Classes

$99

Using synergy to get the most from each contact, Jeff and Julia Bowman, along with senior associate, James Cook, will share their experiences and knowledge about event photography…and how they transfer those clients into portrait clients. Taking advantage of every opportunity, they make use of information gathered from many sources. You have the equipment and the know-how. Let's put it to work and run your business like your life depends on it...because it does.

• Jeff Bowman , M.Photog., CPP
• Julia Bowman
• James Cook , CPP

$99

With an intense focus on efficiency (and profitability!), you will learn how to take your sports and team images up to a new league of professionalism! Adobe Photoshop is the key tool to making your images into original and creative composites your customers gotta have…and do it in record time…and make them into templates to make even more profit!

Suzette is well-known for her creative templates and products as well as her incredibly useful and relevant Adobe Photoshop techniques, and she’s sharing what she knows during this full day. She will demonstrate how to make and use brushes and fun ornamentation for style (or branding with mascots) and how to apply textures and overlays for added dimension and depth. With her help, you’ll see how to make multiple headswaps on a team, how to make a fast cutout for a custom composite, and how to do batch actions that populate memory mates and other team products in no time at all!  You’ll learn to use layer masks, populate templates with clipping masks and even more invaluable time-savers to help your profit line.    

Topics include the following:

• Image Corrections & Headswaps
• Template Techniques
• Layer Blending Modes
• Clipping Masks
• Flexibility & Control with Layers, Adjustment Layers, Textures & Presentation Effects
• Custom Brush Making & Logo Brushes
• Creative Composites & Image Blends

• Suzette Allen , Cr.Photog, CPP, API

$499 (for all 3 days)

PPA’s Studio Management Services (SMS) provides a unique, three-day program with intensive instruction in techniques for business success, from financial management to branding, marketing, pricing, and selling strategies. This workshop is geared to well-established studios, and participants must have achieved (at minimum) $50,000 in annual gross sales or have completed a 2-Day Business Basics Workshop.

Day One: Business & Financial Management

You need to effectively set up and manage your finances to be successful in any business, including photography. Now’s your chance to learn learn these critical skills—applied specifically to photography—from top educators on studio management:

• Income Taxes & Strategies
• Principles of Managerial Accounting
• Pricing & Price Lists

For registration, you must contact Brooke Goldman (404-522-8600, ext. 244).
$499 for workshop lecture only / Add-on consultation available
(If you opt to add a one-on-one consultation with an SMS mentor and PPA accountant, it can be held either during Imaging USA or afterwards. A limited number of on-site consultations (15) are available.
Contact Brooke Goldman for more details.)

• Bridget Jackson
• Allison Rodgers
• Julia Woods , M.Photog.Cr.
• Edward Zemba

$199 (for both days)

It takes more than good photography to be successful. Dive into this business basics workshop—geared specifically to portrait photographers—to absorb the marketing and management fundamentals central to operating a financially successful professional portrait photography business.

If you’re just getting started in photography or moving from part- to full-time (and are seeking guidance in essential business and marketing skills), this is the class for you. Developed by PPA’s Studio Management Services (SMS), it will get you on the right track. Over two days, you will cover business structure and accounting, pricing, marketing and selling…all based on a portrait photographer’s needs. You’ll see step-by-step techniques and tips on how to attract clients and maximize sales opportunities, along with the following:

• Financial and legal requirements for starting a photography business
• Personal skills and attributes needed for succeeding as a professional  
• Viable photography business models
• Components of a business plan
• Defining and branding your business concept or niche
• Building a business image
• Understanding the “marketing mix”
• Pricing for profitability
• Creating a selling plan
• Building adequate business volume
• Understanding managerial accounting
• Developing a workflow plan
• Managing the direction of your business
• Important pitfalls to avoid

PPA members receive 2 merits for attending

• Carol Andrews , M.Photog.Cr., ABI
• Ann Monteith , M.Photog.Cr.Hon.M.Photog., CPP, ABI, API, A-ASP

$595 (for all 3 days)

Want to learn more about the competition judging process (or want to take the next step towards becoming a PPA-Approved Juror)? Come attend the required class at Imaging USA! This three-day workshop is an intense learning experience—you’ll work hard to acquire the protocol and understand the methods that have given PPA photographic competitions the finest judging process in PPA history.

• Explore the ins and outs of what makes a print “merit worthy.”
• Observe the competition process and protocol.
• Feel confident in your ability to identify merit images.
• Fulfill one of the requirements for becoming a PPA-Approved Affiliate Juror.

PPA members receive two merits for attending, and members with 10 exhibition merits receive PEC credit for attending.

• Dennis Craft , M.Photog.Cr.Hon.M.Photog., CPP, API, F-ASP
• Helen Yancy , M.Photog.M.Artist.MEI.Cr.Hon.M.Photog., CPP, API, A-ASP, F-ASP

$199 (for both days)

It takes more than good photography to be successful. Dive into this business basics workshop—geared specifically towards wedding photographers—to absorb the marketing and management fundamentals central to operating a financially successful professional wedding photography business.

If you’re just getting started in photography or moving from part- to full-time (and are seeking guidance in essential business and marketing skills), this is the class for you. Developed by PPA’s Studio Management Services (SMS), it will get you on the right track. Over two days, you will cover business structure and accounting, pricing, marketing and selling…all based on a wedding photographer’s needs. You’ll see step-by-step techniques and tips on how to attract clients and maximize sales opportunities, along with the following:

• Financial and legal requirements for starting a photography business
• Personal skills and attributes needed for succeeding as a professional  
• Viable photography business models
• Components of a business plan
• Defining and branding your business concept or niche
• Building a business image
• Understanding the “marketing mix”
• Pricing for profitability
• Creating a selling plan
• Building adequate business volume
• Understanding managerial accounting
• Hiring helpers/employees
• Developing a workflow plan
• Managing the direction of your business
• Important pitfalls to avoid

PPA members receive 2 merits for attending

• Jennifer Roggi , Cr.Photog, ABI, CBM
• Todd Reichman

$299 (for all 3 days)

Planning on taking the Certified Professional Photographer exam? Take this 3-day prep class that will not only teach you needed information for the written exam, it will also give you a more thorough working knowledge of photography. This in-depth, intense study of photography’s technical side is like the equivalent to a semester of college, so be prepared to study!
 
Recommended reading for the class is the book Photography, by London and Upton. Topics include the following:

• The Inverse Square Law, Filter Factors, Bellows Factor
• Lenses and Filters
• Color Theory and H&D Curves
• Lighting Ratios, Corrective Lighting & Posing, Depth of Field, Angle of View
• The Zone System (and how it helps you understand the digital histogram)
• Difference between a Bit and a Byte and Bit Depth
• And much more

PPA members receive 2 merits for attending

• Gary Meek , M.Photog.Cr., CPP, API, EA-ASP, Hon. EA-ASP
• Kathryn Meek , M.Photog.Cr., CPP, API

$199 (for both days)

Want to establish a successful photography business? This is your class! Steve will help you erect a solid foundation to take control of your photography and build a successful career as a professional.

Such success requires both a mastery of your camera and equipment and a solid plan for marketing and selling your photography. Whether you are new to the business or have been at it for a while, Steve's down-to-earth class helps you to bring all of these important elements together: the fundamentals, the business and the art of photography.

From learning the tools of the trade to creating a professional image for your business, you’ll learn to turn your passion for photography into a profession.

You’ll learn about:

• Creating portraits using natural light
• Seeing and measuring light
• Studio lighting made simple
• Posing & composition basics
• Getting your business off the ground
• Marketing professional photography & finding clients
• Developing pricing strategies for profit

PPA members receive 2 merits for attending

• Steve Kozak , M. Photog.Cr., CPP

$199 (for both days)

Want to establish a successful photography business? This is your class! Steve will help you erect a solid foundation to take control of your photography and build a successful career as a professional.

Such success requires both a mastery of your camera and equipment and a solid plan for marketing and selling your photography. Whether you are new to the business or have been at it for a while, Steve's down-to-earth class helps you to bring all of these important elements together: the fundamentals, the business and the art of photography.

From learning the tools of the trade to creating a professional image for your business, you’ll learn to turn your passion for photography into a profession.

You’ll learn about:

• Creating portraits using natural light
• Seeing and measuring light
• Studio lighting made simple
• Posing & composition basics
• Getting your business off the ground
• Marketing professional photography & finding clients
• Developing pricing strategies for profit

PPA members receive 2 merits for attending

• Steve Kozak , M. Photog.Cr., CPP

$129

There is a frustrated artist inside each of us…and Corel® Painter™ software gives us the ability to release that creative side. Jim will take you through the creative process step by step, and you will soon be creating images that your customers will want hanging on their walls.  After all, we all have images that can become beautiful, stand-out works of art with the right enhancement.

Ready to learn those techniques? Then join this one-day workshop for portrait and wedding photographers who want to take photographic images to the next level. You’ll learn how to paint faces and eyes that will take your customers’ breath away. Have trouble painting hair? Let Jim show you how to smooth the tangles. And you’ll see a quick and easy way to get the specular highlights just right.

Join Jim and unleash your inner artist with this jam-packed workshop.

• Jim Cunningham , M.Photog.Cr., CPP

$129

Interested  in bringing a little “sexy” to your photography business? Then this all-day, action-packed pre-convention class is perfect for you. Kay and Jen will share EVERYTHING you’ll need to launch your own boudoir photography line. You’ll learn about the business of boudoir from marketing to pricing and sales techniques as well as workflow and how to create action items to make your images sizzle. And be sure to bring your camera for the hands-on, live posing and lighting demonstrations. You’ll work with models to see what poses sell and learn how to create your own affordable sets and backgrounds. By the end of the day, you’ll have the knowledge, tools and confidence to provide a boudoir experience your clients won’t be able to stop talking about!

• Kay Eskridge , M.Photog.Cr., CPP
• Jennifer Hillenga , M.Photog.Cr.

$299 (for all 3 days)

Planning on taking the Certified Professional Photographer exam? Take this 3-day prep class that will not only teach you needed information for the written exam, it will also give you a more thorough working knowledge of photography. This in-depth, intense study of photography’s technical side is like the equivalent to a semester of college, so be prepared to study!
 
Recommended reading for the class is the book Photography, by London and Upton. Topics include the following:

• The Inverse Square Law, Filter Factors, Bellows Factor
• Lenses and Filters
• Color Theory and H&D Curves
• Lighting Ratios, Corrective Lighting & Posing, Depth of Field, Angle of View
• The Zone System (and how it helps you understand the digital histogram)
• Difference between a Bit and a Byte and Bit Depth
• And much more

PPA members receive 2 merits for attending

• Gary Meek , M.Photog.Cr., CPP, API, EA-ASP, Hon. EA-ASP
• Kathryn Meek , M.Photog.Cr., CPP, API

$499 (for all 3 days)

PPA’s Studio Management Services (SMS) provides a unique, three-day program with intensive instruction in techniques for business success, from financial management to branding, marketing, pricing, and selling strategies. This workshop is geared to well-established studios, and participants must have achieved (at minimum) $50,000 in annual gross sales or have completed a 2-Day Business Basics Workshop.

Day Two: Sales & Customer Service

Your job doesn’t end with capturing the image—you need to close the sale and keep up the all-important customer experience! Come learn about these important sales presentations and customer service issues, including consumer buying motives and characteristics, pre-sale presentations, wedding and portrait consultations, etc. This session will cover topics to help you make more money and make your customers even happier:

• How to Maximize Every Sale
• Comfortable Sales Techniques that Improve Profitability
• Understanding a Client’s Needs, Expectations & Wants
• Creating a Well-Defined Sales System
• Higher Levels of Customer Service

For registration, you must contact Brooke Goldman (404-522-8600, ext. 244).
$499 for workshop lecture only / Add-on consultation available
(If you opt to add a one-on-one consultation with an SMS mentor and PPA accountant, it can be held either during Imaging USA or afterwards. A limited number of on-site consultations (15) are available.
Contact Brooke Goldman for more details.)

PPA members receive 2 merits for attending

• Bridget Jackson
• Allison Rodgers
• Edward Zemba

$199 (for both days)

It takes more than good photography to be successful. Dive into this business basics workshop—geared specifically to portrait photographers—to absorb the marketing and management fundamentals central to operating a financially successful professional portrait photography business.

If you’re just getting started in photography or moving from part- to full-time (and are seeking guidance in essential business and marketing skills), this is the class for you. Developed by PPA’s Studio Management Services (SMS), it will get you on the right track. Over two days, you will cover business structure and accounting, pricing, marketing and selling…all based on a portrait photographer’s needs. You’ll see step-by-step techniques and tips on how to attract clients and maximize sales opportunities, along with the following:

• Financial and legal requirements for starting a photography business
• Personal skills and attributes needed for succeeding as a professional  
• Viable photography business models
• Components of a business plan
• Defining and branding your business concept or niche
• Building a business image
• Understanding the “marketing mix”
• Pricing for profitability
• Creating a selling plan
• Building adequate business volume
• Understanding managerial accounting
• Developing a workflow plan
• Managing the direction of your business
• Important pitfalls to avoid

PPA members receive 2 merits for attending

• Carol Andrews , M.Photog.Cr., ABI
• Ann Monteith , M.Photog.Cr.Hon.M.Photog., CPP, ABI, API, A-ASP

$595 (for all 3 days)

Want to learn more about the competition judging process (or want to take the next step towards becoming a PPA-Approved Juror)? Come attend the required class at Imaging USA! This three-day workshop is an intense learning experience—you’ll work hard to acquire the protocol and understand the methods that have given PPA photographic competitions the finest judging process in PPA history.

• Explore the ins and outs of what makes a print “merit worthy.”
• Observe the competition process and protocol.
• Feel confident in your ability to identify merit images.
• Fulfill one of the requirements for becoming a PPA-Approved Affiliate Juror.

PPA members receive two merits for attending, and members with 10 exhibition merits receive PEC credit for attending.

• Dennis Craft , M.Photog.Cr.Hon.M.Photog., CPP, API, F-ASP
• Helen Yancy , M.Photog.M.Artist.MEI.Cr.Hon.M.Photog., CPP, API, A-ASP, F-ASP

$129

Two award-winning, successful photographers share how they each found success in the senior portrait market, providing a host of ideas to for you to tweak for your own business.

When a commercial shooter is stealing senior business away from established portrait studios in his area, you need to learn how and why—and that’s what Jim Lersch is going to share. He’ll show you how to adapt your lighting techniques (with a commercial edge) to make extremely creative senior images. Add those techniques to Jim’s one-on-one time with the students, and you’ll see how he’s created a leading edge of demand. He’ll also show a few set photos to prove how easy it is! You will even hear (from seniors) what seniors think and what YOU need to think about as a senior photographer. For example, Jim will discuss a list of the questions that he asks his seniors to "get into their minds" and how color plays a key role in finding out who they really are.

Beth Forester will also share insight into her own success in the highly lucrative market of senior portraiture. As she has experienced, running a profitable senior business requires studios to sell their “brand” before the first image is even taken. Beth will discuss how to “wire in” to the teen mind, how to reach out to them through viral marketing and how to create “brand demand,” which will ensure higher sales averages. From before the initial phone call to the final sale, she will reveal her everyday tips and tricks for cornering the senior market in your area.  

Two brains are better than one…so come enjoy these unique, profitable takes on senior photography!

• Beth Forester , M.Photog.Cr., CPP
• Jim Lersch , M.Photog.Cr., API, F-PPO

$199 (for both days)

It takes more than good photography to be successful. Dive into this business basics workshop—geared specifically towards wedding photographers—to absorb the marketing and management fundamentals central to operating a financially successful professional wedding photography business.

If you’re just getting started in photography or moving from part- to full-time (and are seeking guidance in essential business and marketing skills), this is the class for you. Developed by PPA’s Studio Management Services (SMS), it will get you on the right track. Over two days, you will cover business structure and accounting, pricing, marketing and selling…all based on a wedding photographer’s needs. You’ll see step-by-step techniques and tips on how to attract clients and maximize sales opportunities, along with the following:

• Financial and legal requirements for starting a photography business
• Personal skills and attributes needed for succeeding as a professional  
• Viable photography business models
• Components of a business plan
• Defining and branding your business concept or niche
• Building a business image
• Understanding the “marketing mix”
• Pricing for profitability
• Creating a selling plan
• Building adequate business volume
• Understanding managerial accounting
• Hiring helpers/employees
• Developing a workflow plan
• Managing the direction of your business
• Important pitfalls to avoid

PPA members receive 2 merits for attending

• Jennifer Roggi , Cr.Photog, ABI, CBM
• Todd Reichman

$299 (for all 3 days)

Planning on taking the Certified Professional Photographer exam? Take this 3-day prep class that will not only teach you needed information for the written exam, it will also give you a more thorough working knowledge of photography. This in-depth, intense study of photography’s technical side is like the equivalent to a semester of college, so be prepared to study!
 
Recommended reading for the class is the book Photography, by London and Upton. Topics include the following:

• The Inverse Square Law, Filter Factors, Bellows Factor
• Lenses and Filters
• Color Theory and H&D Curves
• Lighting Ratios, Corrective Lighting & Posing, Depth of Field, Angle of View
• The Zone System (and how it helps you understand the digital histogram)
• Difference between a Bit and a Byte and Bit Depth
• And much more

PPA members receive 2 merits for attending

• Gary Meek , M.Photog.Cr., CPP, API, EA-ASP, Hon. EA-ASP
• Kathryn Meek , M.Photog.Cr., CPP, API

$129

Learn to fully utilize Corel® Painter™ X/XI to create master portrait paintings reminiscent of John Singer Sargent’s paintings. With Heather, you’ll see how to maximize the software, customize brushes, utilize cloning effectively and choose color palettes to paint in the Impressionistic style of one of the Masters. Secrets of the Corel Painter Masters will be divulged as you learn to use this software to it's fullest potential—which can increase your bottom line, add a new product line to your studio and help you welcome an entirely new clientele (looking for the finest in painted portraiture).

*A basic understanding of Corel Painter is recommended but not required, and laptops are welcome.

• Heather Michelle Bjoershol

$115 (includes lunch)

Spend a day going from one professional to another to see how they handle lighting, wedding photography and portraits, from seniors to children. See individual “Speed Shooting with the Pros: Take 1” class descriptions below:
 
(One of two speed shooting courses held simultaneously, with similar topics and different instructors. Please be aware that you must choose either Take 1 or Take 2, not both. If you sign up for Take 1, you can only attend the classes listed in that speed shooting section. You cannot switch to a Take 2 class later in the day.)

Moderated by Don Macgregor

9:00am – 12:30pm
“Speed Lighting” with the Pros: Off-Camera Lighting
Learn different methods of on-the-go lighting with the photographers from TriCoast Photography. They plan on sharing their fast, effective and portable lighting solutions for today's outside shooting environments, including Canon and Nikon TTL off-camera flash metering, full manual strobes and a blend of both together. You’ll learn the power of off-camera lighting at Imaging USA!

9:00am – 12:30pm
Dramatic Studio Lighting for Seniors, Fashion & More
Learn how dramatic studio lighting can differentiate your images from the amateur and weekend photographer. You’ll walk away with at least five easy-to-implement techniques to take your studio shoots to the next level and create a little drama.

9:00am – 12:30pm
Quick & Amazing Wedding Lighting
Bry Cox will share his youthful key techniques to add immense value, style and a “hipness” to your portrait work when done correctly. Bry’s quick and dramatic lighting techniques will add edge to your images and will help separate you from the crowd as a true artist. You’ll learn how to quickly (and in a minimalistic way) find and use light to create more dynamic photographs that have style and emotion, and tell a real story about people, life, love and relationships. You ready to see light…and understand it in a way that will change your life as imagist, photographer and storyteller? Let light (and Bry) become your partner in success.

2:00pm – 5:00pm
Keepin' It Real: A Key to Capturing Senior Personalities
High school seniors want something cool. Their parents want something nice. They both want it to be “real.” So while having a deep bag of lighting, posing and backgrounds to draw from is key to creating solid images, nothing sells better than the perfect expression that is so "you” (as the mom says). Getting seniors to relax and have fun in the session is crucial for creating those types of images, which will also set your studio up for fantastic sales. Learn some of Kibbee’s tips on how to pose, light and create that environment for seniors to relax and just be themselves.

2:00pm – 5:00pm
Children: What’s Not to Love?
Mike Ridinger
Using Rembrandt lighting as a basis, learn how you can photograph children with a timeless and classical look. From meeting and connecting with the child to a short, live model shoot, Mike will share some of his tricks and tips to get the child to pose how he wants. You’ll also learn how one quick lens change can add a new dimension to your photography (and add dollars to your bottom line).

2:00pm – 5:00pm
Portraits: Every Family Has a Story
Watch how David and Ally work with clients in a team effort to create beautiful artistic and emotional images. Their very simple lighting techniques—just one or two lights—create those incredibly artistic images, allowing the McKays to focus on the client relationship. Learn how they work with clients to create an atmosphere of emotion and connection, which leads to that unforgettable client experience. This atmosphere is a key to their success in creating images that are much more than just simple photographs—they are true images of art that speak of their clients’ lives.

• Cody Clinton , Cr.Photog
• Bry Cox , M.Photog.Cr., CPP
• Mike Fulton , Cr.Photog
• David McKay , M.Photog.Cr., CPP
• Ally McKay , M.Photog.
• Wendy Newman , CPP
• Mike Ridinger
• Suzy Roberts
• Kibbee Walton

$115 (includes lunch)

Spend a day going from one professional to another to see how they handle lighting, wedding photography and portraits, from seniors to children. See individual “Speed Shooting with the Pros: Take 2” class descriptions below:
 
(One of two speed shooting courses held simultaneously, with similar topics and different instructors. Please be aware that you must choose either Take 1 or Take 2, not both. If you sign up for Take 2, you can only attend the classes listed in that speed shooting section. You cannot switch to a Take 1 class later in the day.)

Moderated by Michael Gan

9:00am-12:30pm
On-Camera Flash: Simple, Effective Lighting
Want a better understanding of lighting and flash photography? Don’t just depend on the numerical setting values (like the f-stop)! The methods used in lighting are far more important, such as how to get to correct exposure, how to get beautiful light and how to enhance the existing light with controlled use of flash. Seamlessly blending flash with available light is where you get the great results. So join Neil to learn about (soft) directional light, flash exposure (including using histograms, max sync speed, etc.) and mixing flash with tungsten light.

9:00am – 12:30pm
Children’s Portraits: Expressing Creative Visions
For over 20 years, Tina Marie has been photographing the delicate nature of children. From maternity to newborn and toddler sessions, you’ll see how she interacts with her clients during the entire process. Tina believes in having a core quality to your imagery, and she will show how a deep knowledge of the craft can help you seamlessly transition between "feeling" an image and making it an art piece through the craft of photography. This demonstration is for both the advanced photographer and the new photographer who has a "passion" for photography but feels that their knowledge of the craft is not where it needs to be. Come see the path that has worked for her.

9:00am – 12:30pm
Wedding Photography
Step in with Pete Wright as he uses his years of experience photographing hundreds of weddings to show you quick and easy poses for the bride and groom on the wedding day. Pete will discuss how he quickly goes through his wedding formal group (altar) shots in 10-15 minutes so that he can spend more time with the bride and groom, capturing his signature images. Learn how he poses the bride and groom separately and together to capture images quickly…but with a relaxed and elegant feel.

2:00pm – 5:00pm
Senior Photography
In a crowded marketplace, it is VERY important to set yourself apart from the crowd. Tom and Kristen will share how they do just that by “photographing people for who they are,” effectively using reflectors (both indoor and out), and knowing when off-camera flash is the right choice. They specialize in getting to know people through a preplanning session, which they will demonstrate live with the models. Doing that helps them custom-tailor the senior portrait session to reflect the senior's style, taste and personality. Come learn what works for them!

2:00pm – 5:00pm
Portrait Lighting
Barbie will demonstrate ways to find the "extra something" that will set your portraits apart from the rest…and it’s all about the light. Get ready to learn creative lighting and posing techniques that will help you take your portraits to the next level. Starting with the average studio lighting setup, you’ll learn to analyze the importance of each light and examine the different effects you can achieve by paying attention to detail.

2:00pm – 5:00pm
Portraits: The Power and Elegance of the Classics
Are you an experienced portraitist seeking to re-kindle the fire in your heart and attain a higher level of expertise? To get there, you need to rediscover the vast knowledge contained in classical portraiture. From the masters of the Renaissance to today’s industry leaders, portraiture has changed little—primarily the tools we use. After all, you’ve heard these sayings: “How can you know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve been,” and “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” Join Gabriel and gain a better understanding of your craft.

• Gabriel Alonso , M.Photog.Cr.
• Tom Bagby , M.Photog.Cr.
• Kristen McGill
• Neil van Niekerk
• Barbara Vallot , M.Photog.Cr., CPP
• Tina Marie Vance-Crnic , M.Photog.Cr.
• Pete Wright , M.Photog.Cr.

$499 (for all 3 days)

PPA’s Studio Management Services (SMS) provides a unique, three-day program with intensive instruction in techniques for business success, from financial management to branding, marketing, pricing, and selling strategies. This workshop is geared to well-established studios, and participants must have achieved (at minimum) $50,000 in annual gross sales or have completed a 2-Day Business Basics Workshop.

Day Three: Marketing & Promotions

Spend a day gathering creative solutions for making your presence and business image known. From existing clients to your targeted potentials, from online marketing to your studio space, you’ll learn the most effective means of promotion and marketing:

• Creating a Compelling Brand
• Strategies for Marketing Your Business Image
• Determining an Appropriate Business Model
• Making the Most of Your Studio Space (home studio or retail location)
• Finding Effective Marketing Techniques for Your Target Client
• Partnership Marketing
• Online Marketing
• Marketing to Existing Clients

For registration, you must contact Brooke Goldman (404-522-8600, ext. 244).
$499 for workshop lecture only / Add-on consultation available
(If you opt to add a one-on-one consultation with an SMS mentor and PPA accountant, it can be held either during Imaging USA or afterwards. A limited number of on-site consultations (15) are available.
Contact Brooke Goldman for more details.)

PPA members receive 2 merits for attending

• Bridget Jackson
• Allison Rodgers
• Edward Zemba

$129

Dive deep into the fine art of pet photography with three photographers from three different major metropolitan areas. They’ll share their different lighting and shooting techniques, as well as their sales and marketing strategies as they raise the bar for pet photographers nationwide. You’ll go home with plenty of new concepts to try in your own pet photography!

• Teresa Berg
• Barbara Breitsameter
• Bev Hollis

$595 (for all 3 days)

Want to learn more about the competition judging process (or want to take the next step towards becoming a PPA-Approved Juror)? Come attend the required class at Imaging USA! This three-day workshop is an intense learning experience—you’ll work hard to acquire the protocol and understand the methods that have given PPA photographic competitions the finest judging process in PPA history.

• Explore the ins and outs of what makes a print “merit worthy.”
• Observe the competition process and protocol.
• Feel confident in your ability to identify merit images.
• Fulfill one of the requirements for becoming a PPA-Approved Affiliate Juror.

PPA members receive two merits for attending, and members with 10 exhibition merits receive PEC credit for attending.

• Dennis Craft , M.Photog.Cr.Hon.M.Photog., CPP, API, F-ASP
• Helen Yancy , M.Photog.M.Artist.MEI.Cr.Hon.M.Photog., CPP, API, A-ASP, F-ASP

$79

A PPA first, this training workshop is designed to help new and aspiring industry speakers (as well as seasoned professionals) improve the effectiveness of their presentations. Taught by one of the industry's most dynamic and experienced educators, you'll get dozens of ideas to help you to better connect with your audience, increase information retention and provide a more powerful, entertaining and professional visual program.

Get ready to discover the following:

• Tips guaranteed to make you look more relaxed and confident on stage
• How to know what your audience really wants
• First and last impressions: Why your opening and closing 90 seconds are so important
• How to produce a stimulating and informational electronic presentation
• How to choose a presenter-friendly laptop, projector, cables and other tools
• Technical pointers to help you get the best quality of images, video and audio in your Keynote/Powerpoint presentation
• How to avoid stage disasters…and how to deal with them when they happen
• Product sales: Why a soft-sell beats the infomercial every time

• John Hartman , M.Photog.Cr., EA-ASP

Capturing the actual game action is one of the more difficult aspects of sport photography…but with Barry’s help, you’ll be game-ready for all of the major sports (football, basketball, baseball and hockey). From positioning for the perfect shot at any sporting event, to what equipment is needed to get great images that can be published anywhere…you can learn it here. Most importantly, you’ll see how you can generate thousands of dollars shooting game action (like they do in Sports Illustrated).

• Barry Rankin , M.Photog.Cr.

Anyone can book a league. But do you have what it takes to keep that league year after year? Client retention is a big part of your profitability, so come gather ideas that will help bring your leagues back every year. Jeff will share his methods for keeping his league bookings…and how he has fun doing it.

• Jeff Gump

Extra income is always a good thing…and extra income during the slow studio times is even better! Join Gregg to discuss producing that extra income with school events, little leagues and corporate events. You’ll learn all the how-to's for making an extra few thousand dollars each year.

• Gregg Martin , CPP

You may capture great images, but are they great images that will sell? Don can help. Listen, look and learn as he shares 30 years of experience in photographing professional and amateur sports. Don will demonstrate how he utilizes a stock photographer's mentality for capturing images that sell and how you can set your images apart by technique and equipment choices.

• Don Smith

Go beyond simple lighting diagrams and see how Dave achieves studio-quality light on location, inside or out, in the context of high-volume photo shoots. That’s right, he will set up his equipment (strobes, umbrellas, reflectors, green screen background, etc.) in the room and explain not just his set-ups, but also the logic behind his choices of equipment and placement. After all, a single lighting diagram can’t work for every job. The key to success lies in the photographer’s ability to apply lighting principles to each challenge, working within the limits of available equipment, time and space to produce consistent results and satisfied customers. It’s a recipe for lighting success…and success itself!

• Dave Stock

How do you deliver great prints to your customers when the weather turns ugly, your equipment fails, or you just plain mess up and come home with less-than-wonderful images on your card? Dave will show you how he overcame such challenges in the field and back at his computer. He’ll touch on a wide range of topics during this show-and-tell session, including green screen, location lighting, Adobe Photoshop techniques, photo day workflow, "Sports Illustrated style" arena lighting, image management and more. By using a combination of tools, systems and creativity—like Dave does—you, too, can survive tough situations.

• Dave Stock

Every photographer has a distinctive workflow style that, in essence, becomes his or her virtual signature. Getting to the point where such a workflow style can be used as an intellectual property asset (and as something that is marketable) is one of the most valuable distinctions separating a successful pro photographer from the competition.

Join Serge for help in identifying what makes your images uniquely yours…and how this “uniqueness” can be leveraged. You’ll gain a better understanding of the elements of workflow, how to segment them into logical components (with a methodology that makes sense) and why they each need to be controlled. After all, style, best practices and a little business savvy can help you serve your clients more fully and attract more business.

• Serge Timacheff

Many, many people and sport photographers know of Sports Illustrated magazine. But do you know the shooting techniques that the magazine’s photographers have developed? Peter Read Miller is ready and willing to discuss his experiences from 30 years of photography at Sports Illustrated, including some of the shooting techniques he has developed over that time.

• Peter Read Miller

On-site printing is often very important for many sport and event photographers, so take advantage of this chance to see a demonstration of a particular hardware and software configuration that any photographer can purchase and use. You’ll learn potential uses of the system in diverse markets, see examples of projects, and learn more about how to price and sell your services.

• Bob Dicaprio , Cr.Photog, CPP

Are you ready to shoot baseball like a pro? Join Chicago White Sox’s team photographer Ron Vesely as he provides an informative, nuts-and-bolts approach to covering baseball…with an insight that only a 25-year veteran baseball photographer (with 19 World Series under his belt) can provide! Get inside information from Ron on all aspects of photographing a baseball game, from preparing and executing an in-game strategy and taking the team photo to post-production workflow recommendations and techniques. You’ll participate in an in-depth discussion on equipment selection and setup while learning how to create images that stand out from the competition. If you love baseball and photography, this program is sure to inspire and motivate you for the upcoming season!

• Ron Vesely

Everyone wants to be successful in some way…and how about being successful with a profit? Sound good? If so, join Eric Anundi to learn how his studio found that kind of profitable success with high school senior photography. You’ll learn about finding exceptional representatives, creating marketing strategies, knowing your shooting style, selling products and understanding the importance of emotion. Plus, Eric will share sales techniques that will make any portrait artist capable of making $100,000 or more from this age group.

• Eric Anundi

Even the best marketing cannot sell a mediocre product. The growth and profitability of your studio depends on the ability to create unique photographic styles and products that people want to own. Then the marketing comes into play: You must be able to effectively sell those differences and show your prospects why they should spend their money with you over anyone else.

Marketing guru John Hartman recently developed cutting-edge imaging styles that are noticeably different from what most studios can produce. These imaging techniques are turning heads and helping him grow his studio business through increased customer desire, improved session volume and higher sales.

Photographic success today depends on your ability to separate your work from the ordinary...like John did. Get ready to re-ignite your love of photography as you discover new ways to improve your marketing, your sales and your profitability, including learning how to:

• Create images that excite your customers and confound your competition.
• Develop product lines from these images that add incrementally to each sale.
• Showcase and market these new styles to attract clients and keep your studio on top.
• Merchandise and package for maximum revenue.

• John Hartman , M.Photog.Cr., EA-ASP

Looking for ways to raise your sales averages, make your marketing more effective and streamline your business? Look no further! In Travis’ energetic way, he will cover sales scripts, phone scripts, marketing plans, business plans and employee manuals. Everyone, both new and experienced photographers, will leave with new ideas and inspiration on ways to improve their studios.

• Travis Gugelman , M.Photog., CPP

Once your client is in the sales room, it’s up to you close the deal. Learn the strategies that will help you transition from online sales and the techniques to get your client in the buying mindset before the sales appointment even begins. With Julia, you’ll see how to touch their emotions and effectively tap into their “want vs. need” mindset by using one of the industry’s highest rated in-person sales tools: ProSelect.

ProSelect software has a worldwide reputation for doubling, even tripling studio sales…and Julia will show you how to use it to the fullest. Take your knowledge leaps and bounds ahead, learning how ProSelect’s sales, design and workflow modules will allow you to create press-printed products on the fly in front of your clients. Books, cards, storyboards…all can be designed and then automatically created in Adobe® Photoshop®, just like a Photoshop action. In fact, you can show your clients a portrait option right on their own wall, and cut your post-order computer workflow down to almost nothing (you’ll see how to upload their order to the lab just 20 minutes after the clients leave).

Come learn how powerful presentation and well-crafted sales techniques will increase your bottom line, please your clients and give your in-person viewing appointments the purpose you envision.

• Julia Radlick , CPP

Let’s face it, this economy sucks! We are all working harder and longer hours just to survive the challenges of this financial downturn. Many of the proven marketing methods of the past are not working anymore and qualified clients are harder to come by. But is it all doom and gloom? Absolutely not!

This dynamic father-and-son team will give you the detailed marketing strategies you’ve been craving in your business…and a much-needed energy boost! During their jam-packed presentation, they will be discussing 21 effective ways to market your studio and thrive now. Here is just a small handful of what they will be covering:

• The social media mania and how to actually make money from it.
• The lost art of custom thank you’s as a marketing and referral-building tool.
• Orchestrating a charity auction program that is a new client-generating machine.
• Maximizing and optimizing your website so you get Googled more often.
• Writing effective marketing and sales copy for your ads.
• Implementing an ongoing “Portrait Safari” marketing campaign.
• And more!

Don’t miss this content-rich, no-fluff program created by 27-year veteran Bruce Hudson and one of the most brilliant up-and-coming marketing minds in the industry, Josh Hudson.

• Bruce & Josh Hudson

Can’t always shoot during the “sweet light” time, or find “great light” outdoors? Do you hate that “on-camera flash” look? Do you want to better utilize the flash you already own and know an easy set-up for in-home sessions? Join Doug for strategies that will help you capture your images correctly in the camera, saving you a lot of time in post production.

You’ll learn how proper f-stops, shutter speeds, and ISO can allow you to control depth of field, giving you creative power over your images. Doug will also clear up your questions about equivalent exposure, exposure compensation, when and how to use aperture priority or shutter priority or the TV, manual or program settings on your camera! And you’ll see how off-camera flash techniques can help you create dramatic images in nature, including combining flash and sunsets for stunning portraits.

• Doug Box , M.Photog.Cr., CPP, API

Recharge your artistic soul and add power to your imagery with this intense, passionate and challenging class brimming with ideas and inspirations. Jennifer will help you slow down and learn to become self-inspired, to translate better and to create like a true craftsperson.

Through her teachings (and the sharing of her personal artistic journey), Jenn will challenge you to look at things in a brand-new light and breathe life into your work like never before. You’ll learn unusual posing, lighting and capture techniques inspired by artists influential to her artistic style. In addition, you’ll see an Adobe® Photoshop® demonstration of her cutting-edge digital aging techniques that create beautiful digital tintypes, wet plates, cyanotypes and more.  

Packed with innovation and life, freshness and artistry and hundreds of inspiring images to get your wheels turning, this class is the perfect artistic inspiration. It will spark your inner artist and teach you fun and easy product lines, such as digital collages, mixed media portrait collages, image transfers and much more. You’ll walk away with new product ideas that will reach your clients on an entirely new level. Learn to create from your heart all over again in this class that may be path-changing, life-changing…or at least a bend in the road.

• Jennifer Hudson , M.Photog.Cr., CPP

Making a photograph is a thousand times more about a creative, intuitive, emotional process than it is about a technical process. As Joel says, we immortalize artists, not technicians. Technicians tend to copy others while artists set the trends. And that’s why you have to think like an artist to compete in today’s marketplace. Come learn to become a creative force and take your craft to a new level—it will pay huge dividends.

• Joel Grimes

Get ready for your creative and business fires to ignite! This program will highlight 12 of today’s hottest young shooters from 10 studios and how they—and others like them—are bringing unique talents and a different view to our industry.  

As our community continues to evolve, many of yesterday’s “rules” are being broken, many amazing photographs are being taken and many young businesses are thriving. Whether it is through exceptional imagery, successful marketing or incredible business acumen, this 30-and-under crowd has found a way to thrive in an increasingly competitive industry. They’ll be sharing their specific areas of expertise, so join this newer “generation” of photographers—you may just take away a whole new way of looking at your business.

Kim Larson
Changing her website changed her business, and she’ll show you how and why. See how she used the same images (just a different presentation) from one website to the next, and learn the importance of search engines and local search results.

Michelle Lindsay
The word “brand” can be daunting and scary, but it’s the most powerful tool photographers have for starting a business and moving that business forward. One of the most overlooked areas is in how to actually turn around and sell that brand. How do you connect with clients on a level that evokes positive feelings about your company, your photography and, even more importantly, you? Come learn specific branding techniques Michelle used to create a widespread client base in a new market in under one year. You’ll learn to do the following:

• Build the Connection – Know your brand and rock it. Personality is everything when you want to stand out in a crowd.
• Exceed Expectations – Create lifelong clients who want to shout your name from the rooftop.

Amber McAdoo, CPP   
Understanding PPA’s Benchmark Survey and getting her cost of sales under control has changed Amber’s life and business for the better in a very short amount of time. Learn her story and you’ll see how knowing your numbers (and understanding them) can lead to a better business and a better life outside the business.

Allison Reisz
Booking your ideal client is vital to the creative success of any photography session. Your client needs to fit your style of photography as well as give you full control and trust. Learn how Allison books the clients that fit her style and gains their trust during a session.

Betsy Finn, Cr.Photog., CPP
Learn how to create versatile (and flexible) home studio and the marketing that’s needed to create a good first impression. Betsy will discuss renovations and the numerous elements to consider when creating your home studio, from cement and trim to marketing yourself with certification and degrees. Even when you don’t have a store front, perception matters in getting clients to your door.

Heidi Uhl
See how Heidi uses studio lighting on location for many of her impressive images. She’ll show you how she sets up her lighting (what she uses and how she puts it together) and provide a lighting modifier overview.

Ryan and Andrea Zapatka
Mix it up with fusion! Come learn about this new photographic trend (video plus still) and how to create a great fusion film…all from a couple that uses it with great success.

Eric Hinders
Learn to find inspiration and use that inspiration to grow your business and stretch your art. Eric will discuss how he connects his inspirations to his photography, from how an article about making paper pushed him to develop his handmade albums to his photographic competition approach.

Serena (Star) Softsky
Listen and watch as Serena takes you “through the looking glass” into another realm, using fashion, fine art and fantasy to go from the mundane to the avante-garde with your images. You’ll learn how to bring anachronism into your work (like how Serena draws inspiration from styling and creative art) and how a formal education (and opportunities within PPA and photographic competitions) can benefit your artistic career.

Carrie Sandoval & Brittany Woodall
Learn the basics of newborn photography with Carrie Sandoval and Brittany Woodall. Get an inside look at how they have “hyper-specialized” their target market, helping their business thrive creatively as a result.

• Betsy Finn , Cr.Photog., CPP
• Kim Larson
• Michelle Lindsay
• Amber McAdoo
• Allison Reisz
• Serena “Star” Sofsky
• Carrie Sandoval
• Brittany Woodall
• Andrea & Ryan Zapatka
• Eric Hinders , M.Photog.
• Heidi Uhl , CPP

Get ready for your creative and business fires to ignite! This program will highlight 12 of today’s hottest young shooters from 10 studios and how they—and others like them—are bringing unique talents and a different view to our industry.  

As our community continues to evolve, many of yesterday’s “rules” are being broken, many amazing photographs are being taken and many young businesses are thriving. Whether it is through exceptional imagery, successful marketing or incredible business acumen, this 30-and-under crowd has found a way to thrive in an increasingly competitive industry. They’ll be sharing their specific areas of expertise, so join this newer “generation” of photographers—you may just take away a whole new way of looking at your business.

Kim Larson
Changing her website changed her business, and she’ll show you how and why. See how she used the same images (just a different presentation) from one website to the next, and learn the importance of search engines and local search results.

Michelle Lindsay
The word “brand” can be daunting and scary, but it’s the most powerful tool photographers have for starting a business and moving that business forward. One of the most overlooked areas is in how to actually turn around and sell that brand. How do you connect with clients on a level that evokes positive feelings about your company, your photography and, even more importantly, you? Come learn specific branding techniques Michelle used to create a widespread client base in a new market in under one year. You’ll learn to do the following:

• Build the Connection – Know your brand and rock it. Personality is everything when you want to stand out in a crowd.
• Exceed Expectations – Create lifelong clients who want to shout your name from the rooftop.

Amber McAdoo, CPP   
Understanding PPA’s Benchmark Survey and getting her cost of sales under control has changed Amber’s life and business for the better in a very short amount of time. Learn her story and you’ll see how knowing your numbers (and understanding them) can lead to a better business and a better life outside the business.

Allison Reisz
Booking your ideal client is vital to the creative success of any photography session. Your client needs to fit your style of photography as well as give you full control and trust. Learn how Allison books the clients that fit her style and gains their trust during a session.

Betsy Finn, Cr.Photog., CPP
Learn how to create versatile (and flexible) home studio and the marketing that’s needed to create a good first impression. Betsy will discuss renovations and the numerous elements to consider when creating your home studio, from cement and trim to marketing yourself with certification and degrees. Even when you don’t have a store front, perception matters in getting clients to your door.

Heidi Uhl
See how Heidi uses studio lighting on location for many of her impressive images. She’ll show you how she sets up her lighting (what she uses and how she puts it together) and provide a lighting modifier overview.

Ryan and Andrea Zapatka
Mix it up with fusion! Come learn about this new photographic trend (video plus still) and how to create a great fusion film…all from a couple that uses it with great success.

Eric Hinders
Learn to find inspiration and use that inspiration to grow your business and stretch your art. Eric will discuss how he connects his inspirations to his photography, from how an article about making paper pushed him to develop his handmade albums to his photographic competition approach.

Serena (Star) Softsky
Listen and watch as Serena takes you “through the looking glass” into another realm, using fashion, fine art and fantasy to go from the mundane to the avante-garde with your images. You’ll learn how to bring anachronism into your work (like how Serena draws inspiration from styling and creative art) and how a formal education (and opportunities within PPA and photographic competitions) can benefit your artistic career.

Carrie Sandoval & Brittany Woodall
Learn the basics of newborn photography with Carrie Sandoval and Brittany Woodall. Get an inside look at how they have “hyper-specialized” their target market, helping their business thrive creatively as a result.

• Betsy Finn , Cr.Photog., CPP
• Kim Larson
• Michelle Lindsay
• Amber McAdoo
• Allison Reisz
• Serena “Star” Sofsky
• Carrie Sandoval
• Brittany Woodall
• Andrea & Ryan Zapatka
• Eric Hinders , M.Photog.
• Heidi Uhl , CPP

International, fashion-forward photographer Scott Robert Lim will break down the complex subject of off-camera flash in very easy-to-understand terms. Learn about the budget-minded portable lighting techniques that have enabled him to capture his on-location, fashionable, award-winning imagery around the world. You can use an effective off-camera flash system with powerful and consistent results on a shoe-string budget. In fact, you’ll be amazed at how easy these flash set-ups can be in manual mode—you can predict with complete accuracy your flash power and exposure settings without metering and still retain complete control over your lighting environment!

You're going to love Scott Robert Lim's upbeat, candid yet highly educational delivery that has made him one of the top inspirational educators in the world.

• Scott Robert Lim

Despite the photographic pool being more crowded than ever, Parker J. has waded through and found a look all his own. From selling your personality to shooting style and creating unique products, you’ll learn many ways to separate yourself from the crowds without selling your soul.

• Parker J Pfister

Fusion—the collision of stills and video—was thought to be a fad by some, and it was faced head-on by others. Whatever your initial reaction, fusion has gained momentum as more and more photographers dive into it. Are you ready to dive in, too? Stephen and Jennifer will break fusion down for you, offer solutions and ideas to help you adopt it in your studio, and take apart many of the misconceptions about it. More importantly, they’ll give you the tools to make fusion a reality in your studio.

• Stephen & Jennifer Bebb

Do you ever find yourself not knowing where to begin when it comes to marketing? Do you ever get down on yourself for not being able to do everything you want to do? You've heard so many ideas, but you’re not sure where YOU should start or even what would be best for YOUR business. It's time to take a simple and logical approach to marketing.

Step by step, Wendy will help you make sense of marketing your photography, and it all starts with knowing your business numbers. Come see how she to use those numbers to know where to begin and get the desired returns. A five-time winner of the AN-NE Marketing Awards, she will share her proven methods for getting your brand out there…and getting clients to book sessions. You’ll learn different ways to look at your studio offerings and turn them into marketing segments that you can focus on and grow with a little love and attention.

And with three awards for e-mail marketing alone, she’ll show you why her campaigns continue to win not only with the judges, but also with her clients. In fact, you’ll leave armed and ready to launch your own successful e-mail campaign!

Wendy’s ideas and examples from her years in business will benefit everyone, from the newbie to the "I remember when" professional.

• Wendy Rouleau

Stop competing on price—there will always be someone willing to charge less, and there are much better ways to beat out your competition! Just listen to Todd and Jamie, who will teach you to transcend market rates and run a profitable, sustainable business. You’ll learn what PPA’s Benchmark Survey means in layman's terms and how it illuminates certain facts about how we have to charge and how we have to plan. Are you ready to learn more methods for booking jobs and achieving profitability?

• Jamie Reichman
• Todd Reichman

Learn how to get the “razzle dazzle” back into your life in a discussion about business, life, boundaries and balance. More description details coming soon.

• Jeff Rodgers
• Allison Rodgers

Take a roller-coaster ride on a journey spanning 50 years as Joyce shares her passion for art and photography with a retrospective of her work. Witness the evolution of her career from Santa House photographer to creator of magical images for clients and, ultimately, her personal work, which is showcased in exhibitions and included in the permanent collections of major art museums.  

Ready to explore her repertoire of portrait styles and a potpourri of alternative processes that are ever-evolving? Come learn the steps she takes in collaborating with clients to achieve visual impact and integrity, and see her creative process, from inspiration to the realization of her personal work. Whether new to the industry or an established pro, you will be inspired and challenged.

• Joyce Wilson , M.Photog.Cr., API, F-ASP

Want to learn the whole game, from the first conversation to the finished product? Through the use of video and live workflow demonstrations, Carl will share what a high school senior experiences in his studio. You’ll learn about lighting, posing and searching for the best backgrounds and locations. And you’ll see firsthand, custom print enhancements and finished images from the actual “senior experience.”

• Carl Caylor , M.Photog.Cr., CPP, F-WPPA

Prepare to experience what it takes to raise the bar in your photography! From how to score in the consultation room to creating the images that wow your clients, join Tom Muñoz to learn his family’s business strategies and insights for creating award-winning wedding albums. Photographing over 250 events per year, the Muñoz family is one of the most successful and respected photography studios in the country. And with the backing of four generations of photographers, Tom has become one of the highest awarded wedding photographers in the country. Come along as he shares with you his family’s techniques and passion to help you raise the bar in your own business and craft.

• Tomas Muñoz , M.Photog.Cr., CPP

Emotion has been the secret to Marcus’ success both creatively and in business for the past 12 years, ever since beginning in the industry. Come learn how powerful this can be for your business. You’ll walk away with the understanding and tools for capturing emotion and creating low-cost, successful marketing campaigns…all of which will help create your very own life clients who will return again and again.

• Marcus Bell

Is it the model’s job or yours to create the art of movement in your photographs and videos? In the world of fashion, we control the movement of design in clothing, hair, make-up and styling. In photography, we control the light, the set and the movement of the model. If, in portraiture, we could marry these ideas, then real people could look like they were fashion models, and we could preform their look any way we wish.

Join Lou Freeman as she shares her 27-year experience as a fashion, advertising and Playboy photographer. Her work is about beauty and trust with her subjects, and she’ll share how she has been able to work with many fashion models and celebrities to achieve the ideas she has and create her moving images.

Join her for a conversation about trust, performance and movement.

• Mary “Lou” Freeman

Discover the secrets for making more money in photography while learning Matthew’s social media tips for success and much more. This program will change your life with the following:

• Matthew's NEW must-have tips to make more money.
• Secrets to maximize your social media.
• Lighting and shooting tips for success.
• Inspirational tips for success.

Follow Matthew daily for more success tips at www.MatthewJordanSmith.Blogspot.com.

• Matthew Jordan Smith

You can draw inspiration from within yourself that reflects outwardly in your images; thus, creating a very specific brand. Want to learn how? Brianna will go into detail on how she designed her studio to reflect this vision and how it translates directly into her photography.

Learn how she uses outside sources to draw on her creativity and looks for image inspiration outside the “photography world.” See how she also uses her consultations (portrait design sessions) for insight/inspiration into how the client’s session should be handled. You’ll come to understand how Brianna uses her collective inspirations to create custom imagery for her clients.

• Brianna Graham

Enter into a world where photography has no rules, where the ordinary can become extraordinary and creativity has no bounds. Richard Sturdevant specializes in the art of composites, creating wonderful, vivid images that tell a story. No matter what type of photography you create, composites can add a whole new dimension to your style. Richard will show you how he uses composites to create stunning works of art for his portrait clients, commercial clients and award-winning competition images. He will take you on a journey through his creative thought process from start to finish, a journey that will inspire you to think like an artist and use the camera and Adobe® Photoshop® as paintbrushes.

• Richard Sturdevant , M.Photog.

Finding your style is not about whose style is best or what style is better; it’s about being unique and original and creating the images that only you can create. We all know the difference between The Stones and The Beatles, Elvis and Sinatra, Bach and Beethoven. And although many may argue over who’s “the best,” the reason we know them at all is that each is unique and original. Without their original “styles,” we would never have heard of them at all. Such commercially successful styles are a balance between art and the market…and it’s something professional photographers need. Join Thom to learn an approach that helps define your style, allows you to be true to yourself and also enhances your success in the market.

• Thom Rouse , M.Photog.MEI.Cr., CPP

Moment vs. posed. Ambient vs. flash. Finished vs. proof. Get beyond the boxes with Dave and Quin Cheung as they share how they've pushed their imagery by combining true moments with dramatic lighting. They'll demonstrate their "guerrilla lighting techniques" (using minimal gear), which have allowed them to create their signature epic imagery all within the tight time constraints and stresses of a real wedding day. Learn their real-world workflow tips and go behind the scenes with their creative process as they craft treasured heirlooms for their clients.

• Dave & Quin Cheung

Getting your name in front of people associated with what you do is Job One if you want to run a successful photography business. Yes, it's important to have a good, solid product to sell, but if you don't know how to get the word out, you probably won't be in business for long, either.

Unless you have a large budget, trying to advertise for business can really drain your dollars without getting much in the way of results. But there are some simple, straight-forward techniques you can use to make people aware of your business and photography skills. It doesn't take a pile of money, but it does take some time and ingenuity. Proper design and use of business cards, press releases, print displays, website optimization and partnership marketing are just some of the ideas Bob will share in this fast-paced, information-packed class.

• Bob Coates , M.Photog.Cr., CPP

Storey believes that weddings bring together a group of people to celebrate the birth of a new family—they are joyous celebrations, and her goal is to make the photographs reflect that joy. Join her to learn how she does just that. Storey will help you finesse your poses and prompts so that your clients look relaxed, interested and truly happy. You’ll see how to take better candid photographs, photograph better details, capture more moments and put those images together with the six key principles of timeless, elegant album design. And with her help, you’ll also learn the importance of finding the “best fit” for your clients and you.

• Storey Wilkins , MPA (PPOC)

Meet up with David to take a fresh look at family portraiture, from the importance of truly knowing your craft to connecting with the family. Rather than going for the “easy fix,” he’ll show you how learning your craft can help you, including minimizing retouching work and the truth about front lighting. You’ll learn about timeless elegance and how to develop a style vs. a trend. You’ll even learn how you can differentiate yourself by making beautiful, handmade prints on special papers. Above all, you’ll learn how to connect with a family to ensure you capture true meaning and history in an image, increasing its value.

• David Williams , M.Photog. (AIPP), FRPS, ALPE

Want to create that dramatic portrait on location? This is the program for you, jam-packed with information on lighting and composition. David will walk you through a location, explaining how to look for the leading lines and interesting compositional elements that he'll use to create the final image. You’ll even be introduced to five creative lighting techniques anyone can use to create and enhance dramatic portraits. Fast-paced and always entertaining (thanks to David), this class is an exercise in learning to see differently and more creatively before you ever push the shutter button.

• David Ziser , M.Photog.Cr.

Lighting is easily the most important aspect of photography. Bob would even go as far as saying that lighting is photography. It is even in the word itself: "Photography" is Greek for "light drawing" or "drawing with light." Without light, you cannot take photos. And it is perfectly possible to take amazing photographs with a very simple camera…as long as the lighting is good. The opposite is true as well: If you are taking photos where the lighting is truly appalling, having the fanciest, most expensive camera in the world isn't going to help you capture the photographs you want.

Become a seeker of light with Bob, starting with this class! A lot of things will affect what the effects of a light source are and how your photos are affected by said source. The brightness (intensity) of the light source plays an important role and so does the color of the light. Big challenges arise when you start mixing different light sources. Sunlight has a drastically different color than the light that comes from your flash, from car headlights, or from the lights in your house. While it can be incredibly difficult to get your photos to look "right," light sources of different colors offer an opportunity, too. With the right mixture of types and colors of light, you can achieve some beautiful, creative effects that will make your photos really “pop.” Join Bob to learn to "see the light"…and create the light you want as well.

• Bob Davis