Jan2015

January 2015

Photo by Belinda Higgins M.Photog., Cr., CPP, 2015 PPGH President

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January 2015

Message from the President

Best January Ever!

It’s a time of celebration!

Now…I have seen many wonderful Januarys, but January 2015 looks like it might be one of the Best Ever! Not only do I hit a monumental milestone (60), but so does PPGH (65)!

the way they were. Then, finally, I jumped in! Accepted and embraced the changes head on…all the while, using all of my “old school education” to launch me forward!

In 2015, as we celebrate and honor our past (65 years…wow!!) Let us also embrace our future of extraordinary and positive changes!

Hold on tight guys! 2015 is going to be a great ride!

Happy New Year!

Belinda

Let the Celebrations begin!!

As I prepare for the anniversary year ahead, serving as PPGH’s President, I cannot help but reflect on the many years I have spent with the Guild. Of course, there are the usual thoughts of how much I have learned, the lifelong friends I have made, the FUN I have had, but I can’t help but also reflect on how much our industry, technology and our client’s buying habits have changed.

I tried for a while to fight it. I tried laying low to see if things would just go back to

Editor Richard Higgins,CPP Thank You 2014 Committee Members Tom Hathcock,CPP Karen Butts,CPP Francie Baltazar-Stonestreet,Cr.,CPP Kim Christensen Kevin Falcon Vanessa Matthews The Viewfinder® is a monthly publication of the Professional Photographers Guild of Houston.

Professional Photographers Guild of Houston January 2015

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2015 Board of Directors

Chairman of the Board Kim Christensen Email Kim

Executive Director Tom Hathcock, CPP Email Tom

President Belinda Higgins, M.Photog., Cr., CPP Email Belinda

Membership Director Blanca Duran Email Blanca

Vice President Teri Whittaker, CPP Email Teri

Director at Large Sherry Piche, CPP Email Sherry

Secretary Aileen Harding, CPP Email Aileen

Treasurer Kevin Falcon Email Kevin

Director at Large Orpha Garcia-Labohm Email Orpha

Director at Large Vacant Email

Director Images Courtesy Belinda Higgins, M.Photog., Cr., CPP and Denzal Lovett

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January 2015

TABLE of CONTENTS Message from the President

1

2015 Board of Directors

2

Calendar of Events

5

Birthdays

5

Committees

7

Member Blogs

9

Member of the Month:

10

Images

11

Member Articles

15

Tips and Clips from PPA

18

January 2015

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January 2015

Calendar of Events Local Events (Register Online) Jan. 18

MINI-WORKSHOP Studio Lighting with Curley Marshall, CPP

Jan 20 January Meeting: Meet the President, Awards. 65th Anniversary Party (Spaghetti Warehouse)

(SPECIAL NOTE: There will be a group photo taken of ALL PPGH Past Presidents at this meeting - Please Plan to Attend!!)

State and National Events January

Continuing Registration for ImagingUSA (Feb. 1-3, 2015)

Jan.3

Begin Registration for Texas School by TPPA

Jan 7-11

PhotoGenesis in San Marcos by TPPA (Judging Dates: Jan. 8-9)

Birthdays January Birthdays Kevin Falcon

2

Belinda Higgins

12

Kathy Kinser

6

Denzal Lovett

19

Kim Christinsen 8

Eric Ernst

21

Kathy Roberts

Kelly Willis

25

10 Russ Rollins

29

January 2015

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January 2015

Committees Standing Committees Bylaws

Nominating

Chair, Tom Hathcock, CPP Alvin Gee, M. Photog., CR., CPP Kelly Willis

Chair, Tom Hathcock, CPP Alvin Gee, M.Photog., CR., CPP Kim Hartz, CPP

Ethics

Chair, Greta Jacobs-Mee, CPP Shelia Richards Kathy Kinser

Audit

Chair, Janice Jones-Bosnic, CPP Hallie Keller, CPP Curley Marshall, CPP Mindy Harmond, CPP

Action Committees Welcoming

Image Competition

Procedures and Controls

Board Liaisons, Tom Hathcock, CPP Curley Marchall, CPP

Board Liaison: Sherry Piche´, CPP Chairman: Macon Lieper Cat Dybala, M. Photog Sandy Buller

Teri Whittaker, CPP Vicki Longoria

Clean Up Board Liaison Teri Whittaker, CPP

Membership Team Lead, Blanca Duran Tom Hathcock, CPP Kevin Falcon, Shelia Richards Kathy Kinser, Laura Mansur Hallie Keller, Kim Christensen Sandy Buller, Vanessa Matthews Kian Adkins

Events Board Liaison, Belinda Higgins, M. Photog., CR., CPP

Librarian Team Lead, Curley Marshall, CPP Booker Shelton

Fellowship Board Liaison and Team Leader Karen Butts, CPP Kevin Falcon

Mini-workshops Board Liaison, Alieen Harding, CPP Tom Hathcock, CPP Kim Christensen Kathleen Kinser, Vanessa Matthews Brenda Logan, Vicki Longoria

Viewfinder Board Liaison:Tom Hathcock, CPP Chairman: Richard Higgins, CPP Karen Butts, CPP Kevin Falcon

Photographer Board Liaison, Kevin Falcon Team Leader, Open Position

Telephone Board Liaison Orpha Garcia-Labohmn

Board Liaison

Mentor Program Certification Team Leader Curley Marshall, CPP

FotoFest Board Liaison, Kim Christensen Alvin Gee, M. Photog., Cr. Photog.

Tom Hathcock, CPP Aileen Harding, CPP Rhonda Floyd, CPP Cindy Crawford, CPP Sharon Chandler, CPP Vanessa Matthews, Eric Ernst

Web Site Board Liaison: Kevin Falcon Chairman: Vicki Longoria Marvin Labohm Tom Hathcock, CPP

Social Media Board Liaison and Chairman Kevin Falcon

January 2015

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Member Blogs Kim Hartz http://kimhartz.com/blog/ Francie Baltazar Stonestreet http://fireheartblog.com Sandy Buller www.buller photography.com/blog Melanie Hall http://www.melonhead photo.com/blog/blog/ Greta Jacobs Mee http://lakewoodphotography.com/blog/ Jennifer DeLancey Heylmun http://jennifermariephotographytexas.wordpress.com Nicki (Evans) Simpson www.nickievansphotography.com/blog

January 2015

January 2015

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Member of the Month: Richard Higgins,CPP Viewfinder Editor Since this is the first issue of The Viewfinder to be published by Richard, I decided that the membership should know a little about this virtually unknown member of the PPGH. VF: How did you begin your career in photography?

I was in a high school journalism class hoping to be a sports writer. The sponsor of the school newspaper needed a photographer and asked if I would be willing to learn photography and fill that position. I said “yes”. :/ VF: Did anything surprise you about the business of photography?

There are two things that are the most interesting and surprising to me. 1. It required many hours of hard work learning business policies and procedures along with photographic technique for the business to grow. 2. I do not think I could have entered a more fun and rewarding career.

VF: What changes have you witnessed over the past years?

I think the most disappointing has been the loss of the value of photography in the minds of consumers. I read an article several years ago titled, “Good Enough Photography.” While I do not recall the author, their observation that photographers would suffer in the next few years as the consumer would have devices at their disposal that would allow them to create “Good Enough Photography.”

The author seems to have nailed that point. I also believe, however, that makes it even more important that the professional work to change that attitude. Your PPGH and PPA are working hard to that end.

VF: What have you done to improve your photography?

For a photographer to have a successful business, we must provide those things to our clients that give it value. I attend seminars, conventions and workshops to keep in touch with what is currently popular. I began studying communications at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. This exposed me to many things in the graphic arts that add some digital “WOW” to my photography.

Having completed that degree in May, 2013, I began to obtaining a deeper understanding of the photography and graphics industry. I have completed my second semester toward a MA in Digital Media Studies. I have since added video to my services.

VF: Do you have any changes in mind for the Viewfinder?

While I am not opposed to change, I want to make sure that it serves two purposes. First, to report on the successes, life events and growth of our members. Secondly, to inform our membership of the direction our industry takes and the educational opportunities to remain in the mainstream of client expectations. While I may add a different personality, the foundation of The Viewfinder will remain the same.

VF: Is there anything you would like to say to our membership?

The Viewfinder, is the vehicle for information.

The PPGH only exists because of the involvement of its members. So, get involved! You see many members that have been around for many years and are taking leadership roles in our guild. This should be an inspiration to you that they believe in our industry and are willing to lead by example.

Support the guild by your attendance and don’t forget that The Viewfinder is your voice. Your support insures our success.

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January 2015

Christmas Party Images Images Christmas Party Images by Orpha Garcia-Labohm

Karen Butts, Blanca Duran, Teri Whittaker, Sherry Piche, Belinda Higgins

Kim Christensen, Belinda Higgins, Kevin Falcon

Aileen Harding, Curley Marshall, Francie Baltazar, Greta Mee

Nicki Evans Simpson, Roddy Simpson

Belinda Higgins, Francie Baltazar, Greta Mee, Carol Andrews Jensen

Ashley Poloha, Curley Marshall

January 2015

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Christmas Party Images

Cornell McGhee, Karen Butts, Ces Guerra, Laura Mansur

Cornell, McGhee, Dave Einsel

Guest, Macon Leiper, Blanca Duran, Alex Lezama

Aileen Harding, Kim Christensen, Sherry Piche

Kevin Falcon, Orpha Garcia-Labohm, Kim Christensen

????, Janice Jones

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January 2015

Christmas Party Images

Carol Andrews Jensen, Janice Jones

Randall Stanford, Marvin Labohm

Orpha Garcia-Labohm, Marvin Labohm

Belinda Higgins, Randall Stanford

Ces Guerra, Laura Mansur, Aileen Harding, Francie Baltazar, Ashley Poloha

Carol Andrews Jensen, Curley Marshall, Janice Jones, Greta Mee, Teri Whittaker, Sherry Piche

January 2015

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Christmas Party Images

Kevin Falcon, Karen Butts, Teri Whittaker, Kim Christensen, Sherry Piche, Aileen Harding, Belinda Higgins, Greta Mee

Kevin Falcon, Teri Whittaker, Belinda Higgins, Kim Christensen

Orpha Garcia-Labohm, Aileen Harding, Sherry Piche

Earl and Vicki Longoria

Party DJ?, Party Animal?

Aka Kevin Falcon Kim Christensen

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January 2015

Are youMember a little fuzzyArticles on Depth of Field?

Depth of Field

By Richard Higgins,CPP I am going to attempt to keep this complex and sometimes hard to understand issue as simple as possible.

Depth of Field – (DOF) – are the parts in the image that are in front of and behind the point of focus (subject), and are in reasonable focus. This is solely based on f-stop (aperture opening).

There is more DOF behind the subject than in front of the subject.

I like the “bird” image chart because it shows some f-stops and how the DOF changes. I do not like it because it appears by this chart the DOF moves equidistantly with f-stop adjustment. DOF is not equidistant. But, do notice that the camera has never moved, only the f-stop has changed.

Look at the white vertical markings, on this lens, pointing to each f-stop. This a 35 mm lens set to f/11. The DOF (top) indicates that a point which is anywhere between 1 meter in front and a little more than 2 meters behind the subject of focus will be rendered reasonably sharp. If the aperture were set to f/22 instead, everything from just over 0.7 meters almost to infinity would appear to be in focus.

Notice if you get closer or farther from the subject and subsequently change the focus distances, the DOF marks would point to new numbers.

This graphic showing the figure of a person, shows that the red vertical line in front, is closer to the ‘best focal point’ than the one behind that point. This is a much better rendition of DOF. Again, there is more DOF behind the subject than there is in front of the subject.

The thick white line between the f11 marks is the point of sharpest focus in the image. There are no settings on this scale less than f11 since the depth of field, with this lens, would be non-existent and basically there is no depth of field. Your focus better be exact! The white dot above the lower f11 mark shows the f-stop to which the lens is set. F11 in this case.

January 2015

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So, you would say great, all I have to do is change my f-stop and miraculously my DOF will change.

Not so fast, you have now entered a scenario where shutter speed matters.

The larger the number the greater my DOF.

This chart shows how the image quality changes without making a proportional adjustment to the shutter speed.

F-stop

For greater DOF and to keep our image quality.

(Deep Focus) Shutter Speed

f/16 f/11

8th 15th

f/8

30th

For a more narrow DOF and to keep our image quality. (Short focus)

The shutter speed has not changed here and look what happened to the image quality!

Lucky for you this is a direct proportional adjustment in full shutter increments. Digital cameras today have incremental shutter speeds and f-stops, but for our purposes we will work in full shutter speeds and f-stops. Understand we are going to keep our image quality consistent, but our DOF will change.

So, let’s forget looking at the above images and just focus (pun intended) on the numbers.

OK, we will say that the f/5.6 point is the best exposure and lets’ assume that the shutter speed was 60.

Here is what would happen to my DOF when I try to keep my image quality consistent. My DOF is changing, but my image quality will stay consistent.

f/4

125th

f/2.8

250th

f/2

500th

f/1.4

1000th

So, as you close down your lens (larger f number) the slower your shutter speed must be. When you open your lens (smaller f number) the faster your shutter speed will be. (I am going to back up a week just to make a point about the blog on lenses. You can see why a lens with an f/2.8 aperture available is considered a ‘faster’ lens than one where an f/4 aperture is available. Thus, an f/2.8 lens is a faster (and usually more expensive) lens.

As you can tell DOF is a very complex issue with several factors, such as subject matter, movement, camera-to-subject distance, lens focal length, selected lens f-number, and format size.

DOF is not an easy thing to master and takes practice evolving into experience. If you photograph people, take someone out to a park, use a tripod and don’t move the subject or the tripod. Photograph your subject at all of these shutter speeds and f-stops to see what your lens tolerance will be to depth of field.

I am sure this blog may have raised more questions than answers, so ask away. I will try to respond to your questions as accurately and promptly as possible. I will answer them after this week, even though I am moving on to new subjects.

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January 2015

January 2015

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Tips and Clips from PPA 10 Questions with Carl Caylor, Imaging USA Speaker If there's one thing we can guarantee about Imaging USA 2015, it's that this year's speaker lineup is probably the best ever. Last time we highlighted Steve Kozak and found out, amongst other things, that he's a Johnny Cash man at heart. This week we're back with Carl Caylor, M.Photog.Cr., CPP and his class, Hands On Photography: Natural Light Portraiture. In this week's interview with Carl, you'll get why he dove into natural light, where he draws his artistic inspiration from, and who he believes let the dogs out.

Quick Link

Ready to Pay it Forward?

The popular Super 1 Day workshops return in May and PPA needs volunteers to teach the classes.

You guys make this peer-to-peer learning event happen! It's a great networking opportunity, not to mention you'll earn merits toward that degree you've been wanting. Click through for more info.

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Behind the Camera: Sharma Ferrugia Behind the Camera is a new video series from PPA to show off our members being more! In this video, PPA member and senior portrait photographer Sharma Ferrugia talks about her beginnings in photography, why she loves making a difference with high school seniors and how Imaging USA has opened her horizons!

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Download Your Imaging USA Mobile App The Imaging USA 2015 mobile app is here! Check out this blog to get all the details you need to download and get familiar with the app.

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Business Basics for Portrait Photographers January 29-30, live workshop Dig into your portrait photography business during this two-day Imaging USA pre-convention workshop. It’s perfect for anyone just getting started in the industry or making the jump to full-time pro.

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Business Breakthroughs Workshop January 29-31, live workshop Join a PPA business mentor and CPA for three days of immersive instruction designed to help you increase your sales, keep more money and take back your life.

Quick Link

theLoop There are several ways you can engage with your members: • In theLoop, PPA’s exclusive online community.

• Want a place to chat with other Affiliate Leaders? theLoop has a group for that!

Check out the Affiliate Leaders Group.

• Or why not become active and promote your affiliate in your State community

theLoop Link

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January 2015