Wednesday, December 30, 2009

It's Convention Time!

I hope everyone had a great Christmas break! Now is a great time to go ahead and send in your registration for the 2010 PPSC Annual Convention and make your hotel reservations at the Embassy Suites.

We have a great lineup of speakers that are sure to educate and inspire you.

Saturday February 6th: Darton Drake - "Depth of the Spirit"

Sunday February 7th: Beth Forester - “Selling” the Senior Client

Monday February 8th: Cliff Mautner - "The Photographic Anatomy of The Wedding Day"

Tuesday February 9th: Joe Buissink - "Staying Fresh: Being Successful as a Photographer"

PLUS: Print Competition, Trade Show, Super Bowl Party, Awards Banquet, Lamarr School Auction and unlimited networking and fellowship with SC photographers!

The link to the registration form is here.

Call 1-800-EMBASSY for hotel. Mention PPSC for the $99 group rate.

We hope to see you all in Columbia in February!

Monday, December 7, 2009

Christmas Party









Hey You! Come join us for the PPofSC Christmas Party! If you are a member or someone who is just interested in PPofSC come out and have fun. Here are the details:

Put this on your schedule and reserve your evening for fellowship with the states greatest group of professional photographers!

If you google directions, they will send you the long way. We're just eight miles west of Lexington between US1 & US378. Exit 51 off I-20 toward Gilbert. Left on US1 next to Lexington High School. Going West, turn right on Spool Wheel Rd. One mile turn right on Walter Rawl Rd. One mile on the right to 395. Please park across the street at 394 (Muscadonia Vineyards). Call if you need more details~ Toll Free:866-664-3396 / Office:803-957-7102 / Cell:803-429-4003


MercerStudios will provide food & drink (including adult beverages).

I'll crank up the Disco scene around 9:00 so pull out the dance shoes (no pressure).

Great opportunity to network with intellect~









Start Time:






Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at 6:00pm
End Time:
Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at 12:00am
Location:
Pro Photo / Mercer~Studios
Street:
394/5 Walter Rawl Rd.
City/Town:
Lexington, SC

Monday, November 9, 2009

Coastal Meeting Nov 10th


Don't miss it! Rachel and Ted Linczak of Linczak Photography in Cleveland Ohio will be conducting a workshop on Nov 10th at 4:00pm at CVI Photography in downtown Summerville. Ted and Rachel are a young hip couple with lots of great ideas. They are 2 of the hottest photographers in Cleveland. Find out how they get their unique images and how they stay booked even in these tough economic times. check out their promo video at: http://2ndmileproductions.com/content/linczak-photography-promo
for more of their work:
http://www.linczakphoto.com

This workshop is sponsored by the Professional Photographers of SC. We are a non-profit group aimed at raising the bar in photography and offering the finest in education from the top pros in the country. Our next convention will be Feb 5th thru 8th 2011 at the Embassy Suites hotel in Columbia and will feature:
Joe Buissink, noted celebrity wedding photographer http://www.joebuissink.com/
Cliff Mautner, award winning wedding photographer, voted one of the top ten wedding photographers by American Photo Magazine http://www.cmphotography.com/
Beth Forester, creator of photo-duds and noted portrait and senior photographer. http://www.foresterphoto.com/
Darton Drake,portrait and senior photographer http://www.dartondrake.com/studio/
Our convention will kick off with Sandy Puc' s family tour. Sandy is known for her work with maternity, newborns, and children and families..

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Midlands Meeting Info

Hey Everyone,

This months meeting will be on Tuesday November 17th. You can see the info below:

"Take your images from ordinary to extraordinary with help from Noel Steele, an accomplished Photoshop artist and photographer." Noel will cover Photoshop basic image adjustments including using levels correctly, protecting highlights, and just lots of tips and tricks to take images from ordinary to extraordinary. Members are asked to bring at least one image on a CD/DVD, CF card or flash drive for Noel to work on while we watch and learn.

Where: Patty Hallman's Studio 1305 Hwy 601 South. Lugoff, SC 29078 803.318.4868
When: Pizza will be served at 6:30, meeting will start at 7:00

Monday, October 12, 2009

October Midlands Meeting

Hey Everyone,

This month's meeting is going to be held at Bill Barley's studio. Come watch Bill as he talks about Small Product Photography. He will present techniques on photographing using strobes and possibly a short demo with hot lights. He'll also touch on the business side of commercial shooting. Color balance and RAW capture issues will also be covered. If you want to know more about this, Bill is the guy to listen to!

Where: 71 Crystal Springs Drive Lexington, SC
When: Tuesday October 13 the meeting is at 7:00, dinner at 5:30 at Corner Cafe'
(on the corner of Crystal Springs Drive and Hwy 302)

Bill's number is 803.755.1554


Wednesday, October 7, 2009

2010 Convention - Speaker #4

And now, the moment you've all been waiting for. The last (and certainly not least) convention speaker is......

Mr. Cliff Mautner!



I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that some of you have never heard of Cliff Mautner. I had never heard of him until I saw him speak a few years ago at a convention in Las Vegas. The imagery and passion Cliff has for wedding photography just blew me away. Cliff made me want to be a better wedding photographer. He really knows weddings and loves to share his vision and techniques for getting some amazing imagery on a wedding day. Cliff Mautner was one of the first names I thought of when I began planning this convention and I'm looking forward to having him here.

Here is a description of his seminar titled, The Photographic Anatomy of a Wedding Day:

Cliff Mautner, one of the top ten wedding photographers in the world, and the 2009 WPPI grand award winner for photojournalism will dissect the various elements of the wedding day in his patented no holds barred style. This is a PHOTOGRAPHY seminar, first and foremost.

From his utilization of window light for the beginning stages of the wedding day, to his off camera flash techniques during a reception, Cliff will share his approach and philosophy as he shares his mindset and his imagery for each facet of the wedding day. Of course, his seminar wouldn't be complete without sharing his unique insight for capturing the best possible photographs in the most difficult lighting conditions imaginable. He'll also demonstrate the importance of the right lens choice for the right situation to maximize impact.

Cliff will share his insight and his vision on how to capture images that stand out from the competition in this oversaturated marketplace. He will take you through the specifics of his thought process while studying different lighting and compositional scenarios at all times of the day.

The seminar is designed to help students develop and enhance their own vision and photographic style. From understanding our gear, to understanding our clients, the goal is to empower photographers with the skills to accomplish all of the above.

Attendees can expect to gain from this seminar:

* learn how to turn bad light into good light
* acquire new flash techniques that can be implemented immediately
* discover how to utilize light to create texture, dimension, and mood
* gain a better understanding of light quality vs light quantity
* the ability to "see" three dimensionally to improve composition

Cliff is sponsored by ProDPI lab. You can see more of Cliff's work here: http://www.cmphotography.com

Monday, October 5, 2009

2010 Convention - Speaker #3

I am pleased to introduce you to the third featured speaker at the 2010 Convention in Columbia next February.

Mr. Darton Drake!






I invited Darton to speak for several reasons. First and foremost I learned the majority of my portrait lighting techniques from Darton several years ago at a SC convention. The image that won Best of Show this year was captured using what I call "Darton Lighting" or at least my interpretation of what I learned from him. I use it all the time and firmly believe that most of my inspiration to get better as a portrait artist came during his seminar.

His seminar is "Depth of the Spirit"

Capturing the spirit of another human being is a privilege. Our jobs as portrait photographers are not only to create a physical likeness of the subject; but to try and record the beauty of their spirit in an artistic and pleasing way that will touch their hearts and move their spirits. This program will deal with portrait photography as an art form and expression of the human spirit. To me, the definition of art is simple: it's an outward expression of an inner emotion. The complete scope of artistic qualities to produce a beautiful salon portrait will surpass the expectations of your customers and produce a handsome income for your studio will be presented. The span of this program will be from creating a powerful moving senior portrait to an elegant renaissance portrait of a child with just a bit of fantasy added. Some elements to be covered are: composition, cropping, exposure, balance, angle, color harmony, proper background choice, lens choice, and props or sometimes more importantly, "the lack of props."

The seminar will cover an artistic approach to imaging of portraits. It will cover composition, lighting, emotion, passion, and different flavors of people's personality. It will deal with minimizing the technical and enhancing the spiritual. This is not a step-by-step process of how to take pictures. It is about creating portraits of power!


Darton Drake's website is http://www.dartondrake.com if you would like to learn more about him and see some images. Darton is sponsored by White House Custom Color and Larson Enterprises.

Please make plans to join us at the 2010 PPSC Convention next February and be prepared to be inspired!

Clark

Tuesday, September 29, 2009


Uncovering the Mysteries of Print Competition!

When:
Monday, Oct. 12, 2009
10:00 am-3:00 p.m.

Noon Lunch Break!!!

Where:
Mitchell’s Photography
1325 Miller Road Suite I
Greenville, SC 29601
Phone: 864-467-1777

Upstate photographers…it’s our turn for some friendly competition and an opportunity to learn from some of the BEST!

Do your images have what it takes to succeed in Print Competition? Are you willing to find out? Entering prints in competition and listening to judging is arguably one of the best ways to improve your photography.

Lonnie Hoke, Mark Howard, Gregg Martin & Mitchell Richardson will be our facilitator/judges.

Gregg will begin with a presentation on the 12 elements of a merit print. This will be an in-depth overview of what judges are looking for in print competition.

Lonnie, Mitchell and Mark will go “Behind the Curtain” answering the following “everyone wants to know” questions.
• Have you ever wondered why your print didn’t look the same under the competition lights as it did in your studio? How can you know what it will look like?
• Why did my print score higher than theirs and they received a first place?
• I think all the judges are crazy and I’m not going to enter again. (Is this a good statement or bad?)
• How are scores tabulated?
• How can I win photographer of the year?
• What happened to my print? There were no marks on it when I sent it in.
• What is the First Timer Award? How can I get it?

You will also learn more "how to's" on entering print competitions and the differences in State (PPSC), Regional (SEPPA), and International (PPA) competitions. Information will also be given out on what it takes to earn awards and degrees at each level.

We will have a **MOCK** Print Competition. This competition will be conducted just like a real print salon. The images will be displayed one at a time and will be scored by the judges. This competition will be as anonymous as you want it to be, but after an image is scored it will also be critiqued and you will have an opportunity to ask the judges questions about their comments (unlike a real Print Competition), and this will probably blow your cover! Print critique is the best time to learn. Please stick around and listen to all critiques. There just might be something in it for you.


Non members are welcome to submit images for the competition. If you are visiting your first meeting it is free. Regular visitors (i.e. soon to be members) you need to pay a $10 fee--a small price to pay for this level of education and experience!

If you are interested in participating in this Competition, please make note of the following:
• submit at least 2-4 digital, print competition ready, images via a jump drive or CD. • sized 4x5 at 300 dpi. (Do not worry about printing or changing the density for f16 lighting)
• name the file as the name of the image. EX. Pawpaws_passion.jpg
• email me directly if you are going to submit images for the print competition! kwphoto@charter.net

Please let us know as soon as possible (via simplelist) if you plan to attend. The more members participating the greater the learning experience for all.

Meet our Facilitator/Judges
Lonnie Hoke & His wife Yvonne have owned and operated their successful full time studio for 13 years specializing in family, children, high school senior and wedding imagery. Since entering South Carolina print competition in 1997, Lonnie has earned numerous first place awards, 8 Kodak Gallery Awards, 7 Fuji Masterpiece Awards, 3 Best of Show Awards, and is a two time South Carolina Photographer of the Year. Lonnie is also a past president of the Professional Photographers of South Carolina and holds the degrees of Master Photographer - Photographic Craftsmen with the Professional Photographers of America.

Mark Howard has been an active photographer for 14 years and specializes in weddings, families and children. He has received numerous First Place Awards, Kodak Gallery Awards, Fuji Masterpiece Awards and has been named SC Photographer of the Year. Mark holds the SC Fellow degree and the degree of Master Photographer with the Professional Photographers of America. He is also this year’s PPSC Print Salon Chairman.

Gregg Martin has been in the photography industry for over 20 years. He has just earned the sought after 2009 PPA Platinum Photographer of the Year. He also holds the Certified Professional Photographer credential from PPA (Professional Photographers of America) along with the Associate Fellows Degree from PPSC (Professional Photographers of SC). Gregg's images have graced the pages of national publications such as Sports Illustrated, ESPN The Magazine, USA Today, and Forbes. In additional to these accolades, Gregg has photographed over 350 weddings in the past 20 years. He is a fun, energetic, outgoing photographer whose style is a combination of traditional and photojournalism. Gregg also photographs for the University of SC Athletic Department. He is about his 20th football season on the sidelines for Carolina.

Mitchell Richardson has owned and operated Mitchell’s Photography in Greenville, SC for 16 years. The studio specializes in children, family and high school senior photography. Since entering SC print competition Mitchell has earned numerous First Place Awards, Best of Show Awards, 6 Kodak Gallery Awards, 10 Fuji Masterpiece Awards and named SC Photographer of the Year 2 times. He has also received the Bronze and Silver PPA Photographer of the year. Mitchell is a past president of the Professional Photographers of South Carolina and holds the SC Fellow Degree. On the national level, he holds the degrees of Master Photographer - Photographic Craftsmen with the Professional Photographers of America.

Monday, September 14, 2009

2010 Convention - Speaker #2

Hey everyone. It is my pleasure to introduce to you the second of four speakers we have lined up for the 2010 PPSC Convention next February!



Mr. Joe Buissink!


Joe's photography is about capturing the moments, and the essence of the person in those moments. His work redefines wedding photography, and has been described as Fine Art by his most notable celebrity clients. Joe has become a world-renowned teacher in the photographic field. His teachings have taken him on an international platform from Japan and Australia to England, Scotland and Ireland as well as in the United States.


Joe has been a favorite wedding photographer among celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson & Nick Lachey, Brendan Fraser, Kelsey Grammer, Hillary Swank & Chad Lowe, Christina Applegate, Jenny Garth & Peter Facinelli, and Christina Aguilera.

Joe has been profiled by Good Morning America, Entertainment Tonight, Extra, Lifetime Television’s Wedding of a Lifetime, and E!. His work is published regularly in InStyle Weddings, Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, and People Magazine.


In 2003, Joe was awarded the International Leadership Award in Photography by the International Photographic Council at the United Nations. Also, Kodak hired Joe in 2003 to shoot their International Ad campaign for their Portra Film Line. In 2005, Apple selected Joe to be their spokes person for the Wedding Industry, in the release of their new program Aperture. Joe has received numerous International Grand Awards for his work from the WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International). In February of 2007, American Photo selected Joe as one of the Top 10 Wedding Photographers in the World.

Joe's program is "Staying Fresh: Being Successful as a Photographer"

One of the critical components to a successful career as a working photographer is the ability to stay fresh and creative while making a living. Unless you keep the passion for imagemaking flowing, your career simply becomes a way to make a living. This new seminar with master portrait and wedding photographer Joe Buissink opens doors long closed and keeps dreams alive. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to rekindle the love affair you have for photography and refresh your path.


For more information on Joe Buissink and to see some of his work, check out Joe's website.

http://www.joebuissink.com

Joe is sponsored by Canon.

Monday, September 7, 2009

This month's Midlands Meeting is going to be held on Sept 8th at the Village Square Theatre in Lexington (behind Bojangles and Firestone) at 6:30
We will meet at Carolina Wings at 5:30. Bring your camera and portable lighting just like you would for a wedding or outdoor session. We will split up into groups and everyone will photograph
and discuss what they are seeing and why they are shooting this way. We will rotate to different areas and encourage everyone to get creative in how they are shooting.
Email me with any questions lee@kickstandstudio.com

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

2010 Convention - Speaker #1

Hello everyone! Hope you are all having a great summer! The convention team has been busy the past few months planning the 2010 PPSC Convention and I have some exciting news to share with all of you.

First of all, the convention will be held at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Columbia, SC! I know the beach is fun and all, but the feedback I've received for the past several years is that Columbia is a more convenient location for all members. The beach is a 5+ hour drive for a lot of folks in the Upstate and a large percentage of the membership is right here in the Midlands. In the past, some couldn't commit the entire 4 days and a 10 hour round trip to the beach and they missed out on the convention altogether. A centralized convention makes it easier for some to make a day trip or weekend trip if a partial conflict pops up.

Dates are Friday February 5th through Tuesday February 9th. Please mark your calendars now to avoid conflicts.

Second, I would like to introduce you to our first of four top shelf speakers that we have lined up.

Beth Forester

Beth (CPP, M. Photog. Cr.) operates a portrait studio in the small town of Madison, West Virginia. She has been named West Virginia Photographer of the Year three times and has twice won the title of Mid-East States Photographer of the Year. Along the way to achieving these titles, Beth has earned 10 Kodak Gallery Awards, 4 Fuji Masterpiece Awards, 13 Loan Collection images and the prestigious PPA AN-NE Award for marketing.

Beth's program will be about “Selling” the Senior Client

The 21st century requires a new approach to marketing; especially when you are trying to reach Generation Y. Join Beth as she discusses how to reach out to the senior client through word of mouth marketing and create a “buzz” about your studio. In her program, she will discuss such topics as: the psychology of the teen client, branding your studio, viral networking with Facebook, creating buzz-worthy product lines, and selling the senior portrait experience. Finally, she will discuss how to increase your average sale per senior using various techniques that she uses in her studio every day.




Check out Beth's website to see some of her work. (http://www.foresterphoto.com)

I will be intruducing the rest of the convention speakers in the near future so be sure to check out the blog at
http://www.ppofsc.blogspot.com

Beth is sponsored by General Products and PhotoDUDS.
Clark

Friday, August 28, 2009

September Upstate Meeting--Tuesday, Sept 1, 2009


September Meeting

6:00 Dinner
Capital Theatre Cafe

7:00 Head Shot Sessions
Holmes Photography
100 S. Public Square
Laurens, SC 29360
864-871-2140

September's Upstate District Meeting will be held at Holmes Photography in Laurens. Since we all probably need to update our head shots for the new PPSC website, that's what we will do. If you can attend, please bring your camera and a compact flash card. When it is your time to get your head shots made, the rest of us will take turns posing you and shooting onto your card. We will pass your card around as we all shoot. Then, it will be someone else's turn. Hopefully, when you go home, you will have a card full of great images shot by different photographers which you can use for the PPSC website and other places you may need an updated photo of yourself.

If you can make it there a little early, we will meet next door to the studio at 6:00 for a bite at the Capitol Theatre Cafe. Hope you can all come. If you need any further information or directions, call Suellen, 864-871-2140 (business cell) or 864-681-7777 (studio).

Thanks,

Suellen

RSVP to the ListServ to let all know who will be there!!

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

August Upstate District Meeting
Tuesday, August 4, 2009


Travel and Nature Photography by Chase & Monica Hunter
http://www.monicahunter.com/

Come get inspired…..and take home some helpful hints. Award winning photographers Chase and Monica Hunter Monica will be presenting a slide show on Travel and Nature Photography. They will talk a bit about their work flow from capture to temporary storage in the field. They will share some equipment ideas for working on the road and take questions!


Check out their biographies below!


Please RSVP to the listserv if you plan to attend!!

DINNER:
Tuesday, August 4 @ 5:30 p.m.
Henry's Smoke House
240 Wade Hampton Blvd
864-672-3646

PROGRAM:
Tuesday, August 4 @ 6:30 p.m
Ernest Rawlins Studio
726 Wade Hampton Blvd
864-271-0002

Chase P Hunter
Like many photographers I started taking pictures as a youngster with a Kodak Brownie. My first “real” camera was a dual lens reflex By the time I reached University of Iowa Med School, 35mm was the rage and I jumped in. When I went to Vietnam as a Flight Surgeon I started buying Nikon equipment and have been with them ever since including the latest digital technology.

I returned to Iowa following my discharge from the service to complete a residency in medical and surgical Ophthalmology. It was there that I was able to study under one of the pioneers in ophthalmic photography, Lee Allen. Ophthalmology as a specialty tends to attract those interested in lenses, optics and vision. It has been a natural progression from doing technical ophthalmic work such as retinal imaging, fluorescein angiography and clinical shots of the eyes to more creative imaging. Since that time I have been able to learn from some of he worlds most renowned photographers.

My interests range from weddings and portraiture to nature, travel and sports. I am an employee of Jordan Photography working for Charlie on various projects. As a member of PPSC in State wide competition I was fortunate to be selected as the top newcomer for 2004 and the following year finished in the top ten again. My work has been shown in many shows and galleries, won awards, and hangs in homes and offices from Alaska to Florida.

My approach to capturing an image is to try to see and use the natural light available, catching that special moment. We see more with our hearts than with our eyes, so it helps to be doing what you love.

Monica Bazan Hunter
When I was a young girl in Roswell, New Mexico my Dad introduced me to photography using his Argus 35 mm. I became very interested in capturing images with the camera. It was years later in Atwater, California in the Castle Air force Base darkroom that I learned to make color prints from those slides. In the early times I used a Kodak Brownie and Instamatic. Later I got my own Canon and Olympus 35 mm cameras. My career path took me into Public Relations and Marketing for the health care industry. I needed to take photos of events and people for our publications. My real passion, however, continued to be the beauty of nature and trying to capture it on film.
Chase and I share a love for photography. When we travel we complement each other with our differing perspectives. My other lifelong love is gardening so I tend to enjoy shooting flowers, birds and butterflies in the garden or nature.

I am proud that my photographs have won awards and been purchased by people from around the country for their home or work environment.

The marvels of the universe are all around us and we just have to look, see, appreciate and capture the images. The possibilities are literally endless and I am always seeing new and different ways in my work.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

PPSC Upstate July Meeting THANKS!

Thanks to everyone who came out to Holmes Photography in Laurens for the July Upstate Meeting. We had a great crowd of regulars, members and soon to be members! Dinner was great and Suellen’s studio space was welcoming and comfortable for her talk on what she took home form SEPPA this year. Lots of great ideas and good resources. She did a great job!!!

Wise Charlie left us with a final thought about his take on photography---in my words---the more you know the more you know you don’t know! Learning in the business and creative sides of photography never ends!!!

Don’t let another month go by without pursuing your art and the future of your business in a proactive way. Add the first Tuesday of the month to your calendar for the PPSC Upstate Meetings!!

Details on the August Meeting coming soon!

AND please Keep Tiffiney Addis and her husband Scott in your prayers. Their daughter, Sadie Mae, was born July 4th weighing 1lb 8 oz. She is in the NICU at Greenville Memorial. The last report 7/7 at 6:25 p.m. was that Sadie Mae got a good report!

Monday, June 29, 2009

July Upstate District Meeting

Thank you to Suellen Holmes, one of 3 PPSC Upstate District Directors at Large, for planning and hosting our July meeting. Her studio is located on the historic Courthouse Square in Laurens, located on the southwest corner beside the Capital Theatre

Tuesday the July 7th at 7:00 p.m.
Holmes Photography
100 South Public Square
Laurens, SC 29360
864-871-2140 or 864-681-7777

For those of you who can come a little early, we will meet next door at the Capitol Theatre Cafe around 6:00 for a bite to eat.

The topic of the meeting will be a SEPPA Convention Wrap-up. We are going to talk about some of the hottest tips learned from the great speakers at SEPPA, such as Hanson Fong (AMAZING!!!), Rick Avalos, Don Emmerlich and others. Things that make you want to knock yourself out when you hear them (for not doing them sooner)...things that make you wonder WHY you didn't think of them first....things that will make your sales presentations so much easier, etc, etc. There were many "AH-HA" moments in the seminars. We will also have a handout with links to some of the vendors with great new products which were at SEPPA's huge tradeshow.

Hope you can all come and bring a potential new member with you! Please respond to the listserv so Suellen will know how many to expect!

Suellen Holmes
Holmes Photography
864-871-2140

Friday, June 26, 2009

Midlands Meeting Info

Hey Everyone,

Here is some info about our meeting on July 14th.

Branch Carter is going to be coming to town from Augusta.  

Dinner at  5:30 at  Venture’s Sports Bar at 5531 Edmund Highway

The presentation will start @ 7:00.


We will be at Bill Barley's studio:   71 Crystal Springs Drive Lex SC 29073


Please let me know if you can attend, so I can let Branch know!  803.767.8629



Here is a little about the class:
Branch Carter, photographer from the metro Augusta, Georgia area prides himself as a bride’s wedding photographer.  Wedding days for him usually last 10-14 hours.  A lot of time, yes…his choosing to be with his brides that long: definitely!  Come prepared to watch, learn and converse with one of Georgia’s top wedding photographers.  (Branch has been honored with multiple award winning and top scoring bridal portraits, two top scoring wedding albums, top scoring wedding candid images, and a Best of Show in the wedding category in only three years of GPPA print competition.)  Branch will be sharing his ideas and knack for getting the most out of bride.  But, this program ends the minute the bride walks down the aisle.  Much of the presentation will be actually video of Branch working, counseling, laughing and photographing his brides and their grooms before the I-Do’s happen.  Branch will showcase his pre wedding style and ability that has brides buzzing about his character and personality.  Want to see more of what you are in store for…log onto www.branchcarter.com to get a taste of his award winning style.

 


Hope to see you then!

Lee Bradshaw

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Upstate District June Meeting

June Upstate District Meeting
Tuesday, June 2, 2009


David Lawrence and ProSelect


DINNER:
Tuesday, June 2 @ 5:30 p.m.
Henry's Smoke House
240 Wade Hampton Blvd
864-672-3646


PROGRAM
Tuesday, June 2 @ 6:30 p.m
Ernest Rawlins Studio
726 Wade Hampton Blvd
864-271-0002

David Lawrence of David Lawrence Photography will present a program on ProSelect (workflow, presentation, & ordering software). David will run through the basic set-up of ProSelect and how to present a show to your clients, make templates for custom panels and more. ProSelect is an amazing sales tool. Don't miss out on how easy ProSelect can make you $$$$. It made a big difference in David's sales and his clients love how easy it is to view their images.

David wants a packed house at Rawlins Portraiture....and don't forget about meeting everyone for dinner...lots of good stuff goes on there too!!

Please RSVP to the listserv if you plan to attend!!

Kristy

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Midlands Meeting Info

Hey Everyone,

Heads Up!"
The June 9th Midlands Meeting will be at Patty Hallman's studio in Lugoff.
It will be all about Head Shots.  Bring your own CF card and have your own head shots done that you can take home to use however you'd like... on Facebook, your web site, marketing materials, your husband's or wife's desk, ect.

You know your head shot is outdated, so this is your opportunity to have new ones made--- free of charge and with lots of talented photographers there to make you look fabulous!
And if you don't want headshots of yourself, come watch, learn, and help.  You'll see different photographers style of lighting headshots, get ideas for posing, and have fun.

Patty will have Domino's deliver pizzas at 6pm, so bring $5 and come early to eat pizza, salad and dessert.  We'll start photographing around 6:30pm and will stay as late as needed to make sure everyone who wants headshots gets them done.
Don't forget to bring your own CF card!


Email me with any questions.  lee@kickstandstudio.com

Friday, May 15, 2009

PPSC Coastal District May Meeting

Our next coastal meeting will be on May 26th at Mike Bowden's studio in Summerville. Virgil Bunao of CVI photography will be our guest speaker. He is a phenomenal photographer who specializes in high end weddings. Check out his website and blog at http://www.cviphotography.com . He has a unique style that really stands out in the crowd. He will be doing a live model shoot along with his presentation. We will be meeting for dinner at 6:00 at McAllisters in Summerville. Please call me if you have any questions. You don't want to miss this!


McAllister's is in the Azalea Square Shopping Center

take exit 199-a from I-26
go to the second light and then turn to the right




directions to Distinctive Images Studio

From Columbia
1. Take COLUMBIA(I-26) EAST
2. Exit #199A to US-17A WEST- at Third Traffic Light TURN Left
3. Continue on Berlin G. Myers Pkwy - at second Light TURN Left
4. Continue on US-78 - Look for China Palace Restaurant on Right
5. At first right TURN into Parkway Business Center
6. Arrive at 400 E 5TH NORTH ST, SUMMERVILLE. SUITE D

From Charleston
1. Take COLUMBIA(I-26) WEST- go approx 26 mi
2. Exit #199A to US-17A WEST- at Third Traffic Light TURN Left
3. Continue on Berlin G. Myers Pkwy - at second Light TURN Left
4. Continue on US-78 - Look for China Palace Restaurant on Right
5. At first right TURN into Parkway Business Center
6. Arrive at 400 E 5TH NORTH ST, SUMMERVILLE. SUITE D



Tammy Bevins
830-2940
www.nuvoseniors.com

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

RECAP--May Upstate Meeting

Thank you David Lawrence of David Lawrence Photography for presenting an informative session on photographing high school seniors. We had a good crowd of 15--new and old members, and 2 first timers!

And our continued appreciation for Mark Massingill of Rawlins Portratitures for hosting the meeting at his studio!

You can easily be wowed by your fellow photographers work--as was the case with David's--but the comment that stuck with me the most was he said all the images he showed in his presentation, his clients actually bought! David enjoys playing with his images like most of us, but he clearly knows his client, shoots consistently in a style that appeals to them and then he sells it to him! It is a simple equation, isn't it!

Please consider getting the most out of your membership and attend all the area meetings you can! These meetings can keep you creative, focused on your work and assist you technically so you can provide consistent, repeatable, professional results to your clients!

Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2nd. David will present a program on ProSelect (workflow, presentation, & ordering software). We will again meet at Rawlins Portraiture, and I might go out on a limb and say we will do Henry's BBQ again---it's just too convenient, but look for a final announcement of time and location specifics soon!

Kristy

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Midlands Meeting Info

What's in your bag?


 What do you use to photograph and why?  Bring your bag to the Barbers Studio
and we are going to do a little show and tell.  Do you use Nikon or Canon, prime or
zoom, Powerbar or special K bar (for wedding photographers =)?   We will have a
few questions about why you like this or that.  Everyone can get a different perspective
on why we use what we use.  

Who: Us!
What: See Above
When: May 12. Dinner@6  Meeting @7 
Where: Eating @Fudruckers on Bush River Road, Meeting at David and Sally Barber's Studio
Why:To see how others do things.  Get out of your box

Let me know if you think you are coming.  lee@kickstandstudio.com

Friday, April 24, 2009

May Upstate Disctrict Meeting

Posing and Lighting
with David Lawrence



DINNER:
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 @ 5:30 pm
Henry's Smoke House
240 Wade Hampton Blvd
864-672-3646

PROGRAM
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 @ 6:30 pm
Ernest Rawlins Studio
726 Wade Hampton Blv
Greenville, SC 29609
864-271-0002



Join David Lawrence owner of David Lawrence Photography at the Ernest Rawlins Studio in Greenville SC for a session on posing and lighting for seniors! In these economic times it is more important than ever to invest in perfecting your craft. Quality posing and lighting will always be in fashion. You do not want to miss the opportunity to learn from this experienced professional.


This meeting is free to all current PPSC members. First time visitors are also free, and it is $10 for regular visitors!Get complete details on PPSC membership at http://www.ppofsc.com/



I look forward to seeing you there! Please respond to the listserv if you plan to attend!
Kristy

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Mega Mondays brought to you by PPSC

LEE BRADSHAW & LUCAS BROWN
of Kickstand Studio
"How to Pose, Light & Interact with your Subject."
Monday April, 27, 2009 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Lee and Lucas will be demonstrating an environmental portrait session. They will be going over the interaction with the subjects, posing, and off camera lighting the Kickstand way. They will photograph a couple together and separately. Strap in and hang on for a wild ride with the Kickstand Boys.
To Register visit
for complete details on the
Mega Monday series of classes
and to download the registration form!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

April Upstate Meeting Recap

THANKS BILL ADAMS!

Sorry for the long delay in recapping the April Upstate Meeting.

We had a great crowd of long time members, new members, and want-to-be members & guests. Bill had arranged for a model and we all enjoyed watching him work. He really challenged everyone to work for quality professional lighting!

Bill didn't finish up his presentation until almost 8:00, but everyone stayed till close to 9:00 still talking photography. This is something to remember when deciding whether or not to attend a meeting. Even if the topic may not be something in which you are interested the discussions that happen with fellow professional photographers can be very profitable!!

And Bill---don't let me forget to get back to you about setting up the slide show template....if you haven't figured it out already!

Mark your calendars for the 1st Tuesdays in May & June when David Lawrence will be discussing Senior Posing and Lighting (5/5/09) and ProSelect Software(6/2/09) at Ernest Rawlins Photography in Greenville.

See everyone soon!

Kristy

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Midlands Meeting Info

Hey Everyone,

Our Midlands Meeting info is as follows:

Who:Steve Roos
What: "How to Build a Better Mousetrap"
When: 4.14.09
Where:Ashcroft Studio (222 W. Carolina Ave Hartsville SC 29550)
Why:Because

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Upstate Meeting for April

Tuesday, April 7, 2009--Greenwood, SC

5:30 Dinner @ Little Pigs
414 Montague Ave
Greenwood, SC 29649

6:30 Bill Adams will talk Posing & Lighting with a live model @ his Studio
114 Blake St
Greenwood, SC 29649
864-223-9517

Weather & Light permitting we will walk over to Lander University for some posing in natural lighting.

You will not want to miss this experienced professional! Images to be posted soon!!

Respond to the ListServ to let everyone know if you can come!

Kristy Williamson
kwphoto@charter.net

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Coastal District Deals

ArtLeather has included discount offers when you attend the Coastal District Meet and Greet on Monday March 23rd. from 3pm-7pm.

20% off Futura Bound
25% off ALL iMount products
30% off Print and Bind
30% off Design, Print and Bind

Location:
Ring Photography
526 Stratton Ferry Ct.
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

Hope to see you there!
Jennifer Easler
(843)412-5962

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

March Upstate District Meeting Recap!

We had a great meeting last night! Mark Howard is an exceptional presenter, and we had a large group (15+) of new and experienced photographers. I was glad to see some people who had not attended a District Meeting in a while (you know who you are), and we had several first timers!Thanks Bill A., for inviting your former intern!

Mark put on an organized, well-illustrated program on Weddings. He challenged everyone to bring their best to every wedding they contract--regardless of size. Quality posing & lighting and the right equipment are all important! Mitchell stressed the importance of understanding pricing and how it translates into a successful business, and they both agreed that if your studio shoots weddings that PPA Membership is a MUST.

It was a privilege to see Mitchell's new studio--what a creative and professional space. Thanks for all the hospitality (cookies included), Mitchell. And the Jelly Beans were a nice touch too Mark!!

Thanks to everyone else who came out for the meeting. You will probably get sick of me saying this but you get out of PPSC what you put into it, and everyone has something to offer---even in just coming to meetings and participating in the discussion you are giving back! And there is always great informative conversation after the presentation too!

Upcoming--Meetings Regularly Scheduled for the First Tuesday of the Month
April--?
May--Senior Posing & Lighting with David Lawrence
June--ProSelect with David Lawrence
Nov--Discussion on Print Competition

Hope to see everyone again soon!

PS--Don't forget the Convention Pricing Sale on Select Frames at Magnolia's through FRIDAY!!

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Coastal District Meeting

Please join the coastal district for a Meet and Greet drop in at Ring Photography in Mt. Pleasant. Sharon and Weylan Clark will be there demonstrating ArtLeather's new album design software. The meeting will be on Monday March 23, from 3-7pm.
If you have any questions, please contact me. jennifereasler@hughes.net or (843)412-5962

Hope to see you there,
Jennifer Easler

Midlands Meeting Info

Who:Abe Thomy
What:Free Marketing, Sales, Getting Clients in the door
When:March 10 7:00  (dinner downstairs @ the pizza place 6:00)
Where:Clark Berry's Studio
Why:To keep folks coming to your studio

Bring your business card with you.

As usual, the meeting is on the 2nd tuesday of the month.  Please mark your calendars
since the day doesn't really change.

Lee

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

March Upstate District Meeting

Start to finish Weddings
with Mark Howard

MONDAY, March 9, 2009
Please Note Change from Regular date!
5:30 pm Dinner--Peppino's Pizzaria
6:30 pm Program--Mitchells Photography
LOCATION:
Mitchell’s Photography
1325 Miller Road Suite I
Greenville, SC 29601
Phone: 864-467-1777

HOST: Mitchell Richardson
SPEAKER: Mark Howard
SUBJECT: Weddings, Start to Finish

Join your fellow upstate photographers for a presentation on weddings by Certified Professional and Master Photographer Mark Howard of Mitchell's Photography. No matter what your specialty, you are sure to learn about lighting, posing and working with your clients from this talented and experienced photographer. This is the first PPSC meeting at Mitchell's new location on Woodruff Road!

If time allows we will follow with Q & A for Mark and Mitchell. Please also reflect on your experience at the 2009 Convention and plan to share one thing Convention inspired you to bring to your business!
Join us at 5:30 for dinner. Mitchell has arranged for Lunch Special pricing at Peppinos Pizza, two doors down from his studio!
2 slice & Drink $5.25
6" Sub, chips & Drink $5.55
Pasta, Bread, Salad, $6.25
Hope to see you there....as always please RSVP to the ListServ!!



Tuesday, January 27, 2009

2009 PPSC Convention--Roundtable Discussion

Rountable Discussion
Sunday February 8, 2009
6:30-7:30 p.m.



Panel Participants:
Clark Berry, Tammy Bevins, Lonnie Hoke, Wilber Jeffcoat, Gregg Martin


CLARK BERRY
Lexington, SC
www.clarkberry.com









TAMMY BEVINS
Summerville, SC
www.tammybevins.com






LONNIE HOKE

Lugoff, SC
www.lhoke.com






WILBER JEFFCOAT
Sumter, SC
www.jeffcoatphotography.com
















GREGG MARTIN
Columbia, SC
www.greggmartin.com







Question list for the Roundtable Forum


  1. What is your USP? (Unique Selling Position) Who is your
    target client? Are you a high volume, medium volume or low
    volume studio? What do you specialize in?
  2. What are the Benefits/Challenges of running a home studio?
  3. What are the Benefits/Challenges of running a store front
    studio?
  4. What are the Benefits/Challenges of Individual Ownership?
    Partnership? Husband/Wife team?
  5. What, in your opinion, are some of the largest changes in our
    industry in the past two years?
  6. Do you have any predictions for future trends? Will social networking tools, i.e. Facebook, Twitter, My Space, etc. play a part.
  7. What do you wish you knew when you were first starting out?
  8. What would you say is your best marketing tool?
  9. What is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?
  10. What’s the best investment you’ve ever made?
  11. What’s your deal breaker?
  12. What’s your favorite new piece of equipment?
  13. What’s the one piece of equipment (besides the camera) that
    would have to be pried out of your cold dead fingers?
  14. Do you implement any type of promotions such as: portrait
    parties, fund raisers, senior ambassadors/spokesmodels?
  15. What makes your workflow flow efficiently?
  16. Do you outsource any of your workflow?
  17. Do you do any type of online hosting? Pros/Cons
  18. Do you have any Charities/Non-profit Organizations that you
    partner with to generate community participation/good will?
  19. What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone
    who is just beginning in the photography industry.
  20. Any thing else you’d like to share with us?

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

2009 PPSC Convention--MORE Darrell Chitty

More from Darrell Chitty......

......on the making of "German Gothic"
German Gothic is an image captured this summer in Germany. I struggled with the approach to take since I felt that the original image was so powerful just as a photograph. I did change the sky and then chose to just muck it up and then bring the photograph back through the muck. This gave me the best of both techniques and also provided a mysterious effect to my subjects.










Sunday, January 18, 2009

2009 PPSC Convention--Darrell Chitty

Finding Your Artist Spirit



"True art is felt with the heart and not simply observed with the eyes."


Darrell Chitty


























































































Darrell Chitty, owner of the Heritage Gallery located in Shreveport, Louisiana is not just a photographer. He is a 21st century artist who paints with not only a brush but with his camera and computer. Darrell creates veritable impressionistic masterpieces by combining his modern technological skills with an abiding appreciation and in-depth knowledge of art history and the age-old techniques of the Old Masters. The consummate professional, twice named Louisiana Photographer of the Year, he conducts seminars and teaching workshops, and he has his own studio, his own art gallery, and a following of admirers and patrons around the world.











“Once in a blue moon you meet a person that has the passion, talent and drive to create outstanding artistic impressions of the world around them. Darrell is that person. His understanding of all of the elements of color and design give him the ability to create beautiful masterpieces on a consistent basis.”

Scott Dupras, master artist and photographer