Executive Board Chairman Rose Mary Cheek rosemarycheek@charter.net
President Ned Winn winnportraitstudio@gmail.com
President-Elect Craig York CYork3@triad.rr.com
Vice President Danny Daniel useralex2493@aol.com Treasurer Rex Truell CLATRUELL@aol.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 25th of the Month
Secretary Marie White Marie@turnerwhitephotography.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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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 From the President New On-Line Method for Taking CPP Exam by Dave Goldman Winter/Spring Seminar Schedule Lightroom to run your Studio by Jeff and Lori Poole Before,After...and How to Get There by Carl Caylor New Technology for Classic Images by Randy McNeilly Contemporary Group Portraiture by Mike Bayley Expressive Children's Portraiture by Angela Blankenship Time in your Day/Money in your Wallet by Jeff & Lori Poole Entering Print Competition by Rose Mary Cheek Member Highlights-Amy Mattews by Marie White
On the Cover Dery by Amy Matthews
An affiliate of
Fans of Professional Photographers of North Carolina
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From the Editor By the time this issue of Carolina Photographer is complete and on the news stand, 2016 will be a past memory. I hope this year has been a good one. We at PPNC strive to provide you our members with the best up to date information, education and networking opportunities. As we prepare for 2016 our President and Board have worked dillegently to provide those opportunities. Coming up in February PPNC will host PPA's very last District Competition that will be held at a state location. All future district competitions will be held at Atlanta, Georgia. The schedule for our Winter Seminar is in the magazine as well as descriptions of each speaker, so be sure to check them out. Give a great shout out to Jim Woltjen & Karen Howlett-York for all their hard work in getting this event together under the leadership of Ned Winn. Here's wishing you a very Merry Christmas and prosperous new year.
Rose Mary Cheek, Editor
PPNC Directors Western
Chris Garner tpsportraits@gmail.com Cathy Anderson cathyyount@gmail.com Central
George Joel, III Woodberry Bowen Eastern
george@gpjoell3photography.com Bowen.woodberry236@gmail.com
Tim Hester tim@TimHesterPhotography.com Fuller Royal fullerroyal@mac.com
Seminar Chairmen
Jim Woltljen jwoltjen@suddenlink.net Tom McCabe tommccabe46@earthlink.net Stephen Dey photo@charlotteimage.com Christina Holcolmb cholcombphoto@me.com
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PPA National Councilmen and Directors Cassie Stone Janet Boschker Joy Batchelor-King Adian Henson
SEPPA Rep. Loretta Byrd
From the President Brrrr! Baby, it’s cold outside, and Christmas is but days away. It’s the season for peace and joy and for appreciating the blessings we’ve been given in the form of friends, family and a the birth of ourSavior. This year we have experienced a hurricane, floods, drought and wildfires, and yet are bouncing back, possibly stronger than ever. We have much to look forward to in 2017. PPNC will offer a number of great opportunities to learn and grow in our art and business. Here are but some of the things on our horizon. This year our calendar is a bit different as we’re adding new opportunities for members to see some of the most talented speakers ever. Our late February gathering will no doubt spark some great memories of past conventions held around that time of year. Our Art and Business seminar is scheduled for February 24 - 27, and brings the best image competition in the world to our event. During this time, the Southeast 2017 district judging takes place Friday and Saturday, February 24 - 25! Instead of listening to the livestream from IPC, you can watch it in person! PPNC will assist the print salons and present the IPC awards following the competition. In addition, there are the other fabulous programs and speakers that you’ll find listed on the brochure. There is more good news if you want to get an early start on elevating your business and photography skills in 2017. We are about to announce several new proshare classes scheduled for January and February. Some of the best photographers in the state are hosting one day classes on topics that range from business and painting to babies and certification prep. Watch for announcements over the holidays. Also, stay tuned for yet another surprise event around the end of April that’s still being grafted into the schedule. We’re adding back some things we had to take a rain check on last year. “I’m Your Vehicle” is the purpose and theme of our own Carolina Photo Expo August 4-7. As the song says, PPNC will utterly demonstrate our ability to “take you anywhere you want to go”! We can’t wait for you to get onboard! Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!
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Your President, Ned Winn
New Online Method for taking the CPP Exam by. Dave Goldman, Cr. CPP Prior to April 25th this year if photography candidates wanted to take their CPP exam there were only a few options available: 1. Contact a liaison and schedule an exam. This took a 60 day wait period for the exam to be setup and to give other candidates the opportunity to take that exam as well. 2. You could take it as a state level event like East Coast School when a CPP class is delivered. The exam is offered at the end of class 3. You can attend IUSA (Imaging USA) and take the CPP class from one of the instructors and or take the exam. Now PPA’s certification department has made a GREAT addition for taking the CPP exam by partnering with Proctoriu.com. Proctoru. com will now allow candidates to take the CPP Exam online! ProctorU is a remote live proctoring service that is trusted by more than 300 university and certification organizations. There are two big differences that I need to point out. If you take the CPP exam from a liaison there is *no charge*. This is part of the certification process when you signed up and paid (exams are covered). This may not be the most convenient way as you might have to travel a few miles or to a different state to take your exam. If you choose to take the CPP exam online there is a fee of $25 which is paid
directly to ProctorU. This gives candidates the flexability to schedule a CPP Exam in as soon as 72 hours. You will need to have a web cam, so the proctor can see you, an Internet connectivity, and a photo ID and that is it! PPA will still rely on the CPP Liaisons to proctor in-person exams, as many candidates will still prefer to take the exam pencil-to-paper. This also allows liaisons to mentor candidates who seek assistance with exam study or image submission preparation. For more information on the process you can go to the follow link: https://proctoru.com/portal/ppa
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Professional Photographer tof North Carolina Presents Winter/Spring Seminar Friday, February 24th SEPPA Judging
Monday, February 27th Angela Blankenship 9-11 AM Expressive Childrens Portraiture Capturing the beautifully expressive faces of children ages 4 months through 12 years of age requires standing in those little people’s shoes. Looking at the session through their eyes and minds helps you connect and capture genuine expressions that parents love. We’ll discuss (and share) ideas on helping children enjoy the experience and give you those adorable looks that we all love in children’s portraiture. Simple lighting, posing and communication tips with the child and parent will be shared and there will be a live session with a kiddo or two.
Saturday, February 25th SEPPA Judging 3-6 PM Shootouts (1) different subjects/locations around Raleigh Bridal/HS Senior/Headshots 7-9 PM Jeff and Lori Poole Lightroom to Run your Studio Most photographers know that Lightroom can be used to process images for basic color-correction. But Lightroom is so much more! In our studio, Lightroom is not only an image processor. It’s an intergral part of our workflow, sales, marketing, vendor relations, and even blogging! We do all of this, using the same software you’re already familiar with.
Jeff and Lori Poole 11 AM – 12:30 PM Time in your day Money in your wallet Join Jeff and Lori Poole as they discuss how disregarding the time-cost involved in photography can lead decreased profits and the cause your business a slow painful death. Learn how to incorporate both your time-costs and hard costs to determine the retail price of your products and services. Once you can track your time costs, you can begin finding ways to streamline and innovate your workflow. You’ll find yourself with both more time AND more money, and increase your business capital all the way around.
Sunday, February 26th 8:30-9 AM Devotional Carl Caylor 9:30 AM – 2 PM Before, After...How to Get There This program will take you on a Natural Light Journey from the open scene you walk up to...all the way to a finished portrait. Sponsored by WHCC 12 PM Board Meeting 2:30-4:30 PM Randy McNeilly Managing Depth of Field, Focus Stacking, Panoramas, and HDR. 4:30-6:30 PM Mike Bayley Contempory Group Portraiture If you photograph group portraits, you do not want to miss Mike Bayley’s presentation about the changing dynamics of posing in today’s ultra-competitive market. Learn everything you need to know about how to flatter anyone, from the basics that have been around forever, to what is the new Lifestyle Portraits that clients want today.
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1:30-5 PM Take Charge of your Income Being a good photographer is not enough to become a successful business owner. Even figuring out how much to mark up your products is not enough to get the “big picture”. Learn how to break down your income and expenses, analyze your sales averages, and forecast your income in order to take control of your business’s financial health. We’ll give you the tools you need and show you three simple steps to increase your profits. After this talk, you’ll know what your total sales need to be to bring home the paycheck you want. You’ll also have a plan for how to reach that goal. Get in the driver’s seat with this no-nonsense talk with Jeff and Lori.
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Inspireyour yourclients. clients. Inspire Inspire your clients. Sell more. more.Grow Growyour yourbusiness. business. Sell more. Grow your business.
Inspiration Guides by WHCC feature photographic products in real home settings. Inspire your clients to see their images in ways they never thought possible, while illustrating to them the value of investing in photographic art. They’re more than just catalogs; Inspiration Guides include free resources to help you sell products and an unbranded webpage for your clients to access. Available in four editions: Family, Wedding, High School Senior, and Baby.
Learn more at whcc.com/inspiration
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Competition Details 2017 Judging Dates: February 24-25, 2017 Photographic Open Competition Rules Artist Competition Rules Registration Dates (without late fee): January 16, 2017 - February 10, 2017 (by 5pm ET) Registration Dates (late fee required): February 10, 2017 (after 5pm ET) -
PPA'S DISTRICT COMPETITION IS BEING HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS OF NORTH CAROLINA - WINTER SEMINAR AT THE SHERATON INTERNATIONAL HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE
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Entering Print Competition by. Rose Mary Cheek, M.Ph, Cr, Cpp, F.Ph.
Entering print competition is one of the best ways to push ones self to be more. You’ll learn where you stand— how your photography matches up with your peers. You’ll learn about the 12 elements of a merit image, and start incorporating them into your daily photography. You’ll learn what it takes to create a merit image, and if you stick with it, work your way up to the Loan Collection. You’ll learn you’re capable of so much more than you imagined. It’s perfectly normal to be a little nervous going in, but don’t be afraid of getting better. It’s easy to get involved. Fine-tune your best images and submit either prints or digital copies. And if you can, make sure you attend PPA’s District judging at our Winter Seminar February 24-25, 2017. And if you can, make sure you attend the judging. All photographic competitions are open to the public, and it’s the best
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way to maximize your learning potential. Whether you’ve entered images or not, watching is a great way to grasp what the judges are looking for. The PPA-approved jurors are some of the best in the business—photographers who truly care about raising the bar in the industry. You can even pick their brains during breaks!
Tips for a Great Group Portrait
Memorials COLBERT HOWELL:
Carefully chosen clothing allows the face to dominate a portrait, with all other elements being secondary.
Colbert died November 19, 2016 in Missoula MT after a year and a half battle with
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Keep clothing simple. Try to choose solid colors for your portraits.
pancreatic cancer. Colbert is Former Presi-
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Darker clothing slims. Choose shades of black, brown, navy, rust, wine, dark green and other jewel-toned colors.
dent.
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Scoops or v-necks flatter shorter necks and full faces. Turtlenecks or highnecked garments flatter longer necks and slender faces.
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Long sleeves or three-quarter-length look better for women.
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Hair: Don’t try a new hairstyle just for your session; have it cut about a week before your appointment.
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Glasses: Problems with glasses can lead to extra retouching. We can remove normal glare on glasses, but tinted lenses cannot be lightened--even with artwork.
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Makeup: Makeup can affect the way your portrait looks. Fresh, natural makeup as well as “evening” makeup photographs well.
dent of PPNC as well as Former PPA Presi-
TIM JACOB'S STEPFATHER: Johnny Allen Johnson "Papa Johnny" died December 4, 2016 at the age of 68
New Members Katherine Benninigfield P. O. Box 5552 Emerald Isle NC 28594
919-906-8637 BennDigitalMedia@gmail.com
Karen Doody 3520 Snead St Morehead City NC 28557
252-646-5358 info@karendoody.com
Rebekah Helms 7158 Barrow Street Camp Lejeune NC 28547
910-554-6463 rebekahmhelms@gmail.com
James Masiclat 4804 Elmhurst Ridge Ct Raleigh NC 27616
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808-268-6049 Jmasiclat@msn.com
MEMBER HIGHLIGHT AMY MATTHEWS by. Marie White, CPP, F.Ph.
Amy Matthews lives quite far out in the country of Granville county. She says it is fun to come home to find deer huffing at you as if they own the place. When I asked Amy about how she first became a photographer, she replied, “Photography is embedded in my DNA. My dad’s mother loved photography and we cherish every image she created herself, or hired others to take, with many going back to the 1930s. As a child I loved hearing the stories behind grandma’s pictures and it didn’t stop there. In high school I was always the one chasing my friends around with a funsaver camera during every event or a day of shenanigans in the hallways. I’ve always been the one with the camera and still am!” Amy hasn’t always had her sights set on photography, however. There was a time she believed substance abuse counseling would be her career. Like many in social work or
counseling fields, she found that counseling was just too hard on the heart. “I needed to help people but also see them smile. There’s nothing I love more than to show a teenager or young woman how beautiful she is in a printed image.” Amy and her husband have been together for 17 years and have a teenage daughter. They are big animal lovers and have a 70 pound half nd Dalmatian (their 2 child) who lives in peace with the cat, whenever possible. The feline must be watched closely- his attempts of sabotage are 2nd to none, as
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he enjoys using the dog as his personal trampoline.
Amy enjoys all things related to wedding photography. “For most of the day you have zero control over the lighting and atmosphere. You need to be quick on your feet, flexible as weddings hardly ever stick to the schedule, good with people from all walks of life, and learn to work with whatever situation you’re given. It’s stressful but I’ve always loved a challenge! Sometimes wedding pictures are unfortunately the last image taken with grandpa. When someone contacts me years later to tell me how much that image with grandpa means to them- that’s my favorite part of the job.” “I like to get to know my clients before we work together. When they tell me what’s important to them, I do my very best to customize each session to provide meaning for them. If we need to drive an hour to where they first met for their
engagement session, then that’s what we’ll do! Strangely enough I think my signature move is something awkward or a bit of (hopefully) charming imperfection found in each wedding. Recently I photographed a fun loving group of groomsmen on their boat who didn’t want to leave their drinks or sunglasses behind. It’s not posed perfectly, but it’s who they are with laughs and pranks for all. There’s an older gentlemen in the boat next to them shirtless and laughing at us. Perhaps I could edit the other man and boat out, but I think this couple will enjoy it being in at least one of their pictures.” When asked about her favorite equipment and such, she replies “There’s no favorite method with me. It all depends on the people, location, and available light. I may shoot natural light or I may photograph with 3 lights and a reflector. You never know!” If there is one piece of equipment you’d
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have to pry from Amy’s cold dead hands it would be her Nikon 85mm lens. “Perhaps I’m glutton for punishment, but I’m one of those weirdos who’s determined to use only prime lenses. They’re sharp, fast, and lightweight.”
from a few generations of self-made business men and learned much from watching my father over the years. Grandpa always made it a point to be fair in pricing, but to also know the worth of his work. Success isn’t necessarily measured in numbers for me. If I have happy clients, take pride in my work, and most importantly spend time with those I love, that’s success in my eyes.”
It took Amy quite a while to learn that you do need to slow down, unplug from the world, and take breaks every now and then. Her inspiration comes from trying my best to understand the people she works with. She is not one who enjoys comparing my work to that of other photographers. Music videos, movies, tv shows, museums, and art have always given her more ideas than comparison with other photographers. Don’t be afraid to look into other fields of art!”
Amy gets her referrals from long time clients and having a great time with bridesmaids have provided her with the best people anyone could ask to work for. Her ideal client is someone with a big heart who knows the importance of living every day to its fullest and is comfortable showing emotion. “We’ve joked about changing the business name to reflect what I attract. Medical professionals- Cops- Firefighters- Military- Dog lovers- R us might be a bit too much for a business name! I’m honored to work with people whose
I also asked Amy what her business philosophy is and what things she does to ensure success year after year. She said, “If my name is on it, I want it to be the best I can possibly provide. I come 24
lives are based around protecting and nurturing others.” One of the struggles we all face is how to educate your clients about the value of your professional services. Amy’s belief is that a beautifully framed large wall portrait speaks for itself and you must have sample product. “With our family’s lifestyle I knew from day one that I personally couldn’t handle volume work. No one will hire me for a mini session. I’ve tried and just can’t wrap my head around it! However, when they want that once every 10 years portrait of extended family, or an occasion like
a wedding where there’s no do-overs, they call me. I’ve worked very hard to keep that reputation and am still flattered each time I receive the call.” Amy’s advice to us all is this, “The one thing you have that’s different is yourself. Don’t be swayed by editing trends that change every year. Find your voice and stick with it. Your “style” is determined by your own personal taste, what you love to shoot, your worldview, and life experiences. You’ll be much happier with your work staying true to who you are and what you love.” Amy has been an active PPNC member for the past three years, and she says the greatest benefit is making lifelong friends and networking with other like-minded photographers. “You can’t be a lone wolf in the world of wedding photography. You need people you can trust who will have your back at a wedding no matter what. I’ve photographed weddings with horrendous migraines and other medical issues, but never missed one. Knowing that there are people 25
able dreaming up ideas, working on the creative aspects, or helping in the background without recognition. That’s another benefit of professional organizations – no one is great at everything. I certainly lean on my photographer friends for help and encouragement and am always happy to help them brainstorm in return!”
I could call for help if something bad should happen is worth every penny of membership and more.” When asked about the importance of ongoing education, Amy says that her own personal motto is “the day you think you know it all is the day you need to quit.” She also notes that technology changes faster than most of us can come up with, and who doesn’t need refresher courses or new techniques? “I can learn something from anyone. We are all unique in our own personal strengths and have much to give.”
Who are your mentors and/or “heroes” in photography who inspire and stimulate you to do your best authentic work? “Locally, Angela Blankenship, a fellow member of PPNC. She has her own unique style and doesn’t apologize for it. She’s a beautiful lady inside and out. What I see in Angela is a willingness to help other photographers, and always warmth and kindness shown to all members. Can we clone her please? On the “celebrity” level, I’m a huge fan
“ I’m an introvert, big time. I love people but being in the spotlight is not something I’m comfortable with. Weddings have forced me to grow on a personal level and take the lead when needed regardless of how shy I am. I still come home and hermit on the couch for a couple days afterwards! Marketing and business are quite honestly my weak points. I’m much more comfort26
of Jeremy Cowart. His style is quite different, he sticks with it, and he’s always giving back in some form to this world. He’s a humble dreamer and I love that.” Amy’s contact information is: Amy Matthews Photography Oxford NC 919-482-1663 www.amymatthewsphotography.com
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2 017 Wo r k s h o p s Ju n e 11-14 holiday inn doW ntoW n r aleigh
Celebrating
60 years of
exCellenCe nikki
al
1957-2017
randy
Christine
steve
5 Great C l ass e s To Cho o s e From Nikki HarrisoN - Surreal Beauty Portraits - Stand Out From The Crowd Maternity, Newborns & Children - CHristiNe kliNe al audlemaN - CPP Prep and Exam From Light Painting to Architectural Photography Lighting Up Architecture and Art! - raNdy VaN duiNeN steVe kozak - The Secrets To Success In Professional Photography The East Coast School Photographic Workshops For Professional Photographers June 11-14, 2017 Holiday Inn Downtown Raleigh North Carolina For Additional Information Visit www.EastCoastSchool.com
www.EastCoastSchool.com Rex C. Truell - Director 336-476-4838 EastCoastSchool@aol.com
www.carolinaphotoexpo.com