Georgia Focus
Convention 2012
March 2012
Be Different or Die Please the Judges … and then… Please the Clients!
NGT Student Showcase
Are you legit? The Art and Craft of Boudoir Portraiture
Content s President’s
message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
About the cover. . . . . . . . . . .7
Be Different or Die. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Larry Lourcey M.Photog., CPP
The Art and Craft of Boudoir Portraiture . . . .13 Dennis Hammon M. Photog. Cr. CPP, F-PPI, F-ASP
Are you legit? . . . . . . . . . 23 Lori Grice M.Photog.Cr., CPP
Please the Judges … and then… Please the Clients! . .29 By Sam Gardner , M.Photog.Cr., CPP, Int. Juror
NGT Student Showcase . . . . . . 33 2011 General Membership Meeting Minutes . . . . . 36
P
resident’s Message
Sally McCreery-Jackson, GFD, GSD
Working On Our Craft (A Rant)
Well, it happened again not too long ago. Clients came in for a portrait session, and they brought their family album to be updated. Looking back over almost two decades of portraits I’ve created for this family, I felt such fondness for them, such gratitude for their studio loyalty . . . such surprise and even (I hate to admit it) embarrassment at some of the work I delivered to them in the early years. I charged a lot of money for those images! I really thought they were top notch! To be honest, maybe my old work might have been par for those days – professional photography has come a long way in the past twenty years. More importantly, I realized, so have I. It would have been even greater cause for shame if I could see no great improvement in my photography after so many years of working on my craft. And this leads me to something
that has REALLY been bothering me lately. Last month, when the GPPA offered some excellent opportunities for hands-on learning with some highly accomplished photographers, I posted this Pro Share Event info on a Facebook page for professional photographers in my town. With about 100 “working photographers” in this group, the one and only response I got was something like, “What’s a ‘Master Photographer’ & why should I care?” Wow. I have to say I was stunned. But wait – it gets better. I took some time and effort to explain how PPA and its affiliates offer education and competition for members to be able to increase their skills and measure their work against the best in our field. I explained what an accomplishment it is to earn state or national degrees, like our Pro Share teachers had, how much dedication and knowledge was required to
serve as state, regional & national officers and to lead higher institutions of learning, as our Pro Share teachers do. “These guys are gold mines,” I said. “They’re willing to share their considerable collective knowledge – check’em out!” Again, one response. “Sounds like too much work to me. I’d rather just shoot and work on my craft.” And THIS got multiple “likes” from the group. Fortunately I am not a violent person, or I’d have been needing a new computer screen right about then. You won’t often hear me say something like this in public (certainly not
in print), but . . . A) You Dummy! You just blew off an outstanding chance to legitimately “work on your craft.” And B) If you’re the only teacher you ever have, you’re not going to learn nearly as much. So C) Stop kidding yourself! You’re not working on your craft – you’re spinning your wheels, chasing your tail. Which brings me back to those old portraits of mine in my client’s album. Had I not gone to every GPPA convention, seminar and school for twenty years, had I not cross-pollinated ideas with photographers across the state, had I not tested my
best work in competition, then I would still be that same photographer producing that same level of work that I did twenty years ago. I wouldn’t have twenty years of experience; I would only have the same one year of experience twenty times over. The only reason (besides the hair styles) that I can see such a tremendous difference between 1992 and 2012 studio work is that, like other members of our association, I have been working on my craft! Friends don’t let friends fall be-
Editor’s Notes
We are approaching Convention and of course with that the General Membership Meeting. Please remember that without member participation this association will not last. The board of Directors of the association need the input and the help of the membership, not just at the meeting but throughout the year. While the board tries to plan events that will be of value and interest to the membership, they will not know if they are on the right track without your input. Possibly more important than providing input, the association needs people who are willing to work. As the members of the board rotate off we need replacements to fill those seats. There are a variety of jobs that need to be done to insure the future of the association and you might be the right person to do that job. In addition to helping to insure the future of the association you are likely to make some very good friends
hind in their work. If you have photographer friends and neighbors who are spinning their wheels trying to master our wonderful craft all on their own, do them (and professional photographers everywhere) a favor and bring them with you to GPPA functions. There is no other resource for professional photographers out there that can equal the GPPA for its personal support and dedication to helping photographers work on their craft! End of rant. I feel better now. See you at the Convention! along the way. In addition to convention the board is working on other events designed to educate our members. Look for information on these events in the upcoming weeks. Also keep in mind that you can contact your Area Directors to let them know who you might like to see in area meetings or in seminars and convention. They take these requests seriously. Finally, remember that we have school coming up in August. The dates are August 26 through 31 and we have a great line up of speakers. One of the classes we are offering this year is a Certification class. Al Audleman will be teaching this class and there will be an opportunity to take the certification test at the end of the week. Tuition is only 500.00 for a limited time. That represents a 100.00 savings over last year’s rate. In these challenging economic times education may be the only way to separate yourself from the masses of newbys out there. Kevin A. Jiminez ,
M.Photog.Cr., GFD, GSD, CPP
cci ad
A
bout the Cover: In January of 2012 several friends and I embarked on road trip to the annual PPA convention in New Orleans, LA. After driving through the night, we stopped for breakfast just after dawn in Biloxi, MS. I was walking along the docks admiring the shrimp fleet and pelicans when I noticed then piling with the cable wrapped around it. I was intrigued by the color contrast of the warm wood and the cool ocean behind it. I waited several minutes for the rising sun to provide the right light and then captured several bracketed shots. I processed the shots in Photomatix and made final adjustments in Photoshop. Main exposure information - 1/100 at f/8 at ISO 100 with the lens at 21mm.
Colby Mooreis a native of Geor-
gia. Originally from Rabun County, Colby now resides with his wife and two young sons in the scenic town of Helen. He is active in youth sports as well as the local Cub Scouts pack: volunteering to coach his son’s teams and assisting with the scout pack whenever possible. He is currently in his second year in the Commercial Photography program at North Georgia Technical
College. Colby also works for the school’s Public Relations department photographing events and activities for the school’s web page, social media, and advertisements. He is also a member of the National Technical Honor Society and was selected by his instructors to represent the college in last years’ Georgia Occupational Award for Leadership competition. In 2011 Colby participated in two of Scott Kelbys’ Worldwide Photowalks. He took 1st place in the Clarkesville walk and The People’s Choice Award in his hometown of Helen. Colby often submits his images to the local newspapers and attends several art shows throughout the year. He has also helped to organize community service projects at NGTC, such as Help-Portraits; which is an international movement to provide family portraits to disadvantaged families. Last December, the college’s own Help-Portraits was able to serve over 40 families. His energetic and contagious personality, never ending creativity, and an exceptional work ethic and determination has allowed him to excel at many forms of photography including sports, landscapes, and environmental portraits. His love of nature and the outdoors often
serves as sources of inspiration for his work. Once he graduates, he intends to open his own business specializing in commercial, headshots, and advertising. You can see more of Colby’s work and the work of two other North Georgia Tech Students who recently won awards at SkillUSA On page 36 of this issue. At SkillUSA “We compete for the best in the state then that person goes to the national contest in Kansas City against all the winners from each state vying for the best in the nation.” Colby Moore placed first, Stephanie Maley placed second and Melissa Henderson placed third.
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Be Different or Die
Larry Lourcey
The photography industry has changed - have you?
Let’s face it, the things that worked in 2005 don’t necessarily work in 2012. Whether you are operating a homebased business or a retail location, you’ve got to implement a new style of photography and marketing to keep competitive. What Do YOU Offer? Take a good hard look at your photography. Are you creating images that are noticeably better than what the average parent can take with their entrylevel DSLR? If not, why would they hire you? The magic of the photography industry has evaporated a little. Clients are no longer in awe of your professional camera. Heck, many of my clients own nicer DSLRs than I own! What you have to focus on is the things that the camera won’t do for them - like lighting, posing, composition, etc. You have to take your image making to the next level! Creative Growth There are several things you can do to stretch your creativity. One great
technique - which is free, by the wayis to plan a specific self-assignment. A couple of years ago, I embarked on something I called the 40@Forty Project. It was basically a series of self-portraits, created one per week for 40 weeks - to celebrate turning 40. I probably learned more from that project than I have learned at any week-long photography seminar. It
was all about pushing myself artistically. It wasn’t designed to be a money making idea, but I ended up getting a few new clients who wanted some really artistic portraits c r e at e d . Those are my favorite kind of clientsespecially if they spend money! As an added bonus, I ended up with a couple of Loan Collection images. Get Started! I’ll have a whole bunch of other ideas for you at my program on April 1st. I hope you will stop by and let me know how YOUR self-assignment is going. Give it a try- you’ll be amazed at the results! Storytelling has always been the hallmark of Lourcey Photography. From the fun personality series to the beautiful painted portrait, our images stand apart. We strive to provide you with
timeless portraits that you will always treasure. Since earning his Bachelor of Arts in 1992, continuing education has always been a priority for Larry. Countless art classes and photography workshops have helped to mold his style and technique. In 2001, Larry earned his Certified Professional Photographer designation from the Professional Photographers of America. Fewer than 3% of all imaging professionals have earned and maintained this designation. In 2007 he earned the degree of Master Photographer. Larry is a member of the Professional Photographers of America and the Texas Professional Photographers Association. He is also a past president of the Dallas Professional Photographers Association.
The Art and Craft of Boudoir Portraiture
Dennis Hammon M. Photog. Cr. CPP, F-PPI, F-ASP
For centuries man has been interested in the human form, and it has been the subject and focal point of many artists from paintings, sculptures and now photography. From the development of the first camera to the present we find that photographers are fascinated by capturing the human form and one genre of photography has progressed today to what is commonly called “Boudoir Photography”. The term Boudoir, historically refers to a ladies bedroom, and typically in the early years boudoir was photographed in the studio. This style of sensual and often sexually suggestive images of women has in addition to studio capture progressed to homes, fancy hotels and on location or about anywhere the client wants to go. When I first approached this style 35 years ago, many thought this was a ‘new genre’ of portraiture and I assure you none of us were the inventors of this
style. I had to approach it with kid gloves, as the new kid on the block offering ‘sexy images’ of my clients. I am not sure where the road bent and the style changed.
Where as Classical lighting and posing were paramount for portraits, and especially the ‘boudoir’ style, it has now changed to just shooing “natural light’ with short lens and high ISOs and not worrying about the pose, but the “expression’. Many of the new people venturing into Boudoir have not undertaken the responsibility to learn the techniques necessary to produce a properly posed, well light and exposed image, with the corresponding expression that will
carry the image. We all need to study the old masters and Hollywood styles to see what the classical looks were. These forerunners of boudoir were masters of capturing the essence of the portrait. The advent of “glamour shots’ on the scene, ushered in the use of hokey props and soft filters. They are a far cry from the early years of glamour images and the hot lights used by our mentors and teachers. Not to be confused with “figure studies,” or the photography of the nude human form, the style of boudoir has remained high on the bucket list for many women to have taken for their husbands or boyfriends. Whatever the reason the clients are having these portraits taken, the fact remains that ultimately they want to have this style of portraits done for themselves. Whether it is to capture a milestone birthday, a body modification, weight loss or foster a new relation-
ship or flame up an existing one, it is our responsibility to fulfill those needs and desires for that client. I firmly believe that it is every woman’s
desire to look and feel sexy. And it should be our goal to produce those images that our clients would be proud to show. With the introduction of digital, many new comers to this business have attempted to enter this field. This field is not for everyone. You need to be comfortable with yourself and with others and with the style of photography, but I would urge you to have a long conversation with your significant other before embarking into Boudoir. If your spouse is uncomfortable or uneasy with you pursing this, please choose another style. Another flag to avoid, if this style of photography ‘excites’ you more than just the thrill of creating a beautiful image,
I would encourage you to rethink your decision to enter this genre of photography. But before one attempts to follow this style, they should first learn some basics of lighting to minimize the flaws along with proper posing. Avoid cheesy props, develop a rapport with the client and ABOVE ALL show and develop professionalism. Total respect for the client is a must. One big concern in this business are new photographers with the attitude that they can come in and sweep this business off the ground with out first developing a proper ground
LOU FREEMAN
The Art of Glamour
Boudoir and Fashion to spice up your style
Lou Freeman specializes in fashion, beauty and life-
style photography. From an early age, she excelled in many of the creative arts and showed most promise in photography and painting. By age 13, her school recognized her talent, and published her first photos. Lou has a Masters in Fine Arts from the University of Georgia and has studied at the International Center of Photography in New York. Her career in Photography spans 25+ years, ensuring this visionary’s collection of work is as diverse as it is strong. Her goal is to consistently produce powerful images that engage the audience. As a result of her goals of excellence, Lou embraced a 12 year career with Playboy Magazine where she carved out her niche as only the second woman to shoot for Playboy since 1975. Lou’s passion for the visual arts has led her all over the globe. She has photographed commercially from Los Angeles to Chicago, London to Milan and Barcelona, honing her skills as a fashion, advertising and celebrity photographer. She has taught at the Maui Photo Festival, Creative Circus and Portfolio Center, and has been featured as a guest lecturer for the APA, PPA, and After Dark EDU. Lou will describe how her 25 years of experience as a Fashion and Advertising Photographer were enhanced by her experience with Playboy Magazine. She will show her work and talk about how to create strong, sexy and captivating images. In this class Lou will share lighting set ups, and tips on camera gear and sets. Lou will teach you to gracefully evoke the beauty and sensuality of Fashion and Glamour photography in this hands on workshop. Enhance your portfolio with stunning images of beautiful glamour models. This workshop will provide insights to understanding the delicate lighting procedures needed to better capture and control the set. Photographers will learn to bring out their passion for capturing subjects in Glamorous settings and clothing in this intense workshop and work with elaborately decorated sets, as well as, some on-location sets and paper backdrop sets.
work of business tactics, customer service, and knowing proper lighting and posing. When you embark on the journey of becoming a boudoir photographer, it is a life time of learning, adapting and sharing. Study with the masters, and those who have “arrived”. Avoid those who just tell you and not show what they can do and work with those who can encourage and help you develop your style. Be open minded to constructive criticism and be willing to change and work towards the final end, and that is of giving your clients 110% and the best images you are capable of producing. Good Luck and Happy Image making! Dennis is a PPA Master Photographer, Photographic Craftsman, PPA Certified and an Affiliated Juror. Twice named Photographer of the year by Intermountain and Master of the year in Idaho five times, and continually in the top 10. Dennis also has been awarded over a dozen
Kodak Gallery awards and numerous Fuji Masterpiece awards. The more than 90 images accepted by the PPA and numerous Loan images attest to his love of print competition. Dennis has also earned the PPA Excellence in Imaging Award for over 13 loan images. Dennis also has been awarded the Fellow of Photography from American Society of Photographers. His state of Idaho has honored him by presenting him the National Award for service to Professional Photography. In his work, Dennis strives to express not merely a picture but a reflection of thoughts, feelings and dreams, using his ability to seek both the inner and outer beauty to create a lasting memory. It hasn’t always been easy but after 30 years in business Dennis strives to inspire and motivate photographers to find their artistic side as well as their business side. Dennis knows what it is like to dream and succeed! Always believing in the saying “If you are not the lead dog the scenery never changes”.
KEN SKLUTE
Wedding Fusion
Combining Stills with Motion in Today’s DSLR’s
Ken Sklute has been honored as one of Canon’s Explor-
ers of Light, a designation shared by only 60 photographers worldwide. Ken has been named Photographer of the Year 27 times between Arizona, New York, and California. He has accomplished his Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman degrees from the PPA; Accolade of Photographic Mastery, Accolade of Outstanding Photographic Achievement, Accolade of Exceptional Photographic Achievement, Accolade of Highest Photographic Achievement, and the Accolade of Lifetime Photographic Excellence. Ken has been awarded Best in Show at the Western States Regional Print Competition, the PPA National Award, Photographer of the Year-Western States Regional Print Competition, and Photographer of the YearSilver Level from the PPA. Ken has received Wedding Photographer of the Year, and Photojournalist of the Year from the Professional Photographers of California, as well as the Heidi Mauracher Starlite award for Best Wedding Photograph. Ken has received 14 Kodak Gallery awards and 15 Fuji Masterpiece Awards. We are all searching for a way to attract new clientele and give our vision a jump start. In order to stand out in today’s photographic marketplace and in this challenging economy, Canon Explorer of Light, Ken Sklute has the answer. Come study with Ken to learn the techniques necessary to add FUSION to your portfolio. Ken will share everything that you need to know in order to capture moving images and present them to clients, in addition to your still photography that you are creating now. Ken will guide you through thoughts on shooting video clips, capturing audio, creative techniques in movement. Learn and produce time lapse imagery, understand DSLR workflow and asset management, as well as, editing techniques to complete the fusion presentation. You will see and get aquainted with the latest grip gear to help you learn what the easiest way to make this transition to shooting and producing moving images! If you are looking to learn how to think, see and execute new techniques that will raise you high above your competition, register promptly to study this hot new subject with Ken Sklute to change your vision to include moving images!
Doug Box
Environmental, On Location, In-Home Portraits, using OffCamera Flash, Reflectors & Continuous Light plus Combining Stills and Full Motion Video With Doug Box M. Photog.,Cr., CPP
• Can’t always shoot during the “sweet light “ time? • Can’t find “Great Light” outdoors? • It is overcast and you can’t find any direction to the light? • Hate that “On Camera Flash” look? • Tired of taking too much equipment on location? • Want an easy system for twin lighting at weddings? • Tired of buying the wrong equipment ? • Want to better utilize the flash you already own? • Want distinctive lighting? • Want to add direction of light to your outdoor portraits? • Want an easy set up for In-Home sessions?
Some of the topics we will cover: Planning for light quality and light direction then a demonstration on window light, available light and using indoor constant lights. Students will practice their new lighting skills on each other to prepare for the next day of photographing with models. Every day there will be a image review period of the images shot that day. Techniques for using translucent scrims and reflectors to supplement available light for better portraits. Then step out for a breakout session to practice your skills with models before returning for your daily image review. We will go deep into Off-Camera flash techniques for creating dramatic portraits in nature and learn how you can combine flash and sunsets for stunning portraits. He will cover manual flash and TTL. You will become a better storyteller with still and full motion. Plus simple post production techniques that can offer you options to help you in your marketing and give you new exciting products to sale. We will also cover story boarding, shooting, audio, titles and post production. We will also cover my top thirty business tips along with discussions about connecting with your community to kick start your business. You will learn easy techniques for using continuous lights to create beautiful portraits plus learn how continuous light sources are the perfect answer for fusion sessions combining full motion video and still photography. Two weeks before class you will can join Doug at a special Facebook page to begin your education. The first information posted will cover the needed basics of F-stop Shutter speed, ISO and Metering. The purpose of this approach is to assure everyone is up to speed on the fundamentals so everyone can hit the ground running making professionally lit images on the first day.
Suzette Allen, Cr. Photog., CPP, API Jon Yoshinaga, Cr. Photog.
Photoshop Fashion 2012 Photoshop, of course, is the ultimate digital imaging tool [garment]—let’s call it our “basic black dress”. Gotta have it, can’t live without it. And we will explore all the amazing fashionable updates with CS5 like Content Aware Magic and the awesome new Mixer Brushes! It will paint and smear pixels just like Painter! OMG, it is awesome! CS5 is certainly sporting a totally updated silhouette these days! But even though Photoshop is pretty fashionable on its own, what about accessories? Just like dolling up your basic black for evening or sport, we can add a lot of functionality and style to Photoshop with great complimentary programs like Lightroom, and plug-ins like NIK and Topaz…. This fun class will take you through the core features of Photoshop CS5 and ALSO teach you how to integrate Lightroom , and Nik/Topaz plugins for not only speed and efficiency , but some really cool and stylish “looks” to keep you in the limelight with your imagery! We will learn how to make design accessories like brushes, templates, and overlays, and then how to streamline your workflow with template building and creativity. All of the “accessory” programs are available for demo downloads in case you don’t have them yet, including CS5. A wacom tablet is required for this class to utilize the CS5 Mixer brush capabilities, since we will be doing some paintings, on landscapes and also on Pinup Style images! Sign up early—Don’t try to be “fashionably late” and miss out!
Are you legit? Lori Grice
The “P” word has taken our industry
by storm. Passion, while important, is not all it takes to have a photography business. In the “old days” we always would refer to Webster’s dictionary for definitions. This is how Webster’s defines business:
“a usually commercial or mercantile activity engaged in as a means of livelihood” These days, most consult Wikipedia for definitions. Wiki defines business this way:
A business (also known as enterprise or firm) is an organization engaged in the trade of goods, services, or both to consumers. [1] Businesses are predominant in capitalist economies, where most of them are privately owned and administered to earn profit to increase the wealth of their owners.
These definitions lead me to two key words….livelihood and profit. Without either of those words all you have is a hobby. The point you cross the threshold from hobby to business is when you accept OR charge money for your work. Sometimes that happens before you are really ready to be a business. But, it is a point of no return. Once you charge for your photography you ARE a business. So, what should you do next? 1. Purchase a business license. Each city or county has different rules so I can’t tell you for sure what your area requires. Check first with your City Hall. They should be able to tell you what you will need. Some cities {mine included} will come inspect where you are doing business. There are fire codes and safety issues they will have to make sure your workspace complies with. 2. Get business insurance. When you consider hiring an electrician
TONY Louis L. CORBELL
Tonsmeire THE POWER OF LIGHT
IN THE DIGITAL WORLD
Tony has been involved in professional pho-
tography since 1979 when his first studio position was with his sister and her husband in West Texas. Since then he has moved through an almost inspired life that has included traveling and lecturing in more than twenty countries, has photographed three U.S. presidents, 185 world leaders at the United Nations, sports celebrities, Taco Bell menus, Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises, almost 800 brides and grooms, and a handful of NASA astronauts. Tony spent four years teaching at the internationally renowned Brooks Institute of Photography and his Location Lighting DVD produced by Software Cinema has received great reviews Understanding and controlling light quality is at the core of all of Tony’s presentations. Attendees will take a look at some of Tony’s most effective and successful pictures and learn how to see a unique perspective and not be afraid to push the limits of their experience and talents. Corbell will discuss all types of lighting and its tools in depth. Lighting tools include portable flash, studio strobes, sunlight and ambient light. Lighting applications include additive, subtractive, reflective and transmission. Tony always spends time discussing Light Quality as well as Light Quantity and how Light Direction plays a significant role in the resulting mood of an image. Tony Corbell of San Diego, California is a highly regarded, well established professional photographer well known among pro shooters and students of photography from coast to coast. His specialty is taking pictures of people--incisive environmental portraits of everyone from musicians and celebrities to lawyers and bank presidents. But above all he is a master of light–it is his
brilliant use of lighting that distinguishes his work and defines his unique style.
Thomas and Photography TriCoast Mike Fulton and Cody Clinton Mario Munoz
Sexy Light – Wireless Flash and Strobe Tips and Tricks
Artists, authors and all around crazy international award winning
photographers, Mike Fulton, Cody Clinton and TriCoast Photography have gained world-wide popularity with their simple, fast, effective wireless flash techniques. Boasting a worldwide and editorial fashion style, TriCoast’s unique vision provides clients with a one-of-a-kind attitude that is very apparent in their final artwork. With an easy to follow and fun atmosphere, TriCoast believes in the NO SECRETS teaching attitude, giving the pros and cons of their lighting method which they have developed over many years of trial and error, capturing wedding day events around the world. Former Eastman Kodak’s “World Wide Photographers to Watch”, TriCoast Photography has shown that teamwork, passion for the arts and a sense of humor is the key to success. Learn simple-fast-effective methods of capturing images using Canon, Nikon and other eTTL/iTTL wireless flash without all the techno-geeky talk. Straight forward technique developed for the fast-paced, action world of wedding and location photography that can be also be used in many other situations. No need for a light meter or guessing at ratio settings, this technique will be a simple solution for almost every lighting situation one might face. Both outdoor and indoor lighting situations will be shown and explained, with simple pullback and final product images shown. Major trouble shooting problems and solutions to this simple yet effect aspect of lighting will be taught. Come learn the power of the “other” wireless flash technique, the IRmethd.
You’ll Learn:
1.You will learn simple, fast and effective tips for your flash units (mainly Canon and Nikon) that will take your photography to another level right away! 2.You will learn the pros and cons of the eTTL/iTTL method compared to other wireless flash methods. 3.Basis concepts in “flash placement”. Learning to use your flash as an outdoor, portable studio as well as simple light modifiers that won’t break the bank.
Mike and Cody will cover these areas in his class….
■Basic Tips and Tricks for Canon/Nikon and other wireless flash units ■Manually creating ratios the easy way – Pros and Cons to the IRmethod ■eTTL and iTTL settings ■Manual Mode ■Zoom ■Custom Functions ■Learn to travel light and capture on the go anywhere in the world
or a plumber you ALWAYS make sure they are “licensed and insured”. Shouldn’t photography clients want the same from us? What if someone gets hurt? What if you accidently break something in a client’s house. Are you covered? Probably not. Most homeowners insurance doesn’t cover things like that. Nor does it cover your equipment at a client’s house or while it is in your car. There are several types you will need. Find a reputable agent to guide you through this process. Our business insurance is over $ 10,000 a year but if needed, that is a small price to pay.
Our state taxes pay for schools {teacher’s salaries too}, roads, universities, firefighters, policemen, etc. We can’t do without any of these. So we must all do our fair share. 6. Pay federal taxes on your profit. Once again, your accountant will help you with this. Like I mentioned above, we all have to do our fair share. If you work for a factory or a school, you don’t get to choose whether or not they take taxes out of your paycheck. As business owners, we still have to pay taxes too.
4. Get an accountant. They will help guide you through so much of this. They will also know what your city or county requires.
7. Join PPA. If you are doing weddings it is a definite MUST DO! PPA offers indemnification insurance. This helps you in case of a catastrophic error or equipment debacle at a wedding. PPA even has mediation services. If you don’t live up to the contract you have with your bride you will most likely find yourself in a lawsuit. Plus the bride is going to want a “do over” of her event to recreate the images that were missed. You need PPA by your side if the worst happens. If you prepare for the worst, it rarely happens.
5.
Take a deep breath…it is a lot.
3. Get a sales tax i.d. #. Yes, even when you are selling a CD you are selling a product and you are required to collect and remit sales tax. The amount of sales tax varies from county to county. Ours is 7%. Be VERY careful with this. It must be paid on time! They don’t have much of a sense of humor about it.
Pay state taxes on your profit.
Yes, I realize that “regulation” is a hot button topic right now…and isn’t very popular. Unfortunately, we all are pretty used to all the government services that we take for granted every day. When I first started thinking about this article I thought about my own family. Nearly 80% of my family gets their paycheck from a government entity. We have two in the military, two that are civil servants, one that works for the county government, one that works for the Sheriff ’s department, one that is a retired teacher…my list could go on and on. What about your family? If any of my family lost their job it would be horrible. I am sure you feel the same way about your family, right. When you do a photography job, most likely you are taking that job from another studio. {There is only so much work to go around.} If you are taking a job from a legit studio, that is paying taxes and sales tax, and then don’t pay taxes that money doesn’t magically re-appear in the coffers somehow. If enough new photographers do that, it quickly adds up to a teacher’s salary, a police car, etc.…you get the picture. In Florida, they don’t have state tax so they take their sales tax VERY seriously. In fact, if you don’t
remit sales tax {they set an amount you can gross per year without being a business, I think it is $5300} it is a FELONY. Neither photography {nor passion} is worth going to jail over. This article isn’t written to start a fire storm of controversy…it is only intended as a road map of what you need to do to be legit. In “our neck of the woods” Coach Erk Russell is a bit of a legend. I think he summed it up best by saying, “Do Right”. Best of luck in all your endeavors! Lori Grice Master Photographer, Craftsman Photographer, Certified Photographer, ASP Inductee For more information regarding the specific policies and laws regarding business licenses contact your city or county administrative offices. They can go over the different licenses that are required to do business in your area. For information on Sales Taxes contact the Georgia Department of Revenue. For those in other states contact your state department of revenue.
Louis Tonsmeire
Light it, Love it, Shoot it!
It’s all about getting it right in the camera. From Raw to JPEG, your lights, main and fill and a few ratios thrown in for good measure. Learn portrait and wedding techniques that will make you stand out from the crowd. REALLY. This class will put you on the right track making your customers looking their best, while spending LESS time on your computers. You can sleep again! Louis’ Class is designed for the beginning Professional Photographer and for the seasoned pro who wants a refresher course in the basic foundations of Portraiture. Whether you want help getting the most out of your equipment or your sessions this class is for you. You will start with fundamentals and move into some of the more advanced techniques that Louis has used in his business fo the last 30 years, Louis is a past president of the Professional Photographers of America and has built a wealth of knowledge that he will share with his students.
Please the Judges … and then… Please the Clients! By Sam Gardner , M.Photog.Cr., CPP, Int. Juror
Learn to satisfy the jurors… and you can learn to please a wider variety of clients! Take advantage of the opportunity to widen your horizons and learn while you earn you merits! Entering print competitions at the state, District, and at the IPC is a choice many of us make to gain merits which apply towards our professional degrees. Scoring well enough to earn merits year after year is a real challenge. Standards are rising in our industry as retouching and artwork techniques become more refined and commonplace. Jurors just expect prints to be more flawless each year! Many successful images from years past probably wouldn’t even score in the 80’s these days. As standards rise, we also must rise to the occasion and improve our work. “If you want to earn more you need to learn more” applies to merits as well as client dollars. Think of your annual competition im-
ages as assignments carefully designed by someone whose goal it is to push you forward in your skills, much as a dedicated and caring mentor would do. Now, become that mentor! Examine your daily work and look for weak areas, then concentrate on improving those types of image-making problems. If it is too difficult to see your own work in this objective light, ask an associate of yours to assist you with it. Empower yourself with this concept and then when clients come calling and ask, “Can you do “such and such?”, you will have a clear answer and better capabilities to determine if you can satisfy their request or if they would be better served by referral to an associate. Our professional associations exists “to create, foster and promote the exchange of thoughts and ideas freely among photographers, so as to advance the art and profession of photography, for the benefit of our entire
membership”
his passion for sharing with others.
With this ideal in mind, ask a fellow member for their honest critique or opinion of your work, and conversely offer your ideas if asked. Why not get together with your “competitors” at district meetings and help each other. A January meeting could include time for critiquing competition work prints and brainstorming titles.
He has been teaching photography workshops since 1980, while owning and operating a photography business in Northwest Washington since 1983. Sam was honored by PPA in 2011 with the distinction of Platinum Medalist for having three of his four National Merit Prints accepted into the Loan Collection.
Then continue to push yourself throughout the year by improving your skills that need improvement. PPA and your state associations offer many opportunities for ongoing professional development in the areas of marketing, business practices, technical lighting, posing, workflow, and more. Attend these workshops, conferences and affiliate schools to hone your skills. Utilize your merit hunting to improve techniques and make your professional degrees more meaningful.
In ten years of entering PPA’s national print competition, his images have often been in the Loan or Showcase collections and used by PPA for promotional materials. Perhaps more importantly, Sam’s portraits are displayed and enjoyed by many clients. His enthusiasm and teaching skills are sure to carry you forward in your pursuit of better image making.
So, learn to earn more merits and also earn that nicest prize of all, increased client confidence in your skills. Sam’s keen interest for capturing quality images is only exceeded by
Whether presenting or judging, his chief concern is providing high quality constructive feedback and encouraging others to effectively market, efficiently capture and profitably deliver truly professional photographs to their clients. Sam continues his own education by studying with the best available, and personally challenges himself with
studying art and art history to improve his compositions. He currently serves as a PPA Approved International Juror as well as a Certification Liaison.
An entirely new product for the professional photographer
A Three chapter DVD totally dedicated to improving your skills at visual communication. These techniques will improve your work for clients as well as for judging panels at your State, District, and International Levels of image competition. The DVD has three chapters: Chapter 1 is about 7 minutes long
and explains how the judging systems basically work. Chapters 2 and 3 add up to about 35 more minutes and go into much more depth about the 12 elements and what jurors look for officially and un-officially, along with some terms from the art world and how to make use of this knowledge with photography. Also included is a set of 14 - 5x7 inch illustrated cards with examples of Loan and Merit images and text to help explain how each utilizes the twelve elements of a Merit Image.
The price is $129.00 + $10.00 S&H and it goes out priority mail. To order, please email me at: Sam@SamGardnerPhotography. com or message me on Facebook. My sincere wish is that this information propels your client and competition work to the next level!
Colby Moore
This image was taken on Galveston Island, Texas. I saw this abandoned house near the beach as my family and I first made our way onto the island. I knew this was going to be my first shot. I returned at sunset and made several three-shot bracketed exposures. I processed the raw files first in Photomatix and then made final adjustments in Photoshop.
On a school field trip in Helen, GA we were asked to find a unique image that captured the essence of the quirky mountain town that is famous for its Bavarian style and Oktoberfest. I climbed the stairs of a tattoo shop hoping to get a view from their deck but noticed then elaborate scene first. The juxtaposition of the inside of the tattoo shop with the architecture of the city as seen through the windows created a telling portrait of our little community. I processed my raw images in Photomatix and final adjustments in Photoshop.
Stephanie Maley
Stephanie Maley is a North Georgia Technical long love of photograher career as a pediatric children, she is pursuing has already started a Steph’s Photography, prilocal students and events Stephanie has a passion tojournalism and excels tography. Her outgoing sonality show through in
second year student at College. She has a lifephy. After completing nurse and raising two her passion. Stephanie business prior to school, marily taking photos of in Northeast Georgia. for portraiture and phoin other forms of phoand enthusiastic perher work.
While in school, she has been recognized by winning second place in the state SkillsUSA competition and was a semi-finalist in the 2011 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL). Stephanie received a letter of recommendation by Erin London clothing for one of her images. She is a member of the National Technical Honor Society. Her work can be found at www.lov2shoot.com.
Melissa Henderson Melissa A Henderson is a student at North Georgia Technical College. She has enjoyed a passion for photography for numerous years and has recently completed various assignments for clients, as well as assisted as a second shooter on various locations with fellow photographers. She is an active member of the Student Photography Society. Ms. Henderson was named a finalist in the Photographer’s Forum 32nd Annual College High School Photography Contest for 2012. Her work will be published in July 2012 edition of “Best College & High School Photography 2012.” She has also participated in the GPPA seminar and the Imaging USA held in New Orleans, Louisiana. Upon completing her Associates degree, Ms. Henderson will begin her photography business in northeast Georgia, focusing on portraiture, bridal and event photography. Ms. Henderson will also begin her work in photojournalism, traveling to various countries.
GPPA General Membership Meeting Minutes March 28, 2011 Athens, Georgia Item 1 Call to Order-Sally Jackson Sally called the meeting to order. 1.1 Invocation Spencer Smith volunteered to give the invocation. Item 2 Minutes from last meeting- Sherri Noftsinger Sherri made a motion to dispense with the reading of the minutes. Barry Koenig seconded; all in favor. Item 3 Elections- Sally Jackson Sally reported that the positions of area directors are now a two year term so there would be no need for a vote of area directors until next year. Sally introduced the current area directors to the membership. Sally did report that we need to vote on a director at large to fill a 3 year unexpired term of John Carney with one year remaining. The nominating committee nominated Mike Bentley. Spencer Smith made a motion that the nominations be closed after no other nominations were made. LaRita Hulsey seconded the motion; all in favor. Mike Bentley will serve one year left of the unexpired term. Item 4 PPA- Louis Tonsmeire Louis spoke on behalf of PPA as outgoing president. He reported that PPA was strong and financially sound. Louis spoke about the importance of being both a GPPA member and a PPA member as well. He said it was a marriage of both that will help grow your business. Item 5 Focus Magazine- Kevin Jiminez Kevin reported that the focus magazine is now online and he needed volunteers to write articles. Item 6 Old Business There was none to discuss Item 7 New Business Spencer Smith reported that we are having a mini convention May 15th and 16th in Atlanta, GA at the Crown Plaza on Powers Ferry Rd. It is free to GPPA members who preregister
and only $99.00 to non GPPA members who preregister. Our hotel room rate is only $79.00 per night. We will have a live auction with Louis Tonsmeire on Sunday night. You can go to the GPPA website to register and fill out your auction form online. We will have 3 speakers. Sunday Morning- Aaron Adams from Mississippi; will speak on high school seniors Sunday afternoon- Marci Sandler will speak on creating dreamscapes Monday- Tommy and Mario Munoz from FL will speak and demonstrate on weddings and high end portraits. These are programs you don’t want to miss and they’re free to all GPPA members if you preregister. Item 8 Area Meetings Lynn Watkins reported that there will be a program coming up on April 17th in Tifton, GA. On July 25th on Sunday in Valdosta, Andrea Zapatka will give a program and October 9th, 2011 in Macon, GA Ty Fisher will be speaking. Item 9 GA School Kevin Jiminez reported that the GA School will be held Sept. 11-16 at the NGT Campus. Some speakers are under contract and some are still in the works. Go online to GPPA website to register or register before you leave the convention. Item 10 2012 Convention- Sherri Noftsinger Sherri reported that next year’s convention will be held in Athens on March 31- April 3rd. Sally Jackson reminded everyone of the reception honoring Mary Alice Ross of GA as the outgoing SEPPA President at 6:00 in Room 815 across the street at hotel. A drawing was held for those who attended the general membership meeting and Elizabeth Harrellson from Valdosta, GA won a free membership to GPPA for 2012. Item 11 Adjournment Kevin Jiminez made a motion to adjourn; Spencer Smith seconded the motion; all in favor. End of Minutes Respectfully Submitted by GPPA Secretary Treasurer Spencer Smith If you have any changes or discrepancies with the minutes from he 2011 General membership meeting please bring them to the attention of either Spencer Smith or Jill Stringfellow.