Executive Board Chairman Ellis Williamson Ewilliamson17@nc.rr.com
President Rose Mary Cheek rosemarycheek@charter.net
President Elect Ned Winn studiomail@nc.rr.com Vice President Adrian Henson adrian@adrianhenson.com
Treasurer Tim Hester tim@timhesterphotography.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 Member Highlights Contributing Writer Catherine Kouri Articles & Sales Submissions First of the Month Publication 15th of the Month
Secretary Danny Daniel useralex2493@aol.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.
2
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.
Contents From the Editor Page 4 From the President Page 5 Growth Going Forward PAGE 6 Winter Seminar Highlights Page 8 Member Highlights Peggy Rogerson Page 12 Wedding Must Have Shots Jim Woltjen Page 20 Carolina Photo Expo Highlight Mary Fisk-Taylor,Business Track Page 22 Darty Hines,Marketing Page 26 CPP Countdown Dave Goldman Page 27 Drones Redux Louise St Romain Page 28 Amy Purdy is Coming to Imaging USA Page 30 New Members: Get Active Chris Adamczyk Page 33
On the Cover This months Member Highlight is Peggy Rogerson...Be sure to read the great article by Catherine Kouri
An affiliate of
Fans of Professional Photographers of North Carolina
3
From the Editor It is hard to believe the year 2015 is about to come to a close. This has been a great year for Carolina Photo Expo, as well as the many Seminars held throughout the state, and for PPNC. Carolina Photographer magazine is continuing to inform, educate and visually reflect many of these wonderful events. This month our President Elect, Ned Winn, has an important article about Growth Going Forward. Our Member Highlights articles have returned. Many of you may not know, but most of those articles written by one of our own PPNC members, Catherine Kouri. Catherine is an English major and does such a wonderful job with telling a story. Please notice the Vendor Ads that started this month. These vendors committed to a tradeshow booth at the close of 2015 Expo. We thank them for their confidence placed in us to continue to develop great events. Rose Mary Cheek, Editor
PPNC Directors & Seminar Chair Eastern Directors
Angela Blankenship abphotography2008@gmail.com Marie White Marie@turnerwhitephotography.com Seminar Chair - Tom McCabe tommccabe46@earthlink.net Seminar is Mar 18-20, 2016
PPA National Councilmen Cassie Stone Janet Boschker Joy Batchelor-King
Central Directors
Deborah Hendrix porbydeb@gmail.com George Joell george@gpjoell3photography.com Seminar Chair- Renee McCardell info@mccardellstudios.com Seminar is Jan 23-25, 2016
Western Directors
Brian Allen puregrit@hotmail.com Cathy Anderson Fabulous.photog@gmail.com Seminar Chair - Stephen Dey photo@charlotteimage.com Seminar - TBD
4
SEPPA Rep. Loretta Byrd
From the President As I look back upon the year 2015... wow what a year. I'm so thankful for the member benefits that we all share. The fellowship, the education, and the hands-n shooting. Our Shoot Socials were a tremendous success as were our Seminars, and Carolina Photo Expo. Our board is constantly striving to provide each member with the tools to grow their photography artistry, and achieve business and marketing skills. We aim to help you keep current with the trends and technological changes that are so abundant in our Industry. Next month, many of us will be attending Imaging USA, in Atlanta, Ga. For those of you that have never been to an Imaging Expo, it is quite an event. We renew friendships we've made over the years. Our board gets an opportunity to view the most current and exciting speakers, hopefully to bring that talent to North Carolina to share with our membership. There are great learning opportunities at our Winter Seminar, Renee McCardell has worked her little fingers to the bone to give you one of the best seminars possible. East Coast School will give those excited to learn a week of hands on development. We hope that many of the new members will become "involved", with our upcoming Carolina Photo Expo in August. We need each and every one of you. If you would like to volunteer, please let me know. Be sure to read Chris Adamczyk's article "New Members: Get Active" on Page 33. PPNC wishes for our members prosperity, growth and blessings in the coming year.
Respectfully, Rose Mary Cheek 5
Growth Going Forward by Ned Winn
Looking forward into the New Year I anticipate challenges. To feel good about it, I have to feel, in some sense prepared for it. If experience has taught me anything, it’s that I need to keep learning, improving and growing in order to succeed. I don’t know about you, but I do better with an outline to follow. An outline gives me a framework to elevate what’s important, and a plan to advance the cause and promote growth. In this article I will share some thoughts and methods that have helped me as a student, a photographer, a teacher and a person. Something in here might just fertilize some growth for you, too. Learn what you don’t already know. Go to a program that you don’t know much about. You’ll likely find someone that does things differently. I remember a geometry teacher that taught me to look at things from many different angles to increase your understanding. Whether it’s an object or a topic, look at alternate angles, or a different approach. It will probably increase your awareness. And that’s where learning begins.
1- Try It. When is the last time you tried to do something totally new? Different than the norm. Off the wall, Out of the box, outside the lines and in a completely new environment. This is something that I periodically make myself do. I have to work at ‘being creative’ by getting out of the realm of what I usually do. So I go to a different environment and try some things that I think other photographers might do. I try to be somebody else, for a little while. At least that way, I don’t bring home images that look like all my previous outings. 2- Analyze the results. First of all, I look for my mistakes. I ask , “What did I do wrong with the capture?” And how often did I make that mistake in this circumstance. The honest answer to this is pure gold! CONTINUED ON PAGE 21
6
Ariana Watts is a wedding photographer based out of Burlington. She likes
Angela Blankenship
binge-watching
CPP and Master
Netflix, video
Photographer degree
games, and long walks on the beach.
in 4 years. She owns
She believes that blogging about her
AB Photography, es-
obsessions and love of photography
tablished in 2008.
was the best thing she ever did for
Located on the main
her business. She works alongside her
street of downtown Nashville, NC, she
equally nerdy husband to redefine the
is dedicated to creating classic chil-
definition of awesome.
dren's portraiture. Traci Arney began as
Sandra
a fine art documenta-
Henderson
ry photographer, and
is a family
her work has been
and new-
featured in galler-
born portrait
ies world wide. She
artist located in East Bend, NC. She's
established her studio in Greensboro,
been photographing professionally for
and now photographs weddings around
ten years and has been labeled by her
the world. Traci is a regular featured
clients and peers as the "baby whisper-
artist on several popular wedding biogs
er." When she's not cuddling a precious
and has won multiple FEARLESS awards
newborn, you may find her bow fishing
for her artistry.
or wrestling with her favorite pup, Lexie 8
Winter Seminar
Photography, Winn Portraits Studio, and does group promotions in Wake Forest,
Jan. 23-25, 2016
NC. Ned is currently an IPC judge-in-
The Holiday Inn at the Airport 6426
training and is PPNC's President-elect.
Burnt Poplar Road Greensboro, NC 27409
Chuck Hill has a Master of Pho
Jim Woltjen won 1st Place in the PPNC
tography, Photo-
Candid Wedding Cate-
graphic Craftsman
gory 3 years in a row.
Degree, PPA four
After having worked as
time Photographer of
a staff photographer at
the Year, President's award from PPNC,
the University of Illi-
numerous publications in the PPA Loan
nois and ECU, Jim has
Collection Book and his award win-
owned and operated
ning images were chosen for display
Distinctive Photo
in South Korea Imaging Asia. He and
Images in New Bern, NC since 2005.
his wife Wendy have owned Chuck Hill Photography: Custom Portraits and Fine
Ned Winn has
Art Scenics in Hendersonville, NC since
photographed chil-
1987.
dren, families and adults before disco music hit the radio dial. He has served NC as a CPP liaison long enough to get his craftsman degree 3 times. He operates Persuasions 9
Tim Hester is a
Brian Allen is
photographer of 13
using his art and
years and a Cer-
his photography
tified Profes足sional
to bring aware足
Photographer for
ness and lasting
7. Working out of
change to the
his Winterville, NC
"least of these"
studio, Tim offers
in his commu足nity
forms of portraiture from the classical
and around world.
to the modern. He serves as Treasurer
Come be inspired and challenged to
on the Executive Board for the Profes足
change the world one click at a time.
sional Photographers of North Carolina.
Saturday Jan 23 3:00-5:00 Saturday Shootout at Holiday Inn with Jim Waltjen 5:30 Dinner, dutch
10
5:30-6:45 Dinner on your own 7:00-8:00 "All About Print Competition"
Sunday, Jan 24
Sheleria Cushman, Tim Hester, and Chuck
9:00-11:30 "The Fine Art of Lightroom" Traci Arney will explain how to finesse Light足 room controls so that you can do 90% of
Hill share details on how to get started with print competions.
your editing without ever leaving the pro-
Monday, Jan 25
gram. She'll discuss the flexiblility of LR in
7:00-8:15 Breakfast at Holiday Inn
artistic creation and show you how to take
8:15 Depart for Revolution Mill
an image from RAW to gallery ready.
9:00-10:30 "7 Portrait Lighting Styles Every
11 :30-12:00 Devotional by Brian Allen
Photographer Should Know" Ned Winn will
12:00-1:30 Lunch on your own
share his expertise about the seven portrait
1:30-3:00 "Owning the Newborn Session"
lighting styles, explaining the "whys" and the
Sandra Henderson will share her trade se-
"how-tos". He will cover how light shapes your
crets of how to establish a strong rapport
subject, lighting ratios, changing the quality of
with clients, preparing them for their ses-
light, and more.
sion, handling challenging babies and flow
10:30-12:00 Sandra Henderson will demon足
posing with the end product in mind.
strate posing and troubleshooting during a live
3:00-3:30 Break
newborn photo shoot.
3:30-5:00 "Finding Your Voice" Angela
12:00-1 :00 Lunch provided at Revolution Mill
Blan足kenship talks about her path to discov-
1:00-2:30 "Putting YOU in your Biz" Ariana
ering who she wanted to be as a photog-
Watts will breakdown the benefits of building
rapher. Always learning and refining, she
a strong brand and promoting it through
shares the importance of several opportuni-
blogging and social media. Learn how to build
ties we all have access to but are not taking
a brand around your personality and create a
advantage of to identify, sharpen and main-
social presence that helps you stand out from
tain our photographic vision.
the rest. 11
Member Highlights
Peggy Rogerson
by Catherine Kouri Peggy Rogerson is a woman of many interests and talents who is constantly seeking to learn more and dig deeper into whatever ignites her artistic passion. A native of Williamston in eastern North Carolina, Peggy graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a BA in English Education and many hours of art classes under her belt, which fed her interest in visual art. While teaching in New Bern, Peggy studied dark room photography at Lenoir Community College. After taking every other art class offered there, she then enrolled at East Carolina University to pursue an art degree. Peggy has an easily bored artistic “itch” that requires frequent “scratching” by learning something new. After teaching high school English as well as Visual Arts in grades K-12 for 12
27.3 years, Peggy decided to retire as soon as she turned 50 in order to give voice to the second career that she knew lived within her. Peggy’s creative, imaginative mom had died prematurely in her fifties and Peggy’s choice to pursue a visual arts career was her way of honoring her mom. At that time digital photography was still in its infancy, so Peggy bought a DSLR on Ebay and then purchased two 2.8 lenses for it. She knew how to operate her camera but knew that she needed instruction in postproduction. Initially, Peggy studied Photoshop on her own at night after her family had gone to bed, sometimes staying up all night reading and practicing. She knew she needed more education but was unaware of PPNC and the
admiring her images of her daughter on horseback and soon were paying Peggy to photograph their children riding in the ring. Though she loved photographing people and horses, the monotony of the dusty show ring lost its charm in time. Good fortune smiled again when one of her horse show clients asked Peggy to photograph her wedding. Challenged by her lack of wedding photography experience and expertise, Peggy spent the next eight months studying wedding photography and formulating a plan. Bill Goode was the only “real” professional photographer that Peggy knew in eastern North Carolina and through him she learned of PPNC and East Coast School. “What a game changer that was for me!” said Peggy. She enrolled in Bob Boyd’s class that summer and was immediately empowered. “When you are self-taught, there are always gaps in your learning. East Coast School, the Professional Photographers of North Carolina and the Professional Photographers of America changed my life,” says Peggy.
educational gold mine to be found there. Finally, Peggy registered for a week long D-76 class in Seattle and bought a laptop in Raleigh before boarding the plane. Once in class, she found herself to be the only southerner in a group of experienced fashion and travel photographers. Undaunted, Peggy dug in determined to learn her chosen craft. Once home in Williamston, Peggy practiced her photography skills at her daughter’s horse shows. People began 13
In the years since Peggy began her second career, she has become a busy working professional photographer. She still loves to photograph horses and has many opportunities to do that. Weddings, somewhat to her surprise, are another highly enjoyable area of photography for Peggy. She says she loves the excitement, the unfolding love story, and even the album design. When asked if she has a favorite photographic sub-specialty, Peggy says she can’t limit herself by choosing one over the others. She also loves photographing babies and finds high school seniors delightful and fun to get to know as young adults. Peggy explains her decision not to narrow her interests by saying, “I do not go to a 14
buffet and only eat green beans.” Her passion is to photograph beauty in all sorts of situations and circumstances. Peggy says that a real passion for capturing beauty shows itself in the images and takes them above the level of perfectly exposed moments in time. Her only real preference is for some sort of living creature whether human or animal in the image. When Peggy goes out shooting with her landscape photographer brother-in -law, she usually manages to include him in most of the images if an animal or other “critter” is not available. Inspired by Renaissance painters, Peggy is fascinated with soft, beautiful light in well-posed portraits. She believes all good
photography starts with a grounding in the rules of classic art. But to avoid boredom and predictability, Peggy strives to continually learn and grow by experimenting with new ideas and techniques. She is also inspired by the work of Tim and Bev Walden as well as that of fellow PPNC members William Branson, Bonnie and Jonathan Burton whose timeless work is still always fresh.
“ I have lived in a small town in eastern North Carolina for most of my life. I know everybody. I taught many of these people in my first career. I am even related to many of them. These people are important to me and I want my work to be a blessing in their lives.�
Three years ago, Peggy moved Peggy Rogerson Photography from her home to a strip mall studio space. She feels it was a good decision that has validated her business and made it easier to attract and meet with clients. Although she prefers a low volume, one session per day schedule, Peggy enjoys a brisk business and often works long days. Customer service is paramount to her and she spends considerable time with her clients. As Peggy explains:
Peggy values the tools she uses to create her images and has some favorites among them. A Canon 5D Mark lll shooter, she is partial to her Canon 70200mm 2.8 L lens for its compression despite its weight and size. Peggy says her Hanson Fong posing blocks are indispensable during shoots. She is petite so she uses them to stand on or creates a makeshift ladder with them to boost 15
a high school senior up to a loading dock. Sometimes the blocks are covered with leaves so a client does not have to sit on the ground. Peggy also loves the Corel Painter program and is eager to master it when she can carve out some time in her busy schedule. After studying award-winning images in print competition for some time, Peggy herself took the plunge into competition a few years ago. Initially, she merited on a couple of prints, which hooked her on competition. This past year Peggy was thrilled when her efforts garnered her first place in the Childrens’ photography category. She enthusiastically encourages other photographers to enter print competition and says that it has improved all aspects of her photography. During her sessions, Peggy says she always looks to create a competition piece from the session. “My clients are really the winners,” she states. The entire Rogerson family is supportive of Peggy’s work. Her husband, 16
Peggy Rogerson Photography 301 Carolina Avenue Williamston, North Carolina 27892 252-792-5150 rogersonphoto@gmail.com
Vann, keeps the books for the business and even assisted at weddings until Jonell Warren came on board as second shooter. Daughter Joanna lives in Austen, Texas, and son Bradley lives in Holly Springs, North Carolina. Peggy Rogerson has such a fascination with capturing beauty in all of its manifestations that she says she would love to be able to do it free of charge as a blessing to her clients. Peggy also bemoans the fact that due to her relatively late start in professional photography she regrets that she does not have more lifetime to give to it. What do you call a desire to do something for free and forever? Sure sounds like the definition of passion to me.
17
Wedding Must-Have Shots by Jim Woltljen
I have a challenge to all of the incredibly talented wedding photographers in PPNC. What are your must-have shots that you try to get at every wedding you shoot? Shots that you know your clients are going to want in their wedding album, or shots that you love to do variations on at every wedding. Not competition images, but images that you love to do at the majority of your weddings. Let’s all share some of those images, and then everyone can see how they can put their own flair into your must-haves.
publish them in a future edition of the Carolina Photographer. Email me up to 5 images at jwoltjen@suddenlink.net. A 2,000 pixel image is all that I need. Please do not put your name on them, I will keep track of who submitted what. Email me with any questions.
If everyone can send in their top 3-5 must-have shots I will collect the images, and have some great wedding photographers in PPNC distill them down to the top 10 (or maybe 20!). And we will
20
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6
There’s no better way to learn, than by finding your mistakes. If you can identify those, you can totally make a weakness into a strength! (If you don’t find many mistakes, this is already one of your strengths)! 3- Fix The Problem First- Catagorise the mistake by how it happened. For me it usually fits one of these three ways. a- I overlooked something important because I’m out of my element. b- The equipment I used is not well fitted to this circumstance. c- I am unaware of what causes this to fail. If the problem is (a), go back and shoot it right. Then repeat this at least 3 times, just to practice doing
it correctly. This is how you fix a bad habit. Replace it with a good habit and the memory of repeated success. Own the success! If the problem is (b)…get the right equipment that will make you capable. If the problem falls under (c),…ask for help. Somebody in PPNC has probably had this very thing happen to them, knows the cause, and understands what to do to fix it. Ask a Teacher, CPP, Master Photographer or just ask me. I’ll probably recognize it as one of my own plethora of mistakes, and be glad to share my recovery with you ;) Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Ned Winn, CPP, Cr.Photog.,F-Ph
Memorials Hugh Curtis Foreman, father of PPNC member Heather Henson, died at the age of 65 Thursday, December 17th.
21
Mary Fisk-Taylor M. Photog., Cr., CPP
At our upcoming Carolina Photo Expo in August, this Business Track is one you not want to miss. Mary Fisk-Taylor has been a member of the Professional Photographers of America since 1998. Along with her business partner, Jamie Hayes, they operate a highend wedding and portrait business in Richmond, Virginia. Hayes & Fisk Photography is a home-based studio located on almost one acre of beautiful gardens and they have successfully created one of the most sought after Portrait and Wedding studios in their area. In 2009 Mary developed the concept of a fresh and fun new studio in the Richmond area. With the help of her family, most importantly her mom and sister, Real Life Studios was
opened in Midlothian, Virginia. Real Life Studios is best known for their high school senior portraits as well as the funky children and tween imagery. Real Life also has an entire Event and Party division, which gives the studio constant and steady revenue of new clients and income year round. Mary was very pleased and honored to have received her Master of Photography, Craftsmen of Photography and Certification of Professional Photography in just three short years!!! This was quite an accomplishment for her both personally and professionally. Mary was named Photographer of the Year in 2007 and has won Best Wedding Album of the Year in Virginia several 22
Highlights business awareness and practices in the field of professional image making.
times. Nationally she has had her albums in the top five. She has won 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. And, in 2012 she was awarded the PPA Charities Legacy Award for her work and dedication to the philanthropic arm of PPA. At IUSA 2014, Mary will be awarded the Charles H. (Bud) Haynes Award for her distinguished service to PPA and its members for encouraging
Mary met Jamie in 1993 when he photographed her bridal portrait, soon he found himself photographing her beautiful daughter. In 1996 they began working together and became business partners in 1997. For many years Mary concentrated on defining and organizing the business. After three years they were grossing well over one half
23
of a million dollars and soon realized that was just the beginning. In 1999 Mary decided that she too could be a photographer and the rest is history. She worked very hard to develop a more high fashion and documentary style that was both independent yet complimentary of her partner’s beautiful work. Together they have become one of the top photography teams in the country. Mary’s pursuit for knowledge, learning and education has always been a priority. From the time she was nominated the “Kindergarten Valedictorian” she has excelled academically. Always at the top of her class through High School, College and Graduate School she has excelled and loved learning. She has degrees from both University of Virginia and Virginia Commonwealth University. It was only natural for her to pursue educating others as part of her career. Mary joined the PPA Business Instructor program back in 1999 when it began. She has enjoyed lecturing all over the world and sharing with other photographers as well as serving as a PPA Studio Management Services Mentor as well as an International Juror for PPA. 24
25
Highlights
Darty Hines Photo. Cr.
When it comes to Marketing, this is another speaker you will need to see at our Carolina Photo Expo. Be sure to mark your calendars August 12-16, 2016.
GETTING NOTICED IN THE CROWD How do you get your studio in front of the right clients in an overcrowded market? In today’s world of tweets, posts, likes and shares… sometimes it feels like an uphill battle to just get noticed. Marketing for photographers does not have to cause you stress. It can be done successfully with the right tools and a plan in place. This program will give you the tools, tips and advice to position yourself to be noticed in the crowd.
A father to three girls, a husband, a full time professional photographer and the owner of a national photography event, Darty Hines (PPA Craftsman) keeps very busy. Even with the busy schedule, he is constantly striving to find new and innovative ways for photographers to succeed through proper marketing. For over 20 years, he has been in the photography industry working with some of the largest and most successful studios in the country. He is a self taught marketer and has been the marketing director for Colleen & Co. photography studios in Central Pennsylvania for over 15 years. Darty and his wife, Michele, also own and operate the annual portrait event SYNC, Inc. His “street smart” marketing knowledge has provided him with a impressive list of innovative marketing ideas and campaigns.
Topics Include:
Darty Hines will not only help you get noticed in an overcrowded industry, he will empower you to be a better photographer, marketer and business person. 26
• Social Media - the do’s, dont’s, and never’s • Facebook Content - are you chasing them away or pulling them in? • Create a Plan - all marketing must have a plan of action. Let’s make one together. • Creating Buzz - tease them and reel them in • Hash it out - #youmaybedoingitwrong • Direct Mail - The power of print • Squirrel! - How to use social media without getting distracted • Photography - the power behind your brand • Strategic Partners - Aligning yourself with the right people, companies and brands
CPP Countdown by Dave Goldman, Cr. Photog., CPP, NC Liaison With the count down on there is less than two weeks until IUSA 2016. With regards to certification there is a LOT going on in 2016. For the first time every in IUSA history there will be a CPP speaker program. The program is called “THE GAME CHANGER: Become a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)� and will be hosted from 5:00 pm - 6:15 on Sunday night. The platform speakers will be Francie Baltazar Stonestreet, Cr.Photog., CPP, Bree Adams, CPP, Landon Day, CPP and myself Dave Goldman, Cr.Photog., CPP. We will be prepared to speak to a live audience about how you can take your work and professional recognition to a new level. We will speak a little bit about how you can use the CPP designation to differentiate your studio from others, as well as to help everyone understand what it takes to earn the CPP designation. You will learn from successful wedding, baby, maternity, volume sports, head shot and senior photographers how they earned their CPP, and how it impacted their work and their businesses. This is one program you will not want to miss!! In addition to the CPP speaker program there will be three (3) certi27
fication instructors teaching their 3 day CPP Certification Course. The instructors are: Al Audleman, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, API, Cris Duncan, M.Photog.Cr., CPP and Gary Meek, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, API, A-ASP, EA-ASP / Kathryn Meek, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, API. This is the perfect time to sign up and register to take a CPP course and at the end of the course you can take the CPP Exam. If you are looking to take the exam you will still need to register. Remember you must register at least five business days prior to the date on which you wish to take the written examination. If you fail to register you will not be able to take the exam. You can register for the exam by using this link: http://ppa.formstack.com/forms/ cpp_exam To find the certification programs you can go to the following link: https://imagingusa.org/programs/sortby-day/, click on Pre-convention and select Thursday, January 7th, 2016 I hope to see you all at IUSA! Happy Holidays!
Drones Redux by Louise St Romain It’s been about a year since I last wrote about drones or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and since the FAA is finally issuing rules for them, it is a good time to revisit the subject. UAS are more popular than ever before and with easy availability and lower pricing, it is very easy to get them; the standard DJI Phantom 3 can be had for just under $700 and that includes a high definition camera with gimbal stabilization and Wi-Fi. Even the Phantom 3 Professional can be had for under $1400 as well as offerings from 3DR and other manufacturers. The biggest news is that now all owners of UAS from .55 lbs. (the weight of two sticks of butter) to 55 lbs. MUST be registered. (Site is http://www.faa.gov/ uas/registration/ ) There are NO exemptions to this rule starting on 12/21/2015. This rule applies to hobby owners, there is no process available for commercial use in effect as of this writing, expect to see something sometime in 2016. So, if you want to commercially fly your UAS legally, you still have to go through the Exemption 333 process AND be a licensed pilot. From conversations that I have had, many people who are using UAS commercially have not met this criterion; they are gambling that they are too small to warrant the FAA coming after them to fine (minimum $10,000) 28
them for improper use. As long as there is not a major incident involving UAS and commercial aircraft, that mindset is most likely valid, however as soon as something bad happens, the FAA will most likely crack down on those users. So what to do if you have a client who wants aerial images? Well, the most obvious is to get the minimum of a sport pilot’s license (around $4000 to $6000 + 20 some odd hours of flight time + exam) and file for the exemption 333 ( http://www.faa.gov/uas/legislative_programs/section_333/ ) or hire out the job to someone who already has completed the above criteria ( this is what I do, using a company based in Brevard) or if the budget is large enough, charter a plane or helicopter and go up yourself to take the images ( I also do this). Also keep in mind that if you are using a drone for business, your business insurance is going to change; many companies charge higher rates for drone us. From my research, it sounds as though there will be a specific testing criteria in place 29
for UAS operators that do not involve going through the work of getting a pilot’s license. When that will be in place is anyone’s guess, considering how long it has taken to get the current set of rules activated. Personally, I think it is important for people who are flying drones know the rules of sharing the airspace so that we don’t hear of some tragedy happening. http://www.faa.gov/uas/regulations_policies/media/UAS_Fact_Sheet_Final.pdf http://www.faa.gov/uas/registration/ faqs/#cor http://www.faa.gov/uas/faq/
Amy Purdy Is Coming to Imaging USA! By Professional Photographers of America (PPA) on August 17, 2015 10:16 PM | Permalink By John Owens There’s a bajillion reasons to go to Imaging USA, but how about a little bonus inspiration?! Renowned motivational speaker and Paralympian Amy Purdy is coming and will give akeynote presentation Sunday morning at 10am. If you haven’t already, make sure you register now because you won’t want to miss this life-changing session! Who’s Amy? Amy Purdy is known for overcoming the loss of her legs at age 19 to become a Paralympic bronze medalist in snowboarding. Purdy’s spirit and attitude led her to become a New York Times best-selling author, model, TED Talks speaker, and even landed her on the screen with roles in independent film and as a contestant on TV shows like ABC’sDancing with the Stars and CBS› The Amazing Race. While doing all this, she also found time to co-found Adaptive Action Sports, a nonprofit organization which helps those with permanent disabilities to get involved in action sports; and to top it all, she is getting ready to release a clothing line
30
in spring 2016. Because Amy’s program is truly a game changer, no other programs will conflict with her address. Check out her under 10-minute Ted Talk for a preview on what›s to come! Imaging USA 2016 will be held January 10 to 12 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. More than 10,000 professional photographers will spend over three days of everything photography from education to inspiration as well as some photographers-only shopping opportunities. Imaging USA has also blocked rooms at several nearby hotels for attendees to take advantage of the reduced pricing. This is a coup in itself, because there is another convention downtown Atlanta at the same time as
Imaging USA, which is causing local hotel prices to sky-rocket. There are many different ways to experience Imaging USA, including but not limited to the full conference, a full conference plus pre-conference courses option, parties only, and tradeshow only. Visit ImagingUSA.org for complete registration information and pricing options. And keep checking back for updates on speakers, classes and event schedules. Each year, Imaging USA helps photographers Be More Inspired, Be More Motivated, Be More Creative and Be More Connected. Consider joining the experience and kick off 2016 right. We hope to see you there!
31
New Members: Get Active
of the Fall Seminar. I spent a life-changing day at Chuck Hill’s workshop in the mountains in October. I joined PIGOENC (Professional Imaging Group of Eastern NC) and learned more about DOF and lens compression from Jim Woltjen. I am making new friends, finding new mentors and gaining confidence that someday, I will have something to give back to this group. So, here’s my challenge to all new members. This winter, DO SOMETHING! Attend a Shoot Social or go the Winter Seminar in Greensboro. Contact Adrian Henson to join the Facebook page to keep up with what’s going on. Read Carolina Photographer. Wander around the PPNC website. ATTEND SOMETHING! Get active! You will elevate your own photography and never look back. Feel free to contact me if you can’t find something to do or if you need another newbie to go somewhere with you. I will be looking for you.
by Chris Adamczyk
What have you done since you joined? Too shy or overwhelmed to know where to start? I am an overwhelmed new member of PPNC this year, too. I started at the Carolina Photo Expo....PPNC’s annual conference. I felt pretty lost and intimidated by the abundance of talent and experience.. and all of those acronyms! Fortuitously, I had signed up for a portfolio review by a Master Photographer (Tom McCabe). I learned about my own photography and found a person who was willing to introduce me to others and answer my questions. In return, he made me promise to attend the Shoot Socials and Seminars and to take the first step in reaching out to other members. To fulfill my promise, I drove almost 2 hours to attend my first Shoot Social in September. It was impossible NOT to learn something new. People welcomed me as a new member and encouraged me to keep attending. I was introduced to other groups and activities. I attended and learned something new... again and again. So I keep going back. How am I slowly (it’s a process!) absorbing an understanding of how it all works and what it all means...CPP, Masters, PPA, SEPPA, Print Competition? I attended Shoot Socials at Turner-White Photography in Pink Hill and at Ned Winn’s studio in Wake Forest. I stayed for every minute
Chris Adamczyk adamczykphoto@aol.com PPNC member since 2015 33
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)
43
www.carolinaphotoexpo.com