Executive Board Chairman Bruce Williamson brucewilliamson49@gmail.com
President Ellis Williamson Ewilliamson17@nc.rr.com
President-Elect Rose Mary Cheek rosemarycheek@charter.net
Vice President Ned Winn studiomail@nc.rr.com
Treasurer Adrian Henson adrian@adrianhenson.com
CAROLINA PHOTOGRAPHER MAGAZINE is a monthly online publication of the Professional Photographers of North Carolina, Inc. Editor Rose Mary Cheek rosemarycheek@charter.net 828-322-2862 Sales & Business Manager Rose Mary Cheek Articles & Sales Submissions First of the Month Publication 15th of the Month
Secretary Tim Hester tim@timhesterphotography.com
Executive Director Loretta Byrd Loretta@ppofnc.com
PPNC 427 Greenleaf Road Angier, NC 27501 919-796-4747 www.ppofnc.com
Acceptance of advertising does not carry with it endorsement by the publisher. Opinions expressed by Carolina Photographer or any of its authors does not necessarily reflect the positions of the Professional Photographers of North Carolina, Inc. Association financial information available upon request.
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Contents
On our Cover
From the Editor From the President Real Estate Photography by Ray Mata Member Spotlight On Beth Niser 2015 Spring Seminar How to Make a Grown Man Cry by Adrian Henson Winter Seminar Highlights by Renee McCardell
This month's Member Spotlight is on Beth Niser of Bath, NC. A science and math teacher for many years, Beth created a successful photography business due in no small measure to her pragmatic business practices. Be sure to read her story.
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Page 6 Page 8 Page 16 Page 26 Page 34
Who Are We? The Professional Photographers of North Carolina (PPNC) is NC’s largest association for professional photographers. We are an affiliate of the Professional Photographers of America. Led by an elected Board of working professional photographers, we are a non-profit, member owned association. We are a community in tune with each other’s challenges. Together, we help each other succeed. From a monthly digital magazine with numerous tips and techniques, to one of the state’s largest photographic conventions and trade show, competitions, seminars, and more, PPNC’s members are connected. An affiliate of
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From the Editor Wow, what an exciting start to the New Year! Misty Felde-Smith, outdid herself for our Winter Seminar. It was a wonderful week-end of hands on opportunities, great speakers, and such a scenic venue to be able to photograph. Thanks so much, Misty, for all your hard work. Shortly after Winter Seminar many of us traveled to Nashville, TN to attend Imaging USA, PPA's International event, where over 11,000 photography enthuasiasts were in attendance. Several of our members received degrees and image awards. Our Executive Director, Loretta Byrd was honored to receive the National Director's Award. We are very proud of you, Loretta. This issue is jam packed with highlights from our Central Seminar, our upcoming Eastern Seminar, information about our digital print competition and lots of wonderful stories. I would also like to introduce and thank our new contributing writer, Catherine Kouri, who will be writing our Member Highlight articles. Welcome aboard Catherine!
PPA National Councilmen and Directors
PPNC Directors
Angela Blankenship blankenshipa@embarqmail.com Willis Brown wbrown11@nc.rr.com Misty Felde imagesbymistyfelde@yahoo.com Deborah Hendrix porbydeb@gmail.com George Joel, III george@gpjoell3photography.com Michael Talylor michael@williamsonsphoto.com Bill Goode bill@billgoode.com
Bill Goode Cassie Stone Janet Boschker Joy Batchelor-King Adrian Henson
SEPPA Rep.
Seminar Chair & Directors
Rose Mary Cheek Bob Henderson bhphoto47@earthlink.net Tim Hester tim@TimHesterPhotography.com Debbie Johnson dlynnportraits@gmail.com
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From the President February Message from the President
I love this business we’re in. After our three day Winter Seminar in Haw River, followed by three more days at Imaging USA, I am convinced that photographers are the greatest, most creative people on the planet. After six days, I left Nashville with information overload and a headache. I also left challenged. In last month’s President’s Message, I encouraged you to pull out all the stops and explore what you’ve always wanted to do as a photographer. This month, I offer you a challenge: do something different at the end of your next session that surprises even you. Position your lighting differently, pose your family less traditionally, shoot from what feels like a weird angle. In other words, shoot one image out of the usual box just for fun and giggles. You just might be surprised at the results. You are an artist and an artist creates. Of course, February is the month of LOVE. One of the words frequently used to express a zeal or love for doing something is passion. It has almost been over used to express one’s absolute love for (in this particular case), the art of photography. However, over the years, I have learned that all the shiny new cameras loaded with the latest and greatest bells and whistles, cannot give you one ounce of inspiration or creativity that flows from the heart. Only a heart filled with (shall I say it) true passion for your craft can do that. In this month of love, I can’t think of a more fervent word to describe our business, our association and our chosen profession. Do what you love for now is the time!
Photographically yours, Ellis
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as pleasing. The red plates are placed to lead your eye across a diagonal line supported by the island. Then notice the placement of the ceramic jars and teapot by the cook top. Note to self: when editing, don’t forget to straighten out the wall lines. A prospective buyer can easily imagine themselves cooking on that great cooktop then serving food to a big family gathering around the very large island. A happy thought is generated and will lead to a call for a showing. Another challenge when shooting indoors is encountering multiple light sources, each with different color temperatures. I normally run into daylight, fluorescent, halogen and tungsten lighting all in the same shot. I do lots of spot color temperature adjustments in Lightroom during editing. The next image is a living room with a lit fireplace. A buyer can imagine a peaceful gathering with family or friends in front of the fireplace. In this image, I not only use the wall perspective to draw you in, but camera height is key here too. How high do I want the camera to make this shot pop? I try to keep away from a camera height close the normal eye level. I prefer a lower than eye level shot in a living room but not so low that you can’t see into the living space. Why? I feel that we normally see the world from a standing position (at least when viewing a home). So any image at normal eye level will look normal and boring. Anytime the camera is lower or higher
Real Estate Photography By Ray Mata I have been photographing real estate for over ten years now and I have found that the overall concept of residential real estate is broken down into two categories: (1) a home as a residence and (2) a home as representative of a lifestyle. In my neck of the woods in Asheville, NC, most homes below $375,000 fall into the first category as simply residences. As the photographer you are responsible for presenting a home in an appealing manner that will support the advertising and lead to a sale. Should you get an assignment for a more luxurious home, the photographic goal changes to selling a lifestyle. Your job now is to determine the best aspects of the home and translate that into an image that a viewer can imagine themselves living in. To do this, you need to utilize all your technical abilities while wearing your creative hat. Composition is paramount and I use all of its' well known rules: Rule of 3rds, Diagonals, Triangle Structures, S curves, Architectural Perspective and Color Relationships. For example, the first photograph shows a kitchen. The perspective is set to allow the overlapping of the red lights over the island. If the camera were a little more to the left, the three lights would blend into one which is not 6
Bathrooms are the biggest challenge. I typically will shoot from a high camera angle to expose more of the sink and countertop areas. Always remember to put commode seats down and remove trash cans in these spaces. Effectively using the mirror to capture more of the room is essential but watch out that your camera gear or even yourself does not appear in the mirror. I have spent a lot of extra editing time removing my camera or tripod leg from a mirror. In bathrooms, the key element is clearing the space of products such as shampoo, q-tips, tooth brushes and anything else that might infer that someone has lived in this space. You can kill a happy buzz that a viewer is experiencing just by showing a “used” bathroom. It needs to look like no human has ever been there. If you do your job as a residential real estate photographer correctly, your images will lead to more showings in a shorter period of time and quicker offers. A properly presented home will shorten the time it takes to sell. Happy Shooting!
than a typical eye level, the photo pops because it is not normally viewed from that angle. You have to keep the viewer/ prospective buyer interested in your work enough to call for a showing. That is the single most important goal of your job. So now let’s talk about color. I prefer to have high color saturation. Why? Your mind responds to color as much as, if not more than, it responds to what it is looking at. So my images will have very strong color and I will “shot stage” a room to get great color relationships with accessories and furniture. “Shot Staging” is simply setting up your photograph angles first then going into your space and adjusting accessories, moving furniture, and adding items from other parts of the home in an attempt to get a balanced image. Also, in my view, two of the strongest colors in any image are black and white! Many photographers forget that black and white are important colors and need to be treated as equals among the reds, greens and the rest of the rainbow colors. 7
Member Spotlight On . . .Beth Niser By Catherine Kouri masters degree in Middle School Science Education and did extensive volunteer service work for the North Carolina State Parks Service. Beth wrote and implemented the Environmental Education Curriculum and Programming. After graduate school, Beth taught public school math and science in grades 4-8 for the next thirty years, mostly in her hometown of Bath. About twenty years into her teaching career when her teen-aged daughters were involved in horse shows, dance recitals and beauty pageants, her friends began to notice the quality of Beth’s photos of her daughters engaging in their various activities. Quickly realizing that she needed some reimbursement for the many pictures her friends were asking her to take of their children, Beth began to see the profitable business potential for her photographic “hobby”. At first, she bartered goods and services for her photography. A friend who owned a formal dress shop persuasively prodded Beth to photograph her daughter’s August 1999 wedding in exchange for a prom dress for
Photographer Beth Niser, a native and life long resident of Bath, North Carolina, is a woman of many interests and talents. Though her fascination with photography was kindled early by her father who worked in a studio as a “hand tinter” in college, Beth’s career path to professional photography took considerably longer. She watched her dad take family photos with his Argus 35mm camera and even captured her own images with a Brownie film camera. After high school graduation, Beth enrolled at East Carolina College (now University) and majored in Middle School Education. Still later, she earned her 8
one of Beth’s daughters. Word spread and soon Beth received friends’ services for two more wedding shoots that year. She even bartered her photography skills for a horse boarding fee. Shortly after Christmas, an unknown young woman contacted Beth to book her as the photographer for her May 2000 wedding. Beth says that it was this call from a stranger that made the possibility of her photography as a business become real for her. Knowing that she needed education in business as well as in the art of photography, Beth found PPNC and credits the organization with both jump-starting her business and sustaining it in all the years since then. As luck would have it, the one day course offered in March of that year at the PPNC Convention was entitled “So You’ve Started a Photography Business: What Do You Do Next?” Mark Barnett was one of the course instructors and after returning from the workshop, Beth called him for advice. Mark graciously shared his wedding contract with Beth and her fledging business got off on the right foot with the proper paperwork. Seeking to broaden her education over the next several years, Beth says that she watched every video in PPNC’s Lending Library, ably managed by Larry Yow. Her regular attendance at East
Coast School also put Beth into the classrooms of some of the most skilled and talented photographers in the business. She also credits the “couch sessions” between classes and networking with generous new friends with enabling her to expand her knowledge to this day. In the first ten years of being in business, Beth specialized in weddings (20-30 per year) while still teaching full time. She also managed to squeeze in some pageant head shots, as well as portraits of babies, children and families photographed either on location or in the make-shift living room studio in her mother’s home. Initially, Beth created bridal portraits with a Pentax medium format film camera and wedding candids with a Canon Rebel 35mm film camera. Gradually she transitioned to digital cameras, began editing and re-touching in Photoshop, and hired two part time staff photographers to assist with weddings. In 2008, after rearing her daughters to adulthood and teaching school for thirty years, Beth retired to devote her time and energy to Beth Niser Photography. She moved her business to a storefront location in Greenville, a much larger city about a 45 minute commute from her home in Bath. At this time, Beth stopped booking weddings almost completely in order 9
to focus on her passion, namely, classic studio photography. Beth says, “Tim Kelly and Tim Walden are who I want to be when I grow up! Their simple and elegant styles inspire me. I keep their work out so I can see it as a reminder to keep me focused on my goal.” After four years in her Greenville studio, Beth found retail space in Washington, NC, a mere twenty minute drive which makes her business more accessible to her “home folks”. These days, Beth is using a Canon 5D Mark II and her favorite L lenses to create her portraits. While she finds the newest and fanciest equipment enticing, Beth has a pragmatic viewpoint about the tools of her trade. She considers quality equipment to be important but says that her business plan and budget do not allow for new “toys” unless they will help her business become more profitable. Beth’s philosophy has great credibility since implementing it has enabled her to buy cars and insurance as well as subsidizing two daughters’ college educations and weddings from her business profits without
incurring debt. She is now buying land while still resisting shiny new photographic baubles unless they will add to her bottom line. When asked to dispense helpful advice to other photographers, former competitive water skier and college cheerleader Beth suggests embracing life long learning since no one has ever “arrived” knowing everything. She finds hanging out with photographers with superior skills to be a great way to upgrade your own skills.
Finally, Beth advises developing relationships with your clients, whether of wealthy or modest means (you never know!) and always delivering a quality product to them that is produced with love and trust. Hmmm…sure sounds like a real recipe for success! Contact Beth at: www.beth@bethniserphotography.com 252-944-8385 FaceBook - Beth Niser Photography
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2015 ppnc Spring Seminar Carteret Community College, Morehead City Saturday, March 7 -Monday March 9
Bruce Williamson
At Spring Seminar,
A Spiritual Connection
Bruce Williamson will share a true story about a Bible that fell from the
for those who serve and
body of a soldier who was
protect our nation.
killed in action in Vietnam. Furthermore, you will The Bible finds its' way
never underestimate the
home 46 years, 5 months
power of photographs and
and 20 days after the
what they represent to
death of its' fallen hero
individuals. Photographs
full-time at Lenoir Com-
owner. The young soldier's
can bring both closure
munity College for 25
Bible followed a diverse
and comfort to a family
years. During that time he
path homeward influenced
mourning its' own fallen
taught in the Agriculture
by fate, good fortune and
hero.
Department, served as
great timing. The story
Director of the Evening
will be told
member of PPNC since
Programs and worked in
using images taken in
December 1996, is cur-
the Admissions Office as
1968 and 2014 along
rently serving as Chair-
a student recruiter. In his
with a short video clip.
man of the Board of the
"spare" time, Bruce
Undoubtedly, after view-
Professional Photogra-
enjoys being on the water,
ing this program, you
phers of North Carolina.
preferably fishing in the
will have an even greater
Prior to his photography
creeks and rivers in
respect and appreciation
career, he was employed 16
eastern NC.
Bruce, an active
Carolyn Temple
Set Your Inner Artist Free
Carolyn Temple's program will explore landscape and nature photography, including her preferences for gear and techniques specifically designed for outdoor photography.Carolyn will discuss infrared photography, finding and utilizing artistic elements of design on location, as well as turning your photographs into digital paintings and drawings using Topaz Impression and Topaz Glow. Carolyn began her journey in photography at age 9 when she got her first camera for Christmas. A teacher, she taught Health and Physical Education and coached volleyball, track, and gymnastics at West Carteret High
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School in Morehead City for thirty years. Carolyn retired from education in 2002. She has been photographing weddings, sports and beach photography since 1985 as Coastal Image Photography. Carolyn joined PPNC in 2006 and received the PPNC President’s Award in 2014.
Jack Deere
Album Layout & Design
Jack will demonstrate one of
the latest new layout and proofing software solutions from FUNDY
of a pain, this short class will give
and operates Three Oaks Photog-
Software at Spring Seminar.
you some tools and techniques to
raphy in Wake Forest, NC. Jack is
make it easy again. If you have a
known as one of PPNC's Photoshop
http://www.fundysoftware.com/
computer loaded with Fundy De-
gurus as well as a large format
album-builder-2/
signer it will enhance your learning
printing expert. He teaches and
experience but it is not required.
consults with other professionals
how to make your own layout
Do bring some images with you to
all over the Southeast and teaches
designs using the dreaded “clip-
make an album.
Continuing Ed classes at Wake Tech
ping mask� technique. If you have
in the Raleigh area. Jack is also
stopped making and selling album
Professional Photographer and a
known to break out in song for no
products because it was too much
Photographic Craftsman. He owns
good reason. Don't be frightened!
Download a free trial at:
He will also demonstrate
Jack Deere is a Certified
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J.Marshall White/ Tom McCabe “Military Balls from A-Z”
Using the basic lighting and
of Professional Photographers of
participated in PPNC events. Tom
posing principles, J. Marshall White
North Carolina and Professional
received his Certification from PPA
and Tom McCabe will explain and
Photographers of America. In
in September 2013 and his Master
demonstrate at Spring Seminar
2011, Marshall was awarded the
of Photography degree in Febru-
how photographing military balls
NC Honorary Fellowship in Photog-
ary 2015. In 2012, he received
can be performed in an orderly
raphy degree. In 2012, he re-
the Kodak Gallery Award and was
manner with professional re-
ceived the Photographic Craftsman
awarded first place in Women’s
sults. They will also explain event
degree from PPA.
Portraiture at the 2012 PPNC
marketing, liaison with the unit,
Convention in Raleigh. Tom is the
ceremony significance, equipment
photographer and is currently
Past President of the Professional
requirements, equipment/back-
the owner of Coastal Light Photo-
Imaging Group of Eastern North
ground set up,workflow, pre sales,
graphic Arts. He is also the former
Carolina and is the current Presi-
add-on sales, and delivery of the
co-owner and operator of First
dent of the Coastal Photo Club in
product in a timely manner.
Flight Photography of Havelock,
New Bern.
NC. Tom lives in New Bern, NC and
Marshall operates Creative
Tom is an award winning
Portraits Photography in Jackson-
has been a member of PPNC and
ville, NC. He is an active member
PPA since 2005 and has actively
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Tim Hester
Beauty &
Tim Hester and Ned Winn will start their class
at Spring Seminar by going through various lighting
patterns and poses to flatter your subject. In this
for 3 decades. He is the longest serving Certification
exercise you will learn how to light your client in a
Liason in North Carolina and has also earned his
manner so as to make them look their best. The
Photographic Craftsman degree. Ned is a frequent
beauty of lighting is that when done correctly, your
speaker and mentor, currently serving as Vice Pres-
edits will be minimal and then only to enhance your
ident of PPNC. Ned owns and operates Persuasions
image. Once we have photographed our subject,
Photography and Winn Portrait Studio in Wake Forest
we take the images into Photoshop and demonstrate
and teaches classes at Wake Tech Community Col-
quick and easy techniques that you can use to short-
lege.
Ned Winn has been a portrait photographer
en your working time. Our goal is to show you the "Beauty" of lighting so that your time in front of the
computer (the "Beast") is minimal. Fact: You make
years and has earned the degree of Certified Pro-
more money behind the camera than behind the
fessional Photographer. Tim’s studio in Winterville,
computer. We'll help you accomplish that!
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Tim Hester has been a photographer for 11
The Beast
Ned Winn
North Carolina has been the hub from which many portraits from baby to business and events from Bar Mitzvahs to weddings have been recorded. These experiences and many hours studying the art havegiven Tim a solid foundation in the fundamentals of posing, composition, and lighting. One of the joys of this foundation is the continued learning from experimentation and the ability to stretch the limits of the rules to create works of art for his customers. A continuing member of PPNC and now honored by serving on the executive board, Tim hopes that others can learn from his experiences so that they too can add to the education of the next generation of photographers.
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What are Photography Degrees? PPA offers different degrees, representing different areas of expertise: Photographic Craftsman (Cr.Photog.) Awarded for service as an orator, author or mentor. This degree shows that you have gone beyond the creation of images and dedicated your time to move the industry forward and encourage education. Master of Photography (M.Photog.) Awarded for superior photographic skills—demonstrated through the PPA International Photographic Competition, advanced education and service to the industry. This year at Nashville three of our members received degrees:
Lisa Carter, Master's degree
Tom McCabe, Master's degree
National Directors Award Loretta Byrd
Be sure to congratulate all these folks for their dedication and hard work.
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Dave Goldman, Photographic Craftsman
Schedule for 2015 PPNC Spring Seminar Carteret Community College, Morehead City Saturday, March 7 Shoot out with mentors! Choice of two great locations! Down East and Cape Lookout Lighthouse, 9-5 Or Historic Downtown Beaufort, 2-5 pm Sunday, March 8 8:00-8:30 Registration and Vendor setup 8:30-10:30 Carolyn Temple, "Set your Inner Artist Free" 10:30-10:50 Vendor introduction and comments 11:00-11:45 Bruce Williamson, Devotion and Inspiration "A Spiritual Connection" 11:45-12 noon Group Photo 12 noon-1:30 Lunch on your own PPNC Board Meeting 1:30-3:00 J. Marshall White and Tom McCabe "Military Balls from A-Z" 3:00-3:15 Break 3:15-5:15 Tim Hester and Ned Winn, "The Beauty and The Beast" 5:30-6:30 Ole fashion Hotdog Roast 7-8 Print Competition Monday, March 9 9-12 Jack Deere, "Album design and templates" Hotel information: We have blocked 20 rooms at the Quality Inn, 3100 Arundell Street, Morehead City; 252-347-3434. Room cost is $63.99 plus tax for members of PPNC attending the guild.
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how to Make a Grown Man Cry By Adrian Henson Looking back on it today, I kind of like to think of him as a big giant present, as he is a “big” surprise in quite a colorful package.
Our victim sat with us and asked us to
critique his work. He pulled out his laptop and began showing us images that were, well, overworked and unpolished to say the least… But… it was during that initial conversation that all of the preconceived notions and mis conceptions I had about the outward appearI went to imaging USA 2015 in Nashville, Ten-
ance of our victim washed away. I could see
nessee with the sole intent of making a grown
through all of the actions and all the photo-
man cry and I succeeded. This objective was
graphic deficiencies of his work that he was the
planned well in advance and carried out with
real deal. A creative, kind soul with huge po-
devious intent. It was a dastardly scheme that
tential. He had huge potential photographically
came to me in a flash of mischievous inspira-
and artistically. He also had huge potential to
tion that one rarely gets the opportunity to act
change the world for many through his photog-
on, let alone pull off.
raphy.
I first met my victim at the 2011 PPNC
I encouraged him to enter print competi-
Western Guild in Charlotte. I can remember
tion and ultimately helped mentor him any way
the very first time I saw him. My good friend
I could. I made it clear that my intentions were
James Dockery and I met him in the lobby of
for him to learn and grow and eventually go off
the hotel where the guild meeting was being
on his own which he did very successfully. For
held. He was not the usual PPNC character.
the last couple of years he has entered print
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competition, competently and confidently on his own and has flourished. He has already won many awards and is well on his way to becoming one of those legends that we all recognize.
Over the past few years of
knowing our victim, I have come to realize that he has a deep kindness and love for humanity. He gives unconditionally and stands up fiercely for those in need. He, above all other people I know, is in a position to positively change the lives of many through his photography and to change the lives of photographers through his story. His story
mercial venture as it is with most people that
grows with each passing year and becomes
I know. Sometimes it is personal expression
more powerful with everything he does and ev-
(which is quite interesting at times). But more
ery breath he takes.
importantly, his work is often a window into
the troubles of those whom he is helping and
Our victim is Brian Allen. He has recently
been ordained but has been ministering to the
seeking help for. He has the potential to focus
neediest of souls through his involvement in
the world’s attention on issues that we can
prison ministry and his mission work. He trav-
barely grasp and I aim to support that and see
els regularly to Africa and is currently helping
it grow.
to build a school for blind children in Burkina
Fossa. His photography is not so much a com-
Carolina Photo Expo, while dressed for the
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Brian is a special person. At the 2014
awards ceremony, he approached me and
The instant the ceremony was over, I
asked if I would photograph him. He shared
dashed out to the truck, which luckily was
that he had never had a nice professional portrait done and that’s when I had my flash of inspiration. I visualized a whole series of events that I put into motion immediately. I saw me photograph him. I saw expert posing assistance. I saw perfect presentation. I also saw, at that moment, the perfect opportunity to present an amazing portrait at a perfect moment. I am rarely blessed with a vision, but at that instance I knew everything I had to do.
My first move was to ask William Bran-
son if he would assist me by posing Brian. As you know, Brian presents a bit of a posing challenge for most of us but Branson has a
parked very near the lobby entrance, and grabbed my gear. Everything I needed fit in one armful, a main, a kicker, a fill light, stands, camera and tripod. Fourteen years of trial and error had prepared me perfectly for this moment. A year earlier it would have taken four times as long and twice as much equipment to make the same shot. I was set up in no time.
Branson and I quietly and quickly dis-
cussed possible locations in the lobby that could work and decided on simple and clean. We used the edge of a column and a plain beautiful ability to make anyone look amazingly poised and dignified. Branson gladly agreed to help.
wall that had an interesting light gradient cast on it. We slid over a chair or two and there it was.
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completed, I went back to the convention and the event faded from everyone’s mind.
Upon returning home, I began editing
and retouching. Very little was needed but I had worked with Branson before on the image of Mr. Martino that hangs in the Sheraton Imperial where we have the Expo. It was a fascinating process and I learned a tremendous
amount. Knowledge that I was now applying
About this time Tim Walden, who was
to this amazing image. During the process it
a speaker at the event, jumped in and start-
occurred to me that Brian had mentioned how
ed styling the jacket, tweaking the collar, and
much he enjoyed Heather Michelle’s work and
patting out the wrinkles. I was busily shooting
classes. I know Heather well and messaged
test images and getting the lighting just right.
her on Facebook. She quickly responded and
While I tweaked the ratios and exposure to
kindly volunteered her time to add her mas-
perfection, Branson twisted and turned Brian
tery of painting to the image.
until he looked like the CEO of a Fortune 500
company. Then, all at once, everything fell
knew
into place. Occasionally one makes a photo
it was
and you know, the instant the shutter falls, it’s
good
the “one”.
What she sent back was breathtaking. I
when
The photo was made, hands were shook
I saw
and everyone went on his own merry way. I
Bran-
quickly went to the room to change out of my
son’s
monkey suit and backed up the images to my
ex-
laptop right then and there. Upon seeing the
pression the first time he saw it. It is impres-
final image of the shoot, I knew we had creat-
sive and masterful in every way. Any one of
ed something magical. After the backup was
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the artists involved is capable of creating great
framed and matted print but just could not go
work but the collaborative effort on this piece
with that either. It did not feel right. I final-
took the idea of a professional portrait for a
ly just printed it, knowing that I would then
very special person to a whole different level.
know how to proceed. I printed it with the
I had not imagined Heather’s contri-
same quality, care, and materials that I most
bution in my original vision but once I saw
commonly use for my print competition work.
the final image I knew that it was exactly the
It looked amazing. The print was done but what about a frame? I remembered a project I did a few years ago where I made framed art pieces of scanned images of seashells. The frames are thin line, black, modern, and simple and are glazed with 2 layers of glass. The print is sandwiched between the layers, giving the image the impression that the image is floating. I have seen
right treatment. I have always enjoyed having
small versions of this but never large. This is
direction but also cherish the freedom to be flexible and the willingness to change direction when the opportunity arises.
The final steps proved to be the most
challenging. The portrait is an edgy image. Like Brian, it is a dichotomy in a multitude of ways. Choosing the medium for printing and a frame would pose a huge challenge. I toyed with the idea of having a framed gallery wrap
where the major logistic issues arose.
made, but could not envision it. It just did not
This style of framing means that one has to
work for this image. I thought about a well
clean 4 surfaces of glass to near perfection. 28
frame. I predrilled holes to push the wire brads in. I colored the back of the framed black so that it would look good on the easel during presentation. I pre-mounted the hangers and the felt pads. I pre-cleaned the glass. I pack all materials I could possible think of that I may ever need to complete this project. I knew that once I got to Nashville, it was a This is hard enough in the confines of a calm
done deal. I could not count on finding sup-
studio but is a scary thought when it has to
plies in Nashville, as there would not be time
be done in a hotel room at a convention. Then
and I may not be able to find what I need. It
you have to devise a way to hold in the glass.
was vital to plan for every possibility in ad-
Framing brads cannot be used as they would
vance. I prepared everything as far along the
scratch or even break the glass and would be
process as I could but one critical thing was
seen from the front. I came up with a solution
missing. I wanted all of the collaborators to
by making a smaller, very thin, frame that
sign the image. I know what it means to be
fits just inside the main frame and is held in
recognized and honored by those that you
by small wire nails. I had the glass cut. On
look up to. These signatures had to be there.
the previously mentioned project, I ended up
So I carefully packed everything. I even made
cutting my hands on the edges while cleaning the glass so this time I had the edges sanded to make things safer. The cutting and sanding were donated by my glass cutting friend Rusty Daniels. When I told him about Brian and what we were doing, he would not let me pay him. People all over recognize greatness. I purchased materials and made the inner 29
a second print just in case someone messed
It took 2 days at the trade show and a lot of
up while signing (no one did). I packed two
texting to get all the signatures. I then went
silver pens in case one quit working. I thought
to the staging room, otherwise known as
of everything. Then there was the issue of
Chuck’s room and cleaned feverishly and me-
me riding and rooming with Brian. I had to
ticulously but never quite got it perfect. I hope
arrange for my many minions to transport
it is clean enough. We then had to hide it be-
and sneak the portrait in undetected. I had
hind the curtains as we were expecting Brian
to leave it in undisclosed locations and meet
to use this same room to change into his suit
each of the signers behind pipe and drape at
for the awards ceremony. Since I was to be
different times and all while being cautious-
Brian’s sponsor for his award, I had to
ly on the lookout for a surprise visit from our
employ my minions yet again to have the
victim, Brian. It all felt very spy like.
portrait delivered and ready just outside the
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awards ceremony doors. I also had to wait
surprise for him. Mostly because Jim got a
until the very last moment to try and gather
great photo of that precise moment. When we
as many people as I could outside the doors
pulled the veil (a hotel towel) to reveal the
so that there would be an audience of friends
image, Brian was speechless. He just stood
when the portrait was presented. It was all
and stared for minutes. It was a good feeling
quite sneaky. The presentation went off with-
to give back to such a great guy that gives so
out a hitch. I will never forget the look on
much to so many. I never saw if Brian actually
Brian’s face when I told him that we had a
cried when I presented the image. In the title, it was not Brian that I was referring to‌ it was me. I would like to give a very special thanks to the many people who helped pull this project together, directly and indirectly. These include but are not limited to: Mona Sadler, Emma Lupton, Jim Woltjen, Lisa Wheeler Thayer, Chuck Hill, Heather Michelle, William Branson, Tim Walden, Rusty Daniels, Heather Henson and many more.
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DIGITAL PRINT COMPETITION MARCH 8, 2015 Why Participate? Because you want to be more, don’t you? Participating in photographic competitions gives you the opportunity to: •
Engage with the passionate and supportive photographic competition community
•
Improve upon your finest work (You can do that math, right? You’ll get better!)
•
Earn recognition and admiration from your peers
•
As a result, improve your business
With most things, you get what you put into it, but with print competition, it’s what you do next that matters. You’ll leave with the motivation and inspiration to be more. Print Competition is officially open for PPNC Spring Seminar 2015, it will held in conjunction with the seminar at Carteret Community College, Morehead City, Sunday March 8th, 2015 We’ve listened to your requests, and entry fees for Seminar digital competition only have been reduced to $5.00 per entry. This is your opportunity to have your images evaluated for upcoming entry in SEPPA, and IMAGING. This is a Ribbon only award competition. So go to www.printcompetition.com and register your entries, don’t delay, get them ready, deadline for entries will be March 7th, 2015, midnight.
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Winter Seminar Highlights Jan 2015
ter, followed by explaining how she books and markets her signature Allure sessions.
By Renee McCardell 2016 Winter Seminar Chairman
The day of learning continued
In January, the 2015 PPNC Winter Seminar, “Breaking Out of Your Comfort Zone,” was held at the Haw River Conference Center in Browns Summit, NC. Misty Felde organized a wonderful weekend complete with lots of learning, fellowship and culminating in a fun field trip to the expansive Bella Collina Mansion in Stokesdale.
with a candid Q&A session led by a panel of successful PPNC business owners. Karen Goforth, Bill Goode, Chuck Hill and Ellis Williamson offered decades of experience as they shared everything from marketing to customer service and everything in between.
The Saturday festivities began with a shootout hosted by Ned Winn, PPNC Treasurer and resident lighting guru. He shared how to command a shoot even with chilly temperatures and gray skies. Everyone got to work with the models who were great sports even though it was cold!
As Sunday afternoon began to wind down, attendees had the opportunity to have a one-onone mentoring session with a print competition expert. The day concluded with Rose Mary Cheek and Adrian Henson demystifying print competition criteria.
Sunday morning offered insight into the business side of things as Chris Garner and Cathy Anderson of TPS Photography shared their vast knowledge of high volume work and photographing high school seniors. Beauty photography expert, Lisa Car-
On Monday, the seminar continued in Stokesdale at the Bella Collina Mansion. Bella Collina hosts nearly 100 weddings annually, and was the perfect place to shoot. Misty made all the
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arrangements, and Bella Collina graciously donated the space for the event. It was a full house but an amazing experience. The multi-level mansion was full of photographers, models, lights, props, and everything photographers love. Scott Huffman taught all about boudoir, Jim Woltjen shared his expertise with weddings, Adrian Henson showed how to light and photograph seniors, and Lisa Carter demonstrated an Allure session. The winter seminar had so many wonderful moments; it was a joy to attend. Stay tuned for the next PPNC event - don’t miss out!
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June 14-17 2015 Holiday Inn Downtown Raleigh NC 5 Great Courses To Choose From
Richard Sturdevant
Extreme Photography and Photoshop Tuition $595.00 Take your images to the next level with advanced photographic artist composites. This class is for advanced photographers with a strong understanding of photoshop and are looking for new ways to set themselves apart.
Cris & Deanna Duncan Lighting For Sales Tuition $595.00
Join Cris and Deanna Duncan for a hands-on experience LEARN LIGHTING--Lighting anywhere, in any situation with any light LEARN LIGHTING PRINCIPLES--Why does it do that? How can it work for me? LEARN TO MAKE A LIVING--Light, compose and design with the end in mind to ensure profitable sessions.
Register Online at www.EastCoastSchool.com Loretta Byrd 919-796-4747 Rex Truell - ECS Director 336-476-4938 705 Randolph Street Thomasville, NC 27360
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Janet Boschker
Do What You Love – Children and Families Tuition $595.00 Nurture creativity - Find your style – Explore possibilities…. are all themes of this class. Lighting. Composition. Presentation. Set yourself apart as a professional in the studio and on location. Creativity. Style. Technique. Refine your craft, elevate your images, and rewards will follow.
Linda Weaver
Do What You Love – Children and Families Tuition $595.00 Linda Weaver’s oil painting class is designed to teach students color mixing, brush selection, applying the paint to canvas, finishing and marketing. There will be painting demonstrations through the class and handout materials will be available with step by step instructions. This class is perfect for the photographer/artist who wants to expand their business with hand painted portraits. Beginners as well as advanced students are welcome.
Al Audleman
Preparing For The Certification Exam Tuition $595.00 plus study guide fee The class is a concentrated study of serious photographic knowledge requirements and ends with the Certification Exam. Topics covered include f-stops, shutter speeds and exposure, plus lighting ratios, portrait lighting patterns, portrait styles, technical lighting, lens selection, perspective, the inverse square law, guide numbers, etc. This class will conclude with a short review on the last day, immediately followed by the Certification Exam, giving you the benefit of having gone over the material immediately prior to the test. In order to take the exam, you must declare your candidacy through PPA’s website and pay the required fee prior to the test.
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The Value of Membership • Annual Carolina Photo Expo with Nationally Known Speakers Sharing the Current Trends in Photography with one of the largest State Trade Shows in the Southeast. (PPNC members attend for free) • Three seminars per year packed with education • East Coast School Photographic Workshops is a week-long event held each year with classes taught by top instructors from around the country, with classes from beginner to advanced. • Scholarships to East Coast School • Photographic print competitions – an excellent way to gain invaluable knowledge • On Line Membership Directory that is accessible to thousands of potential clients • A digital monthly magazine packed with ideas from posing and lighting to business and marketing • Private Print Critiques – Advice from a Master Photographer on how to improve your photographic images • Quarterly Shoot Socials – Networking and learning with other PPNC members in your trade area • Referrals – PPNC makes many referrals over the year. Once you become a PPNC member, our staff can refer your studio to potential clients. • Degree Program – The steps it takes to earn the PPNC Associate Fellowship and Fellowship degrees are symbols of quality and will strengthen your skills. Earning a PPNC degree is a way of telling potential clients to call you and not a competitor. • Networking – PPNC members develop friendships and relationships that last a lifetime. A fellow PPNC member is always available to help in times of crisis. • As a member of PPNC, you automatically become a member of the regional Southeast Professional Photographers Association, providing you with even more access to information and technology.SEPPA produces a monthly magazine full of information plus a biennial convention and trade show free to all PPNC members. • Insurance - Insurance for home based and store front studios (errors and omission and property)
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Humor Corner
Welcome - New Members Henri Deschamps, The Mast Farm Inn, 2543 Broadstone Road, Historic Valle Crusis, Banner Elk, NC. Sandra Harvey, Sandra Harvey Photography, 2208 Wolk Trap Road, Winterville, NC
Memorial November December
Linda Williamson's Sister Sheleria Cushman's Mother
January Artie Scott Mother January
Lindsay McManus Father
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Host: George Joell 3 – Central Guild Chairman What: PPNC Shoot Social – Perfecting Event Lighting Where: George Joell 3 Photography Studio 7716 Raeford Rd, Suite C, Fayetteville, NC 28304 When: Date/Time: March 22, 2015 @ 1:00pm – 4:00pm Why: To bring PPNC members together for a social and learning event and to invite non-members to participate
Description: The shoot social’s primary goal is to share with the members and non-members the proper technique for perfect event lighting. Whether you are photographing a wedding, Bar Mitzvah, Birthday Party, Quinceanera, Sweet 16, or a Prom, perfecting the light and getting perfect exposure is very important. We will demonstrate how to light a venue using speed lights as well as strobes and control each light from the camera controls. The instruction will be informal and interactive. We will move from George Joell 3 Photography Studio to an event venue. Each Attending member is encouraged to bring a non-member.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact George Joell, III.
George Joell 3 Photography, 6885 Cliffdale Rd, Ste 201, Fayetteville, NC 28314 BUS Cell: 910797-1529 http://gpjoell3photography.com https://www.facebook.com/gpj3photo