Florida Photographer February 2016 by FL Professional Photographers, Inc.

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Florida Photographer Contents Cover Image: “Family Vacation” Bill Barbosa

THE FLORIDA PHOTOGRAPHER is the official publication of the Florida Professional Photographers, Inc. Permission to reprint contents on this publication is granted to similar publications of the photographic industry, provided that the author and THE FLORIDA PHOTOGRAPHER are recognized as the sources. The opinions expressed in any article or column are those of the author and does not necessarily represent the official position of the Florida Professional Photographers, Inc. The Florida Professional Photographers exists solely for the good of its members. The association provides tools and educational opportunities for its members to achieve their business and artistic goals. It is committed to an ongoing exchange of information and experiences between all members in an open and friendly atmosphere.

2016-1

President’s Message

FPP, Inc. Board of Directors

FPP Section Web Sites

FPP Managers

PPA Councillors

From the Editor

New Members

Membership Categories & Dues

Set Yourself Apart

Lighting & Posing with Damon Tucci

Florida Photography Workshops

Scholarships 17 5 Ways to Tighten Wordpress Security

Fill Flash

Look Inward to Push Local Membership

FOCUS 2016

Join the

Florida Professional Photographers See membership application at FPPonline.org

President’s Message Cindy Strickland, FSA, FED 2016

As photographers at any level, the holiday season is a busy one. Imaging USA is a great way to transition out of the hectic schedule, refocus and become inspired again. Our FPP members represented Florida well this year! We had a pre-con speaker, Imaging speaker, CPP recipients, degree recipients as Craftsmen and Masters, and Grand Imaging Award winners! We had councilors, PPA committee members, volunteers, and a PPA Board member all working to make the event valuable. Thanks for showing PPA the dedication Florida photographers have to the spirit of education. NEWS FLASH! Our current day society wants things right now… everything. We all do! But some things take time, repetition, time, repetition, time... There are several ways to learn, and all of them have value. Online courses are great and we should all take advantage of what they offer. Many of them are free or inexpensive, and can be experienced at your pace and during the hours that are convenient. As important as they are, they can’t completely replace hands-on learning. Think of learning how to drive a stick shift. All of the instructions make sense, and you can grasp the concept of the clutch, brake and gas. But until you get in that seat and try it yourself, you can’t really put it into action. You’ll get it figured out, but turning that information into forward motion requires getting behind the wheel, making mistakes, recognizing them, correcting them, and perfecting it all... and it may take a little while. But it all happens not because you have the information, but because you put it into action. So, take all that great information you gathered at Imaging USA and online courses and start to put it into play. Next stop on this train toward improving your craft? FPP’s spring seminar in February, then on toward Florida Photography Workshops in June, and FOCUS in September. There is a lot available for you here… be sure to take full advantage of these hands-on learning opportunities! See you soon!

FPP, Inc. Board of Directors

FPP Managers

President

Directors

Cindy Strickland, FSA, FED 2016 5750 CR 12 Tallahassee, FL 32312 850-545-3110 info@amomentcaptured.com

Marty Grivjack, FSA, 2017 17114 123 Terrace N Jupiter, FL 33478 561-744-1777 magriv@aol.com

Vice President Carol Walker, FDPE,FSA,FED 2015 7925 4th St. North St. Petersburg, FL 33702 727-577-5626 carol@thomasbruce.com

Bill Barbosa, FSA,FED, 2017 725 North A1A, #E 102 Jupiter, FL 33477 561-242-2455 info@billbarbosaphotography.com Meggan Harper, FED 2018 136 N. Orchard, Suite 4 Ormond beach, FL 32174 386-673-4277 meggan@megganharper.com

Secretary Treasurer Marti Newkirk, 2016 8633 Plantation Ridge Blvd. Lakeland, FL 33809 863-808-8261 marti.newkirk@gmail.com

Convention Mgr. Debbie Alcorn 727-481-9329 debbie@reedyphoto.com FL Photography Workshops Dir. Marybeth Jackson 954-426-2562 marybeth@marybethphoto.com Competition Mgr. Robin Adams 850-591-3364 robin@robinadamsphotography. com

Past Presidents Martin Gudz, FSA,FED 2014 6174 SW CR 360 Madison, FL 32340 850-973-6373 martingudz@yahoo.com Jackson W. Koontz, III, FSA, FED 2018 PO Box 6878 Ocala, FL 34478 352-369-4257 actionjacksonpro@gmail.com

PPA Councillors Kira Derryberry 850-583-1644 Gary Hughes 321-279-0077

FPP Section Web Sites

Kevin Newsome 813-968-2810 Sandra Pearce 863-763-8684

Bay – BPPA,

www.bppafl.com

Destin - NWSFPP

www.P3Guild.com

Lakeland – PPGMF,

www.ppgmf.com

Orlando – PPSCF,

www.theppscf.com

Palm Beach – PPGPB,

www.prophotoguild.com

Tallahassee – TPPG,

www.tppg.wordpress.com

Tampa – TAPPA,

www.tappa.org

Booray Perry 813-728-7110 Robin Phillips 863-682-6958 Randy Van Duinen 727-577-5172 Kim Warmolts 727-934-4456

from the Editor OMGosh! Have you registered for the spring seminar with Damon Tucci? If you haven’t...consider it...the seminar is on February 28th...and let me just say his work is fabulous! If you can’t do spring seminar...take a look at the Florida Photography Workshops. MaryBeth has put together an amazing slate of instructors for the 2016 season. Remember...you’re never too old to learn!

~Victoria

New Members (since November, 2015) Gavin Slabbert St. Augustine Professional Ed Haas Astor Professional Gary Alves Destin Professional Robert Hunter Tallahassee Professional Lady Warne Winter Garden Professional Mary Curran Tallahassee Student

Executive Director Kaye Newsome, FSA,FED 13804 Lake Village Place Tampa, FL 33618 813-760-1933 fpp1933@gmail.com

FLORIDA PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS, INC. 13804 Lake Village Place Tampa, FL 33618 www.fpponline.org 813-760-1933

FLORIDA PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS, INC. FPP MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES & DUES All Membership categories include free registration for 2016 FOCUS as well as special member pricing for Florida Photography Workshops and FPP Seminars. All members are of Legal age . Certain benefit and privilege restrictions may apply, based on category type. $10 one-time application fee. $225 PROFESSIONAL – Operates/Employed by a legally established photography business in Florida. Required to submit Sales Tax Certificate Number. Eligible to apply for scholarship to Florida Photography Workshops. $210 ASSOCIATE – Employed by a FPP Professional or Life member. Eligible to apply for scholarship to Florida Photography Workshops. $225 MEMBER – Individuals who do not yet meet the requirements for any of the other categories. Eligible to apply for scholarship to Florida Photography Workshops. $150 STUDENT – Currently enrolled full or part-time in an accredited degree/certification program at a post- secondary school. Does not include continuing education courses or non-degree seeking students. Proof of enrollment required. Eligible to apply for scholarship to Florida Photography Workshops. $170 SERVICE – Individual that offers services/education/sales to photographers. $210 NON-RESIDENT – Residing or Employed outside of Florida. Eligible to apply for scholarship to Florida Photography Workshops.

Setting Yourself Apart William Branson III, M Photog., Cr., CPP, F-ASP

The world of photography has changed drastically over the last 15 years. Digital has brought photography to the masses and removed the “mystique” from our profession. Most photographers today compete against each other with price as their only difference because everyone is offering and doing the same thing. Wouldn’t it be great to be different from the photographer down the street and be able to offer something that only you can provide? Imagine the business you could generate! Bill Gates, the richest man in the world, was interviewed on the Larry King Show. When asked about his incredible wealth and success, Bill Gates said, “Larry, I was at the right place at the right time and luck has a lot to do with that.” Bill Gates continued, “But Larry, there were a lot of people at the same place I was. One difference was I had a vision. I saw the potential that was there.” Mr. Gates was not through. He continued, “A lot of people had had the same vision I had. The BIG difference was I took massive and immediate action.” So, will you be at the right place at the right time to set yourself apart from your competition? If you attend the upcoming Florida Convention being held from September 10 – 12 you will be! As you listen to the speakers will you see the potential in the materials that will be presented? Will you see the potential that utilizing this information can change your business and photography? Will you have the vision that you can accomplish what others have done?

Lighting & Posing! Carol Walker, FDPE, FSA, FED Seminar Chair

with Damon Tucci

Hot off the PPA ImagingUSA platform stage, join us for a day with wedding and portrait photographer Damon Tucci! Damon will offer his step-by-step insight into getting the most out of your subjects in any situation-featuring both wedding day, in studio and on-location portraiture. Damon’s non-traditional method of blending fashion with documentation is revolutionizing the wedding and portrait industry. His unique understanding of light allows him to capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments, but in an unobtrusive manner that does not impact the wedding or portrait session. As an artist, Damon revels in breaking the rules. He firmly believes that if you don’t enjoy what you do, then you should do something else. His laid back personality is easy going and fun. Although he is a strict professional, his sense of humor is never far away, and that makes working with him more like spending time with an old friend. This workshop will be HANDS-ON! The morning session of the program will focus on classroom education; after lunch, we’ll reconvene for a live demo and hands-on learning. Be sure to bring your gear as Damon demonstrates his lighting, posing and capture techniques that have made him a highly successful and award-winning photographer for more than 20 years! The Seminar is open to ALL. You don’t have to be an FPP member to attend (although members do save $$). BONUS: PPA members receive a Continuing Education Merit for attending! Do NOT miss out on one of the hottest speakers on the circuit today! PPA’s ImagingUSA...WPPI... Florida Professional Photographers. Registration is now OPEN: $95 FPP/PPA; $125 non-members Visit www.fpponline.com to register TODAY!

Stay up to date with all the news:

FPPonline.org

Marybeth Jackson, M. Photog., Cr., CPP, FDPE, FSA, FED Florida School of Photography, Director

Four Day and Two Day Workshops offered in a variety of photographic specialties! As Florida School celebrates its 25th year; we continue to offer professional and aspiring photographers a unique, hands-on educational experience of practical, real world instruction with some of the best and brightest photography minds in the industry. Our commitment is to help photographers build a satisfying and prosperous career and to provide quality, cost effective photographic education taught by working professionals that are experts in their fields. Four Day Format! Sunday June 12th 9:00 AM-10:00 AM Registration and Light Refreshments @ DSC 11:00 AM- 5:00 PM Classes in Session 5:15 PM- 5:30 PM Group Photo @ DSC (Daytona State College) 6:15 PM- 8:00 PM All School Program @Daytona State College Monday June 13th 9:00 AM- 6:00 PM Classes in Session @Daytona State College (Portrait classes may go out on location) Tuesday June 14th 9:00 AM- 6:00 PM Classes in Session @DSC 7:00 PM Closing Dinner @ Daytona Beach Resort Wednsday June 15th 9:00 AM- 2:30 PM Classes in Session @DSC 2:00 PM CPP Exam, DSC, Classroom TBD Course #1 “Bellies and Babies” Alycia Alvarez A new baby is the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in the life of a family. There are many changes and emotions that come along with the birth of a new baby and, as a photographer, documenting all of these ages and stages is priceless. She will also discuss her favorite poses and best sellers for each of the milestone sessions and how to successfully designing a Baby’s First Year program. In addition to the happiness and joy (and sleepless nights!), there are also many expenses for the new parents. Alycia will outline her marketing and pricing strategies and techniques designed specifically for the baby’s first year as well as covering marketing and pricing to maximize your profit. Course #2 “Corel Painter - The Artist Within” Jim Cunningham

As digital photography becomes easier with new cameras that that give the photographer amazing images with just the press of a button, and software and actions that can take an average image and add sizzle, it is becoming more apparent that professional photographers have a need to differentiate between themselves and everyone else. Corel Painter gives the photographer a tool that can be used to transform photographs into art that clients will want hanging on their walls. Jim will take you step by step through the creative process, from getting familiar with the Painter interface to creating true works of art. Student should have a working knowledge of Photoshop, including layers and layer masks. Each student is encouraged to bring at least 5 images of their own to work on in class. Course #3 “Wordpress for Photographers-Build, Manage and Drive Traffic to your Website” Kira Derryberry How old is your website? How long has it been since you’ve updated it? Have you given up on having one altogether? If not knowing how to update and manage your website has been holding your business back, then this is the class for you. In this course, we will BUILD your new website from the ground up. Using WordPress as our content management system, students will customize their own websites with their own content. Those attending the course will learn how to blog with SEO in mind and the ins and outs of utilizing social media to drive traffic to their websites. By the end of 4 days, you’ll not only have a new site, but you’ll be equipped with the knowhow to keep that site updated with new and engaging content to drive customers new and old to your business. Course #4 “Don’t Gamble with Your Certification: Prepare, Prepare, Prepare” Gary and Kathy Meek Professional credentials are not just handed out. They are EARNED. And the recipients can attest to that general fact. Photography credentials are no different, and any Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) can tell you that.. There’s a lot of effort that goes into preparing for the CPP exam alone (let alone the image submission review), and that’s why the Certification Preparation Class is so important. “Everyone has their own weaknesses,” says Gary Meek, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, API, EA-ASP, Hon.EA-ASP one of the instructors of the upcoming Certification Preparation Class, along with his wife, Kathy, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, API. “That’s the beauty of this class. We can find out what the participants’ weaknesses are and concentrate on strengthening their knowledge on those points.” The Meeks are able to do that because every person who signs up for their class is sent about a hundred pages of handouts and study guides…prior to the class - FREE. You’ll get sample tests, Gary’s own white papers, a handout on histograms and even a page of photographic formulas. Course #5 “Shoot to Thrill” Michael Mowbray How to create great light anywhere! Any location, Any time of the day! YOU create the light; combine these skills with natural light techniques and stop being limited by having to find just the right natural light. Michael will demonstrate lighting and posing techniques for seniors, weddings and general portraiture.

You will learn how to master off camera flash in both TTL and manual modes. He’ll show you how to get the job done with both higher-priced brand name TTL flashes AND with low-cost, off-brand gear. In addition; how to craft light with many different lighting modifiers and how to price and sell your portraiture in order to increase your averages and profit, and make your life easier. Course #6 “Lighting and Hybrid Photography” James Schmelzer In this class; James will explain lighting theory for portraits, glamour, family groups and how to pose for flattering portraits while learning how to light for different facial shapes and flaws, learning lighting patterns for corrective lighting in real world situations. After learning how to shoot in the studio environment’s you will then learn all aspects of what it takes to shoot outside. We will also have fun creating living photos called Cinemagraphs done by videotaping short clips, and editing in Flixel software for the Mac , if you don’t have a Mac its ok still fun to do or maybe borrow someone in class as it doesn’t take long and we will have software for the students to use for limited time. Two Day Workshops! Once again, we are offering two day workshops this year in conjunction with our four day workshops. The Two Day Workshops will being on Sunday, June 12th and end on Monday June 13th. These two day courses are designed to meet the needs of photographers that are looking for an abbreviated, educational opportunity. Perhaps a refresher course or you may wish to attend an educational event for a shorter period of time! Two Day Workshop Schedule……………………….Tuition$299/$375/$399 Sunday June 12th 9:00 AM-10:00 AM Registration and Light Refreshments @ DSC 11:00 AM- 5:00 PM Classes in Session 5:15 PM- 5:30 PM Group Photo @ DSC (Daytona State College) 6:15 PM-8:00 PM All School Program @Daytona State College Monday June 13th 9:00 AM- 600 PM Classes in Session @Daytona State College Two Day Workshops End Course # 1 “Finishing Touches, Beyond the Basics “ Jane Conner-ziser Details! Details! Plus the best and fastest ways to cut-and-paste, refine lighting, and create compositions that look realistic even when you zoom in close. Don't get caught with artwork that is ragged around the edges or unrealistic in the transition between highlight and shadow. Learn how to color balance different images to match plus detail your images for maximum impact and eye control. We'll have a class project, but bring a few images that you want to composite so we can all experience the variety of imaging challenges we create with our imaginations. Course #2 “Photoshop and Lightroom” Marty Grivjack This two-day course will bring you into the exciting and easy Lightroom environment where you'll learn to do 95% of everyday photograph editing and 100% of your image organizing. Then we'll bring our workflow into Photoshop to learn everything you need to know about layers, masks, filters and blurs that help create spectacular portraits. Lightroom and Photoshop are the ultimate editing duo -- your

retouching “toolkit” will be ready for any editing task after taking this course. Sunday Evening…We will also offer after hour’s education (to be announced) along with networking with other fellow photographers and vendors at Daytona State College Sunday evening. Of course, Daytona State College students are welcome and encouraged to attend! Vendors….We will have our equipment supplier; Showcase Photo on campus during the week to answer any questions you might have regarding products and equipment purchases. In addition we will have many other vendors that will have displays in the Atrium area on Sunday and Monday and be available for questions, too. Our Host Hotel…..Our official hotel for the Florida School is The Daytona Beach Resort located at 2700 North Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach directly on The World’s Most Famous Beach. Please contact the hotel at 800-654- 6216 or 386-672-3770 and reserve by May 24, 2016 to get the special studio room rate of $99 per night (includes kitchenettes). Don’t forget to mention the Florida photographers for the discounted room rate and we have also negotiated with the hotel to waive the resort fees, too! Four Day Workshops Tuition Schedule…. Early Bird Tuition for FPP/SEPPA Members…….....………..$599 Course Tuition after 03/31/16…………..……......…………$699 Early Bird Tuition for PPA Members………………………..$675 Course Tuition after 03/31/16…………….…...……………$775 Early Bird Tuition for Non FPP/SEPPA/PPA Members............$775 Tuition after 03/31/16……………………….........…………$875 Two Day Workshops Tuition Schedule….. $299/$375/$399 Early Bird Course tuition for the Two Day Workshops will be $299.00 for FPP/SEPPA members $375 for PPA members and $399.00 for non members and must be paid in full at time of registration. A late fee of $100 will be applied to all applications received after April 1, 2016. There are no tuition refunds after May 16, 2016. Tuition will include course instruction, Sunday welcome reception & pizza party dinner, Tuesday night celebration dinner, school photograph and a certificate of completion. Travel, housing and some meal expenses are not included in the tuition. Choose your class NOW before classes are closed! Take advantage of our EZ Payment Plan and stretch out your tuition payments. For more in-depth information on the courses or samples of the instructor’s work; check us out at www.fpponline.org REAL EDUCATION – REAL RESULTS!

Scholarships Marybeth Jackson, M. Photog., Cr., CPP, FDPE, FSA, FED Florida School of Photography, Director

There is scholarship money available for attending the 2016 Florida Photography Workshops (anywhere from $100 to $300). Most of the scholarships are presented at the FPP Annual Convention Awards Banquet and are earned by working on committees at the Workshops, the Convention, and the Seminars. News Flash!! We also have two $500 FPP/PPA Scholarships that are available for new members only. If you’ve only been a member for less than three years and your dues are current, you’re eligible! What do I do next, you might ask?? The Scholarship Application is located on our website at www.fppoline.org Go to the drop down menu Florida School (I know, I know, it’s still listed as Florida School). Next, go to the Instructor’s page and there’s a PDF scholarship application located on that page. Please fill out the form and email (or snail mail) your application directly to the FPP Florida Photography Workshops Manager at marybeth@marybethphoto.com. Application Deadline is February 12, 2016. If selected, you will be notified directly by the Workshops Manager (hey, that’s me) on or around March 1st, 2016. In order to be eligible for a scholarship, your dues must be current at the time you submit your application AND when workshops are in session. You are only eligible if you have NOT received a Scholarship to the FPP Florida Photography Workshops in the last two years! If you have any questions; please contact me directly by Email, Facebook message and I still answer the phone and can be reached at (954) 426-2562! Good Luck!

5 Ways to Tighten Kira Derryberry, Cr. Photog., CPP

your WordPress Security

I just finished helping a fellow photographer clean his hacked website, a problem you yourself may have encountered before if you are a WordPress user. There are various ways hackers can get into your websites. Some of it involves security holes in WordPress, some of it is due to holes in the many user created plugins that are out there. But if your website has been hacked and you are on a shared server (which most of us are) then your hosting provider should be made aware because there are things they’ll need to do to tighten security on their end. The bottom line is, there is no sure fire way to keep them out forever, but putting up as many roadblocks as you can to prevent and recover is your best line of defense. Here are 5 tips for tightening your WordPress security.

1. Change your WordPress user, FTP, and hosting control panel passwords. You should do this right now. I know, you don’t want to. I don’t want you to have to, but it must be done. And it’s 2016, so it’s time to stop using your first cat’s name and the year you were born exclamation mark. That’s simply not enough. If you need help coming up with one, Wordpress has a password generator you can use or simply Google the search term “Password Generator” to find several sites that can create them for you. It's also a good idea to create a new user for yourself with Administrator as a role and remove the default admin user name once you have done so. This will help protect you from “Password Guessing Brute Force Attacks” where hackers try and simply guess patterns of easy to remember passwords, hoping to they’ll crack the safe and get in. 2. Make sure your version of WordPress and all your installed plugins are up to date. This is a pretty simple step nowadays. When you log into your WordPress dashboard, there’s an update button on all out of date plugins, themes, and WordPress installations. Most of the latest versions of WordPress are now auto updating so you don’t even have to think about it. 3. Harden your security. Lots of things are left unlocked and open upon installing Wordpress that usually don’t cause a problem, but for added security, install the Sucuri “Security – Auditing, Malware Scanner and Hardening” plugin. This plugin can help you lock down open areas of the site to keep unwanted visitors out of it. Once you’ve enabled this plugin, double check your site and make sure your other plugins and features are still working. As a rule, if something breaks right after you install it, you should uninstall the thing that

broke it. Seems simple, I know, but you’d be surprised how often someone installs a plugin or a feature of a plugin without checking to see if their website is still working. Always, always double-check your work! You can also install a plugin called WordFence that does a pretty bare bones scan for security risks, reminding you to update plugins and catching any security red flags as it can. It’s also got some other great features to help keep out the big bads like the ability to block IPs and see failed login attempts. Like Sucuri, WordFence is free! It doesn’t hurt to have them both as far as I can tell. 4. Have a back up system in place. The bigger your website, the harder the fall. WordPress is composed of 3 things: The core files that simply make WordPress run, a database file that fills in all your content you’ve actually written, plus tells WordPress where you’d like everything to go, and then your actual content files like your images, plugins, themes, etc. that you’ve uploaded to make your WordPress website go from a plain old blog to the beautifully skinned website you’ve created. WordPress doesn’t perform back ups on it’s own, so I recommend installing a good back up plugin that will not only back up your database file, but do a full back up of your website. This plugin needs to be able to do a database back up AND a full back up occasionally. The latter is going to take longer, depending on how large your website is. If you only back up your database and your site gets blown away, you’ll have everything you’ve ever written, customized and organized still, but you won’t have any of the visual items, like say, the last 3 years of images you’ve uploaded to your blog and galleries. So be sure you do both. How often is up to you, but I would go with at least a weekly back up of your database file and a monthly back up of your full site. My current free favorite plugin for this is called BackUpWordPress. There are paid plugins that offer more functionality. And finally… 5. Check ratings on anything you install. WordPress is Open Source and free to the world, meaning lots of people develop products for it. Most plugins out there are completely third party user created. Whenever searching for a new plugin, check the reviews and star ratings. Check that it is compatible with the version of WordPress you are running and see how well it is supported. A plugin that is updated often with patches means someone out there is paying attention and trying to help us all keep our sites secure and functioning. So right about now you might be saying to yourself that there’s no way that you can do these things on your own. Managing your website can be tricky and overwhelming. If you run into snags and questions, you can always call your hosting provider’s tech support line. It’s not your job to know how to do all the things and that’s what they are there for, so don’t be afraid to give them a call. Now you’ll be armed with the knowledge of exactly what you are looking for so odds are your support calls are going to go more smoothly. If you are looking for even more hands on training with WordPress, not just for security, but how to really make your website work for you, then join me this summer for my course, WordPress for Photographers at Florida Photography Workshops. For info on how to sign up visit http://www.fpponline.org.

Fill Flash! Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an easy way to use fill flash Fill flash does one thing; it lightens up shadows. By using fill flash, you can control the exposure of the background and the subject separately. Below is a photo taken with the sky the way I wanted it to appear:

The problem is that it leaves the subject way too dark, and if I expose the subject properly the sky will be too light.

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where the fill flash comes in.

It’s a two-step process 1: Get the background exposed the way you want it. 2: Add enough light on the subject to expose it the way you want. But there’s a catch: Most cameras can’t sync with an off-camera flash at more than 1/200 of a second. That means the shutter speed must stay below the sync speed no matter what. To make that happen, you may need to adjust the aperture and/or ISO. Also remember that like everything else in photography, there are always limits to what is possible. So, getting back to the example, the first shot is 1/60 of a second at f-8 and ISO 100. The second shot is the same, except a flash was added. The way I do it is to set the flash at 1/4 power and either use a flash meter to determine the exposure or take a test shot and then adjust from there. Remember, you already have the background set, so all that we need to do is adjust the light on the subject. There are two ways to control the light on the subject; flash power and aperture. The shutter speed controls the ambient light (background). In this case, I increased the flash power to 1/2 power and it was perfect. Increasing the aperture to f-5.6 would have produced the same result if I left the flash power at 1/4 power. Open up the aperture or increase the flash power. Both are effective ways of making the exposure of the subject lighter. The setup:

The setup is simple. One off-camera flash. The best way to master fill flash is to get out and use it, so get out and experiment! You’ll master it in no time at all.

Looking Inward to Push

Kira Derryberry, Cr. Photog., CPP

local membership

It’s the beginning of the year and for local Florida guilds that means a big push to gain membership. So how do we show those folks out there who get everything they need online that there’s a real value to coming to a monthly meeting and learning with a group? Why not just ask the ones who already do? We asked a few of our Tallahassee Professional Photographers Guild/FPP members to speak up and let us know how being a member of TPPG has helped them and their businesses. Here’s what they had to say. AJ Abellera, AJ Studios Photography Past President and TPPG Member since 1993 “I’ve been a member of the Tallahassee Professional Photographer’s Guild for 24 years. When I first joined our guild I was nervous and a little intimidated by the other photographers. After attending the first few meetings I felt welcomed and soon became comfortable with my new peers. Over the years, I’ve learned and used tips from every speaker we’ve had at the guild meetings and that is what has helped keep me in business. The guild keeps its members up to date on the new trends that are always changing in our industry. I want newcomers interested in joining our guild to have that same welcome feeling I had and to learn that our guild is like a family. When any member needs help or has an unexpected emergency there is a network of photographers to call on for back up. When I taught photography in Tallahassee I encouraged my students to join the guild. I keep coming back to the guild because I want to see what my former students are doing as they grow into professional photographers. Times are still changing and there are still new things to learn and teach; but, there is always room to learn about techniques and understand the basics and that is where I plan to contribute my services.” Charlotte Fristoe, Charlotte Fristoe Photography TPPG Member since 2014 “I joined TPPG for the education, but it has been much more than just a learning opportunity! TPPG meets once a month and the speakers offer education we don't have on a local level. TPPG also intro-

duced me to FPP, mentors, Imaging USA, and print competition. Looking in from the outside, people may think the photography industry is this scary competitive environment but my experience has been very different. The only person I'm competing with is the person I was the day before and in a town of 285,000 people there is more than enough business to support everyone. I reach out to TPPG members on a daily basis for advice and support that has grown my business 4 times what it was two years ago! This group is my home away from home and we laugh together, celebrate success, travel together, and grow together. If you are considering joining your local professional photography organization I'd say go for it because this industry can eat you alive without a community helping you succeed every step of the way.” Steve Saccio, Steven Saccio Photography TPPG Member since 2014 “Joining the local guild here in Tallahassee was a pivotal move in operating my business. My previous work was with a corporate job of 60,000 employees. It had a huge network of people that allowed almost any issue to be worked out quickly. When I opened my doors to my photography studio however, I quickly learned that everything was all on me. After surviving for two years on my own I joined the Tallahassee Professional Photographers Guild. By the end of my first meeting I realized I had my work family back! If there was something I didn’t have an answer to, my dedicated support team was simply a phone call or text away. I think too often other photographers are seen as competition but when we are linked by a local guild we not only have a group of like mind professionals nearby but also a team of peers, mentors, cheerleaders and family!” Amanda Thomas, Catalytic Camera TPPG Member since 2014 “Joining TPPG was the best decision I ever made. I was a struggling photographer that felt alone in a new market and felt like I had no direction. After joining the guild, I was able to attend classes and meet many new people that it gave me purpose and a sense of direction. Many wonderful photographers have been there to guide me and give me encouragement when I thought I had no place to turn. The hands on experience, creative support and coffee meetings have been a game changer and I reiterate it was the best decision I have ever made, not only business wise but spiritually as well.”

FOCUS 2016

September 10-12 The Florida Hotel Orlando, Florida

Debbie Alcorn, FSA, FED, PP, CM Convention Manager, FOCUS

Every year in the heart of Orlando’s vacation paradise, photographers from all around gather together to get inspired, educated and to party at FOCUS. Created and sponsored by the Florida Professional Photographers Association, we bring in top instructors from all around the nation. Earn your Florida Degrees by competing and helping . How to compete? You’ll want to get in touch with Robin Adams, our Competition Manager. How to earn a ‘helping” degree? Earn your Florida Service Award degree by volunteering on one of the many committees available. These committees are what keeps FOCUS running smoothly and efficiently. Here is a list of committees you might be interested in: Contact Bruce Wilson Jr. for these. 407-846-3838 Audio Visual Equipment Host Models Props/Speaker Equipment Signs Contact Darla Sharp for these. 386-957-5828 Door Prize Flea Market New Members Photography Sargent at Arms Scholarship & Mentor Program Coffee House Devotions Welcome Joining and/or chairing one of these committees not only helps our event run smoothly and gets you a merit but you will meet new friends that will last a lifetime. Plus it will be fun to boot! Putting together a three day event like FOCUS takes some time so if you have anyone you want to see

and learn from please let me know. You can reach me at 727-481-9329 or Debbie@reedyphoto.com. Any and all ideas are welcome. Here is a little taste of who we already have lined up: Carl Cayor-“Before, After…and How to Get There” Natural Light Portraiture Kristie Kline-“Babies Dream, Why Can’t We?” Babies and Newborns William Branson III-“ Setting Yourself Apart From Your Competition” Product Value, Earn What You Deserve. Hanson Fong-“Good Enough is NOT Good Enough” Creating Perfect Photographic Harmony. Many more to come. If you are looking to take your photography to the next level, get inspired or just plain learn, FOCUS is the place you want to be. Join us for education, networking, partying, competition and fun! See you there!