January 25th PPSC coastal meeting

SAVE THE DATE!

January 25th, 2010 Add one powerful technique to your photography this year to WOW your clients...

Creative Lighting Workshop

with

Chris Smith of http://www.chrisandcami.com

With collaboration of PPSC Coastal Region, Chris Smith is coming to CVI PHotography studio for a FREE off camera lighting demonstration and workshop. The demo begins at 4pm. Plan on being there, bring your gear, shoot, learn, network...

This workshop will include a full off camera lighting demo with models and a review of images and techniques. Don't miss this. This could change your business this year. This is a great time to revamp and set yourself apart from the amatuers.....

CVI Photography is located in downtown Summerville. Take exit 199A from I-26. This will put you on Main Street. Drive until you cross rr tracks. Go to the next light and make a right onto Richardson AVE. (You can make the next left to park for free in the parking garage.) Go to the next stop light at Central Ave. Turn left. The studio is located about a half a block down from the intersection on the left.

The workshop is free but we are asking all attendees to bring a bag of dog food or cat food to donate to the Charleston Animal Society..

Seats are limited.

email Virgil at info@cviphotography.com or Tammy at tammy@tammybevinsphotography.com
to RSVP

IF you have questions you can call Tammy at 843-830-2940

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!

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

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..

http://www.expressionsphotos.com/

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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!!