Focal Point
MAY 2010
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Northern California Professional Photographers
Focal Point
MAY 2010
Northern California Professional Photographers Officers
Committee Chairs and Coordinators
Miscellaneous
President Randy Cazinha 925-249-1999 president@ncpponline.org
Website Tom O’Connor 925-586-2745 webmaster@ncpponline.org
NCPP Sustaining Members receive a 40% discount on advertising rates, and a complimentary link on our NCPP website in addition to other special benefits.
1st Vice President Programs Wayne Miller 925-330-8737 1stvp@ncpponline.org
Newsletter - Focal Point Graphics and Layout Editor Tom O’Connor 925-586-2745 newsletter@ncpponline.org
2nd Vice President Print Competition Denny Weigand 925-336-7994 2ndvp@ncpponline.org
Coordinator and Copy Editor Denny Weigand 925-336-7994 newsletter@ncpponline.org
Send Newsletter information to: Denny Weigand. newsletter@ncpponline.org Deadline for submission of articles and ad copy for the May issue is June 25th. Information received after the deadline cannot be guaranteed publication.
3rd Vice President Membership
Hospitality Lisa Duncan 925-284-3878 hospitality@ncpponline.org
Classified Ads Per issue, $18 includes up to six lines ($3 each add’l line). Classified ads free to NCPP members, up to three issues.
Treasurer Malcolm Slight 925-330-8737
treasurer@ncpponline.org
Membership Denny Weigand 925-336-7994 membership@ncpponline.org
Secretary Michael “Mack” McNamara 510-384-5535 secretary@ncpponline.org
Apprentice Membership Ann Gordon 510-222-4115 appmembership@ncpponline.org
Newsletter Advertising Annual Rates Back Cover $1000 Page 1 $900 Full Page $800 Half Page $600 Quarter Page $400
Night School
Focal Point is published by Northern California Professional Photographers. Articles and comments are invited; publication is subject to space available and editorial approval. Note: Articles are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily represent the position of NCPP. Ads and flyers may or may not have the endorsement of NCPP or its Board of Directors.
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Northern California Professional Photographers
Focal Point
MAY 2010 Table of Contents
Presidents Message
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Ramblings from 1st VP
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June Program - Michael Corsentino "Selling The Experience"
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May Print Competition
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Best of Show - May PPA Style
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Images from May Meeting
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All about Certification
11 - 12 - 13 - 14
Membership Information
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Photo de Tour Gang
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Coming in July - "the becker" "Creating Remarkable Experiences Program pitch"
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Hire our Members
18 - 19 - 20
NCPP Sustaining Members
21 - 22 - 23 - 24
Calendar - Important Dates
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Our Neighboring Affiliates
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Sunset Chart
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NCPP meeting this month
TUESDAY, JUNE 8th, 2010 3
Northern California Professional Photographers
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MAY 2010 Presidents Message - Randy Cazinha Well a year has passed since I became President and what an experience this has been. The many people I have met and the friendships I have made will stay with me forever. This has been one of my favorite parts of NCPP. Like any business or household we as an association have had to make some changes and budget adjustments. The hardest to part with has been the award winning printed version of The Focal Point (thanks go to Denny, Ananda, Paula, and Peg who have done a fantastic job!). It is now available online (for you to print). The cost of printing and mailing was a big part of our budget that we had to trim. It may return in the future. Night School that Tom O’Connor ran so well for the past few years will be revisited and a new version will appear soon.
Image by Robyn Cazinha
We will continue to bring top notch speakers to our monthly meetings; Wayne has selected some great speakers this year. Due to these changes, NCPP is in good financial shape. At our June meeting we will hold elections for upcoming officers. If you or someone you know would like to join the board it’s not too late. Contact me. See you June 8th! Sincerely, Randy Cazinha
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Northern California Professional Photographers
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MAY 2010
Ramblings from the 1st Vice President Wayne Miller (aka PdTG guy)
Photogs Tsunami...aka perfect storm Before I dive into this deep subject…. Last month NCPP had our own “Social Media Guru” Gustavo Fernández “Living with Social Media”. Gustavo was a wealth of S/M (that is Social Media….) info and his presentation materials were very interesting and well received. He gave several great tips on who, what, and why of social networking with the importance of having a plan to put it all together. If you are on/into social media then you know the benefits, if not you are riding on the wrong side of the wave! Ok back to the photogs tsunami, aka perfect storm, aka new age photographer. The PT’s (Photogs Tsunami’s) photographers are the perfect storm they are starting out with high waves (enthusiasm) high energy (youth), massiveness (shear numbers), passion (love of photography) which will carry 95% or more crashing against the rocks. Why because business is different that photography and if a ship sails without a map (strong business plan) most likely they will end up crashing very soon. Well you ask how one can avoid becoming a Tsunami disaster. Well I am going to help you……….. And you know I would without you even without asking. I was speaking with Stewart Schulze President of PPC and we were discussing the drops in membership at the local affiliate and State levels. It seems that the PT’s can buy a Rebel with a kit lens watch a few online videos and BOOM they become photographers for hire. The success rate is about the same as winning the Lottery. They presume that they can make it as a photographer without any business knowledge. Wrong! With the PT’s shoot and buns dropping prices to undercut other PT’s the value of photography is like the backwash of a wave. This PT’s has been building for a few years gaining tremendous power, the power to undercut the Pro Photographer. But photography is not the only craft that is changing the whole world is in a new state of flux. Everyone is working twice as hard for half as much. So if a Pro can do a photo shoot and out of 10 captures 3 to 4 are salable images, and the PT’s takes 1,000 captures and gets luck with 3 or 4 keepers who wins? Neither actually the Pro with the expertise to nail the image cannot compete with the prices of the PT”s. The PT’s get lucky with a few images but eventually burn out sifting through a 1,000 images and using Photoshop to salvage and produce a few saleable images. Ok what can the PT’s do??? Friends don’t lets friends stay as PT’s. If you know of one or several of these PT’s invite them to a NCPP meeting. There are opportunities to grow and learn from some of the most successful, friendly, knowledgeable Professional Photographers in the Bay Area. When you share what you know you help others and learn more yourself. For me joining NCPP has taken my photography to the next level. The progression join a local affiliate like NCPP, attend the meetings and events (staying away you get/give nothing), get involved in the organization (the growth thing) giving back. Ok now you’re a regular attending member now what? Learn by doing; enter print competition, help-out at the meetings, and network with other photogs. Join the board (oh I am too busy to help) well NCPP doesn’t run on fuel it runs on love babe. Love from the members helping out, setting up the meetings, lining up speakers, events, and all this is Continued next page: 5
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MAY 2010
Ramblings from the 1st Vice President Wayne Miller (aka PdTG guy) behind the scenes while one just pops into the meeting and goes on their way. For those whom miss the meetings you are missing what NCPP is about sharing the Love. The Love of Photography. Ok what next? Become a CPP. Certified Professional Photographer and join the ranks of an elite group of less than 5% of the photographic community. Yes it is not easy but if you want easy why not just wear your jammies and eat TV dinner’s babe. To become a CPP you have to be a PPA member (or pay a fee equal to being a PPA member) take a written test, and submit 20-images that are judged before you get certified. Boy that is a lot of work… but ask any CPP and the skill and knowledge that you gain on the way is worth it. Ok now what? You are a CPP and now you go after your Masters. You need to collect 13-print merits (points) in PPA international print competition, and 12-service merits. Some do it in two years, other take twenty and the average is 3-5 years. Congratulations in your journey toward mastering the craft. You are a CPP, a Master not what…..you share your knowledge and experience with others. You become a Craftsman Photographer by getting speaking merits 13 for speaking and another 12 for service. PPC Professional Photographers of California has a similar program. Ok got the road from PT’s to Master or Craftsman: • Join NCPP and affiliate at local level • Become involved and help • Join PPC at the State Level • Join PPA at the National Level • CPP become a Certified Professional Photographer • Master Photographer • Craftsman This is the road less traveled so when you reach the Master/Craftsman level you get a great feeling of accomplishment and great skills and knowledge along the way. “Stay thirsty for knowledge my friend” WM. Mark your calendar for the next BIG NCPP Event on July 13th NCPP is proud to present “the becker”. This is an event you will not want to miss: PRIZES, FOOD, VENDORS
Socialize 6-7pm, meet with other photographers, vendors and enjoy hors d'oeuvres. Meeting 7:00pm the becker New Officers sworn in at 9:15pm Come and show your support for the new officers for NCPP. PPA Style print competition 9:25pm: NCPP members may enter up to two PPA style prints. The images are judged by a panel of 5 judges whom score and comment on the prints. NCPP members are free Guest fee is $20 in advance (Click here Early Bird $20.00 PayPal) or $30 at the door the day of the event.
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Northern California Professional Photographers
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MAY 2010
NCPP proudly presents Michael Corsentino June 8th "Selling The Experience"
Would you like to learn how to control the sales process and make more money from every job? Learn how to maximize your profits, all without creating a barrier to entry for your clients. This presentation will cut through the fluff and offer real-world solutions that are easy to understand and implement. Michael Corsentino will teach students how to get back on track, stay motivated and ramp up studio sales, allowing photographers to finally reap the full rewards of their hard work.
Michael Corsentino, a San Francisco Bay Area lifestyle photographer, made his first image when he was just 12 years old and hasn’t put his camera down since. His love affair with the magic of photography is more passionate today than ever. Stylish, fun, creative and relaxed images set Michael’s photography apart. Michael's award-winning blend of photojournalism, fashion and editorial styles have made him an in-demand portrait and destination wedding photographer.
NCPP Northern California Professional Photographers meet at Marriott Hotel at 2355 North Main Street in Walnut Creek, CA Website: http://ncpponline.org/ Socialize in the bar 6-6:45 meet start at 7pm sharp
NCPP Members are free, Guest fee is $30 Guests click here to pay online for an Early Bird rate of $20 7
Northern California Professional Photographers
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MAY 2010 Print Competition ... PPA Style
This month we are having PPA style print competition. Bring your images and register them with Denny Weigand. You may enter up to two images. There will be a total of only 20 images allowed in the competition. They need to be registered before 6:58pm. Images entered after that time will not be allowed in their respective competitions. Good luck to all!! If you are interested in volunteering with print comp, please contact Denny Weigand at 925-336-7994 or E-mail Denny.
May 2010 Print Comp Winners
image by Gustavo Fernandez
1st Place - Wayne Miller "Twilight Serenity" 2nd Place - Rich Stahlberg "Emotion" 3rd Place - Rich Stahlberg "Harvest Moon - Mt. Diablo"
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Northern California Professional Photographers
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MAY 2010 Print of the Month by Wayne Miller
Twilight Serenity by Wayne Miller Twilight Serenity was captured during a PdTG (Photo de Tour Gang) outing to China Camp on April 6th 2009. It was an HDR capture at 6:30pm while we were all sitting and waiting for the moon to appear. I had an iPod application that shows the time, direction and elevation of the moon on a given date and location. As we waited for the magical appearance of where I though the moon should appear I shot several bracketed images for HDR. Notice I said should….this is because I had the north pointing the wrong way and the moon actually appeared South East briefly and I was pointed east..daaaaaa. Anyway I did capture this peaceful scene. I added the moon from another capture because dam it I wanted it in the image, I was there, I had my Focalware app and all my cronies were having a good chuckle because I couldn’t find true North with two hands and a flashlight. If you can’t laugh at yourself…….who will?
½ sec @ f/16 0 ev
1/10 sec @ f/16 -2 ev
1.6sec @ f/16 +2 ev
The three RAWS ISO 100, Aperture Priority, 70-200mm f2.8 at 70mm on a tripod. Processed in Lightroom 2, Photomatix Pro and final tweaking in Photoshop CS4. I feel honored and surprised that the NCPP judges picked this image as Best of Show. 9
Northern California Professional Photographers
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MAY 2010 Images from May Meeting
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Northern California Professional Photographers
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MAY 2010
Let's Get Certified!
by Laura Cottril
A few years ago some of our members were trying to figure out ways to raise the bar in our NCPP affiliate. We had often thought of trying to become a CPP, Certified Professional Photographer through PPA, but there was never a good time to commit. We decided to form a study group to give ourselves accountability and work towards our goals together. It was a self-contained group. We each took a chapter or two, studied it and led the discussion of the night on “our” chapter. We learned, debated, discovered and even became friends! Our strengths as individuals contributed to the strength of the group! Oddly enough, it was FUN! Thus became a new tradition for NCPP; supporting our members through challenge and support of continuing education in a structured way. Since that first group there have been other groups. Each group has its own personality and gifts. What is the benefit to becoming certified, you ask? For me personally, I wanted to challenge myself to the technical and print review tests. I wanted a structured challenge to know in my heart that I knew what I was doing. For some, it is a great marketing tool. Only a small percent of photographers are CPP! It is a way to stand out from the crowd. Another unexpected benefit was the friendships I made through the study group. We’d like to continue this tradition of offering Certification Study Groups and want to find out who is interested? Most groups meet weekly for approximately 8 weeks. I’ll provide some summary details below. COSTS: PPA Membership: $323 per year OR $75 down and a $23.75 per month! Certification program application fee $100 Application fee is valid for three years, you have three years to complete the program Resource website: http://certifiedphotographer.com/ http://certify.sandypuctours.com/ Sandy Puc is also sponsoring a challenge to help 1,000 photographers get certified!!! Check out her inspirational website! EXAM: The exam date may be in conjunction with a convention or we may set up a special exam date if there is a group. IMAGE REVIEW: The requirements for the image review portion can be found on the website. STUDY GROUP: Goal is to meet once weekly in preparation for exam. YOU WILL NOT HAVE AN INSTRUCTOR. You will work as a team to learn and teach each other as you go. Group needs to have one coordinator who will confirm meeting times and places. A Yahoo group email will be set up so you may communicate with the group easily. Please contact me if you are interested or if you have any questions! Go for it!!! Laura Cottril
laura@lauracphotography.com
925-465-4466
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Northern California Professional Photographers
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MAY 2010 NCPP Certified Professional Photographers
We proudly list NCPP's Certified Professional Photographers:
Pam Biasotti Jennifer Chesterman Laura Cottril Lisa Duncan Paul Fillinger Jennifer Fink Stacey Flurscheim Nicole Gee Tod Gomes Ann Gordon Wayne Miller Michael McNamara Jill Heller Tom O'Connor Terry Riggins Malcolm Slight Richard Stahlberg Denny Weigand
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Northern California Professional Photographers
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MAY 2010 More on Certification
(as stated on the certification website) What is Certification? The certification of specialized skill-sets affirms a knowledge and experience base for practitioners in a particular field, their employers, and the public at large. Certification represents a declaration of a particular individual’s professional competence. In some professions certification is a requirement for employment or practice. Doctors, mechanics, accountants, professional secretaries, surveyors and many others are all required to go through a certification process of some kind. For more information on certification, please visit The Institute for Credentialing Excellence.
Why Be A Certified Photographer? Studies show that certification is the most widely recognized consumer credential. Consumers may not know a lot about professional photography, but they know that certification should ensure professional-quality goods and services. Clients in every industry seek out credentialed professionals, as the public recognizes certification as a sign that one is an authority in the field. A Certified Photographer designation offers potential clients an assurance, not just of quality, but of technical skill and artistic expertise. As the leading certifying agency for imaging professionals, the Professional Photographic Certification program is recognized throughout the industry. Those who have earned the Professional Photographic Certification have passed a comprehensive written exam measuring their technical expertise, and have successfully submitted their work to a panel
Get Certified Congratulations on making the important decision to become a Certified Professional Photographer! There are three components to CPP certification: • • •
Declaration of Candidacy Certification Exam Image Submission Review
Declaration of Candidacy is your first step towards becoming a Certified Professional Photographer. Once you've declared your candidacy, you will have three years to successfully complete the two additional requirements: Image Submission Review and the Certification Exam.
Continued next page:
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MAY 2010 More on Certification
The Certification Exam and Image Submission Review may be completed in any order — one may submit images for review before taking the written exam. If you do not complete all requirements during the three year period, your candidacy will end. You must re-apply, pay the appropriate fee, and re-start the process. All Certified Professional Photographers must adhere to the Standards of Conduct for Certification, as outlined below. Standards of Conduct for Certification As a Certified Professional Photographer, one agrees to: • • • • •
Maintain exemplary standards of professional conduct Actively model and encourage others to integrate professionalism and ethics in the practice of business and to encourage all people qualified to pursue the goal of Certification Strive to continually advance my knowledge and achieve higher levels of excellence Maintain the confidentiality of all privileged information, except when so doing becomes an ethical or legal breach of contract. Maintain the integrity and proprietary nature of the Certification Examination and agree not to divulge the individual questions that are used on the Examination.
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MAY 2010 Membership Information
Contact Denny Weigand with / for any Membership Information Denny Weigand @ 925-336-7994
APPRENTICE NEWS Contact: Ann Gordon @ 510-222-4115 If you have comments or information regarding new applicants, please send them to: Denny Weigand, NCPP Membership Chair: membership@ncpponline.org
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MAY 2010 Photo de Tour Gang Images
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MAY 2010 NCPP Speaker July 13th: - "the becker"
“Creating Remarkable Experiences Program pitch” Program title: Creating Remarkable Experiences Program pitch: In this program, Becker will share his process for creating remarkable experiences for his clients which turn them into raving fans. He’ll demonstrate actual case studies about his exclusive cliental, teach you how to get more word of mouth referrals and he’ll show how his studio delivers outstanding customer service without fail. Bio: Becker is a wedding photographer from Southern California who specializes in capturing relaxed portraits, amazing details and real moments. He has built one of the most recognizable brands in the wedding industry and regularly shoots exclusive weddings for cool couples all over the globe. Known for his remarkable branding and consistent style, he has become one of the most sought after and respected photographers in the business. He also has a passion for helping photographers become more successful and is co-founder thebschool.com, a social network designed to help photographers help each other. Becker is a leader within the photographic communities and was voted the most influential living photographer in a recent PDNonline.com readers poll.
Marriott Hotel at 2355 North Main Street in Walnut Creek, CA in the Contra Costa Room lower level Socialize 6-7pm, Meeting 7:00pm sharp, new officers sworn in 9:15, print competition 9:25pm Socialize 6-7pm, meet with other photographers, vendors and enjoy hors d'oeuvres. Meeting 7:00pm the
becker
New Officers sworn in at 9:15pm Come and show your support for the new officers for NCPP. PPA Style print competition 9:25pm: NCPP members may enter up to two PPA style prints. The images are judged by a panel of 5 judges whom score and comment on the prints. NCPP members are free, Guest fee is $20 in advance PayPal by 7/5/2010 or $30 at the door. Guests click here to pay online for an
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Early Bird rate of $20
Northern California Professional Photographers
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MAY 2010 Hire Our Members
NEED A RETOUCH SPECIALIST ??? Tired of Retouching? Tired of Wedding Edits? Tired of Enhancing Your Images? Just Plain Tired of Spending Time Behind the Computer? Printing Quality Less Than Desired? Administrative Details Got You Down? Call the Expert!
Call Denny at (925)
336-7994
For Reasonable Pricing and Solutions
Email: digitalwhims@comcast.net Web: http://www.digitalwhims.com Member: PPA NAPP AIDG NCPP Telephone: (925) 336-7994
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Northern California Professional Photographers
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MAY 2010 Hire Our Members
Jill Heller (Hager), CPP – Photography by Jill Photographer, Photoshopper and sales-gal extraordinaire! Great with all aspects of studio work. Photoshop CS4, ProShow, ProSelect and SuccessWare trained. Available for your studio work assistance. Call 925-286-2097 or email jill@photojill.com.
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Northern California Professional Photographers
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MAY 2010 Hire Our Members
Glamour Retouch Makeover
Glamour retouching to create that special image for your clients. Sometimes an image needs a little punch to take it to the next level, or a digital make-over for a magazine cover look. Sends us your jpeg marked up for a free quote or sugestions for the glamour makeover. Visit www.wmphotos.com to see some finished images. Special rates for NCPP Professionals. Guaranteed Satisfaction we will make it right or your money back!
Wayne Miller Photography fineart@wmphotos.com Clayton, CA 925-330-8737
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Northern California Professional Photographers
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MAY 2010 NCPP Sustaining Members
Sustaining Members are companies that manufacture or distribute photographic equipment, laboratories, publishers or firms providing services to photographers. These Sustaining Members also contribute to the welfare of NCPP, with monetary and technical support. Sustaining Members may participate in all NCPP events, however they may not vote or hold office. We encourage our NCPP members to support our Sustaining Members. If you are interested in becoming a Sustaining Member, contact Denny Weigand. 925-336-7994 or E-mail @ digitalwhims@comcast.net -Listed Alphabetically-
THE ART OF PICTURE FRAMING APF is a full-service wholesale custom framing facility. We work closely with Fine Art and Framing Galleries, Interior Designers, Professional Photographers, Art Consultants, Retailers and others in need of custom framing at wholesale prices. APF specializes in creating custom programs or packages to your individual business or market needs. We offer superior quality with flexible pricing to fit your individual needs. Contact: Mike Moretti 1084 Shary Circle, #B Concord, CA 94518 (Located behind Costco) E-mail: apfwholesale@sbcglobal.net 925-689-5177 web: http://stores.apfwholesale.com/StoreFront.bok
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Northern California Professional Photographers
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MAY 2010 NCPP Sustaining Members
BAY PHOTO LAB Contact: Debbie Thomas E-mail: debbie@bayphoto.com 510-585-7049 web: http://www.bayphoto.com/ 2161 Delaware Ave. Santa Cruz, CA 95060 800-435-6686 fax: 931-475-5257
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MAY 2010 NCPP Sustaining Members
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MAY 2010 NCPP Sustaining Members
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MAY 2010 NCPP Calendar
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2 MASTERS Night
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Committee
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7-NCPP Elections || 8-Michael Corsentino
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8 People Choice
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11-Gustavo Fernรกnd
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10-Jules Bianchi
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10-Michael Van Auken
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15 (2.5 hr program)
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Northern California Professional Photographers
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MAY 2010 NCPP Calendar Our Neighboring Affiliates
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MAY 2010
Sunset Table This information is for Walnut Creek. You can obtain sunset times for other locations at http://www.sunrisesunset.com/
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Northern California Professional Photographers