Mother and I by Karen Butts, M.Photog., Cr., CPP
STAFF Publisher
Aileen Harding, M.Photographer, CPP
Graphic Design/Layout Theresa Campbell Jeanie Galvanni Copy Editor & TPPA Rep Nicki Evans Simpson Proof Readers Dixie Dobbins, M.Photog., Cr., CPP Karen Butts, M.Photog., CPP Hallie Keller, CPP Kevin Falcon Teresa Casillas Kathy Scalf Photographers Kevin Falcon Denzal Lovett
We have over 20 workshops scheduled for 2017 as well as speakers coming in from all over the country for our meetings. It's an exciting year and I'm thrilled to be a part of this terrific group of people. I love the fact that we don't have to depend on events like Aileen Harding, M.Photog, CPP. Texas School to continue to learn and be inspired. This month we have three workshops scheduled...”Print Competition from the Judges Point of View” on May 6th, “Sports and Event Photography” on May 15, and “Successful Selling” on May 17. We're also bringing Tracy Bosworth Page in from Atlanta for our monthly meeting to teach us how to “Tap into Headshots. Tracy has a booming Celebrity Headshot business and she will share the ins and outs of the industry. This would be a great additional revenue stream for the successful studio! Our goal at PPGH is to educate and elevate those in our industry, supporting one another in the process. We work to provide information on a variety of topics in order to best serve the needs of the membership. If there is a topic that you want to learn more about...don't hesitate to call and let the Board know. PPGH is all about YOU! I look forward to seeing you on the 16th. Aileen Harding, M. Photog., Cr. CPP
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MAY 2017
PPGH WORKSHOP SERIES PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Editor Theresa Campbell
I'm sitting in here in class at Texas School waiting for our next session, visiting with a couple of people about their respective Guilds and thinking about what a terrific group we have here in Houston. You guys are the BEST!
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS GUILD OF HOUSTON 2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
To contact your officers or director, just click on their name.
Chairman of the Board Teri Whittaker, CPP
President Aileen Harding, M. Photog., Cr., CPP
Vice-President Kevin Falcon, CPP
Secretary Nikky LaWell, Cr., CPP
Treasurer Kathy Kinser, CPP
Executive Director Belinda Higgins, M. Photog., Cr., CPP
Director - Membership Laura Mansur, CPP
Director Duane Blocker
Director Kat Mack
Director Booker Shelton, Jr.
Audit Chairman: Kim Christensen Blair Haynie, CPP, Lynda Meyer Bylaws Chairman: Tom Hathcock, M.Photog., Cr., CPP Dixie Dobbins, M.Photog., Cr., CPP Alvin Gee, M.Photog., Cr., CPP Clean Up Board Liaison: Teri Whittaker, CPP Communications/Graphic Design Chairman: Alison Carlino, CPP Jessi Marri Becker, Kelli Leaker Ethics Chairman: Dixie Dobbins, M.Photog., Cr., CPP Mindy Harmond, CPP Hallie Keller, CPP Curley Marshall Cr., CPP
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PPGH COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Belinda Higgins, M.Photog., Cr., CPP Fellowship Chairman: Kevin Falcon,CPP Image Competition Board Liaison: Teri Whittaker, CPP Chairman: Vera Brock Sherry Piché, M.Photog, CPP, Blair Haynie, CPP, Duane Blocker, Cat Dybala, M.Photog., M.Artist Librarian Chairman: Curley Marshall, Cr., CPP Booker Shelton, Jr. Membership: Chairman: Laura Mansur, CPP Sandy Buller, CPP, Karen Butts, M. Photog., Cr., CPP, Hallie Keller, CPP Mentor Program /Certification Chairman: Karen Butts, M.Photog., Cr., CPP
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Nominating Chairman: Tom Hathcock, M.Photog., Cr., CPP Mitch Daniels, Cr. Photog. Belinda Higgins, M.Photog., Cr., CPP Kevin Falcon, CPP PPGH Workshop Series Board Liaison: Teri Whittaker, CPP Chairman: Teresa Casillas Procedures and Controls Board Liaison: Teri Whittaker, CPP Social Media Board Liaison and Chairman: Kevin Falcon,CPP Telephone Board Liaison: Booker Shelton, Jr. Vera Brock, Rebeca Calzado, Juliana Cedeno, Ursula Chester, Tara Flannery, CPP, Kelli Leaker, Lynda Meyer, Danielle Moore,
Sadiqa Sevier, Booker Shelton, Jr. Web Site Board Liaison: Kevin Falcon, CPP Web Master: Duane Blocker Marvin Labohm Welcoming Board Liaison: Curley Marshall, Cr., CPP Tom Hathcock, M.Photog., Cr., CPP
NEW MEMBERS
2017
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y Duane Blocker b Random Musings
Membership Levels
of a PPGH Board Member
It’s my turn for an article, no pressure, just need to follow after Belinda’s article last month. Belinda is a seasoned professional and you would do well to read her article in last month’s Viewfinder. So what is one to do? I’m going to muse on a variety of different subjects: Fear, education and assisting. Can I get a hand? Is assisting a lost art? Do you use assistants? These are questions I’ve pondered for the two years I’ve been associated with the guild. Is assisting just for large studios. I’ve always thought that assisting would be a great way to learn the craft. As a photographer you need to concentrate on your client having someone to help haul, set up and adjust your equipment freeing you to give the above and beyond service that Belinda wrote about last month. Also a second pair of eyes to catch that annoying fold in a shirt or skirt. As an assistant I expect that you are there to make the photographer you are assisting look like a superstar. You are not there to be asking questions other than to confirm what the photographer needs. Anticipate what the photographer needs and alway be courteous. Confirm the equipment is functioning, that the flashes are firing. I know there are a lot of other things and I’m just skimming the surface, but one warning I have heard and will repeat, you are there to serve the photographer that hired you. Never use assisting to look for clients for yourself. It is hard for me to believe this would ever happen, but I have heard the horror stories. I’m pushing 62, having retired from a career of programming computers. I want to be involved with photography, something I’ve always loved, but I am
no longer certain that I want to start up a business, but I would love to assist and I assume others may be in the same situation. Education. As photographers we need to keep learning and perfecting our craft. What can I say about our guild, the opportunities for learning are amazing! There are over 20 workshops being offered on a wide variety of subjects by our guild. Lighting, posing, business, art, architecture, wedding, headshots, competing and the list goes on. Check the website for a listing. These workshops are quite affordable for the level of education received. Fear. I’m scared to bring this one up… See what I did there? I think I have a reasonable conception of good photography. I’ve looked at a ton of it over the years and I have an idea of where I fit in the scheme of things. Here’s the thing I have no confidence, I can pass the CPP technical test with flying colors, but I’m scared to death to do portrait sessions with people I don’t know, let alone ask them for money to do so. When I fail I’m submerged into a darkness of doubt, fear, hopelessness. Now I know these should be learning opportunities, chances to get better, but I have to tell you that way too often that is not the case. How do you handle fear or failure? Does this happen to you? I would recommend a lecture that Sue Bryce has on Creative Live, it’s a free session that is part of her 28 day program. She addresses fear head on and in depth. I need to go back and watch it again, because if’s obviously an issue still for me. If you catch me at a future meeting, let me know how you address it. This is also the topic Mel Robbins addressed at the Imaging 2017 kickoff, so I guess it’s not just me.
Aspiring Member • $75.00 (USD) Not yet a professional photographer or visual artist as described in the Active Member level, but wishes to join PPGH for educational purposes and to build an association with other working professionals. Associate Member • $50.00 (USD) Affiliated with the photographic industry either through a studio or photographic industry related vendor. PPA Degreed Professional Active Member • $90.00 (USD) Professional photographer or visual artist creating work in various mediums, still or motion, within the scope of the professional photography industry for two (2) or more years and that has acquired and maintained one of four (4) degrees designated by the PPA. Professional Active Member • $95.00 (USD) Professional photographer or visual artist creating work in various mediums, still or motion, within the scope of the professional photography industry for at least one (1) year. Retired PPGH Member • $25.00 (USD) Active Member who retires at 55 or older and is no longer engaged in the photography business more than 10 hours a week. Student Member • $25.00 (USD) Preparing for a career in photography or graphic arts. Supporting Member • $50.00 (USD) Person who wishes to be a part of the photographic industry and begin their photographic career or hobby.
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FROM OUR MEMBERS
y Duane Blocker b KAREN BUTTS The Marriage of Color & Composition On March 8th, Karen Butts held her workshop, with six people participating. First of all, it was clear that Karen put a lot of time and effort into her workshop. It was also obvious that this is a subject that she is passionate about. In the morning she gave an excellent presentation covering color theory that included example photographs illustrating the principles. I’ve read up on color theory but I always have more to learn and having photographic examples was a great help. There was ample time to ask questions and discuss the topics. Karen shared a large collection of different fabrics in various colors and textures that she uses in her photography. We took time for a brief lunch, so we could get back at it. This was “kindergarten” time, Karen had made up packets of all kinds of fabric material scraps, a kaleidoscope of colors and textures. Along with this we had papers, crayons, water colors, pastel chalks and so on. With these we were to use the fabric pieces and art supplies to put together our own art piece using the knowledge we had learned in the morning session. Let’s just say we’re not hanging mine on a wall, but it was a very interesting exercise causing most of us to step out of our comfort zones. In the final phase of the afternoon we covered more on composition, once again with photographic examples that clearly illustrated the concepts. The last thing we did was to look at images she had asked us to submit and we all had a chance to listen to a critique and discuss the photos. There were printed materials that Karen had for us to take home that reinforced the course. Additionally Karen covered digital matting and sent us all a tutorial on creating the matts, much appreciated. When Karen offers this course again, I highly recommend that you invest your time in taking the workshop. Duane Blocker
Duane Blocker Photography
5 MAY 2017 Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
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y.Aileen Harding, M.Photog., Cr., CPP b The Secret Language of Success
Jeffrey Shaw Jeffrey recently spoke to our group about The Secret Language of Success. The importance of creating a brand image that not only speaks the secret language of your ideal market but communicates it loud and clear when you’re not present. He shared with us how after 2001, the marketplace made a shift from consumerism to value. Ours is now a luxury business and speaking the client's "secret language" is the key to carving out a market space that makes us the "go to" expert in our field. He shared a story about Berstroms to illustrate this point. Jeffrey shared so many creative ideas including participating in charity auctions; creating both online and offline assets that appeal to your ideal market; and even taking a class on improv! To learn more visit his website at www.jeffreyshaw.com.
Photography by Booker Shelton (selfies by Johnny Wilson)
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When you are traveling around Texas, stop by and visit one of the local affiliate guilds. Click on the links below to find out more about each one. Be sure to tell them you are from PPGH.
LOCAL AFFILIATES AUSTIN
Austin Professional Photographers Association
BRYAN/COLLEGE STATION
Brazos Valley Professional Photographers Association
DALLAS
Dallas Professional Photographers Association
FT. WORTH
Fort Worth Professional Photographers Association
LUBBOCK
South Plains Professional Photographers Association
S AN ANTONIO
Professional Photographers of San Antonio
T YLER
Professional Photographers Forum of East Texas
Did you know you can enter the PPGH Local Photographic Competition at any level of membership? The image competition held at our monthly PPGH meetings is a great way to hone your skills and get feedback from proven and respected professionals in this industry. These talented individuals volunteer their time to judge images and provide valuable feedback utilizing the 12 elements of a merit image. You can earn merits on a local level and progress your image to the next level of competition to earn recognition and even degrees through the Professional Photographers of America. All district competitions lead to the annual International Photographic Competition. Visit the links below to learn more about entering competition.
SKILLS IN IMAGE
COMPETITION To learn about the guidelines for entering image competition at PPGH meetings visit: http://www.ppgh.org/ Resources/Documents/ Image%20Competition/2015%20PPGH%20 Image%20Comp%20Rules. pdf
Follow along with image judging on the Game Day App, downloadable from https://printcompetition. com/. Membership is optional but if you join PrintCompetition.com you can search thousands of archival images to see scores and hear audio from the image competitions. It is a terrific resource.
To learn about upcoming competitions throughout the region visit:
http://www.ppa.com/ competitions/
WACO
Heart of Texas Professional Photographers
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IMAGE COMPETITION  / GUILDS
OUND
NEW MEMBERS:
HONE YOUR
First Place Master
Little Chunker
by Karen Butts, M.Photog., Cr., CPP
Second Place Master
In Waiting
by Melanie Hall, M.Photog., Cr., CPP THE VIEWFINDER MAY 2017 10 Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
Third Place Master
Mother and I
by Karen Butts, M.Photog., Cr., CPP
Honorable Mention
Big Bad Bird
by Aileen Harding, M.Photog., Cr., CPP
MAY 2017
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First Place Active
Long Journey Home
by Curley Marshall, Cr., CPP
Second Place Active
Bella Lago di Como
by Monty Orr, CPP
PPGH WORKSHOP SERIES 15 MAY 2017 Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
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PPGH WORKSHOP SERIES 22 MAY 2017 Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral
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InsuranceForPPA.com THE VIEWFINDER
24 MAY 2017 Fonts: Aparajita and Mistral