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?

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.

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

www.darrellchittypaintings.com

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

2009 PPSC Convention--The Simones

The Fine Art Portrait


Through the use of quality lighting, body language, strong composition and the meaningful connection developed with the subject, truth and reality are revealed on both the part of the subject and the photographer as they each demonstrate what they are truly about. Having knowledge of appropriate lighting, graphic design as well as knowledge of ourselves and of others, we enable ourselves to attain the portrait’s purpose which is to create timeless images by revealing their personality with authenticity.

We will demonstrate through the use of today’s technological advances how we can empower ourselves to push our limits far beyond what we thought possible. We hope to stimulate you by creating images which will carry with them style and a unique signature.

http://www.simoneportrait.com/index.html

Biography
Louise and Joseph met many years ago while they were both working at a photo studio in Montreal, he as an assistantand she as a summer job employee. Joseph’s background was very intriguing to this young woman. He was born in Monte Sant’Angelo, Italy in the province of Foggia on February 6th, 1943, a small village, where Joseph knew he couldn’t fully develop his potential. He lived with his family of 7 brothers and sisters until he turned 14 years of age when he decided it was time he became an independent man. He then moved to Lyon, France and lived there with his uncle for 10 years, working as an industrial designer and dyecaster and simply enjoying life. At age 25, he immigrated to Canada and settled in Montreal. He then discovered he had the bite for photography when he started working as a photographer’s assistant where he was to meet his future bride.

Louise was born in Montreal, on September 26th, 1952. She is the 2nd child of a family of 5. Very quiet and reserved, she was a responsible and sensitive child who would soon discover that her fondest wish would be to become an artist, more precisely a painter. Nevetheless, she had to attend a classical high school, which seemed to fade her dream of becoming an artist. After high school, Louise went to college and majored in Pure and Apllied Sciences for which she felt no passion at all. Little did she know that a summer job would lead her to her true destiny both professionally and personally. Louise and Joseph were married on July 1st, 1972.

In 1975, they purchased their photography studio. Since then, they have constantly invested in their profession leading them to a prolific career. Their undying efforts were recognised by numerous awards and accolades. They continue to be requested across the world as renowned speakers. In fact, their reputation has reached many borders; in the last ten years, Louise and Joseph were regularly invited to teach in France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Austria, The Philippines, Martinique, Canada, and the United States as Eastman Kodak Pro Mentors.

Louise and Joseph consider portrait a sacred art. Their subjects are meticulously analysed and each element of portrait photography is contemplated from lighting, composition to revealing a subject’s authenticity, yet the technical quality is made unique by the warmth of their personality and their vision.

Louise and Joseph’s constant evolution in their profession is reflected in each of their photographs. In their view, the subject must feel respected, as well as loved, to enable the artist to capture a subject’s authenticity and this is the very beauty of their art work.

2009 PPSC Convention--Phil Scarsbrook

How would you prefer to spend your time?

Sitting in front of a computer, or spending quality time with your family.

Come join Phil Scarsbrook of Capitol Color Imaging and learn how to minimized your Photoshop time while maximizing your quality time. Program will utilize features of both Photoshop CS3 and CS4.

1. Optimizing your computer.
2. Creating actions to dramatically speed up production.
3. Use Smart Objects/filters to create reusable personalized templates.
4. Making speedy and accurate selections and masks.
5. 5 Minute retouch.
6. 2 minute head swap.
7. Creating custom backgrounds and templates templates the easy way.
8. Create custom studio logo brushes.
9. Shortcuts and techniques as time allows.

Phil will also be available for questions and demos in the CCI booth for the duration of the trade show.


BIOGRAPHY

Phil Scarsbrook, Digital Imaging Manager for Capitol Color Imaging, has over 30 years experience as a professional photographer. His work has included photojournalism, fashion and product photography, as well as wedding and portraiture. In the past, he has worked on assignment for such publications as The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, and The Associated Press.

Scarsbrook is Adobe certified in Photoshop versions 6,7,CS,CS2and CS3. He has received numerous awards from the National Association of Photoshop Professionals including 4 GURU awards, the Vincent Versace award, a Digital Canvas award as well as a Photoshop User Award.

He teaches Photoshop to photographers throughout the Southeast at Capitol Color Imaging’s Education Center located in Montgomery, Alabama. In addition, Phil also travels around the country to various state conventions and guilds conducting Photoshop seminars.

OOOPS FORGOT----January Upstate Meeting

Oooops, I forgot to thank Dean from Magnolia Frames for stopping by the meeting and leaving info packets!!! He is a great, local Frame supplier.

JANUARY UPSTATE MEETING

THANK YOU TIFFINEY.

We had great crowd for Tiffiney's presentation at Ernest Rawlins Photography in Greenvile on adding textures to her photographs. We had a fresh new member, some OLD members, and I do mean old, and prospective member. We enjoyed pizza, talked lots of photography and left a little inspired.

Thank you Mark for once again HOSTING, and we hope you are well on your way to Texas by now!!!

THANKS Everyone!!!

Remember---no meeting for February, because everyone is going to Convention RIGHT??? If you have not sent in your registration. PLEASE DO SO TODAY!!!

Kristy
Williamson Photography
Belton, SC

SHOOTOUT Change in time- Saturday Evening 7:30pm-9:30pm

SHOOTOUT Change in time- Saturday Evening 7:30pm-9:30pm

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