Instructors

Jim & April Alsup

A graduate of the Ohio Institute of Photography and Technology (OIP & T), Jim Alsup has been a small-town studio photographer for 30 years. Along with raising four beautiful daughters, his focus and passion are the nuts and bolts of the photography business. April has been a professional salesperson her entire working life, with a degree in Economics from the University of Louisville. Five years ago, she married Jim Alsup and began working in the studio. The rest is history…

Classe(s): Mojo Your Way into the Sports Business

Alycia Alvarez

Alycia Alvarez has always had a passion for photography. During her years in college, she studied the art of black-and-white photography. After becoming a mother herself, she realized how quickly her children changed right before her very eyes. Relentlessly, she began to document their little lives through countless photographs, which she knew would capture a glimpse of the person they were at each particular moment. Alycia knows that for every picture taken, a moment in time is remembered. Capturing true and genuine personality is her passion, and her style relies very little on props to uncover that. Her objective with each photograph is to create an image that reveals something truly unique about the individual...sharing a little bit of who they are, instead of just what they look like.

Classe(s): Bella Baby
Sponsored by White House Custom Colour (WHCC)

Carol Andrews, M.Photog.Cr., ABI

A PPA member since 1986, Carol has served many roles in professional photography. For instance, she has been a PPA Studio Management Services (SMS) Consultant since 2005. And in addition to her membership in the Texas Professional Photographers Association (ofA which she was on the Board) and leadership in different PPA committees, she was the 2006 Chairman of the PPA Business Initiative Committee. Carol is currently serving as a member of Professional Photographers of America's Board of Directors.

Carol's ability to soulfully connect with her subjects on an individual basis has earned her the reputation for being the "Queen of Hearts," with all she embraces in her photography, consulting, and coaching, as well as her life. Her studio in Texas knows her as one who loves the magic in photographs…and you can see it in her work. Her award-winning photography has been juried and accepted at the world’s largest exhibition of photography, Fotofest, not to mention exhibitions at Epcot, in Germany, and various PPA

Classe(s): The Business of Photography: 2-Day Workshop from PPA’s Studio Management Services (SMS) :: Day One Marketing & Promotions SMS 3-Day Workshop (Plus Consultation) :: Day Three

J. Scott Applewhite

J. Scott Applewhite is in his 30th year as a photojournalist with The Associated Press, based in Washington, D.C. His work has garnered several distinguished awards, including a second Pulitzer Prize in Feature Photography in 1999 for his images documenting President Clinton’s impeachment crisis. Earlier, his photos from the 1992 presidential campaigns helped the AP win a 1993 Pulitzer for Feature Photography. The very same year, his images from AP's coverage of the Somalia tragedy were honored as the Pulitzer finalist. More recently, the AP honored Applewhite with its prestigious Gramling Spirit Award, noting a career of excellence and initiative.

Applewhite's primary beat in Washington has been the White House, where his coverage of six presidents (Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, George W. Bush, and now Barack Obama) has given him a front row seat in history. Yet many of his highlight assignments have been far away from politics and presidents: the terror of Haiti, war in the Middle East and the Balkans, the invasion of Panama, and the anguish of Africa. His expertise at getting into and filing from some of the world's most difficult datelines made him one of AP's busiest frontline photojournalists.

Before joining the AP, Applewhite worked for the Palm Beach Post and Miami Herald in Florida, The Gleaner in Henderson, Ky., and the Louisville Courier-Journal. A native of Kentucky, his passion for photography grew as a journalism student at Western Kentucky University.

Beyond his daily work, Applewhite is enthusiastic about sharing his experiences with young journalists through mentoring programs and professional associations. His Washington peers elected him to lead the Senate Press Photographers Gallery as the chairman. Applewhite also serves on the governing board of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and is a frequent contributor to study groups examining issues that affect the First Amendment, journalists, and the public they serve.

Classe(s): An Evening With…Photographers in the White House
Sponsored by White House Custom Colour (WHCC)

Christel Aprigliano

As PPA’s Director of Member Value & Experience, Christel focuses on ensuring the long-term success of members and the organization. She joined PPA last year as the Member Services Manager. Prior to PPA, Christel worked in the sales and marketing fields for both small and international corporations.

Classe(s): Association Survival: What Affiliate Leaders Should Know About Staying Afloat - Sold Out!

Stephen & Jennifer Bebb

Quietly pursuing their dreams in Vancouver, Canada, Stephen and Jennifer Bebb were thrust into the international spotlight in 2007 when American Photo named them as one of the Top 10 Wedding Photographers in the World.Already known for their fantastic imagery, the Bebbs soon developed a reputation as fantastic educators as well. More importantly to the Bebbs, they also found a way to balance their very important family life with the demands of a busy, successful career.

Today, the Bebbs are still pursuing their dreams in Vancouver, Canada, albeit not as quietly. They speak throughout the world at conventions and their own workshops. They are also known for the mentoring they do with other photographers, all in the name of charity.

Classe(s): Creativity & Technology
Sponsored by Pickpic

Bert Behnke

The founder and current Executive Director of PPA Charities, Bert Behnke is a second-generation portrait photographer from the Chicago suburbs. He and his wife, Cindy, who is also a portrait photographer, own Behnke Fine Portraitures. Almost since the studio’s inception, they have involved it in charitable endeavors. In fact, Bert documented an Operation Smile medical mission trip (www.operationsmile.org) to Paraguay in November 2009.

Together, Bert and Cindy have won numerous awards in print competitions while serving their professional associations. Both are past presidents of the Associated Professional Photographers of Illinois, and Bert was the 1997-98 president of Professional Photographers of America. He has even served as President of the World Council of Professional Photography.

In addition to his PPA photographic degrees, Bert has been awarded the National Award from his state affiliate for outstanding service. In 2000, he was honored as Portrait Photographer of the Year from the International Photographic Council, a non-profit branch of the United Nations. He was also awarded the 2009 Legacy Award from PPA Charities and PPA’s 2008 Ross Sanddal International Award.

Classe(s): All-Star Charitable Marketing

Clay Blackmore

Clay Blackmore is one of the most passionate professional photographers in the country today and a true innovator in the world of wedding photography and portraiture.  Working out of Washington, DC, Clay's style blendes the beauty and timelessness of classical portraiture with spontaneity and appeal of photojournalism.  Clay's portraits are simple, direct, yet make powerful statements.  

A celebrity and society favorite, Blackmore's client's include such luminaries as Larry King, Forrest Whitaker, Jenna Elfman, and Maria Sharapova, and corporate entities as diverse as the PGA and USGA to political inaugural balls (blackmore's team photographed more than 19 such events in 2001 alone).

One of only a few Canon Explorers of Light, Blackmore lectures all over the world and was selected for the first satellite broadcast of Wedding 2000.  A star of his own show on ZugaPhoto TV he teaches and creates the wedding portrait programs for Disney photographics.

Clay's latest efforts with his Canon Digital IR camera are imaginative and aesthetic with moody skies and misty mountains, created in and around the rain forest on the island of Nevis, BWI.    The collection is intimate and involving with a surreal artistic quality.  For limited addition prints for home and office visit Clayblackmore.com and go to fine art.

Blackmore is currently creating a coffee table book of Extraordinary Women and their Fantasies revealed, and he currently retains membership in the elite Cameracraftsmen of America and a Board position in the international Hall of Fame of photography.

Classe(s): Fusion - The New Decade is in Motion
Sponsored by Canon

Marissa Boucher

Marissa Boucher and Kimberlee West are “The Boudoir Divas.” Together, they own and operate the Boudoir Divas Studio, a high-end photography studio located in San Diego, California. In just a few short years, the Boudoir Divas’ studio has seen incredible growth, and they are now recognized as Southern California’s premier boudoir studio. The Divas believe that their studio is so successful because of their desire to give every woman the opportunity to feel like a supermodel—no matter what size or shape she may be.  “Every woman has her own unique beauty,” they say. “And it is our hope that we help her embrace just that.”

Classe(s): Boudoir is the New Black: Glamorous, Lucrative, & Ridiculously Fun
Sponsored by Showit

Scott Bourne

PPA member Scott Bourne is a digital media pioneer involved in photography for more than three decades (in a variety of ways). In that time, he’s been the author of four photo books and four video training titles, and he’s led more than 150 photo workshops and seminars. One of the early recipients of PPA's professional certification and a previous Certified Adobe Photoshop Instructor, Scott is currently an Apple Certified Professional Trainer (T3) for Apple’s Aperture. Another one of his passions is social media—he has more than 24,000 followers on Twitter and is leading the way for other photographers to use social media as a marketing tool.

Scott's work has appeared in numerous books, magazines, newspapers, and galleries in Minneapolis, Seattle, New York, and Paris. He is the publisher of Photofocus.com, one of the most well-known photography sites on the Internet. He also hosts the Photofocus podcast, a top-rated radio-style show about photography available on iTunes.

Classe(s): Social Media Will Expand Your Business

Joe Buissink

Joe Buissink photographs weddings all over the world and has been a favorite wedding photographer among celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson, Brendan Fraser, Kelsey Grammer, and more. His work redefines wedding photography and has been described as “Fine Art” by his most notable celebrity clients. In addition, 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 Russia, China, England, Scotland, Ireland, and the United States.

In 2003, Joe was awarded the International Leadership Award in Photography by the International Photographic Council at the United Nations. He has received numerous International Grand Awards for his work from Wedding & Portrait Photographers International. Kodak also hired Joe to shoot their International Ad campaign for their Portra Film Line. In 2005, Apple selected Joe to be their spokesperson for the wedding industry in the release of their new program Aperture. His work is published regularly in InStyle Weddings, Grace Ormonde’s Wedding Style, and People magazine, and he has been profiled by Good Morning America, Entertainment Tonight, Extra, Lifetime Television’s Wedding of a Lifetime, and E! Joe has received numerous awards for his work, including the February 2007 American Photo nomination as one of the Top 10 Wedding Photographers in the World.

Classe(s): Who YOU Are is the Most Important Thing about Photography
Sponsored by Canon

Drake Busath, M.Photog.Cr.

Drake has been trying to create honest portraits for over 25 years. He operates 2 downtown studios in Salt Lake and Provo, Utah. Drake has presented seminars in most U.S. states and 8 countries, and he runs the Italy Workshops, which are celebrating their 14th season in Tuscany this year.

Classe(s): Family Portraiture, Etcetera

Patrick Cahill, Cr.Photog

Pat Cahill, a Photographic Craftsman, is the owner and CEO of Cahill Studios of Photography in Amery, Wisconsin (population 2,500). Started in 1978, Cahill Studios now digitally photographs and processes more than 15,000 underclass students and 15,000 sports clients annually.

Pat is also the National Sales Manager for American Color Imaging and helps teach independent studios the fundamentals of digital control and file management in an underclass and sports setting. He shares the benefits of these product lines as a way to even out cash flow and relieve some of the financial stress of a “seasonal” photography studio. For example, he can show how green screen technology can help increase your profit and the choices you can offer clients.

A past board member of the Wisconsin Professional Photographers Association, Pat is also an Honorary Fellow in Wisconsin; a member of ASP, PSPA, and SPAC; and a former Investigator for the Polk County Sheriff’s Department. Pat and his wife Merry have five children.

Classe(s): Beating out the Competition
Sponsored by American Color Imaging (ACI)

Michele Celentano, Cr.Photog.

After 21 years of experience, Michele’s passion for transforming photography into works of art continues to grow. She was awarded her Photographic Craftsmen degree from PPA and the Accolade of Photographic Mastery from Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI). Her artwork has been published in literary works such as Rangefinder, American Photographer, Shutterbug, and Studio Photography, as well as numerous photography books.

Michele is also one of an elite group of photographers (only 50 nationwide) chosen to represent Canon as an Explorer of Light. Recently, Michele and her images were featured in numerous advertisements for Canon and their new professional line of cameras. In addition to running her studio full time, she continues to travel and lecture internationally on the subject of professional photography and imagery.

Classe(s): The Ultimate Photographer’s Balancing Act

Ben Chen

Ben Chen is a freelance photographer located in Southern California. He’s taken photojournalist assignments from several media clients that provide images for magazines and newspapers in the U.S. Ben has covered the Rose Bowl, the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Lakers, NASCAR, PGA, WTA, USC and UCLA Football, and many other sporting events/teams. His images are highly regarded; in fact, one of Ben’s photos was published as the cover for the Sports Photography: How to Capture Action and Emotion book. Other photos have been published in magazines and newspapers around the country, from Cosmopolitan and ESPN Magazine to Professional Photographer and USA Today.  

See his sports photos at http://www.sportspixel.com.
View his wedding/portrait work at http://www.socalpixels.com.
See his published work at http://www.socalpixels.com/gallery/published/.

Classe(s): How to Shoot the Big Four Sports

Don Chick, M.Photog.Cr., CPP

Don Chick certainly knows lighting and photography. A Certified Professional Photographer, he has earned PPA’s Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman degrees, along with the Distinguished Colleague of Photography degree from the NH Professional Photographers Association.

Sharing his knowledge comes easily to Don. Currently, Don is a Technical Editor for PPA’s Professional Photographer magazine. He has also written articles on studio portrait lighting for them and their online publication PPMag (http://www.ppmag.com). In the instruction realm, Don has taught studio lighting programs in many states, from Connecticut to Iowa and Maine to Nevada…he’s even taught in the Bahamas! He is also a great resource in his home state of New Hampshire, having taught a number of PPA Super Monday classes and NHPPA Photo Festivals.
 
Don has won many awards in professional imaging competition at all levels. He has 12 PPA Loan Collection images and 5 consecutive PPA Photographer of the Year awards (POTY). In fact, Don received the acclaimed Diamond-Level POTY from PPA in 2008. (All of Don’s professional print awards are for portraits.)

Don and his wife, Sandy, own and operate their studio in East Rochester, NH.

Classe(s): Speed Shooting with the Pros - Sold Out!

Jane Conner-Ziser, Cr.Photog., API

Jane is an independent consultant and teacher for the industry, as well as a beta tester for Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Elements, and Corel Painter. With over 25 years of experience—19 of them in digital imaging and evolving technologies—the techniques Jane developed for facial retouching, enhancement, and portrait painting are widely used in today's studios and labs. Considered one of our most versatile experts, Jane has participated in a large segment of the studio photography market—freelance art, photography, lab systems, digital imaging, Internet, teaching PhotoShop and Painter, fine arts, writing for industry publications and developing /educating on marketing/selling images with new technologies.

Classe(s): The Art of Facial Retouching
Sponsored by Adobe

Tony Corbell, Cr.Photog., API

In his high-energy career, Tony has photographed 3 U.S. presidents, 185 World Leaders, 65 Nigerian Heads of State, about 600 brides and grooms, a couple of NASA astronauts, and many more famous and not-so-famous faces. He has spoken at over 400 seminars and workshops, nationally and internationally. He achieved PPA’s Photographic Craftsman degree and was one of the first to receive the Approved Photographic Instructor status. In 2005, Tony received the Photographer of the Year award from the International Photographic Council of the United Nations and the PPA National Award from Professional Photographers of California. Tony was also invited to join the prestigious Camera Craftsmen of America in 2007. In 2008, Tony spoke to over 8,000 photographers in 36 cities, including London, Glasgow, Dublin, Toronto, Mexico City, Sydney, and many U.S. cities. 2009 was busy as well, with Tony traveling to London, Germany, and U.S. cities to discuss lighting and image editing.

As you can tell by his litany of awards and elite associations, Tony has always been active as a student and a teacher of photographic education. In fact, his Basic Studio Lighting book (publisher AmPhoto) has been popular worldwide—it’s the basis for numerous photographic college lighting courses. His new Location Lighting DVD, produced by Software Cinema, has received great reviews and is available online.

Classe(s): The Power of Light “LIVE”
Sponsored by NIK Software

Bry Cox, M.Photog.Cr., CPP

Bryan (Bry) Cox has had a hand in many photography tools. He has created Photoshop tools, tutorial DVDs, and two self-help books (which have had rave reviews). For years, he has taught workshops to professional photographers all over the U.S. and Canada, and just recently in China! Bry also has the credentials, to boot: he’s a PPA Master/Craftsman, a Certified Professional Photographer, has a Bachelor’s degree in Business, and is on the Fuji Elite Talent Team.

Bry definitely practices what he preaches. After all, his images have been used by Capitol Records, Fuji Film ads, American Photo Magazine (the cover), in Billboard Magazine, TV Guide, Professional Photographer Magazine, Studio Photography and Design Magazine, American Girl Magazine, filmmakers, TV anchors, musicians, LeAnne Rimes, Natalie Cole, Olivia Newton-John, Ryan Shupe, Donny and Marie Osmond, Linda Ronstadt, Steve Forbes, Mitt Romney, and the last three Utah Governors!

Classe(s): Speed Shooting with the Pros - Sold Out!

Dennis Craft, M.Photog.Cr.Hon.M.Photog., CPP, API

Dennis Craft runs a successful portrait studio in the historic town of Marshall, MI. His work includes many photographic areas, but he is best known for his imaginative children's photography. Craft Photography opened in 1979 in a storefront in downtown Marshall. Since 1999, the studio has been outside the city on thirteen acres that serve as a perfect backdrop for their fanciful child portraiture.

A Michigan Top-Ten Photographer twelve times, Dennis enjoys working in a natural light situation (window light and environmental portraits are his specialties). Twelve of his merit prints have been selected into the International Loan Collection, three exhibited at Walt Disney World’s Epcot Center, and one is on display in the International Photography Hall of Fame. Craft was named Photographer of the Year in Michigan (1992 & 1996). He’s also earned his PPA Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman degrees and the Fellowship Degree from the American Society of Photographers.  

Dennis has spoken in many places of the years, including national, state, and regional conventions and numerous local affiliate events. This doesn’t even include all the photography schools he’s taught at, like Winona International School of Photography, West Coast School, MAIPP Professional Photography School, Mid-Atlantic Regional School of Photography, Texas School, and Georgia School! Students from all over the country have enjoyed his unique teaching style and his practical solutions and ideas for developing and improving their own photographic style. 

Classe(s): Speed Shooting with the Pros - Sold Out!

Lori Craft, Cr.Photog

Lori and her husband Dennis Craft own Craft Photographic Gallery, a studio established in 1979. In photography for 20 years herself, she is the studio manager and in charge of marketing and sales, along with being on the PPA Charities Board of Trustees. Lori’s true passion in speaking is being able to inspire studio owners and staff to look for the positive in everything they do.

Classe(s): All-Star Charitable Marketing

Gregory Daniel, M.Photog.Cr. & Lesa Daniel, Cr.Photog.

A nationally recognized husband and wife duo who create exquisite portraits, Greg and Lesa Daniel are also masters in sharing their knowledge and experience. They make it look so easy, and you will learn that their secret is behind-the-scenes preparation and planning, resulting in timeless original portraits and a highly successful upscale gallery

Mixing their varied skills makes them a tough combination to beat. Lesa has a passion for organizing the aspects of a portrait session and the ability to befriend her clients and create sales (which others have dubbed “poetry in motion”). Gregory is an exceptional artist and master of portraiture who pairs his creative talents with his technological know-how.

Gregory has dedicated his life to hard work, experimentation within his craft, and a pursuit of excellence. It is this profound commitment that has made him one of the world's premier portrait artists. In fact, PPA has bestowed upon Greg their highest honors, including the Fellowship Degree in 2009. He has been awarded Florida's top awards many times and is a founding member of the International Society of Portrait Artists (ISPA). To top it off, he was invited by 40 of the leading photographers in the world to join them as an elite member of the prestigious Cameracraftsmen of America.

Classe(s): Take Your Studio to the Next Level

Frank Donnino, Cr.Photog.

Frank Donnino has studied his craft for 29 years and spares no expense to do so. His mentors, some of the top photographic talent throughout the world, have shaped the very fabric of what he creates today.

Frank's humility and life story makes him a sought-after teacher. He spoke to a packed audience for the Imaging USA conference in 2008, where he also received PPA’s Photographic Craftsman degree for his selfless service to other photographers. His willingness to share his knowledge with other aspiring photographers is his joy and passion, giving back the knowledge he was so freely given. In addition, he is a contributing photographer to three photography books by author Kathleen Hawkins.

Not only has Frank been a keynote speaker, he has also personally mentored over 500 studios throughout the world, sharing the techniques he uses for his own photography and studio operations. He continues to inspire his students to the fact that any talent photographers have is a "borrowed" gift to be shared and used for the greater good.

It's Frank’s sole desire that his art will be proudly displayed in homes throughout the world. His portraits are priceless in the eyes of those who commission him to create their work of art.

Classe(s): Diapers to Dollars: Marketing for Baby Portraits
Sponsored by H&H Color Lab

Katrin Eismann

Katrin Eismann is an internationally respected artist, teacher, and author, specializing in creative digital photography and the impact of emerging technologies upon professional photographers, artists, and educators. She received her BFA degree in Photographic Illustration from the Rochester Institute of Technology and her MFA degree in Design at the School of Visual Arts. Katrin is the author of “Photoshop Restoration & Retouching” and “Photoshop Masking & Compositing,” and she is co-author of “The Creative Digital Darkroom” and “Real World Digital Photography.” While her images have been featured in numerous books, magazines, and group exhibits, she is also a featured columnist in Photoshop User magazine and a popular speaker at PMA, ASMP, PPA, PhotoPlusExpo, and Photoshop User conferences. In 2005, she was inducted into the Photoshop Hall of Fame. In addition to her busy schedule, Katrin is the co-founder and chair of the Masters of Professional Studies in Digital Photography at the School of Visual Arts in New York City.

www.katrineismann.com

Classe(s): Dynamic Camera Raw Processing
Sponsored by Adobe

Nancy Emmerich, M.Photog.Cr., API & Rose Coleman

Nancy sees photography as more than just a job. For her, it is a passion, a way to capture life. Well recognized in her profession, Nancy has been awarded PPA’s Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman degrees. She has traveled the world, both as a teacher and student. In the past year alone, she visited such locales as Honolulu, Las Vegas, Canan Beach, Monument Valley, and Soul, Korea, where she was one of six Americans asked to judge Korea's National Photographic Print Competition.

Nancy's daughter, Rose Coleman, began her photographic career at the age of fourteen, assisting her mom at weddings. It was love at first click, and Rose soon decided to follow in her mother's footsteps. She became a full-time Portrait Artist upon graduating high school. Since then, she has continued to hone her skills and has, most notably, made a number of exciting innovations in the realm of senior photography.

This mother-daughter team continues to set the bar in the Southwest for lifestyle portraits. They work together to create images that will capture your life forever, because—as Nancy says—“We shall never pass this way again.”

Classe(s): Just Do It
Sponsored by American Color Imaging (ACI)

Roch Eshleman

Roch Eshleman began his photographic career after being a school’s Director of Finance for seven years. The fact that he married a Romaguera was a contributing factor to the career change as well. Coming from a school administration background, Roch found school photography to be a natural fit, and he began to assist in building that aspect of Romaguera Photography. Roch also has completed the PPA courses in Business Management and has spoken on School Photography at WPPI, SEPCON, and SPAC.

Rod Evans, Cr.Photog

Portrait artist Rod Evans has become one of the fastest success stories in the photographic industry. Recently, he was inducted into XXV, the prestigious group made of 25 of the most progressive photographers in the world. Admired by his peers for dynamism and forward thinking, Rod has been a keynote speaker at many events such as Imaging USA, PPA’s Marketing and Management Conference, and as an instructor for Treehaven School of Professional Photography.

Inspired by the evolution of today's portrait photography market, Rod has been studying art, which enables him to create fresh and contemporary images at the forefront of the industry. Combined with excellent marketing strategies, this has set him apart from the competition.

Classe(s): Facebook was Made for Photographers

Shannon Fagan

Shannon Fagan first became interested in photography during high school in Memphis, Tennessee. After pursuing photography and fine arts studies at The University of Memphis, he moved to New York City in 2000 and has worked in lifestyle and portrait imagery ever since. In 2002, Photo District News recognized his work in their list of 30 Photographers to Watch, for a personal series of photographs featuring doormen at work on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

Along with a clients list including The New Yorker, Newsweek, The New York Times, Discover, and BusinessWeek; Shannon also has completed commissioned ad work for BMW, The United Way, Verizon, Nikon, and Intel. His work has been published in Communication Arts, Photo District News, Print’s Regional Design, and American Photography Annuals. He has earned many prestigious awards for his work, too, including a Gold ADDY® in the New York ADDY Awards, a Shortlist Clio Award, and an NEA Creative Grant together with the Houston Center for Photography.

Shannon serves as president of The Stock Artists Alliance (SAA), and as a board member with The Young Photographers Alliance (YPA).

Classe(s): Stock Recipes Stock Strategies

Mary Fisk-Taylor, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, ABI, API

Along with her business partner, Jamie Hayes, Mary Fisk-Taylor operates a high-end wedding and portrait business in Richmond, Virginia. Hayes & Fisk the Art of Photography, a home-based studio, has become one of the most sought-after portrait and wedding studios in the area.

A PPA member since 1999, Mary was honored to receive her Master of Photography, Craftsmen of Photography and Certification of Professional Photography in just three short years! Among her many awards, she was named Photographer of the Year in 2007, has won Best Wedding Album of the Year in Virginia several times, numerous Best in Show awards, Kodak Gallery Awards, Fuji Masterpiece Awards, Loan Collection prints and albums.  Mary is also a recipient of the prestigious Virginia Award, which honors photographers for their commitment and dedication to their state association and the business of professional photography.

Mary is also the fundraising chairman for her children’s private school, and she has served on the PPA Wedding Committee, the Executive Committee for Burrell’s Presidential Circle and is the President of the PPA Board of Charities. In 2006, she was even named one of Virginia’s Top 40 under 40 for her leadership in the community, volunteer and charity work and her business savvy.

Classe(s): All-Star Charitable Marketing

Mark Garber, M.Photog.Cr. & Jennifer Gilman, M.Photog.Cr., CPP

Mark Garber and Jennifer Gilman have been awarded the PPA Diamond Level Photographers of the Year award a total of five times. They have produced more PPA Loan Collection wedding albums and more PPA Top Ten wedding albums than anyone on the planet. Both have received the Imaging Excellence award, and Mark was one of the first in the nation to receive the Imaging Excellence Diamond Bar.

Classe(s): Creating the Red-Hot Wedding Studio
Sponsored by Fujifilm

Jim Garner

According to American Photo Magazine, Jim Garner is one of the top 10 wedding photographers in the world. His career began in 1993 as a commercial photographer, where his skill for combining technical expertise with an elegant, modern aesthetic enabled him to build a solid business based on satisfied clients and referrals. Jim continues to take on selected commercial projects, but his fascination with communicating life stories soon led him to become one of today’s most sought-after wedding photographers…with a unique style that consistently wins accolades and awards.

His intense dedication to the business also led Jim to create support products that work. In 2007, he launched BODA, a series of professional photography lens bags. BODA is seeing enormous success, creating a buzz in the international photography community.

An expert in his field, Jim has been published in numerous photography industry publications, including Professional Photographer, Rangefinder and American Photo Magazine. He is also a popular educator and public speaker.

To see his prize-winning work: www.jgarnerphoto.com

For more information on his workshops and seminars: www.goboda.com

Classe(s): Revolutionize & Energize Your Studio: The Art of Story Shooting
Sponsored by GraphiStudio

Jerry Ghionis, M.Photog

Jerry Ghionis is one of the most renowned wedding photographers in the world. He has won numerous awards, including Best Wedding Album of the Year five times and sweeping the top three spots in 2008. In 2007, American Photo magazine named him as one of the Top Ten Wedding Photographers in the World. His dynamic personality and entertaining demonstrations showcase his amazing ability to “turn the ordinary into the extraordinary” and inspire new creativity for all.

Classe(s): Achieve Amazing Results Against the Odds
Sponsored by Pickpic

Greg Gibson

When it comes to photojournalism, Greg Gibson has seen it, done it, and been there. A two-time Pulitzer Prize winning photographer, Greg has worked for some of the largest news organizations in the world…and his 25-year career encompasses hundreds of national and international stories. His travels have taken him to all 50 states and nearly every major city in the world. Throughout his career, Greg has been known as a photographer who consistently delivers photographic excellence in any situation.

Since 2003 Greg has turned his camera towards documenting special days and events in the lives of families throughout the Washington area. His no-nonsense approach and candid, emotion-packed images have made him one of the most sought-after photographers in the United States.

Classe(s): Shaping Master Prints in Documentary Wedding Photography
Sponsored by Adobe

Colleen Gonsar, Cr.Photog.

Colleen started her first studio in 1989 at the age of 20. The business has grown to include a second location, four full-time photographers, and six additional employees. Colleen’s studios in Central Pennsylvania (Colleen & Co.) have become a success, due to an unbelievably gifted staff and listening (and responding) to the ever-changing needs of clients. She believes in the power of providing customers an incredible studio experience that transforms them into clients for life.

Colleen has received her PPA Craftsman Degree and has won multiple awards for her photography, including the prestigious Senior Choice Award at Senior Photographers International. Colleen has been on the speaking circuit with Darty Hines for 10 years, teaching photographers to create a better studio life through proper posing, creative marketing, better sales, and a willingness to change.

Classe(s): Senior Success: Success through Marketing, Photography, and Sales :: Session One - Sold Out! Senior Success: Success through Marketing, Photography, and Sales :: Session Two - Sold Out! Senior Success: Success through Marketing, Photography, and Sales :: Session Three - Sold Out!

Doug Gordon, Cr. Photog., CPP

As a second-generation photographer, Doug Gordon has been honing his artistic skills for almost two decades. He has been around weddings since the young age of 11 when he began his apprenticeship with his dad Ken. Doug continued his training for many years with photographic legend Monte Zucker. Now, as the lead photographer and owner of Patken Photographer Inc., Doug heads up a close-knit team of associate photographers who specialize in capturing life in his extremely cutting-edge style at nearly 800 weddings per year internationally, from Mexico to Manhattan, Canada to Europe.

Doug continues to aggressively change and grow while his work continues to garner international awards and media attention, including being featured in Rangefinder, Storyteller, In Style, and Martha Stewart, to name a few. His work has been described as a fashionable, editorial style of today’s wedding. At the young age of 35, Doug has photographed more than 3,000 weddings internationally and captured several celebrities and athletes at a wide array of weddings and social functions. In 2006 he was hired by Carnival, the world’s leading cruise line, to be head photo consultant. Also in 2006, his New York based studio became the first wedding studio opening franchise studios around the U.S.

His awards and accolades are numerous. At 21 Doug was one of the youngest Certified Professional Photographers (CPP) ever. He also was awarded PPA’s degree of Photographic Craftsman and WPPI’s Artist of Photographic Mastery, Accolade of Outstanding Photographic Achievement, Accolade of Exceptional Photographic Achievement, and the Accolade of Highest Photographic Achievement. And recently, he was awarded with the Fellowship of Photography from the famed British Photography Association SWPP.

As a leading expert in the industry, Gordon has been a sought-after inspirational lecturer and educator on the latest trends in photography. His message? Dare to be different.

Classe(s): Posing is Back for Hot, High-Fashion High-Glamour Weddings
Sponsored by AsukaBook

Jeff Gump

Jeff Gump was introduced to youth sports almost 20 years ago. Since that time, his company, Gump’s Sports Photography in Jacksonville, Florida, has photographed more than a million athletes; but it’s not just about the number photographed, it’s about customer retention. Thanks to participation in numerous seminars and conventions on sports photography, Jeff has put together an exciting and well-oiled picture-day experience, something Jeff is very passionate about. And as the official photographer of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ mascot, it’s not all work and no play. Jeff has been traveling North America for the last three years with SPAA/PMA, educating others who share his passion for photographing the youth of today.

Classe(s): Sports Marketing: Sales is Everything
Sponsored by Desktop Digital Lab

Frank Harrison

Frank’s 22 years in the photography industry began at a one-hour mini lab/portrait studio. He then left to work for a national portrait studio that introduced him to the volume family portrait industry. After traveling nationwide for 10 years, Frank went from photographer to proof consultant to an executive position where he began his management career. As a father of three children, he was eventually introduced to the sports and event market…and has never looked back.

Classe(s): Using Photoshop for Team and Individual Sports
Sponsored by Desktop Digital Lab

Kyle & Rita Harvey

Kyle and Rita Harvey have four beautiful daughters and have been shooting digital action and event photography since 2001. With no formal training, they started out part-time and have grown Legends Photo into a full-time business. They have shot state tournaments for CYSA, Western Regional Finals for Little League, Regional Finals for Pop Warner, and many local tournaments, including cheer competitions and recreational-level game days. In addition to their youth sports and team photography, they also shoot corporate and charity events.

Classe(s): Action Shots and Event Photography: Finally Making Money!

Jeff Hawkins, M.Photog.Cr., CPP & Kathleen Hawkins, Cr. Photog.

Jeff Hawkins is proud to operate a fully digital, high-end wedding and portrait photography studio in Orlando, Florida. Very active in the photographic speaking circuit, he takes pride in impacting the industry and the community. Jeff has been a professional photographer for over 25 years, and he holds PPA’s Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman degrees, along with being a Certified Professional Photographer. A veteran of Canon’s elite Explorer of Light program, he was listed as one of the top 60 photographers in the world. His work has been published in The Best of Wedding Photography, The Best of Wedding Photojournalism, and The Best of Digital Photography. In addition, he has been a contributor to Professional Photographer, Rangefinder, PC Photo, and American Photo; he’s even been featured several times on PhotoVision’s Video Magazine.

Kathleen Hawkins is an accomplished industry consultant, speaker, and award-winning photographer. In addition to being a published author of nine books for the professional photographer, Kathleen is a three-time winner of PPA’s AN-NE Marketing Award for marketing excellence. She also holds PPA’s Photographic Craftsman degree and a Masters in Business Administration—in fact, she previously taught business courses for a Florida University. She has served as the President of The Wedding Professionals of Central Florida and the Affiliate Representative for of the National Association of Catering Executives.

Kathleen also stumbled across a unique way to bring in business referrals: Woamtec. As Woamtec (Women on a mission to earn commission) Founder and President, Kathleen’s mission was to provide successful businesswomen a vehicle to promote and grow their businesses while maintaining their priorities of faith, family, and career. She enjoys the social benefit, but is thankful for the wonderful business referrals that have helped prosper their studio.

Personally, Kathleen is proud to be a licensed foster parent and adoptive mother of three. Strong advocates of adoption, she and Jeff were awarded the 2007 Volunteer of the Year Award by the Florida Coalition for Children. In fact, Jeff is the chief photographer for the Heart Gallery of Central Florida, which displays many of the children up for adoption in Central Florida. Kathleen currently serves on the Devereux Florida Board of Directors and is the Heart Gallery of Central Florida Committee Chair and Community liaison. In the past few years, their photographic images helped several dozen children find homes!

Classe(s): Tools of the Trade for Tomorrow
Sponsored by Buckeye Color Lab

Jamie Hayes, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, ABI, API

Jamie has been honored with many awards on both state and national levels. Most recently, his achievements include the Kodak Gallery Elite Award of Excellence, numerous Kodak Gallery Awards of Excellence, PPA’s Traveling Loan collection, SEPPA Distinguished Awards, Best Wedding Albums, VPPA, Best of Category, Fuji Masterpiece Awards and the VPPA Grand Award (Highest Print Case) several times.

Here’s an example of his imagery ability: at SEPPA in 2002, Jamie and Mary had the top-scoring team wedding album and Jamie had the top-scoring individual wedding album. He also received a perfect 100 score on one entry and is a two-time recipient of the ASP Medallion Award. He went on to have all four of his entries accepted into the PPA General Collection and the PPA Loan Collection!

Jamie also serves as an international lecturer and on PPA’s Print Exhibition committee (PEC).

Classe(s): Speed Shooting with the Pros - Sold Out!

Scott & Adina Hayne

The Haynes have been on a crazy ride! During their first full year in business (2008), their studio exploded with 37 weddings in just 12 months. Their portrait and senior side saw the same type of business growth, and they were even recognized as the "2009 Senior Portrait Artists of the Year."  Shooting 5-figure weddings around the world and having portrait sales exceed $2,000 can be done quickly…because they have done it!  

Scott’s photographic style is defined by moody, off-camera lighting, wide panoramics, and punchy post-processing. He believes that the key to his success is in surrounding himself with the right equipment and trusting his eye.

Adina’s keen awareness of social networking has enabled their images to be published in many feature articles and their client base to grow by leaps and bounds. Knowing how and where to market online has helped them reach an international audience in an amazingly short time.

Classe(s): The One-Two Punch: Rockin’ Images + Social Networking = Business Explosion
Sponsored by H&H Color Lab

Darty Hines, Cr. Photog.

Darty Hines joined Colleen Gonsar's team at Colleen & Co. in 1998. He is the driving force behind creating and designing the award-winning marketing campaigns at the studio. Darty has also won numerous awards for his photography, including PPA's Photographer of the Year award. He’s a two-time winner of Marketer of the Year at Senior Photographers International and a multiple PPA AN-NE Marketing Awards winner and finalist. In addition, Darty received his PPA Craftsman Degree in 2002.

Darty has been on the speaking circuit with Colleen for 10 years, teaching photographers how to create a better studio life through proper posing, creative marketing, better sales, and a willingness to change.
Loan Collections.

Classe(s): Senior Success: Success through Marketing, Photography, and Sales :: Session One - Sold Out! Senior Success: Success through Marketing, Photography, and Sales :: Session Two - Sold Out! Senior Success: Success through Marketing, Photography, and Sales :: Session Three - Sold Out!

Tom Hogarty

As the Senior Product Manager for Adobe Systems’ Professional Digital Imaging Department, Tom’s primary product responsibilities are Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, Photoshop Camera Raw plug-in, and the DNG File Format. Prior to joining Adobe, he worked in New York City as a consultant to professional photographers as they converted from an analog to digital workflow.

Classe(s): What’s New in Lightroom
Sponsored by Adobe

Nathan Holritz

Nathan Holritz spent the formative years of his life learning what it meant to interact with people. He grew up in a foreign country, surrounded by a completely different language and culture, and he met new people on a regular basis. He quickly learned to live a life that was characterized by adaptability, ease of communication, and consistent awareness of the needs of others.

As an adult back in the U.S., Nathan has relied on those skills. He, along with his wife Amber, built a business around photographing weddings in Chattanooga, TN. Within 18 months, they photographed 15 weddings and had more than doubled that number by the following year. At that point, Nathan threw himself into research and industry networking, propelling Holritz Photography to the top of the local industry and making a name for him and Amber within the industry on the national and international scale. Considered an authority on the topics of organization and post-processing, he has spoken often within the industry.

This deep reach into the photographic community allowed Nathan to see a need. Photographers spent incredible amounts of time processing their own images after a session, taking them away from those activities that would grow their businesses. What if there was a company that photographers could send their images to, allowing them to get rid of that processing busy work? Even better, what if there was a company that could do all of this in an extremely effortless manner and at a price point affordable to a lot more photographers? And so Photographer’s Edit was born in 2008. Splitting duties between Holritz Photography and Photographer's Edit has not been easy, but Nathan plans on continuing to photograph weddings, while continuing to invest in the growth of the most effortless post-processing company in the industry, Photographer's Edit.

Classe(s): Streamlined Portrait & Wedding Post-Processing with Lightroom
Sponsored by Adobe

Elizabeth Homan, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, API & Trey Homan, Cr.Photog., CPP

Elizabeth and Trey own and operate Artistic Images portrait studio in San Antonio, Texas.

Elizabeth has been photographing families, children, and weddings for over 17 years. She is a Master Photographic Craftsman with numerous General and Loan Collection images, 14 Fuji Masterpiece awards, and 6 Kodak Gallery awards. Her albums have been in the Top Ten albums for PPA twice. Not only is she recognized by PPA for her talent, her clients love her for her personality, honesty, and exceptional quality.  

Trey is a Photographic Craftsman and Certified Professional Photographer, and he is the "behind-the-scenes" guy that makes the studio work. From maintenance to marketing, album design to computer tech, Trey is a jack-of-all-trades, providing the only male perspective to a studio team of five.

In addition to their thriving photography studio, Trey and Elizabeth have three small children.

Classe(s): The Power of Projection: Take Your Sales to the Next Level
Sponsored by Miller’s Professional Imaging

Roy Hsu

Roy Hsu is a photographer based in New York…and advertising art director with over 10 years of experience. In addition to his own photography, he has directed photo shoots and regularly purchases commercial stock photography. With clients ranging from American Express, Maybelline, Coca-Cola, and Unilever to Johnson and Johnson, Roy also has worked at noted agencies such as Ogilvy, BBDO, DDB, Publicis, and McCann-Erickson. Currently, he is an Associative Creative Director at Sudler Digital, a healthcare division of Young and Rubicam. His related awards include Graphis, the best of category for the International Webpage Awards, ECHO silver and a Webby.

Roy is also an active commercial stock photographer whose work has been used worldwide through agencies including Getty, Corbis, Uppercut Images, and Blend. As an active member in the photographic community, he has served on the Steering Committee of the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) and was the president of the Stock Artists Alliance (SAA) in 2007. His past speaking engagements include Parsons School of Design, PhotoPlus East, PACA, ASMP New York, and PhotoShelter.

Classe(s): Expanding Your Business into Stock Photography Shooting for the Commercial Market

David Huntsman, M.Photog.Cr.

The owner of Huntsman Photography, Dave Huntsman has a love of photography that is visible in every image he creates. In fact, his artistic, creative, and technical abilities have earned him the distinction of being the first of only two photographers to receive the Kodak Gallery Award in all four categories in a single year. In fact, he has earned 21 Kodak Gallery Awards (and many other awards) during his career. His photography has been exhibited at Disney’s Epcot Center and (most importantly) proudly displayed and cherished by the many families he has photographed. Dave believes in sharing this passion, too. He is sought-after lecturer on portrait photography and Adobe Photoshop. And he and fellow photographer Jessica Vogel have developed a series of educational programs for photographers, sharing their down-to-earth, realistic approaches to business, photography and life.

Dave has also shared his passion by being involved. He is a Past President of the Kentucky Professional Photography Association and the Woodford County Chamber of Commerce. In addition, Dave is also an Affiliated International Photographic Jury Chairman who has judged at the local, state, regional and international level. He even went to Seoul, Korea in 2008 to serve as a juror for the Professional Photographers of Korea, judging the Pacific Rim Regional Competition. These opportunities allow him to evaluate and enjoy some of best images from the top image makers around the world. Dave has incorporated many ideas from these images into his own photography.

In his leisure time, Dave enjoys boating, being around the water, scuba diving and finished 4th in AHRMA GP200 Roadrace Series in 2007. He and his wife, Lucie, also enjoy social ballroom dancing. They are the proud grandparents of two incredible grandchildren. His life experiences and many hobbies and interests over the years give him an interesting and unique perspective of the world and the many beauties it holds.

Classe(s): Judges Workshop Day One - Sold Out! Judges Workshop Day Three - Sold Out! Judges Workshop Day Two - Sold Out!

Bill Ingwersen

Bill Ingwersen has worked in exhibit management for 7 years, currently holding the position of Exhibition Manager for PPA. Before working with PPA, Bill managed exposition halls and planned meetings for a medical association.

Classe(s): Association Survival: What Affiliate Leaders Should Know About Staying Afloat - Sold Out!

Andrew Jenkins, M.Photog.Cr., CPP & Jackie Palmer, Cr.Photog.

Andrew and Jackie operate a custom design portrait studio in St. John’s, Michigan. Together, they have developed one of the most successful studios in Michigan, while dedicating much of their time to help better the entire photography industry. When they are not busy with photography, they each enjoy spending time with their respective families.     

Both Andrew and Jackie have earned PPA degrees and have been very successful in state and national print competitions. They have been honored in the Top Seven Photographers in Michigan many times. In fact, Andrew was twice awarded Photographer of the Year for Michigan, along with earning the ASP Bronze Medallion and placing second in the Kodak Gallery Elite Award. Both have been honored with PPA International Photographers of the Year awards and publishing in PPA’s Loan Collection books (and Showcase books). But more importantly, they have established wonderful relationships, loyalty, and trust with their clients—that is the best reward you can have.

Serving on many boards, Andrew and Jackie have been honored with Service Awards from the Professional Photographers of Michigan and the Michigan Triangle of Professional Photographers. Andrew functions as a PPA Councilor and is a National Affiliated Juror. Jackie is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Triangle of Professional Photographers. She has been instrumental in the development of the SNAP (Shoot. Network. Apply. Profit.) program. In addition, they are both a part of the Burrell Colour Imaging Mentor program.

Classe(s): Speed Shooting with the Pros - Sold Out!

JuliAnne Jonker, M.Photog.Cr., CPP

JuliAnne Jonker has been creating art since she was a small child, and she began her work in the photography industry as a retouch artist when she was a teenager. She worked for photographers and labs as an artist until opening her own photography studio in 1996. Jonker Portrait Gallery is a low-volume studio, specializing in fine art portraits that combine her artistic and photographic skills.

JuliAnne holds PPA’s Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman degrees and is also a Certified Professional Photographer. She has earned many awards over the years, including Kodak Gallery, Gallery Elite, and Fuji Masterpiece awards. Numerous images of hers have been published in the PPA Loan and Exhibit books and have traveled in State, Regional, and National ASP Loan Collections.

Classe(s): The Portrait as an Art Form
Sponsored by Burrell Colour Imaging

Julie Klaasmeyer, M.Photog

Julie’s photographic passion started many years ago with a love for photographing her own children. After a few photography classes, she began to photograph friends and family…and the word spread quickly. Julie’s Portrait Design business has blossomed primarily through word of mouth, and she credits her consistently high sales average to providing her clients with only the best. Plus, she offers many custom products and unique items that are only available through her studio. 

Julie has had prints chosen for both PPA Loan Collection and PPA General Collection books, nine judge’s ribbons, three Fuji Masterpiece Awards, a Kodak Gallery Award, and dozens of other awards. Recently, she swept the children’s portrait category in both State and Heart of America Print Competitions, being awarded first, second, and third place!

Classe(s): A Cut Above
Sponsored by White House Custom Colour (WHCC)

Julieanne Kost

Julieanne has worked for Adobe Systems since 1992, learning her craft through hands-on experience. Now serving as the Senior Digital Imaging Evangelist (spanning digital imaging and illustration), her role includes customer education, product development, and market research. Julieanne is a frequent contributor to several publications, a speaker at numerous design conferences and tradeshows, and a teacher at distinguished photography workshops and fine art schools around the world. Herself a passionate photographer, she combines her background in psychology with artwork, seen in several showings and published in several magazines. She is the author behind “Window Seat – The Art of Digital Photography and Creative Thinking,” the founder of jkost.com and the creator of the Adobe Photoshop CS training DVDs published by Software Cinema.

Classe(s): Photoshop CS4 Tips & Tricks Lightroom Tips & Tricks
Sponsored by Adobe

Steve Kozak, M.Photog.Cr., CPP

Excited to be returning to Imaging USA, Steve Kozak is a popular speaker due to his motivational and informative programs. An active member of the Texas Professional Photographers Association (TPPA) and Professional Photographers of America (PPA), he has earned PPA’s Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman degrees, and is a Certified Professional Photographer. He has also been awarded the Full Fellowship degree from TPPA and teaches at the Texas School of Professional Photography.

Steve’s work has been selected for the international, permanent Loan Collection, in addition to being accepted into the prestigious exhibit by Kodak and Walt Disney World (held at EPCOT in Orlando, FL). He has also earned numerous Distinguished Print awards and the Masterpiece Award from Fuji USA.

Classe(s): Photographic Essentials When Turning Pro - Day One Photographic Essentials When Turning Pro - Day Two
Sponsored by H&H Color Lab

Scott Kurkian

Scott Kurkian has been PPA's Chief Financial Officer for the past several years and one of the founders of PPA’s Studio Management Services department and PPA's Financial Benchmark Survey. Scott has worked with many photography businesses to help them learn and understand the financial aspects of managing a small business and how to use financial analysis to improve profitability.

Classe(s): Association Survival: What Affiliate Leaders Should Know About Staying Afloat - Sold Out! Business & Financial Management What It Takes to Make the Salary You Need: New PPA Financial Benchmark Survey SMS 3-Day Business Workshop (Plus Consultation) :: Day One

Tamara Lackey

Tamara is an award-winning photographer whose images have been described as expressive, authentic, and moving. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications, including Vogue, O Magazine, Town & Country, Martha Stewart Living, Elle, Inside Weddings, and Parenting magazine. Her photography has also been showcased on the Martha Stewart Show, and she has also been repeatedly profiled in Rangefinder magazine.

Tamara runs a highly successful, associate-based studio in North Carolina, with an emphasis on portraits, weddings, and editorial work. Released in November, her new book, The Art of Children’s Portrait Photography (Amherst Media), ranked #1 in category sales on Amazon.com

Classe(s): Beauty, Joy & Spirit:  Photographing Children
Sponsored by Buckeye Color Lab, Simply Canvas

Robert Lloyd, Cr.Photog.Hon.M.Photog., API

Robert (Bob) has been in photography for over 40 years with his wife Edna. They run a portrait-oriented studio specializing in children, family, and high school senior photography. Bob maintained a custom color lab for over 30 years until transitioning into digital photography. His background in printing color and as an artist (retouching negatives and airbrushing prints) gave him a big advantage with digital retouching!

Bob has served as President of Professional Photographers of America, Illinois Professional Photographers Association, and other local organizations. In 2007, he received the International Photographic Council Leadership Award from the United Nations. In 2009, he received the Helen Yancy Service Award from PPA. He teaches throughout the country, including numerous PPA Affiliate Schools, and he consults for many studios and photographers.

Classe(s): Stop Wasting Your Time: Manage Your Workflow

Terrell Lloyd, Cr. Photog.

Since 1992, Terrell Lloyd has provided professional photography services to individuals and organizations throughout the U.S. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area,Terrell is most known for his special combination of artistic vision and cutting-edge technology.

Terrell got his start shooting weddings and portraits, and he was routinely engaged for corporate events by some of the largest companies in the Silicon Valley. In 1994, he had the chance to shoot on the sidelines at a San Francisco 49ers game, and his passion for sport photography exploded. Since then he’s covered other major sporting events, such as PGA Golf, Professional Tennis, the NFL Super Bowl, MLB Baseball, the NBA, and more. Currently one of the 49ers team photographers, he is highly noted for his experience shooting professional sports. Over the past 14 years, Terrell has diversified to include corporate photography, shooting high-end corporate events, products, and more. His high-profile corporate clients include companies such as Yahoo, Merrill Lynch, Hewlett Packard, Levi Straus, BMW, and others.

In addition to running a full-time photography business, Terrell travels to speak to professional photographers around the county. In fact, Terrell was selected by Canon USA in May 2006 for their Explorers of Light program. This select group of top professional photographers from around the world provides educational programs around the country.

Classe(s): Managing a Diverse Portfolio of Business
Sponsored by Canon

Robert McNeely

An American photojournalist and Vietnam veteran, Robert McNeely chronicled President Clinton’s march to the White House. For the next six years, he shot in black and white (other members of the White House photo staff shot in color), in order to make a historic record of virtually every meeting and every detail of the president’s daily life.

McNeely’s interest in photography began while in Southeast Asia, serving in the U.S. Army. When he returned, he took several workshops at the Center of the Eye in Aspen, Colo., and soon began to photograph full time. His fascination with politics started when he became a staff photographer on the McGovern for President Campaign in 1972. In 1977, McNeely entered the White House as a staff photographer primarily covering Vice-President Mondale. Throughout the 1980s and early ’90s, McNeely traveled the world for editorial and corporate clients before becoming the campaign photographer for Bill Clinton…and re-entering the White House as Clinton’s personal photographer. His work from the years with President Clinton is published in the book The Clinton Years.

Upon leaving the White House, McNeely began work on a two-year documentary project (“Photo 2000”) that documented the 2000 election cycle at the local, state and national level. This work was published all over the world and in a 30-page, award-winning portfolio in Fortune magazine. Since then he has continued to photograph for editorial and commercial clients as well as his own personal projects. In addition, he lectures and teaches workshops on documentary photography.

Classe(s): An Evening With…Photographers in the White House
Sponsored by White House Custom Colour (WHCC)

Gary Meek, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, API

Gary Meek of Hot Springs, Arkansas, owns and operates Gary’s Studio of Photography, along with his wife Kathy. He’s received his Master of Photography, Photographic Craftsman, and Certified Professional Photographer degrees, along with the Educational Associate (and Honorary Educational Associate) from American Society of Photographers (ASP). In addition, he’s an Approved Photographic Instructor and is on the list of International Judges.

Gary is so active in state, regional, and national associations, it’s hard to know where to begin. He served on the PPA Board of Directors (1999-2007), is a past president of Arkansas Professional Photographers Association (APPA), a past president of Professional Photographers of the Ozarks (PPO), and was president of Southwest Professional Photographers Association (SWPPA) for two consecutive years. In fact, he has received an Associate Fellowship, Fellowship, and Senior Fellowship Degrees from APPA; Life Membership in APPA and SWPPA; a Fellow of Photography degree with PPO.

In addition to regional awards and having prints in the Loan Collection, Gary has received numerous awards from the state of Arkansas in all categories, including Best of Show and Photographer of the Year. He’s even had the highest print case total score in SWPPA and has received the Distinguished Service Award and the National Award from APPA and SWPPA.

Classe(s): Certification Preparation Class :: Day One - Sold Out! Certification Preparation Class :: Day Two - Sold Out! Certification Preparation Class :: Day Three - Sold Out!

Ann Monteith, M.Photog.Cr.Hon.M.Photog., CPP, ABI

The industry’s leading authority on studio business management, Ann Monteith serves as a consultant to studios throughout the country both privately and under the auspices of major industry suppliers. Her Guerrilla Management Workshops are widely credited with setting some of the country’s most successful studios on the road to profitability. A widely read author, her AnnMonteithMeansBusiness.com blog provides helpful information to studio owners and managers.

A former chairman of the board of the PPA International School of Professional Photography and a past president of PPA, she received the Gerhard Bakker Award for excellence in teaching. Ann also earned the Charles H. Bud Haynes Award for distinguished service to PPA and its members, encouraging business awareness and practices in the field of professional image-making. She was even presented with the 2008 Leadership Award from the International Photographic Council at the United Nations.

She and Jim, her husband, have owned and operated four different studio businesses. Presently, they are directors of Monteith’s Countryhouse Studios in Annville, PA, while also seeing clients at their vacation home/studio in Deep Creek Lake, MD. In 2009, they opened Persnickety Pet Portraits as a “warm-fuzzy” division of Countryhouse Studios.

Classe(s): The Business of Photography: 2-Day Workshop from PPA’s Studio Management Services (SMS) :: Day One What It Takes to Make the Salary You Need: New PPA Financial Benchmark Survey The Business of Photography: 2-Day Workshop from PPA’s Studio Management Services (SMS) :: Day Two All-Star Charitable Marketing
Sponsored by Fujifilm

Margaret Moore

Margaret Moore, from Dalkey Ireland, started her career as a photographer in 1983 when she enrolled in a three year course in Professional Photography. Her first jobs in the industry all involved assisting along with colour and B+W printing.

In 1991 she and her now husband, Barry (they met in photography college), set up their business Photogenic Photographers from a home office. All their work was in weddings and high-end commercial and industrial projects.

In 1993 they moved to the high street and set up a retail studio. It was a successful studio and in 1999 they moved their expanded operation to a purpose built property in the town where they also live.

“Our work is simple to the point of almost being naieve by today’s standards and I still shoot 100% of my B+W work on film. We still have a traditional darkroom. I adore medium format, and my Hasselblad.  We have digital Hasselblad CFV backs for our colour work. But we don’t ‘over egg the pudding’ with our approach to our photography – for me it’s all about lighting and then expression...not the computer screen so much.”

Margaret headed up the IPPA’s Happy Faces Day project for the first three years and helped created the blue print for the event. Based entirely around professional photography, the event has raised €168,000 in it’s first four years for three Irish charities.

Paul Morse

Paul Morse is corporate photographer based in Washington, D.C, with an approach to image making that employs sensitivity to the delicacies of light and a masterful understanding of space and form. His unique talent produces striking photographs that succinctly communicate through a language of artfulness and craft.

Morse’s subtle, confident approach earned him the trust of the President and other world leaders while working at the White House as Deputy Director of Photography from 2001 to 2007 when he desired a new outlet for his creativity.

Some of Morse’s recent clients include the Brookings Institute, The Clinton Global Initiative, and the International Finance Corporation…but you can see his work in many places. He has been published in magazines and newspapers around the world, including Sports Illustrated, Time, and the New York Times Magazine. His photographs have illustrated the covers of books on subjects from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Oval Office. His images are even on display in the Smithsonian Institution.

Prior to the White House, Morse worked at the Los Angeles Times as a staff photographer for six years, covering sports, news, and the entertainment industry.  His career began at the Pasadena Star-News after receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University Long Beach. (He is also an adjunct professor at the Corcoran School of Art.)

Classe(s): An Evening With…Photographers in the White House
Sponsored by White House Custom Colour (WHCC)

Lori Nordstrom, M.Photog.Cr., CPP

Lori Nordstrom, who specializes in maternity and baby portraits, owns a studio in Winterset, Iowa—home of the Bridges of Madison County. In this town of just 5,500 people, she has built and maintained a top-producing studio, thanks in part to her distinctive approach to children’s portraiture. One of her biggest fulfillments is sharing her passion for the business of photography with other photographers.  

While Lori has earned numerous awards and been published in many areas, she is especially proud of her charitable work for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). In fact, her fundraising efforts and calendar raise over $35,000 per year for LLS. 

Classe(s): Speed Shooting with the Pros - Sold Out! All-Star Charitable Marketing

Laura Novak

Named by Eastman Kodak as one of its two “Photographers to Watch in 2007,” Laura Novak has a unique ability to document natural, spontaneous moments and bring an almost spiritual quality to the image. Before pursuing her love of photography, she followed a more conventional career path within the corporate field. A native of Boston, she was honored by Northeastern University in Boston as its valedictorian when she graduated in 2001 with a BS degree in Business Administration. But over time, Laura gravitated back towards her childhood love of the arts.
 
Today, Laura owns a boutique wedding and portrait studio based in Wilmington, Delaware, photographing approximately 35 weddings and 120 portraits a year. Her award-winning work has been featured in numerous local, national, and international publications including Modern Bride, The Knot, MyDay magazine, The New York Times, Philadelphia Elegant Bride, Grace Ormonde, Professional Photographer, USA Today, and the “Today Show.” In addition, thanks to her unique vision and creative aspirations, Laura was recognized by Delaware Today magazine as one of 35 women statewide to be a “Top Woman in Business.”

Classe(s): Living the Dream: Make More Profits Doing What You Love
Sponsored by White House Custom Colour (WHCC)

Garrett Nudd

Formerly based in Orlando, Florida—one of the country’s most competitive markets—Garrett and his wife Joy have discovered that success has less to do with where you live and more to do with how you market yourself and continually exceed client expectations.

Garrett and Joy photograph about 20 weddings and countless children, family, and senior sessions a year. In 2008 they launched their portrait division, Cobblestone Rue, which provides life-inspired, style-based portraits to families in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and the surrounding region. Their boutique studio is located in Chattanooga and their satellite office is in Orlando. Recent wedding assignments have taken them to Scotland, Italy, Norway, France, Switzerland, the Bahamas, and many other locations; while their work has been published in Professional Photographer, Rangefinder, Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, Southern Weddings, Weddings Unveiled, The Knot: Best of Weddings and more. They also provide education and resources to photographers worldwide.

Married for nine years, Garrett and Joy have two young daughters, Graycen and Campbell. They remain active in their community by supporting a variety of local charities and serving as adjunct faculty at the School of Journalism & Communication at Southern Adventist University.

Classe(s): The Power of FREE
Sponsored by GraphiStudio

Sarah Petty, Cr.Photog., CPP

After quickly growing her Sarah Petty Photography business and being tapped by PPA's Studio Management Services as one of the most successful studios in the country, Sarah Petty wanted to give back to her community. Petty rolled up her sleeves and began fundraising; and in just over a year, the Petty Cash Fund was created. A donor-advised charitable fund, the Petty Cash Fund enables Petty to give back to her community each year.

Classe(s): All-Star Charitable Marketing

Sandy Puc', M.Photog.Cr., ABI, CPP

Sandy Puc’ has guided her Littleton, Colorado studio, Expressions by Sandy Puc’, from a tiny home-based company in 1991 to a bustling 5,000 square-foot business with over 20 employees. A member of the PPA Board of Directors, she is also a co-founding member of Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, a non-profit organization that provides portraiture services to families whose babies will never leave the hospital. Her photography is nationally acclaimed, and she shares her business wisdom and photographic techniques with photographers at all stages. A frequent contributor to professional journals and the subject of media attention, Sandy has also published her first book on children’s photography. Her 2009 Tots 2 Teens Tour was a sold-out success throughout the country.

Classe(s): Tots 2 Teens

Denis Reggie

Hailed by Town & Country as “the great wedding photographer of our day”—and by Oprah Winfrey as “the best in the business”—Denis Reggie and his impact on wedding photography have become legend. He single handedly transformed the look of staid bridal imagery into the truly natural, editorial style he termed “wedding photojournalism.” The industry has never been the same.   

In its 2007 cover story, “The Top Ten Wedding Photographers in the World," American Photo magazine listed Denis Reggie first among them. His distinctive, spontaneous images have been featured on the cover of LIFE magazine, and named in “Photographs of the Year" by People, LIFE, Time, and Newsweek among others. He has been interviewed and featured numerous times in national and international broadcasts. And as part of a series on the world’s greatest wedding photographers, a BBC documentary crew traveled to Reggie’s home in Atlanta to produce a feature segment on him.

Denis Reggie has been the subject of feature stories in each of the major wedding and photography magazines and in various newspapers, and his photographs are frequently used in books on weddings, etiquette, and photography.  In fact, The Wall Street Journal credits his iconic photograph of John Kennedy, Jr., kissing the hand of his bride Carolyn Bessette, as the single, watershed image that transformed the look of wedding photography forever. And Reggie’s warm and captivating portrait of the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy is featured on the cover of his autobiography (New York Times best seller) True Compass. In fact, his celebrity client lists reads like a Who's Who among America's elite, including Vera Wang, John Kennedy, Jr., and Oprah Winfrey among others.

The first wedding photographer recognized by Canon to be a part of its prestigious “Explorers of Light" program, Reggie was also first to be named as an “Icon of Imaging” by Microsoft. Reggie is sponsored by and featured on the websites of both companies.

In late 2009, Reggie will deliver a series of his photographs requested by the Smithsonian Institute for the permanent collection at the National Museum of American History. Also in 2009, he receives the Outstanding Alumni Award, the highest honor bestowed on graduates of the University of Louisiana. In addition, Reggie was the subject of an episode of Louisiana Public Broadcasting’s popular series “Louisiana Legends.”

Classe(s): Denis Reggie: Witness to a Wedding
Sponsored by Canon, Microsoft Icons of Imaging

Jack Reznicki, Cr.Photog.Hon.M.Photog., API

Jack Reznicki is a commercial, people, and children’s photographer based in New York City. His creative problem-solving has helped promote products and services for many companies, from Toys “R” Us to Tylenol, The Wall Street Journal, Kodak, and several Time magazine covers.  

Jack is the author of several books on commercial photography, including “Studio and Commercial Photography: A Kodak Pro Workshop.” His new book on copyright and legal issues for photographers will be in bookstores in early 2010. In addition, Jack currently writes a column in Photoshop User magazine called “The Copyright Zone.” His writings have also appeared in many other photography magazines such as Professional Photographer.

Believing that photographers should be proactive in the photo community, he himself has been very busy. Jack has served as President of Professional Photographers of America (PPA), President of the New York chapter of Advertising Photographers of America (APA), sat on the Joint Ethics Committee in New York, and served as Board Member of ASMP/NY.

Along with many other awards, Jack was very proud to twice receive the IPC (International Photographic Council) Leadership medal for “Excellence in Studio Photography” at the United Nations. In addition, he was appointed a guest professor at Shandong University of Art and Design in Jinan, China, and named a Mo-Tse Grand Master Photographer in China. He is also proud to be named an Honorary Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography.

Among his many titles, Jack is one of the original Canon Explorers of Light, an Epson Stylus Pro, host of the Epson Print Academy’s Track One, an X-Rite Coloratti, and a Sandisk Photo Master. Jack has also done testing and consulting with Adobe, Canon, Epson, Mamiya, Microsoft, X-Rite, and Leaf.

Classe(s): Delivering Outstanding Family Portraits
Sponsored by Adobe

Allison & Jeff Rodgers

When Allison and Jeff Rodgers opened their photography studio in 2004, they had no idea how their business would explode in five short years! After leaving the Memphis advertising world as a prominent Art Director, Allison put to use her BFA in Graphic Design and Photography to create Allison Rodgers Photography, which is currently regarded as one of the most profitable studios in the U.S. Allison and her husband Jeff, also a graphic designer and technology guru, have managed to increase and (at times) double their sales each year, due to their unique design skills, marketing techniques, and client relationships. Along with their work being featured in Professional Photographer magazine, they currently serve as PPA mentors for upcoming studios and as speakers for their webinars on design and marketing. As part of the elite Bellagrafica team, they  also have their own line of custom packaging products for photographers!

Most recently, this designing duo was chosen to shoot the custom photography for the nationally acclaimed television show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” with Ty Pennington. The success of Allison Rodgers Photography is a testament to the fact that unique design concepts and marketing techniques are essential for  building a strong and loyal client base

Classe(s): Product Design: Plain Simple & Profitable
Sponsored by White House Custom Colour (WHCC)

Allison Rodgers

When Allison and Jeff Rodgers opened their photography studio in 2004, they had no idea how their business would explode in five short years! After leaving the Memphis advertising world as a prominent Art Director, Allison put to use her BFA in Graphic Design and Photography to create Allison Rodgers Photography, which is currently regarded as one of the most profitable studios in the U.S. Allison and her husband Jeff, also a graphic designer and technology guru, have managed to increase and (at times) double their sales each year, due to their unique design skills, marketing techniques, and client relationships. Along with their work being featured in Professional Photographer magazine, they currently serve as PPA mentors for upcoming studios and as speakers for their webinars on design and marketing. As part of the elite Bellagrafica team, they  also have their own line of custom packaging products for photographers!

Most recently, this designing duo was chosen to shoot the custom photography for the nationally acclaimed television show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” with Ty Pennington. The success of Allison Rodgers Photography is a testament to the fact that unique design concepts and marketing techniques are essential for  building a strong and loyal client base

Classe(s): Product Design: Plain Simple & Profitable Marketing & Promotions SMS 3-Day Workshop (Plus Consultation) :: Day Three

Ryan Romaguera, Cr. Photog.

In his 10 years as a professional photographer, Ryan has won first place Boys at the Senior Photographers International competition and has received awards for sports photography at PPLA, two Kodak Gallery Awards, and the highest print case at SWPPA, including a 100 print score. Ryan has also earned PPA’s Photographic Craftsman degree.

JB Sallee, M.Photog.Cr. & DeEtte Sallee, M.Photog.Cr.

JB and DeEtte Sallee are a young married team located in Dallas, TX. Since opening the doors in 2004, their studio has gained much respect and many awards in the photographic community, including Dallas Photographer of the Year in 2005, 2006, and 2007, and a Perfect 100 and Kodak Gallery award for a wedding album at their regional SWPPA convention. They recently received back-to-back Kodak Gallery Elite awards in 2008 & 2009 for their wedding albums, first place in multi-maker wedding albums, and Grand Award Album at WPPI in 2009. In four years of competition at PPA, they earned 21 Loan recognitions, seven of their 10 Loan albums were voted “Top 10” internationally, and they received their Masters and Craftsman Degrees in the shortest time allowed!

Classe(s): Be a Black Sheep: Unique Has Never Been so Chic
Sponsored by Miller’s Professional Imaging

Dane Sanders

Dane Sanders is an internationally sought-after photographer, author, and speaker. Whether it’s Imaging USA, Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI), or PhotoPlus East in New York City, his advice and presentations bring rave reviews. Dane was even invited back for a first-ever encore presentation at the same WPPI, due to popular demand. Regularly invited to address regional groups around the world, he has spoken for such companies as Adobe, Pictage, liveBooks, ShootdotEdit, Photography Mentor and KISS Wedding Books.

In addition, he has been featured in numerous publications including Professional Photographer magazine and Rangefinder. He even has his first book published, Fast Track Photographer: The Definitive New Approach to Successful Wedding Photography. And to help photographers easily get the insights and tools they need to flourish as professionals, Dane has also produced hundreds of video podcasts (including the all-new AskDane.com).

Dane and Tami, along with their four children, make their home in Newport Beach, California.

Classe(s): Standing Out From the Crowd – Guaranteed

Joseph Simone, M.Photog.Cr., API, F-ASP & Louise Simone, M.Photog.Cr., API

Louise and Joseph met many years ago while both working at a photo studio in Montreal—he as an assistant and she as a summer employee. In 1975, they purchased their photography studio. Constantly investing in their profession has led to a prolific career. Louise and Joseph’s constant evolution in their profession is reflected in each photograph. In their view, the subject must feel respected and loved before the artist can capture a subject’s authenticity…and this is the very beauty of their art. Their undying efforts have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, and they continue to be requested across the world as speakers. In the last ten years, Louise and Joseph were regularly invited to teach in France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Austria, The Philippines,Korea, Martinique, Canada, and the United States as Eastman Kodak Pro Mentors.

Classe(s): Where Have All the Artists Gone?
Sponsored by Kodak

Sarah Smith, M.Photog. Cr. & Kent Smith, M.Photog. MEI.Cr.

Kent and Sarah love people! That passion is the driving force in their career. Their peers have awarded both of them on many occasions, but their greatest accomplishments happen one client at a time. The commitment to giving each patron their very best defines who they are professionally. And after honing their craft for 25 years, their studio is better than ever. 

Most of the time, you will find them doing what they love in Columbus, Ohio, or at their winter studio in Cabo, Mexico. As they are photographers very busy in their business, they do not make an entire career of teaching…so catch them while you can!

Classe(s): Growing a Great Senior Business
Sponsored by ProSelect

Dave Stock

Dave Stock began his professional career almost forty years ago as an action sports photographer working for a wide range of commercial and editorial clients. He has shot on assignment for Sports Illustrated, NFL Properties, AT&T, and dozens of others (as well as being a team photographer for the San Francisco 49ers in the ‘80s). The founder and former CEO of NFL licensee ProLook, Inc., Dave has since focused on applying his lessons learned to the challenge of producing exceptional images within the constraints of a high-volume youth sports photo shoot. TeamDSP, his company, has demonstrated that a total dedication to quality and efficiency can lead to higher profits, sustained growth, and customer loyalty.

Classe(s): A Focus on Value: Team & Individual Shooting Quality and Speed: You Can Do Both!
Sponsored by Richmond Professional Lab

David Stoecklein

Named by True West magazine as the best living photographer, David R. Stoecklein has spent more than 30 years creating images that capture the spirit of the American West. He has worked closely with ranchers and cowboys from every western state. Through his work, Dave has gained a deep understanding of and admiration for cowboys. His quest to keep the spirit of the West alive is heartfelt and uncompromising. He spends every free moment photographing cowboys and all elements of their lives, preserving their rich western heritage and a way of life that is rapidly disappearing.

Classe(s): Photographing the West
Sponsored by Canon

Jed Taufer, Cr.Photog. & Vicki Taufer, M.Photog.Cr., CPP

Jed and Vicki started V Gallery in the cramped basement of their house nine years ago. With a focus on artistic portraiture, the business evolved into a 7,000 sq. ft. storefront studio. From the beginning, they have worked as a team: Vicki focuses on photography and marketing, while Jed is in charge of all the technological needs, as well as educating and assisting other photographers around the world. They attribute a large portion of their success to the high-profile image they have created for their portrait gallery.

Not only do Jed and Vicki have a passion for photography, but they also love helping photographers. They hold several degrees from PPA, have been published in several trade magazines, and have won awards for photography and marketing. In addition, they are Kodak speakers and teach photographers from around the world, including Italy, Korea, and the Philippines. Check out their website at http://www.vgallery.net.

Classe(s): Making It Happen: The Difference Between Knowing & Doing All-Star Charitable Marketing
Sponsored by Kodak

Michael Timmons, M.Photog.Cr. & Tina Timmons, M.Photog.Cr.

Tina and Michael have been involved in photography since the mid ’80s and joined forces in 2000. They own and operate The Portrait Gallery and Gallery 143, specializing in children, families, high school seniors, and events. Gallery 143 offers customizable fine art, and it serves clients such as NASCAR, Drury Inns, and McDonalds Restaurants, in addition to banks, hotels, doctor’s offices, and private collectors.

Both have served on photographic association boards within the local, state, regional and national levels. Both are PPA Masters of Photography, Photographic Craftsman, and have been awarded the Imaging Excellence Award. They have each been named Photographer of the Year within the state, along with receiving awards such as: Kodak, Fuji, Best of Show, Judges Choice, ASP Award, numerous Loan Collection images, and PPA’s Photographer of the Year Award all five years it has been given.

Tina and Michael travel all over the world sharing their experiences, while photographing each location to add to their fine art library. Both are International Jurors, and Michael is currently the Vice Chairman of PPA’s Print Exhibition Committee (PEC).

Classe(s): Making the Most of Your Talents
Sponsored by Miller’s Professional Imaging

Gayletta Tompkins, M.Photog.Cr., CPP

Gayletta Tompkins, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, owns and operates Gayletta’s Photographic Studio & Gallery in her home town of Nederland, Texas. Working out of her house in 1992, Gayletta soon opened her first portrait studio in November 1993. A year later, she doubled the original studio size. In four years, her studio grew in gross sales to be among the top 15% in the nation.

Very active in community organizations (as well as photography associations), Gayletta has earned awards like “Small Business Person of the Year” by the Nederland Chamber of Commerce. In addition, she is a member of Professional Photographers Guild of Houston, Guild of Southeast Texas, Texas Professional Photographers, International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum, National Association of Photoshop Professionals, and PPA.  She is also the American Society of Photographers' Texas State Rep.

Gayletta’s work has been featured in numerous local, statewide, and nationwide magazines. In addition, she published her first book, “Visions of Love,” in 2005 as a celebration of her 2004 Master of Photography degree.

Classe(s): Time Flies When You’re Photographing Fun
Sponsored by H&H Color Lab

Louis Tonsmeire, Cr.Photog., API

Louis Tonsmeire of Tonsmeire Studio in Cartersville, GA, has been a member of PPA since 1988. He has served the organization in a variety of roles, including positions on the Education Committee, the Convention Committee, the Affiliate School Task Force, and the Imaging USA Task Force. In 1996, Louis received the PPA National Award in recognition of his outstanding service to professional photography. He has pursued an advanced education through PPA by earning his Photographic Craftsman degree and becoming an Approved Photographic Instructor. Louis is also a graduate of Ann Monteith's Guerilla Marketing Workshop.

Louis' other association affiliations include Professional Photographers of Georgia, through which he served as a Councilor from the state of Georgia. He was also the Director of the Georgia School, one of PPA's Affiliate Schools. Needless to say, his upbeat personality and enthusiastic nature makes it so there isn't a place in the country Louis goes where he doesn't know someone or someone doesn't know him.

Classe(s): Speed Shooting with the Pros - Sold Out!

David Trust

Since taking over as CEO of PPA, David Trust has helped lead the world’s largest photographic association to its most successful years in its almost 130-year history. Before PPA, David spent 11 years as a television news reporter and anchor, mostly in hard news and investigative reporting. He then leapt into marketing, eventually heading up corporate marketing for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. David joined PPA as its first Director of Marketing in 1998, taking the helm as CEO in 1999. With what he calls the “best association staff in America,” PPA has since set numerous records for growth, Imaging USA attendance, and magazine circulation.

Classe(s): Association Survival: What Affiliate Leaders Should Know About Staying Afloat - Sold Out!

Jose Villa

People often ask Jose Villa how he developed his style, and how he creates images that stand out in today’s highly competitive wedding market. He says simply that he is a fine art wedding photographer. Jose’s approach applies fine art photography to the living, breathing, fast-moving phenomenon that is a wedding. It is all about making something beautiful, even if he has to insert himself into the situation and recreate a moment. Ultimately, his goal is to craft vibrant, energetic, fine art images that are as unique as the people in the photographs.

Jose is humbled to be published in many magazines around the world, including Grace Ormonde’s Wedding Style, Elegant Bride, InStyle Weddings, Inside Weddings, Bride, Modern Bride, and many more. Recently, American Photo magazine named him one of the Top 10 Wedding Photographers in the World.

Classe(s): Fine Art Weddings
Sponsored by Fujifilm

Beverly Walden, M.Photog.Cr.

Beverly is an accomplished photographer, international speaker and member of the Society of XXV. She spends her time honing her skills in design, marketing and sales for Walden’s Photography and running their educational company, Creative Productions. www.timandbevwalden.com

 

Classe(s): All-Star Charitable Marketing

Tim Walden, M.Photog.Cr., F-ASP

Tim, an accomplished photographer, international speaker, national juror and member of the Society of XXV, always shares his expertise in photography and marketing willingly and openly. He currently sits on the PPA Board.
www.timandbevwalden.com

Classe(s): All-Star Charitable Marketing

Stephen Walker

Stephen Walker earned his associate degree in commercial photography and started Pinwheel Photography in 1998. Pinwheel specializes in corporate event and team sports photography (along with Federal and State government contracting) in the Louisville, Kentucky area. For the past 12 years, Pinwheel has photographed over 25,000 youth sports individuals and teams, and it has continued to grow through even this rough economy.

Classe(s): From Hobby to Successful Photography Business

Kimberlee West

Marissa Boucher and Kimberlee West are “The Boudoir Divas.” Together, they own and operate the Boudoir Divas Studio, a high-end photography studio located in San Diego, California. In just a few short years, the Boudoir Divas’ studio has seen incredible growth, and they are now recognized as Southern California’s premier boudoir studio. The Divas believe that their studio is so successful because of their desire to give every woman the opportunity to feel like a supermodel—no matter what size or shape she may be.  “Every woman has her own unique beauty,” they say. “And it is our hope that we help her embrace just that.”

Classe(s): Boudoir is the New Black: Glamorous, Lucrative, & Ridiculously Fun
Sponsored by Showit

Graham Wilson

Graham Wilson grew up in Scotland. (On special occasions he still wears his kilt to work!) He studied photographic science in London, and after absorbing all that knowledge, Graham thought he’d take a year off to travel. That’s when he began working as a photographer on cruise ships…NINE years later he had finally had enough fun gallivanting around the world and moved to beautiful Colorado with his soon-to-be wife, Annemarie.  Soon after, Graham found himself photographing for a very busy portrait studio in Littleton.

In May 2003, Graham made the bold move to start his own studio, Vision Photography. Sure there were no photos on the wall, and true, very little marketing had occurred for that season, but he did know one thing, specializing in seniors would be the foundation of his business plan. Graham believes that the decision to specialize has made Vision Photography hugely successful. By focusing on seniors, Graham created an image for the studio that is still in high demand. For example, Vision grew from an unknown new studio in 2003 to a completely sold-out studio by the 2006 season!

Classe(s): All-Star Charitable Marketing

Julia Woods, M.Photog.Cr.

Jeff and Julia's photography is an original blend of photojournalism and lifestyle: Jeff's love of fashion and Julia's love of relationships come together as creative images that showcase their client's hearts and minds in contemporary urban imagery.

Jeff and Julia have been honored to have their work recognized by numerous associations. Their albums have been accepted into PPA’s Loan Collection and have earned the Wedding Print of the Year from Wedding Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) print competition, five Kodak Gallery awards, two Kodak Elite awards, and eight Fuji Masterpiece awards. They both have received their PPA Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman degrees. In addition, their work is regularly featured in Professional Photographer magazine, Rangefinder, PDN, American Photographic, and The Rainbow trade magazines, as well as various technical resource books. Their work is even featured in such consumer publications as Grace Ormonde, Martha Stewart Weddings, In Style Weddings, Modern Bride, and Bride.

Classe(s): Substance & Style Business & Financial Management Sales & Customer Service SMS 3-Day Business Workshop (Plus Consultation) :: Day One SMS 3-Day Workshop (Plus Consultation) :: Day Two

Jeffrey Woods, M.Photog.Cr. & Julia Woods, M.Photog.Cr.

Jeff and Julia's photography is an original blend of photojournalism and lifestyle: Jeff's love of fashion and Julia's love of relationships come together as creative images that showcase their client's hearts and minds in contemporary urban imagery.

Jeff and Julia have been honored to have their work recognized by numerous associations. Their albums have been accepted into PPA’s Loan Collection and have earned the Wedding Print of the Year from Wedding Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) print competition, five Kodak Gallery awards, two Kodak Elite awards, and eight Fuji Masterpiece awards. They both have received their PPA Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman degrees. In addition, their work is regularly featured in Professional Photographer magazine, Rangefinder, PDN, American Photographic, and The Rainbow trade magazines, as well as various technical resource books. Their work is even featured in such consumer publications as Grace Ormonde, Martha Stewart Weddings, In Style Weddings, Modern Bride, and Bride.

Classe(s): Substance & Style All-Star Charitable Marketing
Sponsored by Burrell Colour Imaging

Pete Wright

As a fourth-generation artist and a second-generation photographer, Pete Wright saw his photographs first published in regional newspapers when he was 14 years old. In 1997, he opened PW Photography in North Carolina before moving it to Richmond, Virginia. The studio's work ranges from portraits and weddings to sports and editorials. In order to stay on the forefront of the industry, Pete believes in continuing his education by attending classes and international conventions. The studio also believes in participating in organizations that support their art. To that end, Pete served for several years as an officer for the Virginia Professional Photographers Association (VPPA) and was Governor of the Capital District in 2007. Furthermore, Pete was recognized in 2007 and 2008 as PPA "Photographer of the Year" and has won multiple awards for his prints.  His images have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, The Knot, Virginia Weddings, Virginia Bride and Richmond Times-Dispatch. He has also shared his techniques, marketing advice, and perspectives in many publications and websites, from Professional Photographer and Action News to the Collages.net Newsletter Pro-Tips Forum. Believing a successful business contains equal parts passion and business savvy, Pete has extended his vast knowledge to photographers by teaching and lecturing throughout the country.

Classe(s): Targeting Clients through Creative Marketing

Kimberly Wylie

Known for capturing the essence of her subjects in her imagery, Kimberly Wylie has been recognized as one of the nation’s top children’s photographers. But prior to becoming a photographer, Kimberly had a career in the field of investment banking and finance. She attributes a large portion of her success to her strong knowledge of the fundamentals of business and marketing.

Now catering to a discerning client base including celebrities and professional athletes, Kimberly has had the honor of photographing some of the most wonderful families internationally. Working together, it is her joy to create walls of breathtaking art for each family. Kimberly’s work has received multiple awards, including features on “Extreme Makeover Home Edition,” in Professional Photographer magazine, and multiple TV spots and newspapers nationwide.

Classe(s): Living the Dream: Make More Profits Doing What You Love
Sponsored by White House Custom Colour (WHCC)

Helen Yancy, M.Photog.M.Artist.MEI.Cr.Hon.M.Photog.,CPP, API

Helen Yancy is passionate about life, family, and anything that is art. Fine oil paintings, especially portraits, that capture the true essence of her subjects has been the focus of her work for most of her life. With twenty-first century media combined with old master style and ability, Helen has renewed her excitement and challenged herself to expand her own horizons in portraiture. In fact, she was among the first to bring the magic of Painter software to the photography world. She is honored to be one of Corel’s prestigious Painter Masters.

Helen is the first person in the world to earn all four PPA Degrees. She is a PPA Master of Photography, Master Artist, Master of Electronic Imaging, Photographic Craftsman, Honorary Master of Photography and has received the Imaging Excellence Award for the required number of Loan images. In addition, she was PPA’s President from 1996-1997, and was instrumental in bringing together the British Professional Photographers and the Professional Photographers of America for the first international competition in the UK in 1997. In 2001, Helen was invited to the United Nations to receive a Medallion for leadership, service, artistic and photographic ability by the International Council for Photography. Currently, she is also the chair of PPA’s Photographic Exhibitions Committee.

Classe(s): Judges Workshop Day One - Sold Out! Judges Workshop Day Three - Sold Out! Judges Workshop Day Two - Sold Out!

Yervant, M.Photog. IV (from the Australian Institute of Professional Photography), F-AIPP

The Australian photographer Yervant is esteemed as one of the most influential photographers of the last decade with his avant-garde approach to what is typically a traditional industry. His business acumen and proven success have helped establish his very successful studio in Melbourne, serving high-end national and international clients. In addition, Page Gallery album layout software, created by Yervant, is now considered one of the most successful tools in the industry worldwide. He also travels worldwide to shoot special weddings and to conduct seminars and workshops for professional photographers.

Recognized amongst the Top 5 of the World, Yervant is a Quadruple Master of Photography (AIPP) via the Australian Institute of Professional Photography. He was honored with a Fellowship from the institute for his unparalleled contribution, achievements, and the setting of significant milestones, in particular in digital photography and output.

Classe(s): Yervant Signatures: Posed…naturally! Finished…perfectly!
Sponsored by GraphiStudio

Edward Zemba

For the past 15 years, Edward Zemba has been identifying the strategies necessary to create a highly successful photography studio. When Edward started in his father’s business over a decade ago, it was struggling to survive during a severe economic downturn. Today, this same studio is one of the most financially successful of its kind in the United States. According to Scott Kurkian, CFO of PPA, “Edward’s turnaround story is simply amazing and serves as an inspiration to other studio owners.”

Edward accomplished this feat through extraordinary success in marketing and sales, and he shares his formula for success with other photographers throughout the United States and Europe. His photography promotions can be particularly lucrative (a single program can bring in over $120,000). As a recognized industry expert on marketing and sales strategies, he has written for and been featured in multiple national trade publications such as Lens and Professional Photographer.

Edward’s goal is to help photographers grow their businesses in ways that ensure they can concentrate on the style of photography they are passionate about while making a living.

Classe(s): Sales & Customer Service SMS 3-Day Workshop (Plus Consultation) :: Day Two