July2015

July 2015

July 2015

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Enchanting Hideaway

Jim Ferguson

Expect the Unexpected

July 2015

Yep. It happened. I had my act together (well, as much as I ever do).

Our speaker was booked.

The location found, with a contract.

Food was chosen.

Print committee and judges were set and ready to go.

Then, BAM!!

The unexpected happened…here comes Bill, a tropical storm.

So, what to do? We had to make a few hard decisions. Do we cancel the meeting, erring on the side of safety, or wait it out?

An emergency board meeting was called.

Of course, we chose to play it safe, our main concern being everyone’s safety.

The board banded and worked together to get the word out to our members, committees, judges and our speaker.

Then came the realization that now we had to start over….with only one week to do so.

By the Grace of God, hard work, and gracious people, we are ready for June’s PPGH meeting….1 week later!!

Has this ever happened to you? The unexpected? Things going along just dandy, then things change in an instant?

The one thing that is always guaranteed…things will always change.

So how do you handle the unexpected? I love this quote by Carre Otis.

“Life inevitably throws us curve balls, unexpected circumstances that remind us to expect the unexpected.

I’ve come to understand these curve balls are the beautiful unfolding of both karma and current.”

I have learned through the many years as a photographer, that the ‘unexpected’ was more expected than not. LOL We had back-up plans when we could, but we soon learned there were too many variables to have a plan for all of them. We knew we would need to make decisions on the fly.

We needed a plan for how to handle things we didn’t know how to handle. How to be smart, in the moment.

Here are a few things that helped us along the way. Were we always great at this? Oh, heck no. But when we would stop, take a deep breath, access the situation, then we could start moving forward, and not stand still.

- Don’t waste time wishing things were different.

- Assess your options.

- Make a decision and commit, accepting that it’s the best under the circumstances and move forward.

- Change what you can, accept what you cannot.

Allowing life to unfold while moving in the current of guaranteed surprises will invoke grace.

When the great adventure of life comes in the unexpected, you can weather any storm with an open heart.

Here’s to happy navigating!

Keep Smiling!

Belinda

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July 2015

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July 2015

PPGH 2015 Board of Directors Contact your officers or director, just click on their name.

Chairman of the Board Kim Christensen

Executive Director Tom Hathcock M.Photog.,CPP

President Belinda Stanford M.Photog., Cr., CPP

Director Sherry PichĂŠ, CPP

Vice President Teri Whittaker, CPP

Director - Membership Blanca Duran

Secretary Aileen Harding M.Photog., CPP

Director Orpha Garcia-Labohm

Treasurer Kevin Falcon

Director Nikky LaWell, CPP

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July 2015

What’s Inside the Viewfinder July 2015

President’s Message

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PPGH Committees

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By Belinda Standford, M.Photog., Cr., CPP

July’s Meeting Speaker

Bree Adams, CPP

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June’s Image Competition Results

Pages 9 -13

All Star Line-Up

Pages 15-16

PPGH Workshop Series Classes

Pages 17-19

Behind The Camera

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New Members

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Member’s Gallery

Page 23-29

By Tom Hathcock, M.Photog., CPP

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Texas School Scholarship Page 32

By Teri Whittaker, CPP

Looking Forward

Photo by:

Teri Whittaker, CPP Page 5

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July 2015

PPGH Committees Bylaws Chairman: Tom Hathcock, M.Photog., CPP Alvin Gee, M.Photog., Cr., CPP Dixie Dobbins, M.Photog., Cr., CPP Hallie Keller, CPP Kelly Willis

Ethics Chairman: Janice Jones-Bosnic,CPP Dixie Dobbins, M.Photog., Cr., CPP Curley Marshall, Cr., CPP Hallie Keller, CPP Curley Marshall, Cr., CPP Mindy Harmond, CPP

Audit Chairman: Greta Jacobs-Mee, CPP Fellowship Chairman: Teri Whittaker, CPP Shelia Richards Kathy Kinser Image Competition Board Liaison: Sherry Piche´, CPP Telephone Chairman: Macon Lieper Board Liaison: Cat Dybala, M.Photog.

Orpha Garcia-Labohmn Sandy Buller Kathy Kinser, Teri Whittaker, CPP Aileen Harding, M. Photog., CPP Tom Hathcock, M. Photog., CPP Nikky LaWell, CPP Sherry PichĂŠ, CPP Mary Blackwell, Irma Furnish Vera Brock, Kevin Falcon, Kim Christensen, Blanca Duran

Procedures and Controls Board Liaison: Teri Whittaker, CPP Vicki Longoria Mentor Program /Certification Chairman: Curley Marshall, Cr.,CPP Web Site Board Liaison: Kevin Falcon Web Master: Vicki Longoria Tom Hathcock, M.Photog., CPP Marvin Labohm Social Media Board Liaison and Chairman: Kevin Falcon Events Board Liaison: Belinda Standford, M. Photog., CR., CPP Librarian Chairman: Curley Marshall, Cr., CPP Booker Shelton

PPGH Workshop Series Board Liaison: Alieen Harding, M.Photog., CPP Tom Hathcock, M.Photog., CPP Dixie Dobbins, M.Photog., Cr., CPP, Curley Marshall, Cr., CPP Kim Christensen Kathleen Kinser, Vanessa Matthews Brenda Logan, Vicki Longoria

Cover Photo by:

Jim Ferguson

Nominating Chairman: Tom Hathcock, M.Photog., CPP Alvin Gee, M.Photog., CR., CPP Dixie Dobbins, M.Photog.,Cr., CPP Kim Hartz, M.Photog., CPP Hallie Keller, CPP Welcoming Board Liaisons: Curley Marshall, Cr., CPP Clean Up Board Liaison: Teri Whittaker, CPP Membership Chairman: Blanca Duran Karen Butts, M.Photog., CPP Tom Hathcock, M.Photog., CPP Kevin Falcon, Kathy Kinser, Laura Mansur, Hallie Keller, Kim Christensen, Sandy Buller, Vanessa Matthews

Jim Ferguson FineArt

1310 Interstate 10 South, Suite 206 Beaumont, TX 77707 409.842.0200 jim@fergusonfineart.com

Jim became interested in art and oil painting at a very early age.

His English Instructor was so impressed with his artwork by the sixth grade that arrangements were made for Jim to study formal art one to two days a week in place of his English classes.

He continued to study art and became art designer for the School Album in Middle and High School.He earned a BBA Marketing degree from Lamar University in 1973 and opened a photography studio in 1988 and began studing under some of the best photographers in the world.

Jim has served as President, Vice President and Chairman of the Board for The Photographic Artist of Texas. He is a Professional Active member of the Professional Photographers Guild of Houston and also member of the International Christian Photographers.

He has had prints exhibited in the International Photo Fest hosted in Houston, Texas. Exhibits alternate between Houston and Paris, France.

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July 2015

PPGH’s All Day and Evening Program

Bree Adams, CPP Bree Adams, CPP,

Bree started as most photographers do in this new digital arena. She bought a Canon Rebel and became an underpriced self-taught shoot and burn MWAC. (Mom with a Camera). Mastering the art of shooting in auto and buying presets and actions to make her photos magical while copying the style of photographers she admired. She was booked solid around the clock and turning away clients and earning a huge paycheck of…practically nothing.

from $85 for a full disk to $2100 and taking the print competition arena by storm her first year competing.

Bree runs a successful studio bringing back the revival of maternity and newborn artistry. Her newborn style consists of minimal props and distractions with pure focus on the beauty of posing and light from both organic to dramatic light. Her maternity sessions step away from the frumpy “been there and done that” belly posing and traditional feel to a stylish and fresh approach that ranges from organic, to sexy and even timeless high-end art.

Program description

Newborn photography is THE hot niche at this time. Navigating the “cheap photographer arena” is the main hurdle as this is where the largest flood of new and inexperienced photographers is jumping in.

Then something happened. She realized there could Maternity has become a lost art and a combe so much more monly missed or avoided client. It is the hardest to this photography client to journey with some book but the education, finding most importher own niche and ant to capstyle, charging ture! The a respectable amount for what she offered and pregnant creating who she was as a photographer verses mother will following the crowd and most importantly tapping connect with emotion! you before their babies’

Bree Adams evolved from a shoot and arrival and burn $85 per disk weekend warrior to a studio stay with you established and award winning photographer in through their family’s growth.

18 months specializing in the niche of Newborns and Modern Maternity. Her average client going

How do you connect with this mass of

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Bree Adams, CPP moms who are not considering maternity photos but already shopping for their newborn photographer?

How can maternity photography give the edge above other newborn photographers and the connection before the newborn shoot? How can maternity photos bump that newborn sale?

July 2015

stuck in the shoot and burn weekend warrior world we are surrounded by.

Awards Received: Platinum Award Winner IPC 2014 Best First Year in print competition Dallas 2014 Best General Album SWPPA 2014, 4/4 SWPPA, 2 Distinguished Prints SWPPA 2014 TPPA 4/4 , Best General album 2014 SWPPA 4/4 , Best Childs Portrait 3rd place

This is not a program of straight technical talk on posing and shooting. This is how to tap that maternity and newborn market. Also, how to connect with these clients and how to take your studio to the next level through maternity and newborns.

Bree will discuss how she separates herself from every newborn photographer in her area including the photographers down the street from her that is 1/3 the price.

She will be an open book on her style in maternity photography and how she makes her maternity session a must have for every expectant mother and how she keeps them coming back in a world of other photographers

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July 2015

June’s Image Competition First Place - Masters Division

Unadorned Sophistication

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Karen Butts, M.Photog., CPP

July 2015

June’s Image Competition First Place - Active Division

Bridal Elegance

Francie Baltazar,Cr., CPP

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July 2015

June’s Image Competition Second Place Tie - Active Division

Center Stage Page 11

Francie Baltazar,Cr., CPP

June’s Image Competition Second Place Tie - Active Division

Quiet Confidence

July 2015

Nikki LaWell, CPP

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July 2015

June’s Image Competition Third Place - Active Division

Slender Beauty Page 13

Teri Whittaker, CPP

July 2015

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July 2015

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July 2015

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July 2015

Professional Photographers Guild of Houston “Series of Workshops”

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July 2015

PPGH - “Series of Workshops”

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July 2015

PPGH - “Series of Workshops”

Join a PPGH Committee Are you a Social Butterfly? Do you have the “Gift of Gab”? Do you love meeting new people?

If so, then the Membership Committee is the place for you! Its fun and easy. our goal is to take care of our members, new and old.

Here is all it takes to be on the committee:

Be available to greet guests and “newbie’s” at the guild meetings and make them feel welcome.

(Have you ever gone somewhere and didn’t know a solitary sole? (Awkward!).

Introduce guest to other members that you think may have something in common with the guest.

Help pass out nametags at the beginning of the meetings.

Hold up the Image Competition Sign that says “Quite Please.” (Come on, I know you can do this!)

Occasionally, help make some phone calls.

That’s about it! Remember, you can earn a Fellowship Point for being on the committee. How easy is that! If interested, please contact Blanca Duran, Memberhsip Chairman.

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July 2015

Stories from Behind the Camera

By Tom Hathcock, M.Photog., CPP

The Viewfinder is asking each month for an Active Member of PPGH to share an experience they had “Behind the Camera.” It can be a story that might prevent a photographer from getting caught in the same situation, a funny story, or whatever you have to share with the PPGH membership.

I’m going to start off this first try with one of my many experiences from “Behind the Camera.”

My memories go back a long way, and this one was before most of the membership was either born or just in diapers. Saturday, August 15, 1992 was one day I will never forget. It was one of the most humid and hot days of the year. I had three weddings booked that day. One started at 2 o’clock and the other two started at 7 o’clock.

Like any professional photographer, I never went to a job without two of everything in case something happened to my equipment. On this day, I was running just a little bit low on cameras. I had three Hasselblads and the photographer I hired to photograph one of the 7 o’clock weddings had to take two with him. That left me with just one. I knew better than to go to a wedding with just one camera, but hey, it was a brand new motorized Hasselblad. No way anything could every happen. Still, not feeling good about only having one camera, I took a 35mm Nikon with a 28mm wide angle lens on it as a back up and tossed it in the trunk of the car. It just so happened this wedding was the biggest wedding I had every done. The family was very well-off and were not worrying about the money they spent. It was their only daughter, and they were spending big bucks. I left the first wedding and was driving over to the second wedding, and all of a sudden I started getting a little nervous about the wedding I was about to start. I knew if anything went wrong my reputation would be down the drain. Remember...you are only as good as your last job. I arrived about an hour-and-a-half early, enough time to check all my equipment and make sure everything was in working order and ready to go. The father of the bride walks over to me and begins telling me how they had to pay extra to have the wedding at this particular place, on this particular day and time,

and what it meant to him and his wife that their daughter could get married there. Basically, if you ask me, it was just another place. In fact, when I first saw it, there was nothing but gaudy red drapes hanging everywhere with red carpet on the floor. I figured this should really throw the color balance off in my prints.

I was so glad I was not having to print the wedding myself. I let the lab worry about that. I usually started with the groom and groomsmen, and by the time I was finished checking out my equipment and putting my camera on the tripod they walk up and were ready to start. I begin to photograph the groom and his best man. I pulled the shutter release and as it automatically cranked to the next exposure, I thought something just didn’t sound right. I didn’t really pay much attention to it until I walked around to the groom to fix his bowtie. When I returned and look through the camera’s viewfinder, it was pitch black. My heart stopped beating just for a second. I figured it was just a fluke so I took another exposure to see what was keeping me from seeing through the viewfinder.

It was then, on that wasted exposure, I realized the mirror release broke and was stuck in the upright position. I was not going to be able to see what I was photographing at all. Now, keep in mind this client paid for the largest wedding package I had, and the man standing two arm lengths away from me was the man who paid the bill, the father of the bride. It only took a Chicago second for me to break out in a full-blown sweat like a Hostess Twinkie at a fat farm. I remember my mentor telling me way back when...”whatever happens, don’t let them see your upset. Just go about your business and get the job done.”

Lucky for me, this was not my first wedding but one several hundred down the line. I was so used to using the Hasselblad, I just continued to look thru the viewfinder, like I was really looking at something, so no one else would know, and just kept taking portraits. I finished the men, went over to the women like nothing was wrong and finished them as well.

Now it was time for the ceremony to begin in about 20 minutes. I figured I had acted long enough and I better get a camera I could see

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July 2015 through. I went out to my car, grabbed the 35mm with the only lens I had on it, the 28mm wide angle.

I reached in my camera bag only to find that I had no film for the 35mm camera. I did not have time to freeze up with fright or throw up with sickness. I drove as fast as I could to the corner store and luckily they had film. I purchased three rolls and when I walked back in everyone was lined up and ready go down the isle. Just in time. Thank God something was going my way finally.

I used the 35mm wide angle lens for the rest of the entire wedding. As luck would have it during the reception, after the cutting of the cake, the man walks up and asked “Why aren’t you using that new Hasselblad I saw you with?” Crap! I thought I was busted, but I told him I was using this camera because it gives me a different effect. That seemed to satisfy him and he walked off. Needless to say, I could not even go to sleep that night for worrying about how I was going to explain to Daddy why he could see the full width of the alter in all their photographs.

Well a week later the day came. The day I had to sit in front of the bride, groom, mother and daddy and show them their proofs. I felt like a dog on the way to get castrated. I opened up the proof book and just sat there in silence for what seemed like hours.

Then it happened… Daddy started to speak, “Look how nice everything turned out and the alter pictures are so clear. You can see the people and nearly the whole alter too.” I knew then was my chance. Remember when he told me they paid extra to use that location because of how beautiful it was? Well I explained to him I switched cameras and used a special wide angle lens to capture the wedding shots as well as the beautiful room they were in. They left happy, and I drove to the bank the next day and deposited their check.

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Don’t let this happen to you. I lost 10 years off my life that day. Be prepared. If you are not a PPA member, you better join because one day without notice something might happen to you and you might not come out luck like I did. I will never forget that day.

Member’s Birthday in July Tom Hathcock, M.Photog., CPP July 4 Christie McGrath July 7 John-Mark Stephenson July 9 Allison McPhail July 13 Mitch Daniels, Cr.Photog.

July 17 Marius Lardizabal July 20 Ann O’Neill Deal July 22 Irma Furnish July 24 Sharon Chandler, CPP July 27 Melanie Hall, Cr., CPP July 31

PPGH New Members

July 2015

Aspiring Member

Michelle Sparks

I’ve spent most of my professional career in advertising and business development in the automobile, medical and apparel industries. I got my first camera - a Polaroid - from Santa in 1985, the very same year I learned the truth about Santa. Over the years, I’ve taken several classes and countless photos. Three years ago, I received my first ‘big girl’ camera and learned the truth about me. I’m a photographer.

I love the science and creativity that go into a killer image, where the well-planned meets the completely unexpected.

All About Texas All Aboutthe the Texas PPAPPA Fellowship Program FellowshipDegree Degree Program

by Dixie Dobbins Those who have been Texas PPA members for several years are most likely aware of the program but many new members may wonder about all of those ribbons and medallions that they see hanging around the necks of photographers at conventions and seminars.

Of course, many of them represent Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsmen degrees earned on the national level through the Professional Photographers of America, Inc. However, those gray ribbons with silver medallions and those maroon ribbons with gold medallions are earned through service to your own Texas Professional Photographers Association and you might already be well on your way to receiving your own!

The Texas PPA Fellowship Degree program was designed to reward members for their service and participation. It has two levels; the Associate Fellowship and the Texas Fellowship degrees.

To receive the Associate Fellowship degree, you must earn 50 achievement points. They can be earned from serving as a committee chairperson or worker, serving on the TPPA Board of Directors

representing your guild, having “how-to” articles published in the Texas Professional Photographer, serving as your guild president, attending a TPPA or SWPA convention, continued compliance with CPP each year, being a CPP or a Master of Photography or a Photographic Craftsman, attending the Texas School of Professional Photography, having prints score 80 or above at the TPPA Summer Seminar, serving as a TPPA officer, presenting programs for TPPA events, and even for simply paying your dues on time each year.

The full Fellowship degree is also earned from accumulating 50 points but at least 10 of those points must be from prints that score 80 or above at the TPPA Summer Seminar.

Keep in mind that YOU are responsible for turning in your own points. A convenient form is printed in the inside/back of the dust cover attached to your TPPA magazine when it is mailed to you. If you don’t turn in those points, you won’t receive them. A booklet explaining the program in detail can be obtained by calling Texas PPA at 979-272-5200.

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July 2015

June’s Image Gallery

Francie Baltazar,Cr.,CPP You’ll Never Be My Daddy

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Tiny Kisses

Karen Butts, M.Photog., CPP

June’s Image Gallery

Miss Tinsley

July 2015

Karen Butts, M.Photog., CPP

Abbott Children Restored

Catherine Dybala,M.Photog.

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July 2015

June’s Image Gallery

A Moment of Serenity

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Secluded Beauty

Catherine Dybala, M.Photog.

Catherine Dybala, M.Photog.

June’s Image Gallery

Stolen Moment

Night Passage

July 2015

Buz Marvins,M.Photog.,Cr.

Buz Marvins,M.Photog.,Cr.

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July 2015

June’s Image Gallery

New England Autumn

Buz Marvins,M.Photog.,Cr.

Teri Whittaker, CPP Scent of a Woman Page 27

July 2015

June’s Image Gallery

Profiled

Teri Whittaker, CPP

Peasant Woman in Oils

Kelly Willis Page 28

July 2015

June’s Image Gallery

Flight School

You Wanna Piece of Me?!

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Nikky LaWell, CPP

Kelly Willis

July 2015

CPP Image Submission Dates 2015 August 14-28 October 9-23

PPGH at SummerFest 2015 Photos by Aileen Harding,M.Photog., CPP

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July 2015

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THANK YOU PPGH!

July 2015

I was grateful to be a recipient of one of the scholarships awarded in December, and I chose to use the scholarship to attend Texas School. I am not one of those who usually sits at the computer January 3, at 11 p.m. ready to push the button on my class selection. Most years, I get the catalog of instructors and at some point I will get around to circling the classes which interest me. I visit the instructor’s websites and take my time to ponder my choices, and I might actually register for a class by March.

This year my sweet friend Aileen called me about 9 p.m. on January 3, because she was curious as to what class I wanted take. She was planning on taking Michael and Tina Timmons class. By the time 11 p.m. rolled around, I was convinced that I needed to be in their class as well so I went ahead and registered!

Michael and Tina Timmons taught primarily about customizable art created to be displayed in homes and businesses. They shared the creative process that they use to achieve their art and also how they locate clients who desire their work. Additionally, both Michael and Tina gave us insight into how they approach submitting images for competition.

One of my favorite aspects of the class was that we were able to work on sample images alongside of Michael as he instructed us. I believe this helped me to retain much more of what we learned in class. I also enjoyed that Tina gave us short assignments to go out and capture images. At the end of the week we applied to our images the techniques that Michael taught us.

I thoroughly enjoyed the class and I came away excited about implementing what I had learned!

Here is a sample of what we learned:

Original capture

After applying techniques learned in class Page 32

July 2015

New CPP Exam Sample Test

The Certification Committee has approved a new Sample Test for 2015. This 25-question practice test has questions from each of the six Test Specification sections. Adding to the existing sample test candidates now have almost 50 questions to test their knowledge with. Remember these items come straight from the CPP Exam Question bank so they are a good indicator of what candidates will see on the actual exam!

Candidates can find the sample tests on the CPP Exam Overview & Resources page.

CPP Image Submission Dates For 2015 August 14-28 October 9-23

What’s Happening Around Texas

We you are traveling around Texas stop by and vist one of the local affilitates 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 San Antonio · Professional Photographers of San Antonio Tyler · Professional Photographers Forum of East Texas Waco · Heart of Texas Professional Photographers

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July 2015

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July 2015

Don’t miss this eight state event that covers the entire Southwest area. There will be workshops and programs each day. The Expo will have exclusively dedicated time on Saturday and Sunday for everyone to look at and buy all of the newest photographic products and services. The Southwest PPA District competition will also be held here on April 1st and 2nd.

April 1 ‐ 4, 2016 Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center Frisco (N Dallas), Texas

Your Hotel Room includes a Full Buffet, Cook‐ to‐order Hot Breakfast for each person plus a Manager’s Reception each evening with snacks and two adult beverages per person.

All hotel rooms are two room suites.

Special Nightly Rate only $134.00

You can get information and register online at www.swppa.com. You can purchase a full event pass, a one day pass, attend special workshops and safari’s plus there will be Expo Only passes.

Select which option works best for you.

Questions?? Contact Michael Scalf at 405‐485‐ 3838 or email him at michael@swppa.com.

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July 2015

Looking Forward Next Month’s Issue

President’s Message Speaker Information PPGH-Workshop Series Behind The Camera New Members Member Profiles PPGH Image Comp Other Guilds around Texas

Publisher Belinda Stanford, M.Photog., Cr., CPP Editor Tom Hathcock, M.Photog., CPP 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 Nicki Evans Simpson Denzal Lovett

Photo by:

Kelly Willis

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The Viewfinder Page 36