Kevin Newsome
Chairman of the Board
kevin@newsomesstudio.com
Mary Alice Ross
President
maryaliceross@gmail.com
***Don Engler Peggy Parkinson
Delaware
***Bob Blanken Joe Tessmer
District of Columbia
Doug Peninger
1st Vice-President
ncdoug01@triadbiz.rr.com
***Dana Lunden Terri Crownover
Florida
George Singleton
2nd Vice-President
george.singleton6@verizon.net
Secretary/Treasurer
Anthony Rumley Randy McNeilly
randy@mcneillyphotography.com
Thomas McCollum
Executive Director
seppa@bellsouth.net
Southern Exposure Southern Exposure magazine is an online publication of SEPPA and is published monthly. Editor Doug Peninger NCDOUG01@triadbiz.rr.com 336-883-7104 Ad Sales & Business Manager Thomas McCollum seppa@bellsouth.net 888-272-3711 Article & Ad Submission 5th of each month On-Line Publication 1st of each month
SEPPA
2712 Marcia Drive Lawrenceville, GA 30044 888-272-3711 www.4seppa.com
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***John Carney Spencer Smith
Maryland
***Vanessa Ard David Corry
anthony@anthonyrumley.com
Print Exhibition Chair
Georgia
***Darrell Ivy Gil Brady
Mississippi/Alabama
North Carolina
***Sherry Whitt Janet Boschker
South Carolina
***Clark Berry Jimmy Wood
Tennessee
***Eddie Lambert Jan Wilson
Virginia
***Sharon Younce Robert Holman ***state president representative
Acceptance of advertising does not carry with it endorsement by the publisher. Opinions expressed by Southern Exposure or any of its authors does not neccesarily reflect the positions of the Southeastern Professional Photographers Association.
Additional information of state events within the SEPPA District can be found using the state links below. Please view their websites by clicking on the web address and you will be re-directed.
Delaware www.delawarephotographers.com
District of Columbia www.ppsgw.org
Florida
Mississippi/Alabama www.ppma.net
North Carolina www.ppofnc.com
South Carolina www.ppofsc.com
www.fpponline.org
Georgia
Tennessee
www.gppa.com
www.tnppa.com
Maryland
Virginia
www.marylandppa.com
www.vppa.org
SEPPA is a regional affiliate of Professional Photographers of America and hosts an annual District Image Judging. To learn more about PPA, click the logo below.
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Making Memories Do you remember the firstas photography convention you ever The clock is ticking we rapidy approach the attended? I do. It was the 1994 convention of the 2011 SEPPA Convention. Professional Photographers of North Carolina (PPNC). There are few items I want to suggest to you as I was completely overwhelmed by all the incredible checklist, of sorts, to think about.images I saw on display.
The first program I attended, of all people, was Dean Collins. Okay, for a newbie, I was in way over my head. I had no clue what he was talking about. That was the beginning of what would become a lifetime of continuing education. Without annual conventions and classes at affiliate schools, I would be nowhere. Those courses have taught me everything I know. Friendships are such an important part of conventions. Every time we meet, we get to see cherished friends from across the region. Some of those folks have become my dearest friends. I am so lucky that many of them have agreed to be speakers at the 2011 convention. These speakers inspire me as I hope they will inspire you. As you read through this issue, make your plans for the classes you will attend at the convention. It’s going to be fast and amazing.
I’ll see you in Athens!
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It’s not too early to start making your hotel reservation for the 2011 SEPPA Convention. The host hotel is the Hilton Garden Inn. Room rate is $125 per night. The hotel is a simple crosswalk away from the Classic Convention Center. Their direct number is 706-353-6800. http://www.hiltongardeninn.com/en/gi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=AHNDTGI
thePages southern exposure march 2011
1 6 8 17 26 27 57
Shop Showcase
Academy Productions White House Custom Color Little Dreamers Designs Millers PhotoFlex CCI Lab
Learn 6 12
Kevin Newsome Stump the Old Guy: Part 4 Rick Gibbons Folks: George Singleton
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John Woodward
18
Jamie Hayes
22 24
The Kill Zone Let it Snow!
Mary Fisk - Taylor To Sell or Not to Sell Cover Artist Doug Peninger
SEPPA CONVENTION Programs & Course Descriptions
Attend 7 9 11 20 21 51 56
2011 SEPPA Convention PPNC Convention
The Lamarr School Chicks who Click Super Monday with PPA
“Fallen” by Frederick Brinson
East Coast School Florida School
28 30 33 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 52 54
SEPPA Convention Schedule Suzette Allen Shooting Stadium Bambi Cantrell & John Woodward
Jamie Hayes Karen Goforth Mary Fisk-Taylor Kevin Newsome Janet Boschker Richard Sturdevant Janel Pahl Victoria Kelly
Joyce Wilson Michael & Tina Timmons
Cant’ get enough of the Q & A? Kevin asked for your questions, and did he ever get them! Kevin lets loose with an all new video. This month, you get the fourth installment of responses. Personally, I’m still rolling on the floor laughing at that Duck video from last month. Click on Part 4, and you will enjoy!
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CONVENTION HOTEL RESERVATIONS It’s not too early to start making your hotel reservation for the 2011 SEPPA Convention. The host hotel is the Hilton Garden Inn. Room rate is $125 per night. The hotel is a simple crosswalk away from the Classic Convention Center. Their direct number is 706-353-6800. http://www.hiltongardeninn.com/en/gi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=AHNDTGI
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Rick Gibbons
George Singleton In 2004, SEPPA was hosted by the Maryland Professional Photographers in Columbia, MD for the annual affiliate print judging. As SEPPA president, I was introduced to Maryland’s president, George Singleton, who had arrived ready to work in his suit and bowtie. A little overdressed, he, nevertheless, worked along with the rest of us, preparing for the SEPPA judging and Maryland’s convention and trade show. Only later was I informed that this was his second month as president. His predecessor had suddenly and unexpectedly passed away only three weeks into his term, so Singleton stepped up from his position as 1st VP to fill the term of his friend and insure the stability of the Maryland affiliate through this time of loss and tragedy.
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It was not until a few years later, I came to understand just how complete is George Singleton’s dedication and commitment to service. Growing up in the segregated south, his destiny was to be an instrument of diversity for the Methodist church, taking his place in history as the first black resident student at the Methodist-affiliated Pfeiffer College near Salisbury, North Carolina. Guaranteed a full scholarship, including room and board, by the Methodist conference, Singleton left his family home in DC and travelled to North Carolina for freshman orientation at the all white college. Actually there was another black day student and a non-resident student previously, but George was the first to actually live in a campus dormitory and attend classes as a full time, fully integrated student. George’s family was not happy about his decision to be a pioneer and not everyone at Pfeiffer was happy either. Most received him cordially, if cautiously, and even the Dean of Students wisely allowed him the option of meeting and selecting his first dorm roommate. They got along fine until his roommate’s family forced him to move out, making way for his next roommate, Edgar Johnson, who became, and has remained, a lifelong friend.
Above: George picture with Daisy Jackson . They formed as a duo presenting club shows featuring selections from Porgy & Bess
Above: George portraying Don Giovanni at the Mozarteum of Satzburg, Austria
George had been aware of his vocal talents while in high school, but at Pfeiffer, they were allowed to blossom. Joining drama and choral groups gave him a circle of friends who recognized his talent and became supportive of his civil rights. One memorable event was on the way back to school from a performance in Statesville, when the group stopped for a meal at a favorite local eatery. George was not only refused service, but was the subject of racial epithets from the restaurant worker who refused to seat him. The entire group showed their support by immediately boarding the bus to leave the restaurant. The FBI subsequently investigated the incident when George and the school chaplain visited the restaurant a few days later with the server admitting that George was refused service because of the color of his skin.
After graduating and teaching three years at the Methodist School, Boylan Haven Mather Academy in Camden, SC, where he had been a high school student, George enrolled in the graduate program at American University in Washington, DC. After his second year of study at AU, George auditioned for the US Air Force Singing Sergeants, and having passed the audition, enlisted in the Air Force. Traveling all through Asia and Europe and performing multiple times at the White House during his 22 years in the ensemble, George was welcomed into performance venues and concert halls in all 50 states. Honored to sing the National Anthem for the PBS television presentation of “A Capital Fourth,” he has also sung in millions of living rooms all across the country. An element of fate even brought him back to a 1987 reunion at Pfeiffer, where he rediscovered an old choral friend, Jane Williams, who had been one of his champions in the 60s. Both had recently ended long-term relationships and discovered that maybe they had been looking for each other while searching for a life partner. Married less than a year later, it is obvious to anyone who meets them that they were meant to be part of each other’s lives. “Graduating” from the Air Force, George has returned to Pfeiffer to headline concerts throughout the years. Music continues to play a major role in his life, but since the Air Force, photography has been his chosen career path. His studio in Silver Spring, Maryland, has brought him into a new arena of talented colleagues who have found his humble, quiet manner and dedication to service a good fit for the MDPPA. He has also become a good fit for SEPPA and will later this month become the 1st Vice president and convention chair. Not a stranger at being first in difficult arenas, SEPPA welcomed George Singleton as the first African-American member of the SEPPA Executive Committee in 2008, making history once again, something that seems to be his destiny. 13
John Woodward
Now that I have relocated to Florida, there are more opportunities than ever for environmental portraiture, not only for locations but for a longer season. Those of you in the south have a definite advantage on us October to April snow-bound northern types. With spring weather and the growing season upon us, it’s never a better time to revisit how we determine and execute our outdoor portraiture. A photographer who appears nervous, fumbles with equipment or gives the impression of inexperience will create tension in the client and the success of the session will be doomed from the start. Be sure of your equipment, time of day for lighting considerations and directions to the location so that you inspire confidence in your client. It is fine to select a location based on its beauty alone, but if it’s not easy to access will it be more trouble than it’s worth? Selecting your outside “studio,” you must realize that the sun is a “point” light source, used for hair light, shoulder light and background separation. The sun lights the atmosphere in much the same way as a soft box is used by the light source as a mixing chamber. For this reason, the atmosphere becomes a soft light used for general fill. By placing the sun behind and slightly to one side of your subject, you create the ability for your subjects to keep their eyes open. As an additive school photographer I try to use fill flash for any needed additional illumination. I very rarely use a reflector with subjects since the point light source, reflected, will cause the subjects to squint. I will sometimes use a reflector in conjunction with a fill flash to soften shadows created by a small light source like a portable strobe. By using the fill flash you’ll be able to clean up the deep set sockets of the subject’s eyes. On other occasions I have used a reflector or additional fill flash to highlight an important detail like a subject’s hair, a dress or flowers in a hand. 14
Of course if we could always have our clients meet us at dawn before the sun was too high in the sky, most of our problems would be solved. Since this is rarely the case, when the sun is higher in the sky, between 10am and 4pm, you have to adjust your thinking. Using the sun behind the subject creates the ideal solution for separation and hairlight. However, with the shadow now pointing directly at the camera and no light coming from the side, you may have inadvertently rendered an overall flat lighting to the location, almost as bad as using on camera flash to hit the subject directly from the front. Remember that our primary goal is to create a three dimensional subject on a two dimensional surface. Flat lighting, whether from the front or back, does not help our mission. Creating dimension with lighting contrast is absolutely essential. Without opposing areas of light and dark, your finished work cannot appear three-dimensional. You need to work in what I call “the kill zone.” Referring to the diagram, I have illustrated the areas for you. Remembering the discussion of the open and closed sides of the subject’s face, if the subject’s face is closed on the left, you move them to the left. If they are closed on the right, move them to the right, easy enough. When you do this, the sun, which is your point light source and, in this case, the hair light, will be slightly more dominant on the side away from the main light, just like in the studio when we place the hair light opposite the main. By positioning your subjects in this manner, you create “cylindrical dimension.” The main will light the mask of the face. There will then be a slight shadow in the area where the highlight to shadow transition occurs. The sun will be a hair light opposing the main, and there will be a relatively dark area on the quadrant of the head between the hair light and main.
This subject positioning is very effective in creating dimension. In most cases it is possible to use a single light and not stifle your creativity. It is for this reason you must understand the sun’s transit across the sky from horizon to horizon and know exactly where the sun is relative to your desired background at any time during the day. Without knowing the sun’s positioning, and what time of day you need to be there, you will be fumbling around in front of your client, creating the tension we have already said is destructive to your session.
Editor’s Note: John Woodward has given permission to the editor to reproduce his series “All I Know.”
The kill zone is approximately 35 degrees on either side of the subject’s cast shadow. Remember to keep the subject’s nose between the main light and the axis of the lens. This technique is especially effective when there is foliage behind the subject. Fall leaves will glow translucently as the sun penetrates them. Many times I will put my subject in front of a tree line which creates patterns of light and dark behind the subject. This also helps create depth and dimension. I very rarely use direct light on the subject’s face…only very early or very late in the day. But you can only do this if the subject is very tolerant of the sun and does not squint.
You may contact John Woodward at: woodward2@aol.com or become his friend on Facebook
The SEPPA Board of Governors, at the 2010 meeting in Franklin, TN, approved the all new SEPPA Degree Program. The Southeastern Photographic Fellowship is now a reality! You can earn your new SPF Degree in two categories. The orange ribbon will be with a concentration in print credits. The purple ribbon be with a concentration in service to the organzation. Both options will be completed with education and or service credits. You may also, achieve both Degrees separately for a purple and orange ribbon. SEPPA will post the Credit Chart and submission forms at a later date. Be sure to check back. All events, beginning April 1, 2010 will be eligible to submit for credit.
Jamie Hayes
So let’s clear up a few things first. Every photographer has their own recipe lighting a white background and I’ve heard about every solution on the planet. One thing that I found to be very hard to do is light the background evenly across the entire sweep. Aiming light directly at the background sounds like it would be easy and require less work, but in reality unless you have an extremely large camera room and a bunch of lights, full length high key photography is very difficult to master. Overexposing the background seems to be the most popular recipe. This works great as long as you don’t have to see the entire background in the shot like photographing a large family group or a car! If you overexpose any area of the background you will have a distinct line of different exposure values between the main light (lit with less light than the background) and the background. Photo 4
When I opened the studio I only had four lights and after a few tries I found a way to evenly light any background with just these four lights. First I like to use the largest main light modifier possible when ever I can. I prefer to use a 4x6 soft box. Even in my ultra small space of just 11 feet wide by 10 foot deep spare bedroom camera room, I have found a way to make it work. The main light should evenly light the subject from head to toe and create as diffused shadow as possible. The larger the light source and the closer it is to the subject the more diffused and soft the highlights will appear. In Photo 1 you can see how this looks with just the main light turned on. Next we need to light the shadow side of the body for this I use a round 42 inch light modifier. I like the shape of the catch light in the eyes of my subjects. 18
Photo 1
The resulting photo #2 shows how the light looks when placed directly behind the camera. I place this light deliberately directly behind the camera to eliminate any shadows and light the entire background evenly from side to side. Now I don’t have to worry if my subject moves around the background or if I happen to need the enitre width of the background in the shot. Depending on personal taste decrease the fill light to the desired amount. In my studio I set this light 1 and 1/3 stops less than the main ( I know what you are thinking but wait; you’ll see why in just a minute). The other two lights I bounce off of the white ceiling turning it into a large soft box thus again diminishing the contrast and there for illuminating any shadows. These lights are placed one on each side of the background and aimed toward the camera at about a 30 degree angle. I love my Profoto lights because the reflectors are moveable allowing me to feather and zoom in and out until I get a perfect even light. I use my light meter to determine the exposure not my eyes! You can be off 1/3 of a stop on either side and still get a great clean sweep of light. The background and the subject should receive the exact same amount of light. If the subject is perfectly exposed at a certain amount of light, wouldn’t the background be perfectly exposed if it receives the same amount of light? (see photo 3) I use the dome out on my Sekonic meter when I am measuring overall lighting values and the dome retracted when I want to know what each light is contributing individually. The end result is seen in Photo 4, perfect clean white background, good detail in the shadows and smooth soft light on the highlight side of the subject. This set up also allows the subject to move around the entire area of the background and never be more than ½ stop off of the main exposure, perfect for photographing quickly moving children. How simple is that??
Photo 2
Photo 3
Camera: Canon 1DS Mark III Lens: Canon 35-350 L Series 3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens Exposure: 1/125 sec @ f/11 100 ISO RAW File Capture and jpeg (for viewing purposes only) Light Meter: Sekonic L-358 Light Modifiers: Larson 4x6, 42 inch Starfish Strobes: Profoto Compact 600r
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Mary Fisk-Taylor
When our studio phone rings, it is a great thing. An opportunity to meet a new client, get to work with a former one? Maybe it is a wedding or a portrait session?? Excitement builds and we are ready to answer in our most chipper voice and a gleam in our eye. We give our best introduction and the voice on the other line says, “yes, do you give away your files on CD?� Ugh! Smile fades, gleam gone. 22
This is a great and timely question. One we all struggle with as professional photographers. I have found that the CD of images can actually become a deal breaker with most wedding clients and even my high school seniors. The ownership of the images has become a necessity for my brides and teens. They want to be able to show these images off virally, on their cell phones and networking pages. In a world full of digital capture many of our clients have unfortunately translated photography into a file verses an actual printed image. We did not want this to happen at our studio so we set out to find the perfect balance between our products (albums, portraits, etc.) and the client owning the CD.
With our wedding clients we chose to say “Yes!” much earlier than any portrait clients, since my brides and grooms were the most concerned about a CD of images. We all understand that anything we print has the potential of being copied. This is a fact we can choose to ignore or pretend it does not exist but the sheer fact that scanners are attached to the majority of household computers is a pretty good indicator that they are being used. So, our solution was any wedding candid that is printed either in their wedding album or as a loose candid would go on their Wedding CD of images. The Wedding of CD of images is delivered when their wedding album is delivered. This was our best solution and compromise because we were still delivering quality prints and beautiful albums to our client insuring that they had beautiful wedding images to share and enjoy. However, we could also give them the CD of images. It has worked very well for us over the past several years and I am not inclined to change it anytime soon. My clients are happy and I am pleased that I am able to maintain high wedding averages and deliver beautiful portraits and albums from the wedding.
This past year we realized very quickly that our high school senior portrait clients were not just interested in the CD of images but demanding it. We have a thriving senior business and did not want to lose those sessions over the CD. So again we decided to come up with a working compromise that would allow us to say “Yes!” to the client but maintain our portrait average and quality of work. Our price list allows our clients to get the image on CD for any portrait purchase. Our portraits are 11x14 and larger and of course this does not include albums, collages or any small prints. This has worked very well for us so far and our high school senior portrait business actually doubled last year. I think that it is very hard for us as professional photographers to accept the CD of images concept and find that perfect balance. However, as our clients change and the environment we live in constantly is growing we must do the same. If you find yourself on the telephone or during consultations saying “No.” to potential clients questions and requests you may need to sit back, evaluate and figure out how to say, “Yes!”
Mary Fisk Taylor mary@hayesandfisk.com 1-804-740-9307 Twitter @maryfisktaylor facebook - maryfisktaylor
What in the world was I thinking? I began my career in photography in 1993. I left everything and everyone I knew to pursue a new life. I’ve never looked back. I’ll admit, when I picked up that first Hassleblad, I didn’t know an f-stop from a door stop. Some folks say that’s still true. When I first started, Rick Gibbons encouraged me to learn as much as I possibly could and ask questions. So, that’s what I have done. Along the way, I have been fortunate to study with some of the very best in the industry and many have become some of my dearest friends. To them, I say thank you. Without your sharing of time and talent and gentle nudging, I would not be where I am today. To Janet Boschker, my mentor, thank you does not begin to cover it. You are a great artist. You taught me techniques and artistry like no one else, all the while sharing laughter and a few tears. What do I think now? I am fortunate to work in an industry containing such amazing artistry and sharing of knowledge. I love every minute of it. 24
“The Filling Station” scored a 93 at the sta PPNC convention, it was awarded the Kod in the illustrative category. It also w Photographer award. When it was ente received the placement of Illustrative Dist judging, it became a PP
ate level in North Carolina. At the dak Gallery Award and First Place won the Certified Professional ered at SEPPA, it scored a 97 and tinguished. When sent to the PPA PA Loan Print.
Note: Images chosen for the cover of Southern Exposure are first place, distinguished or other award winners from the annual affiliated judging
Schedule of Events note times & location
Friday, March 25th 9:00am
Print Judging
Sunday Continued
Foundry Building
Saturday, March 26th 8:00am
Trade Show Set Up
9:00am
Print Judging
11:00am
Trade Show Opens
12:00noon
Board of Governors
1:00pm
4:00pm
Athena B Athena A
CPP EXAM
Grand Hall
Foundry Building
Grand Hall
Trade Show Closes
Grand Hall
4:30pm - 7:00pm
12:00Noon Registration Desk Open
Athena E
SHOOTING STADIUM
1:00pm - 5:00pm
John Woodward vs. Bambi Cantrell Sponsored by PWD Lab
Foundry Building
Suzette Allen
“Accessorizing Photoshop” Sponsored by East Coast School 7:00pm
Chariot Races
Courtyard
Sunday, March 27th 7:00am
Registration Desk Open
7:45am - 9:15am
Jamie Hayes
CC Athena E
“The Glamour of Photographing Women” Sponsored by GP Albums, GNP Frames & WHCC 7:45am - 9:15am
Karen Goforth
Athena F
“Stimulus Package” Sponsored by H&H Color Lab 9:30am - 11:00am
Mary Fisk-Taylor
Kevin Newsome
Athena E
Athena F
“Executives - A Market Ignored” Sponsored by Millers
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Registration Desk Closes
8:30pm
“Where is That Easy Button?” Sponsored by GP Albums, GNP Frames & WHCC 9:30am - 11:00am
5:00pm
Melting Point
TOGA PARTY
with the “Band
of Oz”
open to all registered covention attendees Be sure to wear your name badge & toga . enjoy great food, music and friends!
Monday, March 28th 7:00am
Registration Desk Open
8:00am - 10:00am
CC Athena E
Janet Boschker
“Finding Your Niche in the Children’s Market” Sponsored by Southern Exposure Magazine 8:00am - 10:00am
Richard Sturdevant
President’s Reception Fire Hall Featuring the Southern Exposure Writers and Cover Artists
7:00pm
Athena f
“Using Composites to Rock Your Clients” Sponsored by BWC Lab
8:00pm
Awards Banquet
Athena E Formal Attire Limited space available You Must Purchase a ticket: $20.00 Sponsored by Georgia PPA
Tuesday, March 29th 8:30am - 5:00pm
10:00am
Trade Show Opens
12:00noon
Former President’s Lunch
2:00pm
Grand Hall TBD
Trade Show Closes
Athena E
Michael & Tina Timmons
“The Fine Art Side of Photography” Sponsored by Millers Lab 8:30am - 5:00pm
foundry Building
Joyce Wilson
“MASTER CLASS” BEYOND PORTRAITURE This class is a separate registration. You must be a Master Photographer or within a few merits to attend this class.
Convention Closes We will see you in 2013.
2:00pm
Victoria Kelly
Athena E
“Rock Star Seniors” GW Moulding & Southern Exposure Magazine 2:30pm
Janel Pahl
Athena F
Events
“Living in Light” Sponsored by Southern Exposure Magazine 3:00pm 4:00pm
Registration Desk Closes GPPA Meeting
Athena F
Schedule is subject to change.
Saturday, March 26 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Photoshop Fashion
Accessorizing Photoshop for Efficiency and Style
Photoshop, of course, is the ultimate digital imaging tool … 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! 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….how about speedy composite tools like Album DS? Or add retouching speed with Portraiture! This stylish class will take you through the core features of Photoshop CS5 and ALSO teach you how to integrate Lightroom , Album DS 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 the add-on software selections. Of course we will add to your fashion sense with some great techiniques to create PinUp-style paintings, high fashion looks and soft elegant touches, perfect for kids and moms too!
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SUZETTE ALLEN Suzette Allen has quickly become a well-known instructor, teaching others how to master the tools of Photoshop. After years of graphic design work and working as a retoucher at a photo lab, Suzette is quite adept at the skills needed for efficiency, creativity and great composition. Pair that with her natural teaching style, and you have a winning combination! Suzette has been a professional portrait photographer for 25 years and has been teaching digital imaging for 9 years. She has been an international speaker for Photographic Conventions, as well as a teacher at many of the PPA affiliated schools. She is the recipient of the Fuji Masterpiece Award for Digital and Commercial Photographer of the Year for California in 2002. She is currently the “Photoshop Expert� on ShootSmarter.com, a resource site dedicated to helping photographers thrive in the Digital world. Suzette is best known for her patient and down-to-earth teaching style and extensive knowledge of Photoshop with an intense focus on efficiency.
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Saturday Evening In the Courtyatrd
Show Your State Pride!! Each state is onvited to participate in the 2011 Chariot Races. Custom create your own state chariot . Get a red wagon and fix it up! The creation is completely up to your team. Each state team will consist of a rider and 4 Puller-Pushers! Contact Tom McCollum, SEPPA Executive Director and Register now! State__________________________________________ Team Rider___________________________________ Four Member Push Team_____________________ ________________________________________________
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Sunday, March 27 4:30pm to 7:00pm
Bambi Cantrell vs. John Woodward This is the live program you have always wanted to see! Two master photographers photographing live, in front of an audience. A panel of judges. A host. A secret prop. Only one can reign supreme as the best. You get a front row seat to this exciting event. This will be like nothing you have ever seen at a photographic convention. John Woodward and Bambi Cantrell will go head to head in battle as they demonstrate all the knowledge they have. You will be inspired, You will be captivated by the energy. You’ve just got to be there!
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!!!
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sunday, March 27 7:45 am - 9:15 am
The Glamour of Photographing Women As professional photographers we all have a passion for photography. A desire to create beautiful images for our clients to enjoy, love, treasure and ultimately purchase. However, as individual artists we should all have something that we love to photograph, love to mold and create into artwork and art pieces that will grace our personal galleries or the interiors of our clients’ homes. For me, creating glamorous images of women is my personal passion.
From romantic to sensual, fun to flirty, intimate to pin-up, Jamie will take you on a visual journey into the intimate world of glamour photography. The art and study of the female form and the journey of creating beautiful portraits and illustrations of women has become an extremely profitable and rewarding product line in his Richmond, Virginia, studio. Jamie will demonstrate lighting and posing techniques ranging from simple one-light setups to elaborate multiple light masterpieces. This program is packed full of images detailing the entire process of Glamour Photography. Don’t miss this opportunity to study with one of our industry’s top photographers and successful business owners.
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JAMIE HAYES
M. Photog., Cr. CPP ABI API It all began for Jamie at the age of 13. He never imagined that saving S&H Green Stamps would lead him to purchase a Kodak 110 camera and this would define his life’s path forever. That camera with its fancy new flash cube extender would lead him on an incredible journey into professional photography. Jamie photographed his very first wedding at the age of 15. He had to get a ride from a family member but did not want his bride to know, so he had his uncle park down the block and walked the remaining two blocks to the church. Twenty five years, two former employers, hundreds of weddings and thousands of sessions later, Jamie and his business partner, Mary Fisk-Taylor, have created one of the most creative and lucrative home based studios in the Richmond, Virginia, area. Jamie considers himself very lucky; most people consider him to be extremely talented. He was blessed with a fine eye for detail, an imagination bigger than life and an ability to create images that have been named some of the best in the country. His name is constantly at the top of the list for highly accomplished professional photographers but the real reward is the smiles and tears that he consistently brings to his client’s faces when he delivers their beautiful portraiture. Jamie gives credit to all of the wonderful friends and mentors that have encouraged and taught him along the way. He truly believes that becoming a member of PPA so many years ago was the beginning of his photography education and brought him to the point where he is today. Jamie’s appreciation for the education led him to the PPA Business Instructor program back in 1999. Ever since then Jamie and his business partner Mary have been lecturing across the country at many National and Regional conventions as well as week long schools. Receiving his Craftsman degree in 1998 and his Masters’ in 1999, Jamie has enjoyed many awards for his work including the Kodak Grand Gallery Elite, Kodak Gallery Awards, Fuji Masterpiece Awards as well as many entries into the PPA Traveling Loan and General Collections, three-time Virginia Photographer of the Year and numerous Best in Show awards. In 2002 he received a perfect score of 100 at SEPPA regional competition and had all four entries, 2 wedding albums and 2 prints, one of which was only a few of the newly accepted team coverage wedding albums, accepted into the PPA Loan Collection. Jamie and Mary are both proud members of the Society of XXV, a by invitation only world renowned portrait artist group.
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Sunday, March 27 7:45 am - 9:15 am
Stimulus Package
Market, Market, and Market Some More!
There is so much talk about how bad the economy is. It has made us all fearful. At some point, we’ve all wondered about the future of our photographic industry. In 2008, we decided we were going to set some goals and go after them. We set our goal at $1,000,000 in sales. We fell short, however we recorded 2008 as being our best year ever! Not too bad in a struggling economy, huh? The best part is that we’ve maintained that amount of sales the last two years.
Come and learn how we stayed focused and persistent to reach our goal. First, we will cover marketing on a budget. We’ll share how to get customers in the door, using the tools you already have. Then, learn how to continue marketing once you get them in the door. Learn all about free marketing to entice your clients to return again and again. Not only do we have to be talented photographers, but even smarter business people. Turn off the tube, quit listening to the negative media and get your “share” of the stimulus package!
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KAREN GORFORTH Karen, Goforth, originally from Connecticut, moved to Kannapolis, North Carolina, in 1980. She soon started her photography business, Irresistible Portraits, out of the basement of her home. Now, celebrating her 20th year, the business has bloomed into a boutique style professional photography studio in the heart of Kannapolis. Irresistible Portraits offers a unique experience that sets it apart from its competitors. Karen holds the degree of master craftsman and is certified through the Professional Photographers of America. She uses her photographic talent and keen sense for marketing to keep up her thriving studio. But not every image is made with intentions for profit. Karen and her staff have founded a non-profit foundation, Focused on a Cure, to support local breast cancer research. Photographing breast cancer survivors and fundraisers are another way for Karen to share her talent and help her local community.
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Sunday, March 27 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Be prepared to be entertained and educated. Mary Fisk-Taylor owns and operates an extremely successful portrait and wedding studio in Richmond, Virginia, with her business partner, Jamie Hayes and is just crazy enough to open a second studio last year. The new studio focuses on a more fresh and fun approach to children’s photography and high school seniors. She is the mother of two very busy children and a member of Volunteers Anonymous! In March, Mary will discuss the need for balance in your life, creating and maintaining a studio image and her best marketing strategies. She will share with you her journey into this crazy business of photography, the struggles of being a Super-Woman and the truth about Success!
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Mary Fisk-Taylor
M. Photog., Cr., CPP, ABI, API
Mary Fisk-Taylor has been a member of the Professional Photographers of America since 1999. Along with her business partner, Jamie Hayes, they operate a high-end wedding and portrait business in Richmond, Virginia. Hayes & Fisk the Art of Photography is a home-based studio located on almost one acre of beautiful gardens and they have successfully created one of the most sought after Portrait and Wedding studios in their area. In 2009 Mary developed the concept of a fresh and fun new studio in the Richmond area. With the help of her family, most importantly her mom and sister, Real Life Studios was opened in Midlothian, Virginia. Real Life Studios is best know for their high school senior portraits as well as the funky children and tween imagery. Real Life also has an entire Event and Party division which gives the studio a constant and steady revenue of new clients and income year round. Mary was very pleased and honored to have received her Master of Photography, Craftsmen of Photography and Certification of Professional Photography in just three short years!!! This was quite an accomplishment for her both personally and professionally. Mary was named Photographer of the Year in 2007 and has won Best Wedding Album of the Year in Virginia several times. Nationally she has placed albums in the top five. She has won numerous Best in Show awards, Kodak Gallery Awards, Fuji Masterpiece Awards, Loan Collection prints and albums. Mary is also a recipient of the prestigious Virginia Award, which honors photographers for their commitment and dedication to their state association, and the business of professional photography.
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Sunday, March 27 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Executives A Market Ignored
The landscape of our industry has evolved dramatically in recent years. More and more, professional photographers are fielding calls from potential clients who need the digital file for commercial purposes. In the film days, this was classified as a commercial job and rarely did portrait photographers even bother with it. The most any executive would purchase would be a single print to be used for business purposes. It was hardly worth the time. Today, executive portraiture has become a product line that a good, quality portrait artist can count on for a steady revenue stream. It is still classified as a “commercial job” in that we are turning over the digital files along with a “user license” for them to make prints at their leisure for commercial purposes. Kevin’s program will shed light on how the executive market has helped his business get through the slow times in our economy and how this huge profit maker can be marketed effectively to create a revenue stream that keeps on giving.
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KEVIN NEWSOME With more than 30 years as a full time professional photographer specializing in executives, seniors, children and family portraiture, Kevin Newsome might be considered one of Florida’s most experienced image artists. He’s a past president of the Tampa Area Professional Photographers Association (2003), the Florida Professional Photographers (2001), and the Southeastern Professional Photographers Association (2008-09). His book, Children’s Portrait Photography – A Photojournalistic Approach, was published by Amherst Media.
Monday, March 28 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Find Your Niche in the Children’s Market Little people require a special blend of psychology, deception and silliness. Maternity, babies, toddlers, tweens & teens – we’ll cover the ages and uncover the mysteries of photographing little people. Nurture creativity Find your style – Explore possibilities …. are all themes of this program. Variety. Consistency. Quality. Whatever your chosen style of photography, these elements must be present in your work if you are going to survive. Lighting. Composition. Presentation. Set yourself apart as a professional in the studio and on location. Creativity. Style. Technique. Refine your craft, elevate your images, and rewards will follow. Janet will share what has worked to develop her distinctive style and build a strong referral business.
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JANET BOSCHKER Janet Boschker began her career in professional photography in 1983 as a wedding photographer at a leading studio in Charlotte, NC. As a single mom of 3, she juggled career and family for 11 years before starting her own NorthLight Photography in 1994, specializing in young children and their families. Her involvement on state and national levels led to the PPA Master of Photography in 1995 and the Craftsman in 2000. 2006 brought PPA International Affiliate Judge status and led to judging engagements on the state, regional, national and international levels. It continues to be her pleasure to be invited to judge, speak and share her experience in the hope that it will be helpful to another’s journey in the incredible field of professional photography.
Recent Accomplishments 2005: 1st Place Children SEPPA 2007: 1st & 2nd Place Children, 1st Place Women, 2nd Place Groups, NC Photographer of the Year 2008: SEPPA Distinguished Award, NC 2nd Place Children
PPA Photographer of the Year 2006 – Silver; 2007 – Platinum; 2008 – Silver; 2009 – Gold: 2010 - Silver Janet was Director of the East Coast School for the last three years and is a past president of Professional Photographers of North Carolina. She received the National Award at the 2009 PPNC Convention.
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Monday, March 28 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Live Free, Shoot Hard and Create Art: Using Composites to Rock your Clients Enter into a world where photography has no rules, where the ordinary can become extraordinary, and creativity has no bounds. Richard Sturdevant specializes in the art of composites to create wonderful vivid images that tell a story. No matter what type of photography you create, composites can add a whole new dimension to your style. Richard will show you how he uses composites to create stunning works of art for his portrait clients, commercial clients and award winning competition prints. He will take us on a journey through his creative thought process from start to finish. This program will inspire you to think like an artist and how to use the camera and Photoshop as paintbrush.
RICHARD STURDEVANT Richard Sturdevant is a leading expert in photographic artistry and creative composites. His award winning work, style, and techniques have earned him high praise in the photographic industry. Richard is known for an impressive track record in print competition - receiving six prints with a perfect 100 point score in both state and regional competitions. Sturdevant’s fluid combination of photography with fine art skills stems from his original artistic roots. Prior to becoming a photographer, Richard made his living as a classic and award-winning artist and also was a national art instructor and a published subject matter expert. Using airbrush and oil, his unique but photorealistic style made for a natural transition to photography. Today his passion for painting comes alive in his creations of photographic art. As a photographic artist, Richard received the prestigious title of 2010 Southwest Photographer of the Year with SWPPA, 2009 and 2010 Texas Photographer of the Year with TPPA and 2008-2009 Dallas Photographer of the Year with DPPA. He also achieved International Gold and International Platinum Photographer of the Year with PPA in 2007, 2008 then went double Platinum Photographer of the year for Photographic Open and Electronic Imaging in 2010. From 2005 to 2009, he received 5 Kodak Gallery Awards as well as 12 Fuji Masterpiece Awards. Richard owns and operates Sturdevant Studio - a thriving portrait studio in Garland, Texas. He specializes in fine art composites, seniors, families, wedding, and commercial photography. He was featured in Rangefinder magazine August 2006 where his image “Durrel’s Run” was featured on the cover. Richard is a member of PPA, ASP, WPPI, TPPA, DPPA and is PPA Master of Photography. With over 20 years of experience as a creative artist, Richard brings a unique eye to the world of photographic education. Sharing his knowledge and experience with others in the industry is something that he enjoys. As part of his commitment to helping others learn and succeed, he has launched his own brand of educational materials to photographers, graphic designers, and artists nationwide. He believes that these materials, known as the “Sturdavinci Art Tools”, will help fellow professionals, as well as aspiring students, achieve their creative potential and improve their workflow. Turning the ordinary into the extraordinary will continue to be Richard’s goal in his personal photographic journey and as a platform for his teachings.
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Monday, March 28 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Living in Light Janel’s passion for light has affected her photography as well as her life. Creativity flows when our subjects have beautiful light skimming across them. A face, a flower, a tree in a forest or a single shell on the sand all are affected by the light. Janel’s program will inspire you to seek the light and apply its beauty to your subjects as well as your everyday life. Her teaching, woven with her life’s stories and positive outlook on life, will prove to be a breath of fresh air.
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JANEL PAHL Janel Pahl has been photographing California families for over 27 years. She designed and built a 1,000. square foot elegant home studio with a pathway to her enchanting year round cottage garden. Janel’s passion for life and people comes out in her artistic photographs, which emphasize emotion, natural light and creative composition. Eager to share, Janel has become a teacher throughout the United States, Canada, England, Ireland and Italy, mostly with her own artistic workshops, “Journeys of the Soul”. Her work has won numerous awards in PPA competitions. Along with her family portraits, Janel has pursued her fine art photography. She has signed with the world renowned art publisher Winn Devon and was their featured “artist to watch for in 2009” in Décor magazine. She has shown her work at the well known Laguna Beach Art A Fair for the past two years.
Monday, March 28 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
RockStar Seniors Victoria’s recipe for a sucessful senior business contains a few key ingredients: a dedicated staff person whose entire focus is seniors, a commitment to a strict senior timeline on the studio calendar and a network of senior moms who help spread the word. Her philosophy? Give every senior a rockstar experience to kick off their senior year and they’ll tell their friends. “We want every senior to leave our studio feeling like the star they are...from the time they walk through our door until they leave with their goody bag, they have our 100% undivided attention.” It means Victoria spends a lot of time reading...magazines, that is, keeping up with current fashion trends, colors, music and movies. “We don’t want any surprises at the preview session... the parent that accompanies the senior to the photography session leaves with a complete pricelist and homework assignment.” Victoria will take you through a typical senior year: recruiting your style crew, producing your marketing materials and more, right down to selling the senior images with ProSelect.
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Tuesday, March 29 8:30 am - 5:00 pm limited to 40 registered students
Master Class Beyond Portraiture
Are you searching for inspiration and new direction? If so this is a day you will not want to miss. Joyce will share photographic and art techniques to add to your repertoire, and help build your reputation as an artist. Demonstrations and assignments with the emphasis on creativity and concept will stretch your imagination and help you develop unique images and products for clients…competition prints that rock…and portfolio collections for gallery shows. Joyce has maintained a philosophy throughout her career of “One for Thee – One for Me”. This philosophy served her well as she was able to satisfy her client’s needs and continue to experiment and grow as a creative artist. Joyce’s enthusiasm and passion for art and her ability to teach and guide students is legendary. You will be introduced to a variety of processes: pastel fusion and oil painting on digital images…creating digital negatives for Cyanotype, Van Dyke and Polymer Photogravure…collage and acrylic transfers…hand made albums and accordion booklets, and Photoshop techniques to elevate your work to another level. Not your ordinary workshop, this day of discovery will take you on a path Beyond Portraiture into the elusive realm of fine art and new visions. Assignments to continue after the workshop day, marketing information and hand-outs will enable each student to continue experimenting and challenging themselves on their personal journey.
JOYCE WILSON Joyce Wilson is an artist who consistently produces images with creativity and imagination, and continues to surprise and delight her many followers. After a long and successful career based in Indianapolis, Joyce moved to Santa Barbara in 1996 and served on the faculty at Brooks Institute. She left this position in 2006 to concentrate on her personal work, but has recently returned as adjunct faculty to teach the popular Beyond Portraiture class. Joyce has lectured and taught at photographic conferences throughout the world for the past 40 years. She is a M.Photog.Cr. and Fellow of the American Society of Photographers and was awarded an honorary Master of Science from Brooks Institute. In 2003, the International Photographic Council honored her at the United Nations with the distinguished Leadership Award, and she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Professional Photographers of America in 2006. Joyce’s work is featured in solo and group exhibitions, and is part of the permanent collection at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, the International Photography Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City, and the Sherman Hines Museum in Nova Scotia. Recent exhibitions include the Rossignol Cultural Centre, Nova Scotia, Canada, Larson Art Gallery, Columbia College, MO, Ami Gallery, Indianapolis, IN, Samy’s Camera Gallery, Santa Barbara, and the Faulkner West Gallery, Santa Barbara, CA.
REGISTRATION This is a separate registration in addition to the normal SEPPA Convention registration. All registrations must be completed by February 15, 2011. Required: PPA Master of Photography Degree Call Tom McCollum, SEPPA Executive Director and provide the information listed below. Checks and Credit Cards accepted. Call SEPPA at 888-272-3711
Tuition: $89.00 per student in advance.
Name____________________________________________ email_____________________________________________ website___________________________________________ PPA Number_______________________________________
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Tuesday, March 29 8:30 am - 5:00 pm open to all seppa attendees
Creativity Revisited Heart, Mind, and Soul
As you decide to attend this program, remember that we are all unique human beings; a product of our combined life experiences. We are all born creative; some people just seem to be more artistic than others, able to open their minds to a more complete creative process.
Join Michael and Tina to unlock your hidden talents. Using audio and visual presentations we will share with you easy steps to help you re-connect with your inner child and re-establish a creative connection. This high energy program will be unlike anything you have ever experienced before, and could change your life, both in and out of photography. Bring an open mind and be included in the must see program of the year.
MICHAEL & TINA TIMMONS Michael and Tina have both been involved in photography since 1983 and joined forces in 2000, after owning individual studios. They own The Portrait Gallery and Gallery 143 in Michigan. The portrait studio specializes in family, children, high school senior portraits, and events. Gallery 143 offers customizable Fine Art Interior DĂŠcor, and services clients such as NASCAR, Hendricks Motor Sports, Drury Inns, McDonalds Restaurants, in addition to banks, hotels, doctors offices, individual businesses and private collectors. Competition printing is another service provided, with over 32 Photographers of The Year as clients.
Both are Master, Craftsman, and Award of Excellence Degree holders through PPA, and have been named Photographer of the Year within the state. They have received awards such as Kodak, Fuji, Best of Show, Judges Choice, Top Ten (both state and regional), Four for Four, ASP State and Regional Elite Award, Michigan Service Award, numerous Loan collection images and PPA Photographer of The Year every year it has been given. Michael has had four loan prints in 2003, 2008, and 2010 and Tina achieved that status in 2009. Michael has exhibited in The International Hall of Fame, Photokina in Cologne Germany, Epcot in Walt Disney, has been The MES Photographer of the Year three times, and has had four prints score 100. He has received the National Award and is a published poet and writer. In addition Michael was named a Fellow by the American Society of Photographers in 2010. Tina has been awarded the MES Illustrative Award three times and was published in The New York Times Magazine.
Michael and Tina have lectured across the United States at local, state, regional, and international conventions in addition to numerous week long schools and personal workshops. They travel all over the world sharing their experiences, while continually photographing each location to add to their fine art library. Both are International Jurors through PPA, while Michael is a Jury Chairman and the current Vice Chairman of PEC. They traveled to Korea in 2009 to judge the PPK International Regional Print Competition. Both have held numerous board positions and stay involved in every level. Sharing their knowledge with a large circle of photography
friends has become a huge part of their life.
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