Fall’s guild seminar starts Saturday PPNC Western Guild Chairman Cathy Yount has set up a fall seminar that promises to educate, enlighten and entertain with four “heavy hitters.” Continuing with the use of education facilities, this guild gathering will be held Oct. 12-14 at Catawba Valley Community College (www.cvcc.edu) in Hickory. Beginning Saturday, Oct. 12 at 3 p.m., there will be a Photo Shootout with PPNC Mentors. It will run through 6 p.m. The shootout is free with seminar segistration. On Sunday, Oct.13, from 9 until 11 a.m., PPNC member Shane Greene presents “Foundations of Posing.” From 12 noon until 1:30 p.m., it’s lunch on your own while the PPNC Board of Directors meets. From 1:30-3:30 p.m., PPNC Member Chris Garner presents “Beyond the Basics: Studio Lighting.” At 3:30, participants will travel to Murrays Mill for on-location session with Adrian Henson (4:30-6:30 p.m.) and a BBQ dinner with Bluegrass entertainment. On Monday, Oct. 14, from 9 a.m. untl 3 p.m., San Francisco-based photographer Sam Hassas presents “A Day in My Life: From
Beginning to End.” Lunch is on your own that day from 12 noon until 1:30 p.m. The following pages offer images and biographies of the Western Guild speakers. For the Saturday Shootout, Cathy Anderson has secured Hart Square in Catawba County. It is rare that anyone is allowed to photograph here, so it’s going to be a huge treat. Hart Square is a rustic town of log cabins and other buildings situated around a picturesque pond that is reminiscent of colonial days. Join Fuller Royal, Adrian Henson and crew on Oct. 12 from 3 until 6 p.m. for a fun shootout, one-to-one mentoring and plenty of fellowship. The address is 5029 Hope Road, Vale, N.C.
Sam Hassas
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www.hassasphotography.com
Sam Hassas is San Francisco Bay-Area based wedding photographer. What’s astounding is the rapid pace from which he went from a local wedding photographer to a national and international sensation in less than two years from his first wedding. His images and style have been often repeated, but rarely duplicated. A full palette of emotions are felt when viewing his work and one can be found with tears, to smiles, to roaring laughter in just one showcase. Fresh, bright, and a strong dose of whimsy describes his work well. Students can expect an ah-ha moment during his course. He demystifies what is believed to be complex and offers a sound, logical way of creating compelling, thoughtful, creative photos
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Chris Garner CPP www.tpsphotography.com
Chris Garner is a third-generation photographer and hails from Morganton. A graduate of UNC-Asheville, after working in the newspaper industry in Pittsburgh, Chris opened his studio in May of 2000. Thirteen years later, he operates one of the most sought-after studios in Western North Carolina. Chris attributes much of his success to the understanding and utilization of classic, timeless studio lighting with babies and children. Have you ever had a client say to you, “That is a great Rembrandt light in my portrait” or “That butterfly light really flatters my symmetry?” Probably not. In this program, Chris is going to focus less on the specifics of lighting patterns and more on how to create “green merit” images that flatter your clients and allow you to work more efficiently in your studio. After all, what good is a Master’s Degree if you can’t pay your bills, right?
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Shane Greene www.shanegreenephoto.com Shane Greene hails from beautiful downtown Hickory. He and wife Bonnie began working together as photographers soon after their engagement and were married in 1986. Their two children keep them focused on taking the time to capture a lifetime of memories. They give God the thanks for allowing them to work together in a field they love so much. Shane has received his Fellowship degree from the Professional Photographers of North Carolina, is the Convention Chairman for 2006, is a member of the Southeastern Professional Photographers Association and is President of the Metrolina Photographic Society. Shane has won numerous awards on the state, regional and international level for
PPNC Fall S his portraits, and has been honored to be published in the Showcase and Loan Collection books for Professional Photographers of America. An active member of PPNC, Shane will share his thoughts on posing and connecting with his clients. He has worked with several types of clients, from national pageant chains to the local high school senior. One thing that resonates from his work—his incredible ability to connect with clients and organically pull their own personality into a portrait. Shane will impart his vast knowledge of posing beauty queens all the way down to connecting with local clients, all with the goal of creating a dynamic and unique portrait customized to each client.
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Adrian Henson M. Photog. Cr. MEI. CPP www.adrianhensonweddings.com Adrian Henson owns and operates Adrian Henson Photography in New Bern with his wife Heather. Their studio specializes in high school senior portraits, and commercial and dance school photography. When not producing great photographs, he enjoys traveling and sharing his knowledge of image making. Adrian holds a degree in mechanical drafting and design and utilized those skills as a project manager for the first eight years of his professional life. In 2001, after many years of not having any creative outlet, Adrian discovered his love for photography. While the change from project manager to photographer was huge, the skills and talents learned in his design training proved useful in both careers. He is a self-described “hobbyist” and is always on the lookout for new and exciting hobbies to explore. From aquariums to metal detecting, and from cave exploring to sailing, he’s been involved in almost too many hobbies to count! While photography began as a hobby, it was the “one” that stuck with him and rocked him to the core. Many of his hobbies came and
went, but photography quickly evolved into much more, it became a core passion that will define him forever. Every hobby now seems to revolve around and come back to photography, and Adrian always finds a way to combine new hobbies with his love of photography. Today, Adrian is heavily involved with the PPNC and serves as a PPA Councilor. He regularly travels while teaching and speaking and is an International Photographic Competition Juror in training. He is committed to photographic competition and has been honored with the PPA Diamond, Platinum, Gold and Bronze awards as well as PPNC’s Photographer of the Year two years in a row. He has also received SEPPA’s Best in Show. Adrian said he considers competition the greatest informal education around and owes the bulk of his photographic success to it. Adrian is also devoted to making photography better. He encourages sharing and openness among professionals and believes that “the rising tide lifts all ships.” He believes that through education, we can return confidence back to the photography profession.
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“Now and Then” Randy McNeilly
Congratulations to North Carolina photographers for PPA International Print Competition results
North Carolina’s PPA members had a good showing in the 2013 International Print Competition. Thirty-nine photographers from the state merited including 38 Loan Collection prints and seven for publicaton in the Showcase book. North Carolina had 10 photographers of the year including Brian Allen, Chuck Hill, Jonathan Burton, Shane Greene, Adrian Henson, Randy McNeilly, Mona Sadler, Ellen LeRoy, Thomas McCabe and Jeff Poole. Allen, Brian 1000 Reasons to Stay in the Jeep Saluda L Allen, Brian A Parody about a Smile Saluda, G Allen, Brian Desolation Saluda, G Allen, Brian His Glory Shines! Saluda, GB Blankenship, Angela Charming Nashville, G Blankenship, Angela Chiquita Nashville, G Blankenship, Angela Pap’sHat Nashville, G Boschker, Janet Autumn Symphony Charlotte, G Boschker, Janet Barn Art Charlotte, G Boschker, Janet Moody Morning Charlotte, L Burgess, Elizabeth Boys To Men Raleigh, G Burgess, Elizabeth Winter Meets Spring Raleigh, G Burton, Jonathan A New Chapter Boone, L Burton, Jonathan RiverHouse Boone, L Burton, Jonathan Sentry In The Snow Boone, L Burton, Jonathan Shady Conversation Boone, G Cheek, Rose Mary Composition in Red Hickory, G Cheek, Rose Mary Peony Hickory, L Deere, Jack All Wet Wake Forest, G Deere, Jack Dirty Boys Wake Forest, G Deere, Jack Mrs. Wright Wake Forest, G DeLuca, Aurora Hiya! Cary, L Gray, Rebekah Bring on the Rain Raleigh, G Gray, Rebekah Roaming Italy Raleigh, G Gray, Sam Footprints in the Sand Raleigh, L Gray, Sam Red Swan Raleigh, G Gray, Sam Storytime Raleigh, G Greene, Shane Enchanting Hickory, G Greene, Shane Exquisite Hickory, L
Greene, Shane Pure Hickory, G Greene, Shane Refined Elegance Hickory, G Groves, Jeremy 48 Seconds at 2 am Edenton, G Hansen, Patricia Coming to the Prophet Kill Devil Hills, G Hansen, Patricia Continental Divide Kill Devil Hills, L Henn, Thomas Did I make Eight Hampstead, G Henn, Thomas More than I can Handle Hampstead, G Henn, Thomas The Perfect Ride Hampstead, G Henson, Adrian Calico Jack New Bern, L Henson, Adrian Dominatrix New Bern, G Henson, Adrian Fish Lines New Bern, L Hersberger, Larry Calling for Rudolph High Point, GB Hersberger, Larry The Power of Gold High Point, GB Henson, Adrian Itty Bitty Lizzy New Bern, G Henson, Adrian Late Night Snack New Bern, L Henson, Adrian One Fish Two Fish New Bern, G Henson, Adrian Sssymbolism New Bern, L Henson, Adrian Still Life New Bern, G Hill, Chuck Facing A Desolate World Hendersonville, G Hill, Chuck Heaven Speaks Hendersonville, G Hill, Chuck Morning Shroud Hendersonville, L Hill, Chuck Waiting For Spring Hendersonville, L Hotchkiss, Clifford Two Trees Asheville, G Isaacs, Mollie ByDawn’s Early Light KillDevilHills, G Isaacs, Mollie Sunset Silhouettes KillDevilHills, L Isaacs, Mollie Up,Up and Away KillDevilHills, G Jarzyna, Connie Charlestonian Vibrance Shelby, G Jarzyna, Connie Nostalgic Paris Cruise Shelby, L
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What’s your number one benefit from being a PPNC member? On Aug. 16, PPNC President Bruce Williamson asked the following question on PPNC’s Facebook Group Page. “What is the number one benefit for joining PPNC?” Chris Garner posted “Getting to meet Bruce Williamson.: Christy Vander Wiele Holcomb postred “Only one? Meeting other photographers from N.C. like Bruce Williamson and Chris Garner. And current photography and buisness education.” Chris Garner posted “Honestly, the number one reason for joining PPNC is the networking. The ability to have a team of friends who are also true, working, successful professional photographers to bounce ideas off of. And maybe bounce some jello shooters off of them if they’re into that. Kidding about the last part.” Amy Matthews posted “I can’t give you just one. I think networking and education are equally valuable in this organization. I was kind of a lone wolf for a long time and PPNC brought me out of my shell a bit.” Lew Everling posted “Chuck and Fuller.” Tim Hester posted “Learning and leaning on each other.” John Chandler posted “I second the vote for ‘Chuck and Fuller.’ We are blessed.” Chuck Hill posted “Education has to be number one but friendship is so close that it is number 1.1.” Tom Rains posted “PPNC is like an encyclopedia of answers to problems.” Bruce Williamson posted “Thank you for your comments. Keep them coming. You can give more than one benefit.” Tim Jacobs posted “Besides the obvious of so many people getting to meet me? The sharing of knowledge, the caring passionately for the craft and learning how to do things ‘the right way’ by so many wonderful people who have sacrificed so much before us and are still willing to share. It is heartwarming. Oh, and the part about meeting me was just a joke! (That’s to all of you who don’t know what a jokester I am).” Jim Shaw posted “Support from your peers.” George P. Joell posted “My number one benefit from being a member of the PPNC is the amazing educational opportunities (East Coast School, seminars, conventions, etc.) as well as the support
PPNC President Bruce Williamson, center, visits with PPNC photographers Kevin Jordan, left, and Jordan Chan, right, at Jordan Portrait Design. from the amazing photographers and members. The PPNC members are like family. Once an event is over, I am ready for the next meeting.” K.J. Bradley posted “PPNC offers the best, high quality education for local photographers, and it comes with support from professional friends who genuinely want to see each other succeed.” Chris Garner posted “Bottom line: There aren’t a lot of unsuccessful PPNC photographers. What’s not to see in the benefits?” Bonnie Burton posted “Friends. Education. Friends. Print competition. Friends.” Sandra L. Gall posted “PPNC offers a great group of talented, smart people who are willing to help if someone just asks. Everyone in the group ... gets it. We all have the same challenges, the same worries, the same tax-and-or-softwareand-or-workflow-and-or-insert-yourissue-of-the-moment-here related concerns. Having a place where we can all come together and share our frustrations and our successes is invaluable. And, of course, the best part is getting to know Cindy Smith. True.” Adrian Henson posted “PPNC is like
fertilizer. It feeds you. It helps you grow and blossom. When you stop fertilizing, growths stops and leaves whither. Often the whole flower dies. “I have seen multiple occasions where photogs, whose businesses were seeing tight times, decided they could no longer afford PPNC. Each time, I watched them lose direction and focus. They lose touch with the current market and drift away from success. Most of those photographers are now working 9-to-5 jobs. “Sometimes you may feel like you are not getting enough from your state organization but every time we, as photographers, gather, socialize and share, we add some fertilizer and we take some with us. We hear what is working for some and what is not working for others. Often, it is not the huge revelations that matter most, but the little tid bits, that add up and propel our growth. “If you are not growing professionally, you are dying. That is where PPNC is invaluable.” Anne Battey Grant posted “At first, it was just to be around professional photographers, so I could become a real professional, then it was the educational
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PPNC Benefit Continued from page 12 opportunities, followed by networking. As the years went by, I made some treasured lifelong friendships (“ShutterChicks” with Karen Goforth, Rhonda Lester and Denise Clay) and many others who I consider brothers and sisters on this journey. ECS added another layer to the depth of those relationships.” Kevin Jordan posted “In the beginning of my career, number one was education opportunities, specifically ECS and conventions; now, networking and inspiration are the number one reasons I join.” Joe Robinson posted “The professional quality relationships.” Kevin Minter posted “I dont know, haven’t seen anything change.” Chris Garner posted “Kevin, I know where you’re coming from. It takes a little while to get ‘in the groove’ with PPNC. But it will come. Hopefully, you feel welcome as a new member. All of a sudden, you’ll hit your stride and you’ll get so much information at once you almost go into overload. It will come.” George P. Joell posted “Kevin, it is not one seminar or one convention or one East Coast School that will change youl. It is a combination of everything. It is a gradual buildup of skills and knowledge. There is no magic bullet. You have to practice what you learn and keep practicing. Doctors are not doctors after their first year of med school and lawyers are not winning cases after a few law classes. It takes a while and it takes dedication. You build you skill set one client at a time. Learning is learning. Change is within you.” Carlton Hubbard Jr. posted “George said it perfectly.” Anne Battey Grant posted “Keep coming around. Bring fresh ideas and an open mind, Kevin. Find kindred spirits at the seminars, convention or even here on Facebook and share images. Go out on self-assignments and make it happen for you. “Don’t depend on anybody else to make you successful and really take in what George P. Joell said about no magic bullet. “We’re like real brothers and sisters – you may not click with all of them, but we are family. “There’s another benefit: an encouraging word from others in the ‘trenches.’” Cecil Hudgins posted “Good people, informative instruction, great fellowship
and conversation, and years of experience to shorten your leaning curve. Just like any education organization, they teach, you learn, then you apply what you have learned.” Liyun Yu posted “PPNC is like a family. I feel so lucky to find and join this family and am reunited from time to time. I feel the strong support from all PPNC family members all of the time. For photography, I can’t go far without this family. Just got my very first PPA Loan this year – all because of PPNC.” Cindy Smith posted “Good going Liyun Yu.” Cristy Winstead Leggett posted “Fellowship and education to put it simply.” Kevin Minter posted “I’m stuck doing this as a hobby, it feels. I have a lot of big time hair stylists who like working with me, like Barbara Lhotan, due to my hair back ground. One day I’ll make some money or get a gig for a magazine. I have fun doing portraits with friends though.” P.J. Ward-Brown posted “I think getting your foot in the door helps, attending the guilds and seminars with, yes, ‘Our Family.’ I cant wait till I’m done with this last year of school so I can be more into it. Kevin, Thursdays I’m free and would like to come to the Raleigh area and do some street photography with you.” Kevin Minter posted “You just made my day P.J. Ward-Brown. I really need a lesson on the professional side instead of lights and street photography. Model release forms, advertisement, taxes, what to do with receipts, where to do my taxes, right ups, pricing (I normally charge nothing and buy hair, clothes and props), prints, and things along those lines. This has just been a hobby so far. Now that I have a year under my belt, I want to work with others who will pay instead of continuing pictures with friends and family. “I feel I can go anywhere and and adapt and get a good picture. When I was homeless I had nothing but my camera so I think I learned to work it pretty well. I just haven’t been given the opportunity to show it, really. This camera got me through a lot coming (from) Afghanistan. I’m in a better position now than when I first started.” George P. Joell posted “Kevin, you have to have a strong passion for photography to make it work. If you are looking to make a living, then maybe you are a little premature. Photography was my
hobby for 10 years before I even asked someone to pay for my services. “And before that, they offered and I would not take any money. You have to be hungry and you have to breathe, eat and sleep photography. When the passion is so great, you will do anything to get better. You will pay anything to get better. You practice until your equipment stops working, people are throwing money at you because your art is so strong. That is when you know you have it. I have been in business full-time for the past seven years and I still have the drive. I still want to get better. I am nowhere near my capacity. I read everything. I watch everything. I do dream about photography. I go to every seminar, school and convention I can. I am hungry. You have to feel the same way. When I think I have arrived, hopefully I will be on my death bed.” Kevin Minter posted “I’m not looking to make a killing but I’m tired of losing. I’m a disabled veteran so I’m taken care of now. Photography, hair and makeup are the only things I read about or do. Life is short and I’m in a rush to be great. I need direction. I really just want to be published so when I die my name is still here. Y’all know I once existed. These things are the only positive things that have ever been my life. It’s good to get praise for doing something good or positive. I got a lot of little hood kids who look up to me. I went into the Army and now I have this dream. It’s crazy how people were quick to show me how to make and sell drugs or shoot a perfect shot, but when it comes to do doing something positive I have to learn it all on my own. George P. Joell posted “Kevin first off, thank you for your service. Believe me, I understand. I am veteran who spent 24 years in the Army and served four overseas tours. I grew up in the inner city of San Diego, not the tourist part, the part that no one wanted to visit. “I believe in you and believe your legacy will be remembered. Giving back to the youths of our community is a noteworthy deed and you will be rewarded two-fold. “If you are in the Fayetteville area or want to travel this way, I would be honored to assist in any way possible. I do feel your passion and I do believe that with the right mentorship, you can leave your mark on society.
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By FULLER ROYAL, M. Photog. Cr., F. Ph.
Wedding tips from one who’s ‘seen it all’ This is a column I wrote for The News Reporter earlier this year. I am sure many of you could write the same thing. Last year, Janet and I decided to retire from photographing weddings. After 250 of these over a 23-year period, we decided to no longer commit to Saturday after Saturday six to 12 months out, locking down days that might be better spent with our daughters. The majority of the weddings were a pleasure with wonderful brides and brides’ mothers. But we had our share of the so-called “bridezillas.” With that being said, Janet and I have often thought of writing a book about the weddings we photographed and our observations. But, this is a small county and sooner or later, I might run into one of the brides I would write about. Instead, I have decided to offer 25 tips to make your most special of days better for you, your family, your guests and your vendors (the people who supply your dresses, flowers, tuxedos, food and photography). 1. Get married at Christmas. The church is already decorated. 2. Get married during a cooler time of year. Even with a well-air-conditioned church, hot-weather weddings can be miserable, especially if the humidity is high. 3. On those hot-wedding days, pre-cool your church into the high 60s if possible. Once 200 98-degree humans are in place, it will warm up pretty fast. And when your 98-year-old Aunt Edna, who arrived one hour early, complains how cold it is, don’t raise the temperature. Stick her in a sleeping bag. 4. Also, on those hot-wedding days, don’t serve just that sickly sweet punch that will not quench a thirst. Have iced water and/or iced tea. Your guests will love you. 5. When you are standing at the altar during your vows, face each other as much as possible. The guests enjoy seeing you and the photographer will take much better photos. 6. The shorter your ceremony, the better. Resist the temptation to fill it with
song after song. Edit. Edit. Edit. 7. If you decide to play an actual song from a Top 40 iTunes hit list, have someone re-record and shorten it. A song that lasts more than two minutes can seem like an eternity when nothing is going on except the bride and groom staring at each other. That’s cute for about 90 seconds. 8. Limit the number of children in your wedding. Each child adds a risk factor of two for things that can go wrong in a ceremony. 9. Test light your candles ahead of time. 10. Make sure someone knows to have the boutonnieres ready for the guys. I can’t tell you how many pre-ceremony photo sessions were delayed because the guys didn’t have their flowers. 11. Lie to the guys and tell them the photo sessions start an hour earlier than they really do. 12. Don’t feel like you have to have everything you’ve ever seen at other weddings in your own wedding. The simpler, the better. The more details you have to worry over, the less you will enjoy your wedding. 13. Remember, things will go wrong at your wedding. That’s just the way it is. Embrace the mistakes. They are what will make your wedding unique. 14. Don’t have a receiving line at the back of the church. Nothing makes folks madder than having to stand in line to get out of the church. Generally, receiving lines are best for funerals. 15. Make sure your photographer has the right equipment. This means fast lenses and cameras. This means being able to use available light with images taken from the back or deep sides of the church. There’s nothing more irritating than a flash popping during a ceremony. Many churches will not allow that. (To you readers – leave your iPads at home. Nobody wants to see you hold a big clunky computer over the heads of the congregation so you can grab a shot of your nephew-once-removed.) 16. Most wedding directors are finished once the bride and groom leave the church. Have someone help direct things at the reception as well.
17. Do not make your guests wait on you to arrive at the reception before they can eat. They are your guests. They eat first. You eat last (if at all). Don’t make them wait on your photographer before they eat. Don’t make them wait on your first dance or the introduction of the wedding party. 18. As soon as you arrive – and after the dance or introductions – cut the cake. There will be people who need to leave as soon as they get a chance to speak to you. It is rude to allow them to leave without any wedding cake. 19. Have some sort of music at your reception, even if it’s pre-recorded. There’s nothing worse than silence when folks are eating. It’s loud. 20. Don’t linger. Have a set time to depart and do so while you still have plenty of guests to bid you goodbye. If necessary, stage your exit and return to dance ‘til the wee hours of the morning if you wish. There’s nothing sadder than to see a basket with 250 bags of birdseed in it for throwing and only 25 people left to throw it. 21. If you serve alcohol, know this. Your guests will not leave until you run out of liquor, or until you close the bar. 22. If you have a slide show at your wedding reception, make it five minutes long – tops. 23. Have someone at your reception responsible for lining up people for you to be photographed with. Your photographer is not going to know these folks. Get the group together and then have that person come and get you. That way, you maximize the quality time you have with your guests. 24. Hire vendors you can trust and then TRUST them to do their jobs. You get what you pay for. Fuss at a vendor and soon every vendor knows you can be difficult. Once labeled difficult, you will not get the quality or service you hoped for or expected. 25. Have a good time. Laugh at the problems or errors. I always found the best weddings to be the ones where the brides just rolled with the punches. Well, these are my suggestions for better ceremonies. You can take them or leave them. Or … you can elope!
PPNC Benefit Continued from page 14 “I just caution you to take it slow. Love your passion and live your dreams. Get your education and build your business one brick at a time. Greatness is within all of us and we are destined to do great things. “However, don’t move so fast you miss your exit. I, too, wanted to be bigger than life and rushed to act. That only caused
me to slam on the breaks at the wrong time. If you approach your dream with care and precision, every step forward will seem like a leap and bound. It you leap and bound, you might miss and fall at the most inopportunity. “I hope to see you at the next seminar in October. I will be there and hungrier then ever.”
Anne Battey Grant posted “So, now I want Kevin Minter to make it big time! I see a mentorship developing (George P. Joell) and Shutterbuddy ( PJ WardBrown) ... go for it. Kevin, thank you for your sacrifices to our country. I salute you.”
PPA Print winners Continued from page 11 Jarzyna, Connie Reflections Shelby, L Johnson,Debbie Amelia Arden, G Johnson,Debbie Matriach Arden, G Johnson,Debbie Swiss Village Arden, L Kreplin,Gordon Indigo Blue KillDevilHills, G Kreplin,Gordon Passage to Eternity KillDevilHills, G Kreplin,Gordon Timeless Passage KillDevilHills, L LeRoy, Ellen Circle of Thieves Emerald Isle, G LeRoy, Ellen City Slicker Emerald Isle, L LeRoy, Ellen Palace Bride Emerald Isle, G LeRoy, Ellen Sarah Beth Emerald Isle, G LeRoy, Ellen WoodDuck Wake Emerald Isle, GB McCabe, Thomas Blessed Morning New Bern, G McCabe, Thomas Over the Creek New Bern, G McCabe, Thomas Remains New Bern, G McCabe, Thomas Serenity New Bern, L McHarney, Sophia Aorta of Life Goldsboro, G McHarney, Sophia Boundaries Goldsboro, GB McHarney, Sophia Broken Goldsboro, G McNeilly, Randy A Yearin the Life Shelby, G McNeilly, Randy Be Prepared Shelby, L McNeilly, Randy Now and Then Shelby, L McNeilly, Randy Photo Finish Shelby, L McNeilly, Randy Porcelain Mary Shelby, GB McNeilly, Randy The Anguish of Uncertainty Shelby, G McNeilly, Randy The Real McCoys Shelby, G McNeilly, Randy The Southern Exposure Band Shelby, L Poole, Jeff Braving the Storm Wilmington, G Poole, Jeff Bride Waiting Wilmington, L Poole, Jeff Racing the Rain Wilmington, G Poole, Jeff Waiting Wilmington, G Rogerson, Peggy Waiting for Audrey Williamston, G Royal, Fuller High School Baseball Champ Whiteville, G Royal, Fuller High School Fashionista Whiteville, G Sadler, Mona Caricature of Louie Alliance, G Sadler, Mona Don’t Swimin My Pond Alliance, L Sadler, Mona Once Again, Stella Gets Her Way Alliance, L Sadler, Mona Pterois Alliance, G Sadler, Mona Sweet Ryan Alliance, G Sadler, Mona The Crown of Feathers Alliance, L Sadler, Mona Thrown Away Alliance, L Sholin, Marilyn LaJolla Surfs Up Fletcher, G Sholin, Marilyn Waiting for the Sale Fletcher, G Stern, Amy The Eyes Have It Chapel Hill, G Turek, Eve Meditation Kill Devil Hills, L
“Maimed” Shannon Turner Turner, Shannon Colin Clarksville, Va., G Turner, Shannon Maimed Clarksville, Va., L Turner, Shannon The Worley Family Clarksville, Va. G Unruh, Lori In the Back Corner Wilmington, G Unruh, Lori The Boss Wilmington, G Unruh, Lori When I’m with You Wilmington, G Weaver, Linda Little Princess Winston Salem, L Weaver, Linda Sharing Secrets Winston Salem, GB Wingler, Paul Innocence Lost Hillsborough, L Wingler, Paul Skillful Hands Hillsborough, G Wingler, Paul The GrievingOne Hillsborough, L Wingler, Paul Woman Braiding Twine Hillsborough, L Yarborough, Cindy Mommie’s Babydoll Clayton, G Yarborough, Cindy Silver Wedding Anniversary Clayton, G Yu, Liyun Highway Passing Textured Arizona Chapel Hill, G Yu, Liyun Mining Chapel Hill, L
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President’s Message By BRUCE WILLIAMSON, F. Ph.
I’m a traveling man ... Hello everyone! I hope that you are doing great. Yippee, Fall is here! I love the Fall! It is my favorite time of the year! I love to fish and the fish bite is best in the Fall and I have scheduled several trips. This has become one of my priorities. My Dad told me before he passed that I needed to do more fishing and I am trying to follow his advice. I wish that I had started following his advice earlier. The Fall is also a favorite time for photographers to create wonderful family portraits. I am certain that you calendars are filling up with session from now until Christmas. When creating these priceless portraits, remember that you are creating a gift that continues to give through many generations. In my last article for the Focus, I recounted all of the changes and rescheduling that was taking place in our organization. Since that time, we have had a successful East Coast School. Thank you Victoria Kelly, for your dedication and leadership during the past three years as director of ECS. I know that you will do an outstanding job as editor of Southern Exposure, the official magazine of SEPPA. Rex Truell, a long time member of the ECS advisory board, is the new director of the school. The 2014 East Coast School will be March 9-12 at the Clarion Hotel State Capital in Raleigh. Registration is now open. Go to www. eastcoastschool.com. In addition to the changes mentioned above, I discovered that as president of PPNC, I could attend state conventions of SEPPA member states as a guest with no charge for registration. So, I started thinking. Wouldn’t it be great to visit our friends and seek suggestions for: retention of current members, locate new vendors, thank and encourage our current vendors, share information on upcoming speaking talent and seek methods to attract new members. On August 18 and 19 I attended the Florida Professional Photographers annual convention in Orlando. During my visit I was able to visit
with president Sandra Pearce M c A u l e y, e xe c u t ive director Kaye Newsome, FPP members and trade show vendors. On September 7, Debbie and I drove to Captiva Island near Ft. Myers, Fl. to attend Light Pro 2013 at the invitation of director and PPNC member, Kevin Jordon. At this event I was able to visit with attendees from across the country in addition to numerous speakers, instructors and coaches. Lots of “hands-on” instruction and coaching took place on the beaches and in the shooting lab with numerous shooting bays equipped with the latest lights and reflectors supplied by Jen Snow and Larsons. It was great to see the excitement and enthusiasm of beginning and seasoned photographers. I only wish that had to energy an endurance needed to “hang” with this group but my bedtime is around 11 p.m., not 4 a.m.! I left this event knowing that changes made at our recent convention to
include the shooting bays will continue for my convention, Carolina Photo Expo. On my trip back from Florida, Debbie dropped me off in Florence, S.C. Adrian Henson and I set up a display to promote PPNC at the Carolina Click Expo at the Florence Civic Center. This event was sponsored by a non affiliate photographer group. The event had several well known speakers and it attracted photographers from several states. Our goal was to promote membership in your state professional photography organization. On September 29 and 30, I attended the Tennessee Professional Photographers state convention in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. I meet with new T N P PA p r e s i d e n t Je a n n i e Fo re h a n d , past president Kristi Thomas-Flohe, TNPPA board member Carla Hoskins, trade show chair Dorma Tabisz and all of the vendors. Again, we discussed the need for state associations to break down the barriers of membership and reach out to all photographers and encourage professionalism, educational opportunities and supporting vendors that support state associations. Real people that provide customer support for products and services they sell. My travels and cheerleading for PPNC will continue in the upcoming months. Debbie and I plan to travel across country after the holidays to visit family and friends and attend PPA Imaging in Phoenix, Az. then to the Winter Seminar. I encourage to tell your non-PPNC photographer friends about our organization and sign them up. New first time membership is onehalf regular membership. In closing, thank you for your support of PPNC.