NEinFocus PPANE 2018 January by Professional Photographers of New England

PPANE CONVENTION

April 7th Look Inside for Speaker Spotlights!

YOUR ELEVATOR PITCH

When You Only Have 30 Seconds What Would You Say?

IMAGE COMPETITION

Understanding the Basics to Achieve Excellence

Brought to You by:

January 2018

CONTENTS 03. Hands On Workshop Series Save the Dates!

08. Remembering Al Audleman 09. Imaging USA

Attend Trish Logan’s Program

10-11. Top 10 Educational Quick Picks

12-17. PPANE Convention

New Date! Great Speakers! Competition!

20-29. NEIPP

Benefits. Videos Galore! Speaker Info.

30. NEIPP Alumni Art Exchange

32. On the Cover 33-35. Member Loan Images Be Inspired!

36-38. Image Competition

Understanding the Basics to Achieve Excellence

39. Northeast District Competition Deadlines & Judging

40-43. Results May Vary

Image Competition: Confusion or Frustration?

44-46. What’s Your Elevator Pitch?

When You Only Have 30 Seconds, What Would You Say?

47. One Photographer Takes Passion to a 100! Experience “Rescued!”

48-49. Fun Facts

Things You Never Knew About PPANE Board Members

55. Thank You

Best of Luck to Candace & Fred

IN EVERY ISSUE 05. PPANE Board

06. Editor’s Notes 07. President’s Message 18. Renew/Join

PPANE Membership Benefits

31. Introducing Our New Members 52-53. Affiliate Information & Conventions Local Advantages, Affiliate Happenings

56-57. Member Ads NEinFocus Magazine is a publication of the Professional Photographers of New England (PPANE). Look for new issues in May, August and October. Have an article or content idea? Contact PPANE Magazine Editor, Jean Wozniak.

Professional Photographers of New England www.ppane.com

PPANE BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT Trish Logan, Cr.Photog. PRESIDENT ELECT Patricia Takacs, M.Photog.

STATE DIRECTORS CT - Lisa Cuchara, Ph.D., Cr.Photog., HonNEC ME - Crystal Reynolds MA - Lisa King, CPP NH - Lauri West, A.C.Ph. RI - OPEN VT - OPEN

VICE PRESIDENT of PROGRAMS Patricia Walsh Slaven, CPP

STATE REPRESENTATIVES CT - Marisa Balletti-Lavoie ME - Sandra Miner MA - Jen Clark, CPP NH - Scott Snyder RI - Bailey Fox VT - OPEN

VICE PRESIDENT of COMMUNICATIONS Ella Carlson, M.Photog., M. Artist, Cr., CPP, EA-ASP, A.C.Ph. VICE PRESIDENT of FINANCE Raymond Peeples, Jr., CPP, A.C.Ph.

MAGAZINE EDITOR Jean Wozniak, CPP, C.Ph.

PAST PRESIDENT Madonna Lovett Repeta, M.Photog., Cr., C.Ph. EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Jim Walker

VENDOR REP Ken Wilson HISTORIAN AND PARLIAMENTARIAN OPEN

New England Institute of Professional Photography www.neipp.com (978) 419-1585

NEIPP ACTING DIRECTOR & RI TRUSTEE/CHAIR Diane Miller Yeatman, M.Photog., Cr. STATE TRUSTEES Trustee Vice Chair

CT - Charleen Larkin, M.Photog., Cr., CPP MA - Steve Sedman M.Photog., Cr. ME - Patricia Takacs, M.Photog. NH - Raymond Peeples. Jr., CPP, A.C.Ph. VT - Wayne Tarr, M.Photog., Cr., CPP

Editor’s Notes

X zine! a g a M

Our Newsletter Editor

Jean Wozniak, CPP, C.Ph.

. . . r e t t e l s w Ne

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and THE PPANE CONVENTION HAS MOVED. IT’S JUST here’s to a happy, healthy, prosperous 2018. BEFORE NEIPP! There’s so much to share so read slowly! It will be held on April 7, 2018 at the Hyannis As we begin this new year with that fresh sense of new Resort & Conference Center, where NEIPP is held, one beginnings, what better time to publish our first ISSUU day before NEIPP starts. PPANE welcomes two great magazine! The transition is over and our newsletter programs, starting with acclaimed visual storyteller, has officially become a magazine! What is ISSUU, you Paul Ernest, and followed by impactful commercial ask? It is an online, truly modern media company with and wedding photographer, Will Cadena. As if these worldwide reach to make it more relevant and more great speakers weren’t enough, there will be our very modern! I can’t tell you how excited I am to have been own PPANE Image Competition complete with new a part of this great team. What you now see in this chances to win awards! Check out the details on Page publication has been a collective vision and execution 18. Our annual meeting will be held at lunch that of creative ideas focused on giving PPANE members a day. Once the commoradarie and excitement kick in, more in-depth benefit. We’re working hard to include I’m sure it will be hard to leave. Why not stay, attend, more article content, click-through links and videos, top and benefit from a course at NEIPP? There is nothing 10 resource lists, members-only areas, classified section like the sense of community NEIPP offers, not to for members, and more. Have an article idea or one mention the boost it gives your business! There are you’ve already written? Video or link suggestion? Let plenty of video links showing the great instructors in me know. With so much to offer, you’ll be on the edge of action starting on Page 21 to entice you. your seat anticipating each issue! Also In This Issue: Northeast District competition Name Unveiling: With the conversion from entries are now open. For those just starting out in newsletter to magazine also comes a new name for competition, or wanting to understand the process a the publication. The PPANE Communications team little better, check out the articles starting on Page 36. put their heads together and came up with NEinFocus With the new section featuring member Loan images (short for New England in Focus)! It represents a from the 2017 IPC, fun and interesting facts you may focus for members to benefit from more industry not have know about your PPANE Board members, related articles, important news and information. and an article to help you fine tune your elevator pitch, take time to flip through the whole magazine! Speaking Members’ Ad Section: Have a workshop or class on behalf of the entire Communications team, may this you’re teaching? Product or industry related service publication bring you much value and benefit in every you offer? Members can issue. We’d love to hear what you think. Reach out to now promote them in this me, President Trish, or VP of Communications Ella with PPANE Magazine. Provide your thoughts. Now, turn the pages and enjoy! one 1/2 page ad or two 1/4 LOOK what’s coming NEXT. This spring we are page ads per fiscal year to getting SOCIAL! Articles to help your social media be included in the new ad reach, branding, and don’t miss “Shine: 100 section. Workshops/classes Women of Long Branch,” a project of 100 portraits must not conflict with NEIPP that capture a moment in the lives of women from April 8-12, 2018 and will be approved by the Board. Be 18-96, rich and poor, fancy and plain, from all over a part of spreading education! the world. 6

President’s Message Welcome to the Professional Photographers of New England’s (PPANE) New Magazine. If you are new to the industry trying to find your place or someone that has had an established business for years, we are here for YOU! PPANE is about learning, networking, friendships, & finding a tribe you can fit into & truly Love! When I joined PPANE several years ago, I never imagined I’d be President one day. I joined because I wanted to learn and grow. Joining PPANE brought me from being part of my local state association to meeting new friends and colleagues all over New England. Ultimately, those New England connections opened even more doors in the photographic industry, allowing me to actually expand my network to speak and teach at the National PPA Convention. My desire to learn - created pathways for me to even become a mentor. This was a lesson I learned from New England photographers who mentored me. PPANE is full of opportunities to find awesome mentors! As President, I am excited to share with you the many things PPANE has to offer, in addition to the life-long friendships you will make as part of the PPANE TRIBE.

Click Here for our TOP Ten Member Benefits I hope you will join us! I look forward to answering any questions you may have. Don’t wait to be a better photographer or work your dream job! REACH OUT TO US TAKE A CHANCE & JOIN NOW WHY STRUGGLE ALONE? PPANE IS HERE TO HELP & WOULD LOVE TO GET TO KNOW YOU BETTER! For more information on PPANE contact our Executive Secretary at: Email: exsec@ppane.com for more info.

Trish Logan Cr.Photog. President 2017 - 2018 7

Tribute to Al Audleman

Our PPANE/NEIPP family has lost one of its own. We were all deeply sadden to hear the news that Al Audleman passed away unexpectedly in early December. He was a kind, gentle, giving man, whose passion for life and photography was evident in all he did. He taught on the state, regional and national level, and thousands of peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives have been touched by him and changed for the better.

Al Audleman 1944 - 2017

Al brightened so many lives. Here are some of our favorite images from his many years teaching at NEIPP and his travels in the video below.

A scholarship is being set up to honor Al. The Al Audleman Memorial Scholarship will help pay tuition for students attending PPA Affiliate Schools. Al was someone who would challenge us to be better and to do better. There are 12 affiliate schools and our preliminary goal is to give at least two scholarships per affiliate school. All funds collected go towards these scholarships. The criteria for awarding the scholarships will be set forth when there is a better idea of the amount raised and will be discussed among the group of affiliate school boards. Please join us in creating this scholarship that honors Alâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s memory and his drive to help others.

We will miss our dear friend, mentor, brother, confidant, and favorite fishing buddy, but we celebrate his spirit and his love of our organization. 8

PPANEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Own

Trish Logan! Presents

Bringing in the Big Guns: The Business of School Photography

Sponsored by:

Join Will as he shares some of his quick tricks and tips for how to get some of the commericial-like imagery, when there isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t much time to spare on the job and any kind of session (wedding/ commercia/portrait). He will show you how he uses hard light, soft light, and available light along with reflectors and color gels. He will also share some of his business and social media secrets to help you cater to not only events, but corporate and advertising clients as well. 95% in camera / 5% in post. Will combines a modern, edgy look with traditional photography. Shooting for over 17 years has given him the experience to break the rules of traditional photography and deliver a whole new look to his images without retouching. He is one of B&Hâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s featured photographers and enjoys and values speaking for Canon Experience Center, Album Epoca Academy in Italy and WPPI. 14

I N A C T I O N

PPANE IMAGE COMPETITION

PPANE will be holding our first www.printcompetition.com image competition at the Convention the day before NEIPP starts, on April 7, 2018. Here’s your chance to test out those images that you’ve reworked since the District results or test run images that weren’t ready for the District competition. Test run as many images as you want before sending them to the next stage of competition!

Competition Rules

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

All entries must be entered via www.printcompetition.com. Entrants may submit only digital files. No changes to your entries are permitted once the entry deadline has passed. No refunds will be issued after the entry fee is paid. Entrants do not need to be PPANE members to compete in the PPANE Competition. Entries previously merited at PPA’s International Photographic Competition are not eligible, including any image from a merited album.

Eligibility

Eligibility requirements for the PPANE Competition are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

8. 9. 10.

Entrant must have captured and created the original exposure or exposures for all entries other than those submitted to the Artist category. All processing, manipulation and/or rendering, were done by the entrant or under their direct supervision. For entries in the Artist category, all of the digital work must be done by the entrant. The entrant has obtained and has access to all necessary releases (model or property) and agrees to hold PPANE harmless against all claims and liabilities arising out of PPANE’s display, publication and promotion or other use of each image submitted to PPANE. The entrant’s name shall not appear anywhere in or on the face of the entry. There is no limit to the number of entries that may be submitted per entrant. No entry will be eligible if it has been made under the supervision of an instructor or as a class assignment. All images submitted must be self-directed. Images created in an educational environment under direct supervision from an instructor are ineligible. All elements of each entry much be created by the entrant, except in the case of Artist entries where the entrant can use material from other sources. If an entry, in the good-faith opinion of the IPCC, violates copyright, trademark or any other applicable law, that entry shall be disqualified. Multiple entries may be of the same subject. Entries will cost PPANE members $20 each, and non-PPANE members $30 each. Entries for PPANE competition may be submitted after February 28th. The deadline for the PPANE competition is March 31, 2018.

Prizes

In addition to first, second and third place trophies, NEIPP scholarships will be awarded to the makers of the three highest scoring images. These awards will be based on the scoring of a single image, not cumulative case scores. Only one scholarship will be awarded per entrant. (For instance: if one photographer creates the top two entries, that maker will only receive one scholarship and the next highest scoring entrant will receive the 2nd place award.) Only one scholarship will be awarded per entrant. Judges decisions are final. Ties will be broken by considering the next highest scoring image submitted by the tied entrants, and so forth until the tie is broken. First prize is a $750 NEIPP 2019 scholarship; second prize is a $500 NEIPP 2019 scholarship; third prize is a $250 NEIPP 2019 scholarship. Scholarships must be used for a full week tuition at NEIPP 2019, (for either a four-day class or two two-day classes). If any awarded recipient cannot use his/her scholarship for the following year’s NEIPP, the monies are forfeited and that amount will go back into the NEIPP scholarship or general fund.

Submission

The rules regulating digital submission are: • Entries and entry fees are to be submitted through www.printcompetition.com. • Files must be sized so that the longest dimension is 4000 pixels. Each file must contain an embedded color profile of either sRGB or Adobe RGB1998 and be saved at a JPEG quality setting of 10. In most cases, total file size should not exceed 3.5 MB. Larger files will be accepted when necessary so long are they are JPEG/10. • No underscores or special characters are to be used in the file name. • The deadline is March 31, 2018. Judging will take place April 7, 2018 during the PPANE Convention prior to NEIPP.

At PPANE we're all about helping our members grow! It's easy to feel lost in the technology changes and industry shufﬂe! Gathering with colleagues in person is a great way to share ideas and learn new skills. It will help your photography and help you grow professionally.

We are on a mission to give you the BEST value for your membership dollar! Check out our regular beneﬁts: FREE Convention Access - FREE Trade Show PPANE Members SAVE $125 on NEIPP Tuition Get listed on a pro website to bump your SEO Be part of our team! The PPANE Board is member run Apply for member only scholarships Earn PPA Merits Connect with industry peers & national speakers

NEW MEMBER BENEFITS!

We want members to feel MORE LOVE!

FREE image critiques by mentors AWESOME Member Magazine! FREE Classiﬁed Ads Live Image Judging New England ONLY image awards Get on our New England Expert list for speaking & judging Have your Loan Image featured on our cover Get published when you write an article for the Magazine! Earn Speaking Merits by teaching a workshop

Stay Informed, Keep in Touch, Join the Buzz, Get Social with us. Click, ‘Like,’ comment and be a part of the community.

NEIPP Community Group

PPANE/NEIPP Page

Website

New England Institute of Professional Photography

NEIPP BENEFITS

Raves

Crystal Reynolds

“ I LOVE NEIPP! The friends made and education received is priceless. I passed the CPP exam thanks tomy amazing instructor, Al Audleman,andNEIPP Trustee,Don Chick...couldn’t have done it without the NEIPP experience!“

Register for NEIPP & Get a PPANE Membership PPANE member-eligible Scholarships Hands on Education Susan Schale Smaller Classroom Sizes a new NEIPP photography student. I was new, nervous, and Get Up Close and Learn with the Industry Greats As sat in my car for about ½ hour (ok, maybe longer) before I got the Trade Show courage to go into the Conference Center. I checked into my room, unpacked, played on the computer, rearranged the furniture…. Earn PPA Merits for Your Degrees Then I realized - I was going to have to face a crowd of “strangers.” Visit our NEIPP WEBSITE Within minutes, I was encircled by a welcoming, warm group of for a full list of 2018 Programs photographers, sharing stories and enthusiastically discussing

INTRODUCE SOMEONE TO NEIPP $50 OFF NEIPP TUITION

Get a new person to come to NEIPP for a full week. Have them mention your name when they register.

$25 OFF NEIPP TUITION

Get a new person to sign up for a two-day class. Have them mention your name when they register.

the upcoming NEIPP week. The instructors are chosen from all over the country. A great learning opportunity for new and wellseasoned photographers. NEIPP provides a chance to study with the best! The instructors as well as fellow photography students are eager to teach and learn from each other. All things combined have all provided me the confidence and the courage to forge ahead in my photography business.”

Genevieve Buck

I really can not say enough great things about my time at NEIPP. I hope to go every year until I am qualified to teach. I loved the people and the teachers where fantastic. I have made life-long friends as well as improved my photography. My business was better this year as well as every picture I took! So I really could go on and on about how much I loved NEIPP and how much I learned, and how it got me out of bed every morning, loved it! I really could go on and on! Thank you ;)

Ann Monteith NEIPP Instructor AND Student!

Get to Know

NEIPP Instructors, Thom Rouse & Woody Walters

Sample Woodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Knowledge

Thom Explaining What to Expect in the Class 21

Get to Know

NEIPP Instructor, Ted Linczak

Article from Professional Photographer Magazine, Pg. 70

About his NEIPP Course

Visit His Website

2016 GIA Award Winning Album

Get to Know

NEIPP Instructor, Chris Pinchbeck

Chris Explaining What to Expect in the Class

Visit His Website

Get to Know

NEIPP Instructor, Trish Logan

Click on both to get to know Trish

Business... Boring? You Havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Studied with Trish! 24

John Otter The Baptist

John Otter the Baptist is one cute little otter that lives at the Arnold Wildlife Rescue facility! I was photographing the facility for Okeechobee The Magazine’s article on all the animals that lived there. John the Baptist, as he is now known, kept running around and the helper picked him up. He was so cute I couldn’t resist the photograph. In post, I painted him by himself as I didn’t feel one otter was impactful enough for a competition image. Knowing otter’s are so playful, I wanted to have something to make me smile. I added another otter photo and began the process of telling a story. After painting them both together, they reminded me of my two oldest sons playing Baptism; therefore, the name was chosen. After the name, I could paint and give it personality. The original image did not have a tongue sticking out, so I added it to give him even more personality. The sky, water, rocks and grass were painted without guide prints.

Maker

Sandra Pearce,

M.Photog., Cr., MEI, CPP Okeechobee, Florida www.sandrapearcephotography.net

Tools & Technique

Camera & Lens: Canon 1DX, Canon 70-200mm Exposure: 1/125 second at f/6.3, ISO 100

Post-Capture: Painting was done in Photoshop Creative Cloud with The special thing about painting in Photoshop is that you have the air brush, in all modes. The your image guide to paint. Adobe is improving their brushes and mixer brush was then used to incorporating painterly tools each year. I invite you to join me in blend all the paint together. my NEIPP class, to not only learn to paint, but learn skills that will help you in your every day retouching. 27

NEIPP 2018 Everyone IS A WINNER!

Alumni News

The art of photography is near and dear to the heart and soul of all of us. Many of us got our start because we liked to take “Pretty Pictures!”

NEIPP ALUMNI ART EXCHANGE The NEIPP Alumni Art Exchange is a way to share some of our favorite images. EveryOne IS A WINNER! Donate an 8X10 “Art Image” signed by the maker! You will receive an 8X10 “Art Image” signed by the maker! Entry Fee $10 All money goes to NEIPP Scholarships Share those “Pretty Pictures.” Images displayed and winners drawn at NEIPP 2018 Ca$$$h Raffle at PPANE Trade Show won by Jim Walker! Thanks to all for attending and supporting our vendors! Mark Haskell

Alumni Treasurer 51 Pearl Street Camden, Maine 04843 cell 207-557-0452 30

Introducing Our New PPANE Members Join our Tribe Marisa Balletti-Lavoie Meriden, CT Paula Curran Leominster, MA Bailey Fox Warwick, RI Michelle Palys Twin Mountain, NH Amy Pearson Boxborough, MA

This image was from a high school senior session. One of her favorite activities was ballet and after our usual senior session we ended with a variety of creative poses. This image was one of my favorites because of its overall impact. The repeating circles reflected in the skirt and the bun in her hair to the graceful lines of her legs and arms extending to the tips of her fingers gave the allusion of an elaborate bow at the end of a performance, hence the title, The Finale. I cropped the image slightly off center to add a little tension to an otherwise soft and ethereal image. © Ed Pedi

On the Cover “The Finale”

Award Accolades include: Highest Scoring image in the High School Senior category 2017 PPA Northeast District; PPANE 2017 Court of Honor award; 2017 PPA Loan Collection award and 2018 PPA Grand Imaging Award Finalist.

Maker

Ed Pedi, M.Photog., Cr., CPP North Andover, Massachusetts www.edpediphoto.com

Tools & Technique

Camera & Lens: Canon 5D Mark III, 70-200mm 2.8 lens. Exposure: 1/125 second at f/6.3, ISO 100 Lighting: Main light - Photogenic 2500, in a 3’x4’ Larson Soffbox at f/6.3; Accent light – Photogenic in a 4’x6’ Larson Soffbox at f/5.0; Background light (overhead) Photogenic in a Larson Strip 1’x4’ at f/6.3; 4’x6’ reflector used for fill. Background: Shot in studio with Maheu Pastel Forest background. Post-Capture: Image converted to Black & White with NIK Silver Efex. Various Photoshop adjustments were used for creative enhancement to lose detail in background and enhance the subject. 32

“Play At Your Own Risk” This is a 2016 image of the Monte Fitz Roy area (aka Cerro Chaltén) in the Southern Patagonia Ice Field. Fitz Roy itself is actually hidden behind the cloud and is significantly higher than the closer peak. It was first summited in 1952 and is one of the most technically challenging peaks in the world despite its modest elevation of only about 11,000 feet. Its name is in honor of the captain of the HMS Beagle. Although I was waiting for the clouds to move mainly to the background, they remained persistently in front of the main peak and I did not have the option of waiting them out. Even obscuring the main peak, the clouds and their shadows obviously add much to the scene.

Maker

Alan Kirby, M.Photog., A.C.Ph. Hollis, New Hampshire www.boundingdeer.com

Tools & Technique

The capture was made with a D810 and 24-120 VR lens set at about 50mm. Exposure 1/60 at f/11. Postprocessing was done in Photoshop and Nik SEP.

LOAN IMAGES

The images featured on the cover and the next few pages represent images from PPANE members that were accepted into the prestigious Loan Collection in PPA’s 2017 International Photographic Competition. These are just a sampling of images. More PPANE member Loan images will be featured in future issues. Would you like to see yours featured. Be sure to send them to jeanwozniak@comcast.net. Loan images are considered the “best of the best.” To learn more about this competition, go to www.ppa.com/ipc. 33

This image was a client image taken in the studio. The background was seamless white paper, chosen to match the grey, white and black coloring of the dog’s fur. I have a kit of dog toys with lots of squeakers and noise makers to get the pet’s attention. I work as a team of three; a pet wrangler, camera operator and the pet owner to get the desired pose, composition and expression.

The title ‘Puppy Power’ seemed like an obvious choice, because who can resist a puppy?

“Puppy Power” Maker

Joan Genest, M.Photog., Cr. North Haven, Connecticut www.storytellersphoto.com

Tools & Technique It was taken with a Canon 5D Mark II camera and 24-105 mm lens. Exposure was 1/60 second, f8 at ISO 100. Post production included Adobe Bridge to edit, color correct and crop the image. Photoshop and Painter were used to retouch eyes and fur where necessary, and to build the competition presentation. The lighting was achieved using a 4’x5’ Larson soft box positioned to the right of the puppy and a silver 4’x6’ reflector positioned on the left. I used one separation light positioned directly overhead and 4 feet behind the subject set at f/4.0, plus two kicker lights, one on each side behind the subject, also set at f/4.0. 34

Stunning in Black & White

This is a natural light image of one of my many dahlias. Every year, I plant dahlias so that I may photograph them. Almost every day for weeks I photograph them. For this image, I experimented with time of day and light. I really liked this image in color. However, I decided to see what it looked like in black and white. When I converted it to this black and white image I truly loved it; it was, ”stunning in black and white!”

Maker

Madonna Lovett Repeta,

M.Photog., Cr., C.Ph. Bedford, New Hampshire www.photographybymadonna.com

Tools & Technique

I photographed this image with my Canon 100 f/2.8 Macro lens at ISO 100 1/15 sec @ f/11.

This image was one of four images in my 2017 IPC case that helped me earn a ‘Silver Photographer of the Year.’ 35

Image Competition Eyes on the Basics Image & Story by: Jean Wozniak, CPP, C.Ph.

is the season, image competition season in New England, that is. There are no shortage of opportunties to enter, so jump in. In New England, it basically starts now as Northeast entries early entry deadline is the end of January. The first quarter of the year also starts the state competitions. Then the PPA competition is held in August. Have you entered any of these? If no, why not?! It can be a bit intimidating or overwhelming to get started, but once you do, you’re on your way to improving your photography! If you understand that you are really only competing against yourself, and not your fellow photographers, you can only benefit and improve your creative eye, your skills and offer your everyday clients so much more. And while you’re doing all of this, at the International Photographic Competition (IPC) level, you are also on your way to earning industry recognized degrees that represent all your hard work and achievements! There’s a bit to take in to understand what things mean and how they work, so where do you begin? Let’s start here by explaining some of the basics and some terms you may have heard people talking about. 36

State Competition

District Competition

Each New England state holds an annual image competition, typically at their annual convention. Not part of your local affiliate? You should be! There is nothing like that face-to-face for support, networking, and keeping you moving forward.

In New England, we are part of the PPA Northeast District (shown in green on the map). This District includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec.

International Photographic Competition (IPC)

This competition includes PPA members from across the globe. At this level, images are judged twice; once to determine if it’s “deserving of merit,” and then depending on the score, again to see if it becomes part of the Loan Collection. State competitions are completely independent of PPA competitions and are a good place to start. Districts, however, are connected to IPC in that your scores at District can carry on to IPC; meaning, if you receive a “merit” on anything in District, when you enter that in IPC, it does not need to go through the first judging process. It automatically merits and is accepted into the General Collection of images. BUT, you have to remember to enter IPC that same year! It’s not automatically done. So what, exactly is “deserving of merit?” The breakdown below shows the Point Scoring System used by PPA when the images are being judged. State scoring may vary.

Below Exhibition

Deserving of Merit

Deserving of a Merit 84-80 Excellent 89-85 Superior 94-90 Exceptional 100-95

Above Average 79-75

Average 74-70

Standard 69-65

The rules changed recently and now dictate that anything scoring 85 to 94 will go to through the second judging process to determine if the image is accepted into the prestigeous Loan Collection, the “best of the best.” There is also a Showcase Collection for those that don’t make the Loan Collection, but still deserve extra recognition. These collections are actually printed in books that can be purchased through Marathon Press. Lastly, any image scoring 95 or higher is now automatically accepted into the Loan Collection. And how do they determine how an image is scored? I’m glad you asked. They use the...

Twelve Elements of a Merit Image:

Impact Technical Excellence Creativity

Style Composition Presentation

Color Balance Center of Interest Lighting

Subject Matter Techniique Story Telling 37

PPA Videos Explaining

PPA Blog defining

Three photographers

the 12 Elements

explain the competition process

So where DO you begin? Start with these simple steps. You’ll never know until you try, right?

Step 1

Understand that there’s a difference between a “good” image and a competition image. When you hear everyone routing for the coveted “merit,” it’s easy to feel your image “wasn’t good” if it scores below an 80.

Step 3

Review the rules of whichever competition you’re entering. From state to IPC, there may be different requirements or procedures. You don’t want to compromise your scoring for something that didn’t follow the rules.

Step 5

Ask questions. At the local level, judges are usually available to talk in person and give feedback after competition. In both District and IPC, for a small fee, you can get video critiques on your images. Take advantage of those!

Step 2

If you’re just getting started, tap into someone with experience entering who can help you. Insight on choosing what to enter, understanding the importance of your image presentation (adding a “digital” mat and stroke outline around the image), and choosing a title can be invaluable.

Step 4

Attend the competition, especially if it’s local. If not, most are streamed online now. There is nothing like hearing the judges’ comments and critiques. This is an invaluable part of the learning process and how to improve your work.

Step 6

Don’t give up! It’s all part of the learning process. Take feedback from either judges or experienced peers and move forward. Each judging panel is different, so with just a few small tweaks, it may make the difference between meriting or not.

There’s so much more, but this information will get you started. Check with your local affiliate to see when their competition is, and for more videos and information, you can click here. There’s also a tab on Degrees to explain how those merits translate to PPA degrees. Click here to see what’s there. Then, just do it! You’ll be happy you did.

Jean Wozniak is a portrait photographer in Auburn, New Hampshire specializing in pets and families. She earned her CPP designation from PPA in 2016 and will be awarded her Master Photography degree at PPA Imaging 2018. www.jeanwozniakphotography.com 38

You may enter any original images in the Photographic Open category. The Master Artist category requires that you show technical excellence in the making of the image. You are allowed to use source material that you, yourself, did not photograph. For complete rules, go to www.ppa.com and look for the competition link.

Registration Dates Without late fee: January 31, 2018 (by 5pm ET) Late fee required: February 1 - February 15, 2018

Be sure to order your critiques in order to get personalized feedback on your entries by PPA You may enter up to four images in each approved judges. The competition will stream live of the two categories: on the PPA website both days of the competition. Photographic Open Master Artist (judged April 17-19, 2018) If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been putting off entering competition, now is the time to dive in. There is no faster way to Judging Dates improve your photography than taking advantage March 8-9, 2018 of the dynamic duo: competition and education. If this will be your first time, remember there is lots of guidance available. PPA approved judges (http://www.ppa.com/files/pdfs/jurorslist1115.pdf ) or jurors in training are willing to offer assistance, schedules permitting. Also, look for photographers with their Master of photography degree (M.Photog.) and Master Artist degree (M.Artist). Those degrees mean the photographer has had a good amount of success in PPA competition and are qualified to help out as well.

Your Results May Vary

Image Competition

The Difference Between Confusion & Frustration Images & Story by: Bryan Welsh, Cr.Photog., CPP, API, FP-OPPA & Lisa Dillon, M.Photog., Cr., CPP, FP-OPPA

Image competition and the pursuit of merits and association degrees is a rewarding though sometimes troubled endeavor. It’s going to be hard—we all know that—and there are going to be situations that come up that make you want to give up. However, like a lot of things that you are working to achieve, it’s what you do once you are knocked down that matters most. With the hyper connectivity we now enjoy with the internet, we are able to share details about our disappointments that in the past we would have kept to ourselves or perhaps only shared with a close group of friends. However, with social media, we also now have the opportunity to vent in very public ways. Here are some recent observations about Image Competition venting that might be useful to address.

First, your results may vary. Have you ever had an image receive scores from different judges or even different panels of judges that receive different scores? We hear from many that competitors don’t understand how this can happen given that each image is judged on the 12 Elements of a Merit image. They don’t understand why the score isn’t always the same regardless of the judge or panel. Intellectually we know art is subjective and beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but emotionally we want our art to be seen as unique and thus rewarded with glowing reviews. This is not always the case, for one very simple reason… the human factor of the process. Each judge filters what they see through their own life experience which is why different panels may score things differently. This variation translates to scores that can

sometimes be dramatically different from one panel to the next. One image scored 100 in a recent competition but at another competition it scored in the mid-80s. How can this be, you ask? The answer is quite simple—each panel saw different strengths and some found weaknesses of the image and gave it the score they felt appropriate. As Jeff Dachowski, a PPA approved juror, mentioned online recently, “Which panel got it right?” Maybe it was a mid80s image if it was judged ten times by ten different panels or maybe it would score in the 90s eight out of ten times. That’s a hard one to answer. Why do we always assume the panel that scored it higher is better or gave it the correct score? We would argue both got it right. Both panels used the process to come up with their best score for that image on that day. The 41

process is the best we have and nothing is perfect; however, this process has stood the test of time and we believe one to rely on. Trust the process and while results may vary, in the end we contend your images will be scored as they should be with fairness, integrity and care by people who are doing the very best job they can given the fact that its subjective and imperfect.” Some folks will vent on social media, “How can this be that I score great in one competition and don’t even merit in another competition with the same image? I’m so confused!” Are you sure you are not just disappointed and frustrated rather than confused? If you take some time to truly understand the process, we believe you can take all the mislabeled confusion out of your mind and find a much better place to spend your energy. Don’t get us wrong—it can be frustrating. No one wants to hear that an image they poured their soul into isn’t a merit image. It’s ok to be frustrated! You have worked so hard to get everything just right and your image didn’t get the score you wanted. The important thing to glean from this, in our opinion, is who to be frustrated with. We contend that if you channel the frustration inward and use that energy to increase your skills, you will get better at creating images and your scores will reflect that. Here is a little secret—the best result you can have from image competition isn’t receiving merits or degrees— 42

it’s becoming a better image maker. When you are frustrated, it’s an opportunity. You have an opportunity for growth and improvement. Unfavorable scores push you to work harder so that eventually you’ll be creating images with a level of skill that can only be honed through the fire of disappointment. One juror at District recently expressed that it’s ok to feel disappointment but please don’t channel that anger toward the judges and blame them. Jurors are always hoping to award a merit! To become a juror takes a lot of time, training and sacrifice. No one enters the juror training program hoping to dash spirits and ruin lives. Becoming a juror is truly a labor of love—you must be passionate enough about photography and photographic

education that you are willing to spend your own hard-earned dollars to acquire the training necessary, and then be humble enough to be evaluated by approved jurors over and over until you are approved. And then the evaluations continue! It is through much personal sacrifice and time away from family and their business that jurors are trained and approved. Please understand that when a juror scores your image, they are looking for ways to reward the maker not the other way around. We hope confusion is not your mindset now that you understand the process. Understand that frustration and disappointment are fleeting and then turn that emotion into determination to

excel. One juror recently equated this to the five stages of grief. 1. Denial 2. Anger 3. Bargaining 4. Depression and 5. Acceptance. Maybe we should write a book on the five stages of frustration in image competition—there are a lot of similarities and we think it would be a best seller amongst the competition crowd. If you can channel that frustration and use it to your advantage as you create, we believe good will come from it. In science, we look for things to match and be evidence-based with repeatable results. Image competition is not science. It’s an art. But in the pursuit to give it meaning, we give it a method of order—the PPA 12 Elements of a Merit. We believe it’s the best system in the world and one we can rely on. Sometimes you will score well and sometimes you won’t. But as long as you are participating, you will get better and become the artist you aspire to be. Just don’t get caught in the trap of confusion on why the result may vary and understand that truly, the value of competition is in the process. The result is but a tiny fraction of the process of competing but because we like accolades, it’s the part we focus on the most. Let your focus be broad and the accolades will come. Bryan Welsh is a second generation photographer recognized for his stylized journalistic photography. www.mitstudio.com Lisa Dillon specializes in high school senior and family photography. www.lisadillonphotography.com 43

When ‘Personal’ Touches Many What started as a personal project to document the recovery of dogs who came into rescue in very bad shape, has left a tremendous mark on all who have set eyes on it. The goal was to show what a caring group of volunteers can do through rescue to give these animals hope, health, and the opportunity to be loved by a forever family. Over the course of a year, Lisa Asp of Tangerine House of Design in Edina, MN photographed these dogs as they were first rescued, and then once they had been cared for, treated, and rehabilitated. In this video, you’ll hear a PPA judge’s critique of this album that scored a 100 and the shift from an initial impact of ‘uncomfortable’ to a great appreciation for the vision and bravery behind this incredibly meaningful album. Although difficult to view, this project really sends a message of hope, redemption and an appreciation for all rescue volunteers. Deservingly, Lisa’s album has been selected as a finalist in PPA’s 2018 Grand Imaging Awards in the Non-Event Album category. Good luck Lisa! 47

FACTS

About The PPANE Board Members

President Trish Logan “My parent’s are first generation Americans. As a result I took Irish Step Dancing Lessons as a kid. I also spoke German fluently as a child.”

Past President Madonna Lovett Repeta “I took the NH State Police Academy’s Photography for Law Enforcement class. For the past 15 years, I have been the department photographer for the Bedford Fire Department. I also help the Bedford Police Department with photography when needed. I have a light bar of flashing red and white lights inside my windshield.”

VP Programs Patricia Walsh Slaven “Both myself and my husband are artists, lucky to be doing what we love in life! When I was younger, I always wanted to be an artist, but along with loving photography, I wanted to be a fashion designer. So I can binge watch shows like American’s Next Top Model and Project Runway!”

VP Finance Ray Peeples “I love haunts, haunting and scaring the life out of mere mortals! Halloween Rocks! Oh ya, I am a real nerd as well!”

VP Communications Ella Carlson “My first professional photography job was as a feature photographer for the local newspaper. Also, I wanted to be a writer and an artist when I grew up. Didn’t expect to be making my art on a computer though!”

President Elect Patricia Takacs “I grew up on a dairy farm but am lactose intolerent. I also have a balloon phobia.”

Exec. Secretary Jim Walker “In another life, I was a rodeo cowboy for five years and road bulls and broncs. Also, I spent two years in Saudi Arabia in the late ‘80s and was a guest at the King’s camel and horse races.”

Director for CT Lisa Cuchara “I have pet Frogs, yes, “ribbit ribbit.” At one point I owned over 150 poison dart and tree frogs, although it is now down to a more manageable number. I had so many that my husband, Tom, told me “no more frogs” when I was leaving to attend a reptile expo, so I came home with Chameleons.”

Director for ME Crystal Reynolds “I don’t drink (alcohol), I LOVE chocolate, and I get so excited when it’s time to decorate for Christmas! I wanted to be a dolphin assisted therapist (working with children) when I grew up.”

Director for MA Lisa King “My cat and my bed are my favorite things in the whole wide world. I am an adventurist, especially when traveling. Somehow a fine cognac and cigarette go hand in hand when there’s something ginourmously big to celebrate. Let’s hope my life insurance agent won’t read this!”

FACTS

About The PPANE Board Members

Director for NH Lauri West “My start into the world of professional photography had nothing to do with a love of photography. It began with a phone call from a friend asking me if I wanted to work for a photographer helping her with the business side of things. That was the beginning of what has become over a 12 year friendship and working relationship with Nylora. (By the way, her husband didn’t think I would last 3 months)!”

CT Representative Marisa Balletti-Lavoie “My Nana gave me the nickname ‘Princess Sassy Mouth’ and when naming my business, my Mom very matter of factly said I should name it ‘Sassy Mouth’ and it was the smartest thing I’ve ever done! I have an entire program developed around the question ‘What do you want to do when you grow up’ and the conclusion of it is that I am still not sure, I just want to be ME.”

ME Representative Sandra Miner “As a child/teenager, I was very much a tomboy. I enjoyed fishing with my father. We would hike into our special pond in Roxbury, Maine and fish until dusk and then hike out and drive back to camp. As a young teenager, my first vehicle was a jacked up Chevy Silverado, with big tires, chrome wheels, grill guard, and KC Lights. It was my pride and joy. I also enjoyed riding my Ninja 600 motor cycle too :).

NH Representative Scott Snyder “I wanted to be a hippie when I grew up and I’m still working on that. Went to photography school 30 days out of high school. Hippie photographer - not a bad gig.”

MA Representative Jen Clark “I was an award winning bassoonist in High School. I also have a twin sister who has two sons that look a lot like me.”

RI Representative Bailey Fox “I wanted to be a photographer when I grew up...or a drill sargeant. Thankfully, I figured Bush coming into office was most likely going to result in war, so I chose photography school over boot camp. I also knit.”

Magazine Editor Jean Wozniak “In a previous chapter of my life, I was VP of a humane society, fostered cats, and had nine indoor-only cats of my own. Yup, I was officially the crazy cat lady.”

Vendor Representative Ken Wilson “My fun facts are the numbers 11 & 7 (known as lucky numbers if you’re a gambler!). I was born on November 7th, in room #11 on floor #7. My birth weight was 7lbs. 11oz. My mother entered the hospital on November the 7th and was discharged on the 11th. So you would think with all those 7’s & 11’s revolving around my birthday I would be considered somewhat of a “lucky person”, well when it came to gambling. No such luck! It’s actually the opposite; I can’t win a thing when it comes to gambling.”

Picture yourself as part of the board. Open positions include: Directors for RI and VT as well as Rep for VT. Contact President Trish Logan if interested. It takes teamwork!

Sales & Marketing Tools for Photographers! You need to show your clients and prospects the value in hiring a professional photographer. PPA is here to help show you, our members, your worth as professional photographers and help you sell more!

Shareable Videos

Consumer Tips

Side-by-Side Comparisons

Customizable Brochures

Logos

Photo Quizzes

Landing Pages

Photo Sliders

“...I’m so happy to have these resources on my website to help consumers see the difference!” Jaime Incontro, CPP

PPA.com/SellMore Marketable

N.E. Affiliate Happenings

Upcoming Events Photofestval Series January 20 - March 10, 2018 Various Programs on:

Dance Schools, Lighting, Lightroom, Snapshot to Portfolio, Travel Photos Various Locations in New Hampshire February 7, 2018

Upcoming Events March 17, 2018 Portland, ME

Upcoming Events January 22, 2018 Natick, MA

Affiliate Leaderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Meeting Shooting & Selling for Success March 19, 2018 Portland, ME

Fine Art Compositing & Business Brooke Shaden

Image Critique

Preparing for Competition

Jeff Dachowski

Photopalooza Series January 25 - February 28, 2018 Various Programs on:

Workflow, Intimate Portraits, Fine Art, Hollywood Lighting, Infrared, Digital Painting Various Locations in Massachusetts

March 7, 2018

Competition Cleanup

Ella Carlsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Photoshop Tips for Polishing Competition Images April 4, 2018

Food Photography Jennifer Bakos

Upcoming Events Upcoming Events January 22, 2018 Cromwell, CT

Selling From the Heart: Turning Passion to Profits Through InPerson Sales 52

Karen Kelly

Upcoming Events January 24, 2018 Coventry, RI

Newborn Wrapping & Safety Suzanne Merrill

January 21, 2018 Location TBD

iPhone Mastery Dan Burkholder

February 11, 2018 St. Albans, VT

Photoshop Your Face; Annual meeting; Print Comp Prep & Critique

NE Affiliate Conventions Rhode Island - March 2-4, 2018

Radisoon Hotel, 2081 Post Road, Warwick, RI Speakers: Rick Hydren, Gene Hutnak, Melanie Anderson www.ppari.org

Massachusetts - March 9-12, 2018

Hotel 1620, 180 Water Street, Plymouth, MA Awards Party Theme: Steampunk Speakers: David Hilton, Joe Edelman, Lisa Cuchara, Kay Eskridge, Ben Shirk, Paula Swift, Nylora Bruleigh, Steve Sedman, Ella Carlson, Mike Stone www.ppam.com

Maine - March 16-18, 2018

Clarion, 1230 Congress Street, Portland, ME Speakers: Brooke Shaden, Bryan Welsh, Jim LaSala Affiliate Leader Meeting Returning by Popular Demand www.maineppa.com

Connecticut - March 23-24, 2018

Courtyard Marriott, Sebethe Drive, Cromwell, CT Speakers: Sam Abell, Bobbi Lane, Amy & Srinu Regeti, Ben Scott, Lee Varis Zamani Feelings, Jacklyn Greenberg, Sarah Prall, Michael Mowbray, Brian Smith www.ctppa.com

Vermont - March 23-25, 2018

Hampton Inn, 42 Lower Mountain View Drive, Colchester, VT Speakers TBD www.vtprophoto.org/

PPANE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; April 7, 2018

Resort & Conferene Center at Hyannis, Cape Cod, MA Speakers: Paul Ernest, Will Cadena www.ppane.com

New Hampshire - April 20-23, 2018

Margate Resort, 76 Lake Street, Laconia, NH Speakers: Cate Scaglione, Damian Strohmeyer, Kaylee Greer, Maria Moore, Emme Rigby www.nhppa.com

To our dear friends at PPANE and NEIPP: We were very surprised and grateful for the thoughtful presentation of the lovely desk top crystals in recognition of our years with PPANE. They are displayed proudly in our studio. We are grateful for the more than 30 years, combined, we were able to serve this great association. Now with reducing our time commitment, we are able to focus on our own business, our family and friends. We look forward to being at various events offered through PPANE, and to relax and enjoy them with each of you. Thank you for the opportunity to serve, and for your friendships. We wish our friends all success for 2018 and beyond. With gratitude,

Fred Stiteler

A.C.Ph. Former Executive Secretary

Candace Pratt Stiteler Cr.Photog., CPP, CBM, ABI, C.Ph. Past PPANE President & Former NEIPP Executive Director

New Years Special Offer on ’The World’s Best Posing Rocks’

Educational Essentials for 2018 Blow Blow--Out Special - Get all 3 for $149

Family posed on three piece set!

SALES MADE EASY

Retail Cost: $595. If you purchase one new prop this year, make it ‘The World’s Best Posing Rocks’. Hundreds of photographers own them and love them. Created exclusively for photographers by a photographer and designed to provide perfect height and distance ratios between subjects and simplify the posing of families and children. We use them both indoors & outdoors. Mention PPANE News - get 10% OFF the Set!

Learn to develop confidence in your sales ability and increase your average sale. Ed shares his proven formula for profitable sales. Includes a live sales presentation, studio tour, and many extra bonus features. Retail - $99

MARKETING STRATEGIES

CREATING AN OUTDOOR STUDIO

Sample letters & forms for auctions, displays and craft fairs, newsletters, press release samples, various gift card and promotional postcard samples and our studio price list.

Ed takes you on a tour of his outdoor studio and demonstrates how easy it is to create your own outdoor portrait area with a small space for a standardized location. Retail - $99

Retail - $79

For additional information about our rocks & educational materials, click here. Also, check out our 'Posing Rocks Video'

To Order Call: 978-686-6535

Ed’s book is also available. Packed with sample images and practical posing ideas. $25.00

Studio Equipment Sale studio camera stand Larson 4’X 6’ softbox

$ 25 $100

Lite Dome 2’ X 3’ softbox

$ 25

1200 ws pack

$125

Various dyed muslins Epson Photo Stylus 1400

$ 10 $ 25

for white lightening

with heads and acc.

For these items and many more contact Joe Dunn at 978-866-5181 soon. Sold my studio and need to get out. All prices are negotiable.

Why Offer Painted Portraits to Your Clients? Paintings are a high-end products that separate your business from your competitors’. Offering painted portraits provides your clients with a premium alternative to the traditional photographic portrait and allows you to sell a product that commands a higher price. Outsourcing your painting allows you to focus on your core business while still offering this profitable upgrade to your clients. Price list available upon request.

Images are hand painted, brushstroke by brushstroke in Corel Painter by Yedi. They can be of any subject: families, children, pets, houses, cars, etc. Paintings can be created using photographs Yedi takes or images photographers provide. Yedi Fine Art Portraits s (603) 320-5149 s www.yedifineartportraits.com

PPANE Member Ads Have a workshop or Class You’re Teaching? Offer an Industry Related Product or Service? Promote Them in an Ad Here. One 1/2 Page Ad or Two 1/4 Page Ads are Allowed Per Member Each Fiscal Year. Workshops or classes cannot conflict with NEIPP and will be approved by the Board. Contact Jean Wozniak, PPANE Magazine Editor for details and specs.

PPANE Thanks American Color Imaging

When you bite into that slice of pizza at the Club 79 pizza party at Convention on April 7, be sure to thank ACI for their sponsorship and ongoing and continued support of our organization and the industry.