This will be a hands-on meeting. Expect to get your hands on the food to create your own set-up. You also get to eat it! No need to bring a camera but bring your own special plate!!!

I will send a reminder late next week and will need to know who plans to attend, so check your calendars now and reserve the time!!! This should be alot fun!

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!

Coach’s Low Country Brands
Eagles Nest Drive
Seneca, SC 29678
864-287-3737 Charlie’s Cell

Directions
Take HWY 123 into Seneca
In Seneca, turn left at the 12 ft Statue onto Walnut
Turn Left onto Eagles Nest Drive and into the Eagles Nest Complex
Travel counter-clockwise until you see Coach’s Low Country Brands
Right next door to Sen. Lindsey Graham Office (135 Eagles Nest Drive, Suite B)


Kristy
Upstate District Chair

SEPTEMBER UPSTATE MEETING

Greetings!!

Due to a last minute cancellation we are having to be a bit creative for our meeting this month!

Please join your fellow photographers at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday September 2nd at Panera Bread (864.226.5300) at 103 Station Drive (Off of Clemson Blvd in the Old Navy Parking Lot) in Anderson, South Carolina.

We will have a round table discussion and some photographer camaraderie (and we know how great that can be!!). To get the talking started please think of the one thing you own/do/sell/ etc. in relationship to photography, of course, that you would absolutely NOT give up!!

Please let everyone know via the LISTSERV if you plan to attend. Someone may be motivated to come to just to see YOU!! Also, I would like to know so I can get there early and get an area suitable for the number attending.

I am looking forward to seeing you there!!

Kristy Williamson
864.296.5071
kwphoto@charter.net
Upstate District Chair, PPSC

Midlands Meeting Info

Hey Folks,

I'm reposting the Midlands Meeting info here.  

 

Who: Matt Goslee

What: Photoshop Actions, the why and how

When: Tues Aug 12  6:00 Eat (see below for directions)  7:00 Meeting Starts

Where: Earth Angel Portraits Studio (Kim Bradford)

Why:  Because you should  = )

We are eating at:   Chapin Station Restaurant: 1260 Columbia Ave, Chapin 29036      345-8884

Email Matt with any action requests that you want to see.

 

UPSTATE DISTRICT MEETING--Tuesday, August 5th

August Upstate District Meeting
August 5, 2008

Meet for Dinner at 5:30 pm.
Henry’s Smokehouse
240 Wade Hampton Blvd
Greenville, SC
864-232-7774

Meet for Program at 6:30 pm
Mark Massingill
Ernest Rawlins Studio
726 Wade Hampton Blvd
Greenville, SC
864.271-0002

TOPIC:
PPSC Merits & Degrees

SPEAKER:
Jimmy Wood

Have you seen the medals around your mentor’s neck at convention? Wondered why the Print Judges have so many of them? Thought about getting more involved in PPSC but did not know how or why? Wondered how you could become the next SC Photographer of the year?

This program is all about challenging yourself professionally, giving back to an organization that strives to maintain our profession’s credibility, and it may even help you distinguish yourself from the competition.

Jimmy Wood, the official record keeper of PPSC, will take his Midlands talk on the road to the upstate to help us all understand a little bit more about how our participation and involvement in PPSC and the Annual Print Salon can lead to credentials and recognition.

And don’t forget, even if you already know all this stuff—or maybe already ARE the SC Photographer of the year—being in the fellowship of your fellow PPSC members is always an enlightening experience.

I will be out of town next week and will not be at the meeting. If you have any questions or concerns after Friday August 1, please contact Tiffiney Addis, momentscaptured4u@yahoo.com.

Let everyone know if plan to attend and invite a non-member too!!!!

COMING NEXT MONTH: September 2, 2008
Bridal Portraits, hosted by Suellen Holmes at her downtown Laurens Studio.

Coastal District Meeting for June

Make plans now to join us for the Coastal District's June meeting...Sunday, June 22, 2008 Jeanne Richardson will be demonstrating Environmental Lighting in the Castle at Atalaya, located in Huntington Beach State Park...followed by a picnic for all to enjoy!
The class will begin at 3pm(the castle now closes at 5) and we will eat at 5pm. We would love to see everyone, from every district!!! Bring your food, bring your family, bring your camera, make this a time to create your own portraits after the picnic, the lighting on the beach will be gorgeous.
If you have any questions, call Jennifer Easler (843)412-5962.

Midlands Meeting Tuesday 6.10.08

Our Midlands meeting will be at Kickstand Studio at 1520 Main Street 1A downtown. Dinner will be at Jammin Jazz at 1530 D Main Street at 5:30. We will begin photographing our model Melia live at 6:30 then go through some basic downloading from Adobe cs3 and then edit some of the images that are photographed. Below are some images of Melia that I photographed earlier this year. These images were part of her portfolio that she took with her to New York in March. Hope to see you there!

Convention Highlights!

Convention 2008 Highlights!!!!


Thank you to CellarDoor Productions, www.cellar-door-productions.com for donating their time to put this together for PPSC.

LAST SPEAKER/ 2008 Summinar

PPSC 2008 SUMMINAR
June 1-2, 2008

Book Your Room Now!
Hilton Garden Inn
434 Columbiana Drive
Columbia, South Carolina
Tel: 803.407.6640

Register Now!
download .pdf at...
http://www.ppofsc.blogspot.com/


Kevin Jiminez

Weddings

Monday - 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Kevin’s approach to Wedding Photography and Bridal Portraiture is to combine elegance with simplicity. He is considered to be the top wedding photographer in his market and has earned this place with a blend of traditional and contemporary portrait design and with the personal way he works with his clients. Kevin will talk about how he works to achieve the images he has become known for and will discuss his workflow for Weddings and Portraits.

Kevin Jiminez is a PPA Certified Master Photographer and Craftsman who also holds the Georgia Fellowship Degree and the Georgia Service Degree. He received the Photographer of the Year Award at the PPA 2006 convention (Silver Level) and again at the 2008 convention (Bronze Level). He has received several First Place and Distinguished Awards in the Wedding Portrait category in print competition in the Georgia PPA as well as three Fuji Masterpiece Awards and one Kodak Gallery Award. In addition Kevin has received one First Place and one Distinguished Award in the SEPPA print competition. This year he will have a second Bridal image in the PPA Exhibit book and has one Loan Print. Kevin has been photographing Weddings and Portraits for about 16 years. Kevin is the incoming President of the Georgia Professional Photographers Association.

http://www.kevinjphoto.com/

Sponsored By Showcase:Everything Photographic

PPSC 2008 SUMMINAR
June 1-2, 2008

Book Your Room Now!
Hilton Garden Inn
434 Columbiana Drive
Columbia, South Carolina
Tel: 803.407.6640

Register Now!
download .pdf at... http://www.ppofsc.blogspot.com/

Lori Gragg
Where Makeup and Magic Collide

Monday - 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.



This start to finish glamour program will begin with Lori’s lighting techniques utilized to produce creamy skin and her signature "Killer Eyes". We will discuss the light modifiers and reflectors used to give the most "Bang for your Buck" in-camera capture.

Next, Lori will start with a basic makeup enhancement on the image...showing you how to get it done in 5 minutes flat, enhancing the eyes, lashes, brows and cheeks. Then we’ll kick it up and do some "magic" on the image, taking it from basic makeup to a more advance application. Also, she will talk about lips, how to correct imperfections, apply lipstick, lip liner and virtual "lip gloss". Lori also demonstrates the Portraiture plug ins, how she utilizes them, and how to keep neat, clean skin textures without the subject looking "plastic". She will also demonstrate effective blemish removal that will make your jaw drop! We will discuss how adding this service will increase your bottom line.

Beauty can be defined as perfect balance, proportion and symmetry, all working in harmony. Master Cosmetologist & Photographer Lori Gragg is one of the most exciting digital artists today. Years of experience at one of the nation’s top hair and makeup salons in the country has given Lori a unique insight into facial structure and makeup enhancements to the human face. Her salon’s client list reads like a who’s who of super stardom; Bruce Willis, Courtney Cox, Elton John and Randy Travis, to name a few.

After teaching Adobe Photoshop at a local college in Georgia, Lori has taken advanced makeup techniques and applied them digitally to her client’s portraits. Time is money. Quick retouching has become Lori’s trademark and she spends less than 5 minutes on most images, a concept not easily achieved in today’s world of digital imaging. Lori’s skills bring out symmetry and balance to greatly enhance the beauty in any subject.

Lori is an international award winning photographer from Fitzgerald, Ga.

2008 Summinar--Jennifer Easler

PPSC 2008 SUMMINAR
June 1-2, 2008

Hilton Garden Inn
434 Columbiana Drive

Columbia, South Carolina
Tel: 803.407.6640

BOOK YOUR ROOM NOW
Discount Deadline
MAY 15, 2008

REGISTER NOW: download .pdf at...
http://www.ppofsc.blogspot.com/

Jennifer Easler
Professional Development

Sunday - 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Do you want to boost your...
...reputation?
...income?
...relationships?
...career success?
Every day we interact with people, personally and professionally, taking for granted the people skills that cause each interaction to be successful or not! In our business, these skills are vitally important. Expert use of people skills and learning to understand their components enables us, as photography professionals, to realize our potential as business people--to make each encounter with clients, co-workers, or supervisors a progressive step up our career ladder. Find out how to be a better communicator in this fun, informative, thought-provoking class.

With 23 years experience in the Beauty and Fashion Industry as a Professional Stylist, Make-up Artist, Cosmetology Instructor, and Salon Owner, Jennifer Easler is a master of people skills, client relations and excellent customer service. Her fun-filled program will help you learn how to communicate with your clients to achieve maximum results in record time!
Jennifer is a member of the Board of Directors for the Professional Photographers of South Carolina currently serving as the Coastal District Chairman as well as an active member of the Professional Photographers of America.

http://www.jennifereasler.com/

And Jennifer's sidekick in the photo is.....
His real name is Gabriel, but her niece Lindsey was three when they got
him(she's six now) and she called him "Grabel" and it stuck. ...so, most of the time he's known as "the Grabel Dog" ...pronounced like Betty Grable.

Midlands Meeting Tomorrow!

Who: Shannon Mercer is speaking

What:  Digital Technology and the Analog Client

When: 6:00 Fuddruckers on Bush River Road/ 7:00 Meeting Starts

Were: The Barbers' Studio (Check the Members Section)

Why: Because we all need to keep learning

Email me with any ?s.  lee@kickstandstudio.com

Midlands Meeting Tomorrow!

UPSTATE MAY MEETING THANKS, etc.

Greetings....

The Upstate District gathered in Spartanburg on Tuesday May 6th for an on location program with Lee Bradshaw from the Midlands.

About 13 photographers from the Upstate (Townville to Spartanburg) and Columbia, met up at Terrell's Photography in downtown Spartanburg. Clay arranged for a couple of willing models (THANKS CLAY!!), and we went to the First Presbyterian Church just across the street from Clay's studio. There were lots of cool locations from which to choose.

Lee did a great job giving us some technical as well as some style insight into how he works an on location shoot. Though many of us currently use something similar to his lighting set up, his use of a simple flash unit helps him avoid the flash going into "standby" mode--a complaint from both the Canon flash unit users and those that use the Nikon flashes.

There was discussion on solving wedding day scenarios (bad lighting, mixed lighting, how he and Lucas work as a team, etc). But I can't share ALL of that....if you weren't there you just missed it.

To avoid missing anything truly helpful again, make plans to be at our next meeting, June 3, 2008 at David Lawrence's studio in Greenville. I know it's just after the 2008 Summinar, but that might just be our topic. More info to come later...

Most everyone stuck around after Lee's talk for dinner at Venus Pie just across the street from our location. There was lots of photography talk. The "most outrageous happening at a bridal shoot not involving the bride" award goes to Tiffiney. We shared some of our personal persuits (publishing a book, mission work). My daughter is jealous because I had dinner with Santa Claus and there was lots of commiserating on how to juggle family and business--and yes we did pass around the family pics.

THANKS everyone!! See you next Month! Kristy

2008 Summinar--Jeanne Richardson

PPSC 2008 SUMMINAR--June 1-2, 2008

Hilton Garden Inn

434 Columbiana Drive, Columbia, SC, Tel: 803.407.6640

MORE SPEAKER INFORMATION

Jeanne Richardson
Seniors & Styrofoam Props Made Easy

Sunday - 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Jeanne was the first photographer in the state to successfully market and build her business with non-contract Seniors. This Senior market has expanded into other areas such as families, brides and children. Jeanne’s program will show how she became the "Senior" photographer to go to with a lighting and posing demonstration and also the easy way to make your own Styrofoam props.

Jeanne Richardson, from Georgetown, SC, has been in the photographic field for twenty-five years. In the past she has served many of the offices on the state and presently severs as the Executive Director of PPSC. She has presented programs many times in South Carolina and other states as well.

http://www.jeannecreationsphotography.com/

Sponsored by

FullColor

FULL SPEAKER SCHEDULE

Sunday, June 1, 2008
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Louis Tonsmeire
1:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Jeanne Richardson
7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Jennifer Easler

Monday, June 2, 2008
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Lori Gragg
1:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Kevin Jeminez

2008 Summinar--Louis Tonsmeire

PPSC 2008 SUMMINAR--June 1-2, 2008
Hilton Garden Inn
434 Columbiana Drive,Columbia, SC, USA 29212

SPEAKER INFORMATION

Louis Tonsmeire
Basic Posing & Lighting

Sunday - June 1, 2008
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Laced with wit that overlays an important business message, Tonsmeire’s Basics of Lighting and Posing program reveals the importance of good fundamentals to achieve quality photographs consistently.

Louis Tonsmeire from Cartersville, GA is a portrait/wedding photographer who has created a loyal following for his down-home humor and entertaining teaching style.
Active in professional associations on the local, state, and national levels, Louis presently serves on the Board of directors Professional Photographers of America (PPA). Louis was one of the first instructors in the country to receive approved Photographic Instructor for PPA.

Sponsored By Capital Color Imaging

MAY UPSTATE DISTRICT MEETING

On Location Fashion Session with the Midland’s Lee Bradshaw

WHEN: 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, 2008 (First Tuesday of the Month)
WHERE: Around First Presbyterian Church in Downtown Spartanburg
HOST: Clay Terrell
Terrell Photography
401 East Kennedy Street
Spartanburg, SC 29302
864.582.1213

Please join us for a fashion shoot with the Midland’s Lee Bradshaw. Lee has a distinctive, relaxed style that is great for on location sessions. Check out his work at http://www.kickstandstudio.com/.

Plan to meet at Clay’s studio around 5:45. He has arranged for a female model, and at around 6:15 we will walk to downtown locations for the session with Lee.

Following the shoot, for those who have time, we will walk to a nearby Pizza place for food and discussion. Time and resources permitting we may have the opportunity to view the results from the shoot.

I know Lee will be very interesting to watch. Expect to see things from a different angle!!

Please email me directly if you plan to attend. kwphoto@charter.net

I look forward to seeing everyone there!!!

Kristy

Williamson Photography
Belton, SC
864.296.5071

APRIL UPSTATE DISTRICT--RECAP & THANKS

Thanks Everyone!!

We had a great turn out. Almost 20 folks turned out to hear Alex Hyman talk about pricing. He passed out a great handout on Cost of Sales!! Do the math folks...it's how your business will make money.

The "discussion in the round" that followed had folks weighing in on everything from advertising (what's working and what has been a waste of time) to the importance of customer service.

Thanks Alex for sticking with the plan--even though your sinuses had you wanting to cancel!!
Thanks also to Mark Massingill of Ernest Rawlins studio--one of the most easy going, willing to help out guys I know.

Thanks Tiffiney for leading 2 new folks to the meeting... we hope to see them back and of course we hope they join PPSC.

NEXT MONTH...
Tuesday, May 6th at Clay Terrell Photography in Spartanburg. Plan to meet a little earlier this time--between 5:30-5:45 at Clay's studio, then Lee Bradshaw all the way from Kickstand Studio (www.kickstandstudio.com) in Columbia, SC will "take it outside" for a session on Senior Posing.

I look forward to seeing everyone there.

Kristy
Williamson Photography
Belton, SC

UPSTATE DISTRICT MEETING, APRIL 1, 2008

PRICING PRESENTATION & MODERATED ROUNDTABLE

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2008 (First Tuesday of the Month)
WHERE: Ernest Rawlins Studio, Greenville, SC

It’s not just what you are putting in your checkbook or what another photographer charges or doesn’t charge that matters. Is your business making money!!

Please join your fellow photographers for a presentation on pricing and a moderated roundtable. Alex Hyman (PPA Certified in the business aspects of Photography) will give a brief pricing overview and then, short of asking your neighbor what he charges for an 8 x 10, we will have a discussion on how to reach your own pricing structure that works for your studio.

THIS IS VITAL STUFF!!

CONTACT:
Kristy Williamson
864.296.5071
kwphoto@charter.net

Coastal District Meeting

The March Coastal District Meeting has been scheduled for Monday March 17th, (aye, that'll be ole' St. Paddy's Day!) 7pm at Paul Alford's studio. The topic is "Work Smarter, Not Harder" and we plan to have a discussion to share ideas on how to better run your studio. So, think up some questions you'd have and bring 'em with you! The more the merrier! If you have any questions call or contact Jennifer Easler
(843)412-5962 or jennifereasler@hughes.net.

Midlands Meeting March 11th, 2008

Catch the Action with Gregg Martin:
Come see how Gregg shoots sports action, gets his clients, and how
he incorporates action photography into portrait and wedding
photography. Gregg will go over photographic techniques and
practices that has attracted national clientele like ESPN the
Magazine, USA Today, and Under Armour. He will also explain how
shooting action can and WILL make you a better photographer in all
aspects of your studio.
We will be meeting at McCallister Deli on Sparkleberry Lane (across from Spring Valley High School) at 6pm for dinner then drive to Michael Koska's Studio in the Summit for the meeting at 7pm. Call Gregg with any questions 803-530-8000, and see www.michaelkoska.com for directions to the studio.

Midlands Meeting February 26th

Well I hope that everyone is now well rested after the convention and ready for a great year. We have a post convention meeting scheduled for the Midlands area February 26th, more details will be available soon. We will be discussing the things that we learned from convention and how we are going to implement these ideas into our businesses. I am looking forward to seeing all of you there.

From Your Convention Chairman

As I sit here and reflex on the events of the weekend I feel so much joy in how everything turned out. Jeff & I spent weeks and weeks planning this convention and we could not be more ecstatic over how it turned out. Thank you to all of people that made this possible, the committees, the speakers, the sponsors, the vendors, the hotel and definitely the membership. Without the membership actually showing up to the convention it would all be in vain. I feel honored and blessed to be apart of this association and thankful to the people that put me in a position to be your Convention Chairman. I am looking forward to the rest of 2008 as the President of PPSC, but more importantly I am looking forward to a wonderful year with all of you.

30 minutes and counting

30 minutes and counting!!!!

Pre Convention starts in 30 minutes with our very own Bill Adams. He is absolutely amazing at lighting. If you have any questions he is the one to ask. We are even taking registrations at the door. "PhotoChops" with Jeff Cowherd starts at 3:15. He has some great tips that you do not want to miss!! Pete & Liliana Wright round out the day at 6:30 with their "Boosting your bottom line with Album Sales".

Don't forget Print Competition cut off is at 6:30 so get your prints in.

Bill Adam's Class- Arcadian 1
Jeff Cowherd's Class-Arcadian 2
Pete & Liliana's Class-Arcadian 1

Looking forward to seeing you at the Hilton for the 2008 PPSC From Darkness into Light Convention!!!!

Vicki Taufer- V Gallery Live . Love . Laugh Program

Vicki Taufer- V Gallery Live . Love . Laugh Program

Are you wanting to be more passionate about photography? Allow Vicki to
inspire you with the fast paced story of growth and success V Gallery has had over the
past six years. Vicki’s business grew from a small basement studio to a 4,000 sq foot
gallery with 8 employees in just 3 years. Vicki attributes a large portion of her success to
the high profile image she has created for her portrait gallery.
Vicki will help you discover and appeal to your niche market as well as create
unique product lines for your studio. She will not only cover great marketing and sales
ideas, but will help you in creating a brand for your business. You will also learn great
customer service techniques that will exceed your clients’ expectations.
This program is about making a living doing what you love while being able to
laugh during the ups and downs along the way. Get ready for this fast paced story of
growth, marketing and sales, product development and studio design. Be prepared. Be
yourself. Be inspired.
Check out their website at www.vgallery.net

"Boosting your Bottom Line with Album Sales" with the Wrights Pre Convention Class Friday February 8th from 6:30pm-8:30pm

"The Wrights" Pre Convention Class Friday February 8th from 6:30pm-8:30pm

Boosting Your Bottom Line with Album Sales

In a highly competitive portrait and wedding industry, photographers not only struggle to create an identity, but also struggle to set themselves apart from their competition. In Pete and Liliana Wright's program, "Boost Your Bottom Line with Album Sales", they will discuss how they incorporate various types of album programs in their business to boost their weddings and portrait sales. During this program, they will also show you step bystep what goes into their album design process from choosing the images to finding creative inspiration, the workflow, and presentation of the finished product.

"PhotoChops" with Jeff Cowherd Pre Convention Class Friday February 8th, 3:15pm-5:15pm

"PhotoChops" with Jeff Cowherd

Pre Convention Class Friday February 8th, 3:15pm-5:15pm

Not unlike the technical skills or chops as they are referred to of a musician, sometimes you just need to hone your Photochops as well from time to time. Knowing what's in Photoshop and what tools and methods are available is essential in helping make the right decisions on what needs to be done with an image before you ever start working on it. We'll take an image from the camera all the way to output finding out faster ways to get from point A to point B with lots of tips and tricks to get us there. I'll be using Photoshop CS3, and along the way we'll try out some of the new features and tools it has to offer. I'll have tips for the new Photoshop user as well as the seasoned pro, the photographer as well as the blogger, the ying as well as the yang. And possibly even a tip for a Woo or two. You don't need to use Photoshop CS3 to attend but you just might want to pick it up after you leave! Photoshop combined with Bridge and the new Camera Raw is a very powerful tool. Hope to see you at the beach!

Jeff

"Master Lighting" with Bill Adams Pre Convention Class Friday February 8th 1:00pm-3:00pm

"Master Lighting" with Bill Adams Pre Convention Class Friday February 8th 1:00pm-3:00pm

Bill Adams, M. Photog., FP

Greenwood, SC

“Having the eye of an artist is a gift from God, developing that talent is a life’s work.”

Since graduating from Brooks Institute of photography, Bill has been at that task now over 35 years. His success has earned just about every award available from PPSC including Photographer of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Awards. These include the Fuji Masterpiece and Kodak Gallery awards. At National he has had numerous prints accepted for the Loan Collection along with displays at EPCOT. Most recently, he was awarded first place from Miller’s Imaging in their Baby & Child contest.

What is your personal style as an artist and what foundation are you building on? Basic posing and lighting are paramount in your personal success as a professional portrait artist. Whether you are brand new to photography or a long time veteran this class is designed for you. We will demonstrate time tested techniques that will help you move to the next level.

"The Wiebners" program

"The Wiebners" program


Finding Success in the Middle of Nowhere: From Average to
Extraordinary-How it all comes together.

Rita and Joel Wiebner are going to take you to the country. Amish
Country. Based in Lancaster, PA, the heart of Amish Country, they
have grown their business by leaps and bounds in just a few years.
How do you find success in the middle of nowhere?

They will share their ideas and methods to take average everyday
locations – churches, golf courses, hotels, church basements, even
bathrooms – and make them look extraordinary. Using affective
lighting, creative angles, and yes, interaction with clients – to
inspire and create.

A sample of other subjects that will be covered:

-How to shoot for yourself and make your clients love it and want it.
- Using your personality to connect with your clients and sell yourself.
-The Husband/Wife team advantage –how you can apply this concept if
you are a one photographer business (everyone has a second shooter!)
-Using light in new and different ways – What’s the Macgyver Box of
Light?
-Recognizing and taking advantage of style growth through the years
-How to use effective post-processing to take your images to the next
level

And our mantra – Xplore, Xperiment and Xecute!

Wicker By Design

Wicker by Design

Did you hear, did you hear, if you were planning on buying some new props from Wicker by Design at our PPSC Annual Convention February 9-12, 2008 at the Myrtle Beach Hilton you need to pre order now. You will save 10% plus free shipping. Your orders will be available for pick up at the convention. Go to there website at www.wickerbydesign.com. If you are a new member and do not know about Wicker by Design you need to check them out. They have some really nice wicker props. There wicker is reinforced and you cannot purchase that just anywhere. Hurry or you will miss an incredible deal!!!!

Who have you told today about PPSC?

Who have you told today about PPSC??

The growth of our association depends on the leadership of its members. As a member you can play an important role in the success of PPSC. We are always told to hand out at least 10 business cards a day to market ourselves, but do we think about how PPSC will benefit other photographers? It is my belief that the more that I share with others the more that I will learn in return. You have heard that you reap what you sow and it is so true. Recently I was at the Ed Pierce Seminar that was here in Columbia and I could not even count the amount of Photographers there that I had never seen or heard of before. South Carolina is full of Photographers that need what PPSC and its members has to offer them. We just have to show them why being a part of the association is so important. People ask me all the time why should I be a member and my response is always the knowledge of the membership. The convention to me is a perk. The real benefit to me is to be able to pick up the phone at any given time and have an entire membership of names to call to get the answer to a question that I do not know. I also know that if I needed someone to cover a wedding for me in case of and accident that someone would step in to help me. Can you believe that you get all of this for only $15 a month. Who can say no at $15 a month. Most people spend more that that on breakfast and lunch. So again I ask you who have you told about PPSC today?

10 things to do today!!!

10 things to do today!!!!

1. Register to be a member of PPSC.

2. Register to attend the Annual PPSC Convention February 9-12, 2008 in Myrtle Beach.

3. Send your prints to the lab to be printed for Print Competition (I know there are procrastinators out there).

4. Volunteer your time and talent to help with Convention this year.

5. Volunteer your time and talent to help your Print Salon Chairman (Angela Blanton)with print salon this year.

6. Volunteer your time and talent to help your Trade Show Chairman (Clark Berry) with Trade Show set up and break down this year.

7. Volunteer your time and talent to host and or speak at one of our monthly district meetings.

8. Support the vendors that support our association, shop with the vendors that attend our annual trade show and advertise on our new blog.

9. Write an article for our PPSC Newsletter and our new PPSC Blog.

10. Tell all your friends about PPSC and lets help each other to be better Professional Photographers by sharing our knowledge and time with each other.

"Simply Flapperlous" & Black, White, and Gray Awards Banquet

Greetings fellow beach goers...

Remember all of the great memories...Hawaiian luaus, Toga parties, top DJ's, top Bands, hippies and go-goers, did someone mention Elvis?

It is I, your former banquet goddess, back from hiatus. Have some wonderful news to share with all of you who are already getting your suitcases packed for the wonderful 5 day Soirée!!!

For those of you who lived it - for those who did not - Google it! The Swing, Jazz, the Roaring 20's, The Great Gatsby...join us for the President's Reception honoring our PPSC President, Mickey Garrison. It is going to be "Simply Flapperlous"!!!!! Wear your favorite Roaring 20's outfits and waltz away with a "flapperlous" prize. Dinner will be on your own that evening, but plans are in the makes for a flapperlous Ice-cream bar. And all of this excitement is followed by the World Famous Jimmy Woo and the Lamarr School Auction! If you have never attended our auction, you are in for a treat! You never know what of who will be up for grabs!

Join us Monday night for the Black, White, and Gray Awards Banquet celebrating all of our print competition winners and honoring all of the special people who have graciously given their time serving PPSC. The attire will be your choice of black, white, or gray - any combination. One special request...all attendees are asked to bring one small (5x7 or smaller) black and white framed image of yourself - any age, make it a fun topic of conversation. These images will become our table decorations for the evening. You may turn your framed image into the registration desk and I will pick them up. Just remember to take them with you at the end of the banquet.

Dance the night away!!!! Immediately following the Awards Banquet, join us for a live band and a cash bar. Please show your love and thanks to Full Color Lab, our sponsor for the evening!

I have to turn in a head count by this Friday to the hotel for all food functions. So, if you are still posing beside the procrastination table, send your convention confirmations now! Your memories want to be a part of our upcoming festivities!

See you at the beach,
Lisa Wrightenberry, Banquet Chairman

There's a First Time for Everything!! by Patty Hallman about Print Competition

A Message from Patty Hallman about Print Competition

There’s a First Time for Everything!

As many already know, I won the “First Timer Award” (and a few others! :-) in print competition at the 2007 Convention in October. For anyone new to PPSC, the “First Timer Award” goes to the photographer who, as a first time entrant, has the highest average score from their top scoring 6 out of 8 entries.

If you have an interest in entering prints into competition, here are a few suggestions:

1. Attend print judging at this year’s convention. It will start at 9am on Saturday, February 9^th during PPSC convention in Myrtle Beach. Listen to the judge’s comments so you can learn what they look for in a good image.
2. Visit the web sites of PPSC and other state PPA affiliates to see some of their state’s winning images. This is a great way to spark ideas!
3. Ask other photographers to look over your images to give feedback or help you come up with great titles. A great title can sometimes make a good image score great in print competition!
4. Judges want to see images or entries that “wow” them, not the same old, same old. Be as creative as you can, or dare to, and the payoff can be tremendous!
5. Don’t forget to read and follow the rules carefully. Also, you’ll need a print case. I got mine from B&H Photovideo on-line. They cost around $100 on average.

There’s a first time for everything, so if you want to get your feet wet in competition, get busy now. I promise, you’ll be glad and proud that you did it when you see your prints hanging or album displayed, and if you’re lucky enough to hear your name called during the awards banquet. I think I may have caught the competition bug, as I’m working on my 2008 entries at this very moment!

---Patty Hallman

08 Convention Schedule now POSTED

08 Convention Schedule now POSTED

The 2008 February 9-12 convention schedule is now posted on our BLOG, www.ppofsc.blogspot.com. Don't forget about the pre convention classes (3 classes available), print competition and the Abe Thomy Marketing Award. I am looking forward to seeing ALL of you at the BEACH!!!!

Vicki Taufer V Gallery

Convention Speaker Vicki Taufer V Gallery
Program: Live . Love . Laugh

Are you wanting to be more passionate about photography? Allow Vicki to inspire you with the fast paced story of growth and success V Gallery has had over the past six years. Vicki’s business grew from a small basement studio to a 4,000 sq foot gallery with 8 employees in just 3 years. Vicki attributes a large portion of her success to the high profile image she has created for her portrait gallery.


Vicki will help you discover and appeal to your niche market as well as create unique product lines for your studio. She will not only cover great marketing and sales ideas, but will help you in creating a brand for your business. You will also learn great customer service techniques that will exceed your clients’ expectations. This program is about making a living doing what you love while being able to laugh during the ups and downs along the way. Get ready for this fast paced story of growth, marketing and sales, product development and studio design. Be prepared. Be yourself. Be inspired.
Check out the website at www.vgallery.net

Joel & Rita Wiebner

Convention Speakers
Joel & Rita Wiebner

The Wiebners are a husband and wife photography team based in Lancaster, PA. With over 5 years of experience photographing weddings, they pride themselves on creativity, their casual playful nature, and their closeness with their clients. In 2007 they opened their first Wedding and Portrait gallery space in the Art District in Downtown Lancaster.

Pete & Liliana Wright

Convention Speakers
Pete & Liliana Wright

Over the last several years, Pete and Liliana Wright of PW Photography have created a buzz through unique images that capture the personalities of their clients. The studio’s success has hinged not only on taking photographs that intimidate many photographers due to the time and planning required, but constantly staying in the forefront of their business through fresh marketing techniques.

Jeff & Julia Woods

Jeff & Julia Woods

Jeff and Julia find their career in photography highly rewarding; it allows them to do what they love both professionally and personally. They balance the demands of busy careers with the joy of raising 4 small children in their hometown of Washington, IL. Their studio is located “On the Square” in Washington and is supported by a fabulous staff fully devoted to their wedding and portrait clients.




They are official spokesmen for Canon USA, Explorer's of Light.

Pre Convention Class "PhotoChops" with Jeff Cowherd

Pre Convention Class with Jeff Cowherd

PhotoChops

Not unlike the technical skills or chops as they are referred to of a musician, sometimes you just need to hone your Photochops as well from time to time. Knowing what's in Photoshop and what tools and methods are available is essential in helping make the right decisions on what needs to be done with an image before you ever start working on it. We'll take an image from the camera all the way to output finding out faster ways to get from point A to point B with lots of tips and tricks to get us there. I'll be using Photoshop CS3, and along the way we'll try out some of the new features and tools it has to offer. I'll have tips for the new Photoshop user as well as the seasoned pro, the photographer as well as the blogger, the ying as well as the yang. And possibly even a tip for a Woo or two. You don't need to use Photoshop CS3 to attend but you just might want to pick it up after you leave! Photoshop combined with Bridge and the new Camera Raw is a very powerful tool. Hope to see you at the beach!
Jeff

Pre Convention Class "Boosting Your Bottom Line with Album Sales"

Pre Convention Class "Boosting Your Bottom Line with Album Sales"

Friday February 8th, 2008 6:30pm-8:30pm
Class Description
In a highly competitive portrait and wedding industry, photographers not only struggle to create and identity, but also struggle to set themselves apart from their competition. In Pete and Liliana Wright's program, "Boost Your Bottom Line with Album Sales", they will discuss how they incorporate various types of album programs in their business to boost their wedding and portrait sales. During this program, they will also show you step by step what goes into their album design process from choosing the images to finding creative inspiration, the work flow and presentation of the finished product.

Pre Convention Class Bill Adams

Sign up today for one of our Pre Convention Classes!!! This is just a little about our very own Bill Adams

Bill Adams, M. Photog., FP
Greenwood, SC


“Having the eye of an artist is a gift from God, developing that talent is a life’s work.”
Since graduating from Brooks Institute of photography, Bill has been at that task now over 35 years. His success has earned just about every award available from PPSC including Photographer of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Awards. These include the Fuji Masterpiece and Kodak Gallery awards. At National he has had numerous prints accepted for the Loan Collection along with displays at EPCOT. Most recently, he was awarded first place from Miller’s Imaging in their Baby & Child contest.

What is your personal style as an artist and what foundation are you building on? Basic posing and lighting are paramount in your personal success as a professional portrait artist. Whether you are brand new to photography or a long time veteran this class is designed for you. We will demonstrate time tested techniques that will help you move to the next level.

Extended Hotel Prices

"Extended Hotel Room Block Rates at the HILTON"

This week only, you can still book your room at the Hilton for our "From Darkness into Light" Convention for only $86 plus tax. Just make sure you tell them that you are with PPSC. For those of you that do not know, that is an amazing price for the Hilton.

Check in time is 4:00 pm and check out time is 12:00 pm. The Hilton has been recently remodeled so I am excited to see the changes. The dates and hotel phone number are below.


Annual Convention, Feb.9-12, 2008
Hilton Myrtle Beach
10000 Beach Club Drive
Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
843-449-5000
Convention Hotel Reservations-1-800-HILTONS

Abe Thomy Marketing Award 2008

For those of you who did not attend the 2007 convention, you may not know what this award is all about. The Abe Thomy Marketing Award is presented to the member that is voted best website of 2008. Abe Thomy has been one of our members for a long time. He is consistently explaining to us why marketing is such an important tool for our Profession.

Pre Convention Class Posing and Lighting

Back by popular demand, our very own Bill Adams teaching us Posing and Lighting. Did you know that Bill Adams attend Brooks Institute of Photography in California. Bill is an amazing artist of light. If you have not seen him posing and lighting his subject you do not want to miss this.