March 2013

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MARCH 1, 2013 MARCH 1, 2013

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MARCH 1, 2013

EDITOR’S NOTE

Kim Christensen

The February meeIng was a huge success! The room was packed. The meeIng kicked off with Image Com-­‐ peIIon which included many beauI-­‐ ful images scoring 80 or above. Our Guest speaker, Suzy Roberts-­‐Fulton, from TriCoast Photography was very informaIve from how she creates her images to her selling techniques.

The Viewfinder member profile about Linda Sims is a must read, especially her first statement in a "Help Wanted" Ad, "Wanted, a Professional Photographer with 15 years experience with a CPP cerIficaIon. Oh so true!

Plus, the images in this month's VF are spectacular!

Send the creator your comments.

The March meeIng will be held at The Black Lab again.

Our featured speaker will be Angela Lynn Pencsak, a three Ime San Antonio Photographer of the Year.

Pencsak specializes in maternity and newborn photogra-­‐ phy. She also has a business background, so we can all learn something from her, as we are in the business.

Plus Kelly Willis, the PPGH Image Chair, wrote an arI-­‐ cle about image compeIIon called "Digital vs. Print," showing some "pros and cons" of PPGH using digital im-­‐ ages versus prints. Please do send your comments to 2013Board@ppgh.org. We are looking forward to read-­‐ ing them.

At the next meeIng, do meet our new members, Elisa Pickea, Liz Hopkins and Kaivalya Tripathi! Let's all give them a great PPGH WELCOME! You are now a member of the greatest guild ever! See everyone again at The Black Lab in Houston.

Members Birthdays

Curley Marshall

Mar 2nd

Marvin Labohm Mar 19th Dave Vice Mar 20th Carol Andrews-­‐Jensen Mar 21th Kim Hughes Mar 21th Robert Bivens Mar 25th Shelia Richards Mar 29th

Expectations: “We all have them. The PPGH exceeds those expectations.

PPGH gives every assignment 110% effort in maintaining the highest quality expertise available through our members.”

Have a great shooIng month!

Cheers!

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The Professional Photographers Guild of Houston

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MARCH 1, 2013

Chairman of the Board Curley Marshall, CPP

Executive Director

cmfloio@yahoo.com

Tom Hathcock tommy@tomhathcock.com

President Greta Jacobs Mee, CPP greta@lakewoodphotography.com

Membership Director Karen Butts naturalimages@att.net

Vice-President Kelly Willis Director at Large

kpwillis@swbell.net

Teri Whittaker, CPP teriw@teriwhittaker.com Secretary Robert Brayton, CPP ppgh@photovideosound.com

Director at Large Michael Martinez michael@martinezphoto.com

Kim Christensen Treasurer, Viewfinder Editor kchristensen1@me.com

Director at Large Christie Herrington clhphotography11@yahoo.com

SPEAKER EVALUATION FORM AVAILABLE ONLINE

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If you didn't get a chance to complete an evaluaIon form for the January or February meeIngs you aaended you can now fill it out online. Logon to the PPGH website with your password and go to the members only secIon. Your feedback allows us to create bet-­‐ ter programming for you! Thank you in advance.

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INSIDE !

MARCH 1, 2013

Features 5-6

President’s Message Greta Jacobs-Mee, CPP.

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March Program Speaker

by Ke"y Wi"is

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PPGH Member Profile Linda Sims, CPP - Word Photography

18-27 February’s Image Competition Results

by Ke"y Wi"is

28 Images vs Prints

by Ke"y Wi"is

33 PPGH Mini-Program

by Aileen Harding, CPP

34 Membership/Fellowship

by Karen Butts

35 New Members

by Karen Butts

36 Workshop Dates

by Aileen Harding CPP

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Photo by: Ke"y Wi"is

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President’s Message

MARCH 1, 2013

The last two meeIngs have been so much FUN! One of the biggest reasons for changing up our locaIon was to encourage more interacIon among aaendees.

To me a measure of whether or not this has been successful is just to look out into the crowd and see all the happy faces! The way you all have been engaging each other just makes my heart smile. It means that we are not a room full of compeItors, although of course we are to a degree, but we are a room full of people ready to help each other to be successful in our chosen careers...and have some fun along the way!

The Guild has long provided educaIon to its members and guests. And we will conInue to provide that service in many ways. But these days educaIon is pracIcally a commodity. We need more than educaIon. We need develop-­‐ ment.

Greta Jacobs Mee, CPP

Back in college I was involved in a lot of extracurricular acIviIes on campus. I frequently interacted with the Dean of Student Development. I didn't think much about the Itle back then but as I have planned for this year, it con-­‐ Inues to pop into my head. What is development? We were in college for an educaIon so why was there a whole department dedicated to developing students? What is the difference?

I know what it means but have a hard Ime arIculaIng it-­‐-­‐I'm a visual person afer all and not a word person! So luckily for me Wikipedia stands ready with the answer: "Personal development includes acIviIes that improve awareness and idenIty, develop talents and po-­‐ tenIal, build human capital and facilitate employability, enhance quality of life and contribute to the reali-­‐ zaIon of dreams and aspiraIons. The concept is not limited to self-­‐help but includes formal and informal acIviIes for developing others in roles such as teacher, guide, counselor, manager, life coach or mentor."

My philosophy this year has been one of striving to develop our members. Yes we will educate and provide tech-­‐ nical and business skills. But a lot of our members have heard just about all of it already. So what else is there?

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Camaraderie at meeIngs or workshops or in commiaees develops social skills for all of us who stay be-­‐ hind a computer far too ofen! Building those friendships also helps us have people to bounce ideas off of and aaend state and naIonal convenIons with.

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Joining the CPP preparaIon group develops your technical skills in addiIon to having a tangible goal to aim for. The support of the group along your journey builds your network in the area.

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Chairing a commiaee is one way to develop some new skills. This year we are pushing to have more non-­‐ board members chair our commiaees. This allows that member to develop some leadership and organi-­‐ zaIon skills but also creates a base of people ready to serve on the board at a later date. To the extent PAGE!

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President’s Message Cont.

possible we are puhng decision making power in the hands of those chairs without board micromanage-­‐ ment.

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Entering image compeIIon hones your arIsIc skills and gives a fair amount of thick skin! One can also have support in reaching the goal of Master Photographer.

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Speaking at a meeIng or mini-­‐workshop can give the speaker an opportunity to test their knowledge and pursue the goal of Photographic Crafsman. You will find over the year that I have given some opportunity for less established speakers and for members of our own guild to present to us. This is because I want them to grow from this opportunity. Don't forget to support them with your aaendance and your aaen-­‐ Ion.

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Mentoring someone develops you as you give back in addiIon to providing an opportunity for growth for your protégé.

We as a Guild are here to provide these opportuniIes and many more. It is up to you to maximize these benefits.

Coming to meeIngs is a great start. I urge you to come every month whether you think the speaker has some-­‐ thing for you or not. You never know what you will walk away with...even if it is something learned during the so-­‐ cial hour or image compeIIon. But choose something else in addiIon to aaending meeIngs. Go to a mini-­‐workshop. The smaller group may be less inImidaIng if you don't like big crowds...plus it helps you get to know more people so there are more friendly faces at the meeIngs. Get involved!! Baby steps are fine. We have volunteers working on commiaees and helping with tasks such as making phone calls, proofreading the Viewfinder and saying hello as you arrive at the meeIng. There is something for every talent and Ime constraint.

I have enjoyed watching our board come into their own recently. Some who used to be quiet members aaending meeIngs and making polite conversaIon are now leading and managing projects and doing a really terrific job at it! I would love to see more members take advantage of the opportunity to engage with all the Guild has to offer.

You truly get more by giving back.

My wise Dean of Student Development used to say: "People support what they help create." What would you create for yourself and for others? I'm eager to see what more you can do when given the opportunity.

QUESTIONS ABOUT PROPER ATTIRE Some members and guests have ask about proper attire for PPGH meeting.

For the general meeting Business to Business Casual, Mini-Programs Business Casual to Casual. Depending on the theme of the PPGH Gala that attire is announced in October.

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MARCH 1, 2013

PROFESSIONAL

SOLUTIONS FOR EVERYTHING YOU SHOOT

SPORTS

SCHOOLS

WEDDINGS

PORTRAITS

• Fine Art Prints & Gallery Wraps • Finishing Services • Press Printed Cards, Books & More • Assembled Albums & Metal Prints

richmondprolab.com • 800.262.0515 x105 PAGE!

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MARCH 1, 2013

March Program Speaker

Photographing Babies and Children with an Emphasis on Sales and Marke;ng An!la Lynn Penscak

Master Photographer Angela Lynn Pencsak has been San Antonio's Photographer of the Year for 3 years in a row! She also serves as President of the San Antonio Professional Photographers.

As a child, Pencsak shot film, and was eventually a yearbook staff photographer in high school. As an adult, she became a district manager for Sears Portrait Studios, which was where she developed her passion for photographing children. “It didn’t teach me much about photography, but it taught me everything about managing a studio and customer service,” she says.

She then went to college for business and not photography which she says was “a very smart decision.” Her business skills primed her to run the retail studio she currently has, Angela Lynn Portraits, complete with staff. She also cred-­‐ its joining Professional Photographers of America and aaending every convenIon and seminar she could. “Even though I have a background in pho-­‐ tography, I never stop learning,” she says. “I just conInue my educaIon.”

All that learning conInues to pay off. The first Ime Pencsak entered an internaIonal com-­‐ peIIon, she recieved four merits out of four, which won her Photographer of the Year from PPA. She also aaained the rank of Master Photographer from PPA. Pencsak’s studio specializes in maternity and newborn photography. EsImaIng that 90 percent of her work falls into those two groups, she takes other assignments as varied as photographing beauty pageant contestants and volunteering with Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, the Down Syndrome AssociaIon, and The Heart GPAGE! allery.

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A Game of Cat and M$se

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Photo by: Ch"#ie Reddenhase

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MARCH 1, 2013 VF: What is your current educational level? Where did you attend High School, Vocational School, College, Graduate School? What did you specialize in? Why? (educational level)

PPGH MEMBER PROFILE LINDA SIMS, CPP VF: If your current position were to appear in a “help wanted” ad, how would it read?

Linda: Wanted Professional Photographer with 15 years experience with a CPP certification.

Must be proficient in the following software: Photoshop Lightroom Microsoft Office / both Word and Excel Spectra All Nik software Foto Fusion Roes QuickBooks Pro Show video editing Adobe Acrobat Must have experience in computer networking, trouble shooting and repair.

Must be able to answer phone, reply to emails, build web pages, manage 2 web sites and manage face book pages.

Be proficient in editing portraits, sports images and creating graphics.

Have publication layout and marketing experience.

• Layout sports programs • Create promotional flyers and brochures • Create borders, backgrounds and overlays.

Write articles and have them published.

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Linda Sims

Must have sales experience to sell photography services to schools, day cares, little leagues.

Must have sales experience to sell high end portraiture, with average sale of $1000.

Linda: I am weak in the area of formal education, graduated from Putnam City West High School in Bethany OK. 40 years ago.

Wow that makes me pretty old. I got married out of high school and spent 25 years raising 5 wonderful children. I got started pursuing my passion of photography once my kids we out of school and I could afford to do so.

I attended a semester at Kingwood Jr. College in basic photography. From there I began reading everything and practicing using friends and my kids.

VF: What are the educational requirements of someone wishing to pursue a career in the same field as photography? (educational requirements)

Must have janitorial experience to keep studio clean and neat at all times.

Must be able to chew gum, jump rope, blow bubbles, and sing at the same time.

Linda: I really do not believe formal education is a requirement to learn the art of photography.

I would say it takes more of a passion and ability, then find the best type of education that suits your style. I learn best by doing, I am self taught in computer tech, video editing, and all the software I use. Some people do well in a class room and can learn a great deal through that environ12!

! ment. Some, like myself, are more comfortable learning at a self designed pace with a hands on approach similar to, don't teach me show me.

MARCH 1, 2013 perience but encouragement as well.

VF: Please describe the typical day to I would highly recommend that if day activities of they would like to make a living someone working in with photography, everyone take the field of classes on marketing and manPhotography. (day agement. These are truly neces- to day activities) sary to a successful studio, without them, you will struggle.

Linda: A typical There are thousands of photogra- day at my studio phers, and most are not making starts with coffee! I enough to support themselves start my day at 6am. because they have not learned the I first read an key to selling or marketing their answer my emails, images. look at my calendar to mentally get If someone would like to pursue ready for what the day holds. I a career in photography, the best then do my cleaning in office advice I can give them is to atarea and studio ( I am a bit of a tend Texas School of Photograneat freak). I then start on my phy in Dallas. It is held every editing, I always have editing. At year and has provided me with 10 am when I open, I return not only the best educational ex- phone calls or call to confirm appointments. I will then do a facebook sweep to see if I have any messages or anyone commented and handle those. If I have any images ready for facebook I post them.

From there my day will vary from portrait sessions, senior sessions, consultations, investment consultations, going to high schools for sports sessions or groups. When I am not in sessions or consultations, I am editing, ordering, framing, packaging, banking, bookkeeping, keepPAGE!

ing software up todate, and trying to keep up with the latest thing happing in photography, new gadgets, software and products.

On Mondays when I am closed I do sales calls on dance schools, sports leagues, high schools, day cares. On Saturdays I have full day of sessions, horse events or a wedding. Sundays I try to take off, but if the only time a family can get together for a family portrait is Sunday, then I will accommodate them.

I do events as well, which means Friday nights at a prom or school dance, action photography of football, basketball, soccer, volleyball. There's also the volunteering time to include; pictures with Santa, Easter bunny, the Veterans events, and the 13!

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! chamber events like banquets and golf tournaments.

It would be hard to describe a typical day because each day after 10 am is different, I never know what the Lord is going to do, but it is always a blessing.

VF: For someone working in the field of photography, please describe the fantasies versus realities of job. (fantasy vs. reality) Fantasy‌.It's a lot of fun, it is so easy and you make a lot of money. You must make a PAGE!

MARCH 1, 2013 lot of money if you charge $65.00 for an 8x10. You can work when you want to and nobody to tell you what to do. All you got to do is take a picture and sell it, that isn't hard.

Reality‌.It can be a lot of fun, but you have to make it fun.

Photographing outside in 100 degree weather or a wedding ceremony with candle light and you can't use flash can be challenging. Having a baby spit up on you or poop on your back-

drop, having a parent harass a child to tears because they aren't smiling the right way. The senior that wears something totally inappropriate, and you have to tell her you won't photograph her in it. This is the reality.

You don't get that much free time unless you make it and you answer to your clients because they are the ones paying you now.

You have to do everything and then some! Unless you are one of the few that is making enough in sales to hire help then you have a whole new line of respon15!

! sibility. Did I mention you have to do everything! You need to be VF: What is the typical (averself motivated, your own cheerage/ lowest to highest) salary of leader when things go wrong someone working in the field of (and they will), and know when photography? (salary) to say no.

Linda: This is a question that is VF: How secure are you in your very hard to answer because it current position? has so many variables. Full time Linda: Very secure, I’ve been in photographer can make anybusiness for 15 years. Photogra- where between $1200 to phy is the only thing I know $200,000.00 or more. It depends and I am not ready to retire. on the photographers skills and

MARCH 1, 2013 the ability to market and sell their product.

VF: What potential for growth is there in the field of photography?

Linda: I believe there is no limit on the growth or potential in the field of photography. You do however have to stay on top of the trends and try to create something that will be a trend. You always have to be learning because the business of photography is constantly changing.

VF: What do you like most about your career?

Linda: I love meeting people and changing their perception of themselves by capturing the beauty they don't see.

VF: What do you like least about your career?

Linda: I don't get to spend enough time with my grand kids.

VF: What do you find the most challenging about your career?

Getting my Masters of Photography.

VF: What do you find the most rewarding about your career?

Linda: Knowing that God has given me the desire and talent to take something plain and make into something fabulous. That He gives me opportunities to make a difference in people's lives and families. Providing

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MARCH 1, 2013 myself how and it is not my favorite thing. I do it because I like to eat.

VF: Would you encourage someone to pursue this area of photography as a career? Why or Why not?

Linda: I would only encourage VF: What were someone if I could see they loved you not taught dur- photography with a passion and ing your training would work for nothing to for this job that you achieve the necessary knowledge discovered over and expertise to become profitime? cient. I would know by that Linda: Time man- dedication they could make a caagement, I don't reer out of photography. have to work all the Many have cameras, but few are time if I just willing to learn how to use it. learned to manage my time better. It has taken some time to learn this, memories and heirlooms for genand I realized managed time erations to come. gives me free time to spend with VF: What words of wisdom do my family. you have for someone just beginning to explore this career?

Linda: I would suggest they apprentice with a professional photographer for at least a year. This will provide them with not only real photography experience it will also expose them to the ups and downs of the business. They will know after 6 months if this is a career they really want to pursue.

VF: If you could eliminate one aspect of your job, what would it be?

Linda: Selling! I am not a good sales person, I have had to teach

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MARCH 1, 2013 February’s Ima! Contest

Fir# Place - Kim Ha&z, CPP

Sammy

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MARCH 1, 2013 February’s Ima! Contest

Second Place - Vickie Longo"a

Bare Energy

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MARCH 1, 2013 February’s Ima! Contest

'ird Place - Karen Bu(s

Serene Slumber PAGE!

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MARCH 1, 2013 February’s Ima! Contest Honorable MentionsIma! Scores 80 or above

By:Rhonda Floyd

'rees Company

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MARCH 1, 2013 February’s Ima! Contest Honorable MentionsIma! Scores 80 or above

By:Jennifer Heylmun

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Landscape in Fog

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MARCH 1, 2013 February’s Ima! Contest Honorable MentionsIma! Scores 80 or above

By:Aileen Harding,CPP

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Monkeying Ar$nd

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MARCH 1, 2013 February’s Ima! Contest Honorable MentionsIma! Scores 80 or above

Sweet Li(le Ki(y

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By:Kelly Willis

MARCH 1, 2013 February’s Ima! Contest Honorable MentionsIma! Scores 80 or above

By:Francie Baltazar-­‐Stonestreet,CPP

Woodland War"or

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February’s Ima! Contest Honorable Mentions-

MARCH 1, 2013

Ima! Scores 80 or above

By:Teri Whiaaker,CPP

Magical Moments Before Sun"se

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MARCH 1, 2013

February’s Ima! Contest Honorable MentionsIma! Scores 80 or above

By:Kim Hartz,CPP

Heel Achilles

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Monthly Image Competition

MARCH 1, 2013

Monthly Image Compe;;on – Digital vs. Print An Editorial by Kelly Willis Image compeIIon at the local level is a tool for members to use to help them beaer prepare for compeIIons at the state, regional and naIonal levels along with the educaIon you receive from the enIre process from conceptualizing the image to the final print. Feedback from well-­‐educated judges is an added bonus in helping mem-­‐ bers become beaer in photography as a whole.

Entering at the state level requires you submit physical prints. However, the regional and naIonal levels both offer physical entry and digital entry opIons. When enter-­‐ ing physical prints at the state, regional and naIonal level, certain requirements have been established regarding size, mounIng and finish of the image. Members must know how to prepare their images to meet these requirements along with preparing the image for print or for digital display.

PPGH has been offering image compeIIon in digital format for almost 3 years. Prior to digital entries, physi-­‐ cal prints were of course required which required members to send their entries for print to a professional lab of choice or in some cases members printed and mounted the entries themselves.

Now that PPGH has experience with both physical prints and digital compeIIons, we can make a beaer edu-­‐ cated decision regarding what is best for the members and the Guild moving forward – and we need your input.

Pros and Cons: We are going to provide as much informaIon as possible regarding all of the “pros” and “cons” of each method and we hope you will consider them all prior to providing feedback. We want to make the right de-­‐ cision – not one based simply on first insIncts or our own personal desires on the maaer.

Let’s start with lisIng some of the “pros” for digital entries: 1. The cost is minimal to the member.

2. The process is very easy and convenient.

3. We have more entries now than we did with physical prints.

4. EducaIonal process for the members regarding entering digital images at the regional and naIonal levels.

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MARCH 1, 2013 A list of some of the “pros” for physical print entries: 1. EducaIonal process for the members regarding preparing images for print.

2. EducaIonal process for the members regarding prinIng (paper types), mounIng and finishing images.

3. EducaIonal process for members regarding entering physical prints in compeIIon at the state, re-­‐ gional and naIonal levels.

4. Having images on display at the meeIngs.

5. Having images included in the photo for the Texas PPA magazine.

6. Professional lab sponsorship to help defray costs to PPGH. We could list the “cons” but if you simply reverse the “pros” you can tell what the negaIve aspects of each are but we will also go into more detail regarding all of these below.

PPGH is the only local affiliate of PPA in Texas offering digital image compeIIons that I have found. There are a few groups and associaIons across the US that offers digital compeIIons. So are we ahead of our Ime or are we going down the wrong path? PPGH needs your input to make this determinaIon! Image Compe;;on Costs to PPGH: PPGH purchased a TV approximately 3 years ago for viewing the digital entries. A TV simply offers very liale calibraIon opIons so there are always complaints with members about their images not appearing true to color or being blown out, etc…

The cost of an actual monitor in a size we would need to display images appropriately costs between $1300-­‐ $2000. With an actual monitor the display would appear beaer but each person calibrates their own moni-­‐ tors to their printers so there would sIll be differences in how PPGH’s monitor would display the images.

PPA uses monitors for digital image compeIIon and they too hear complaints. Their response is usually “If you do not like how your images display, then enter physical prints.”

Since switching to digital compeIIons, PPGH has lost most all of our professional lab support. PPGH provides trophies at the end of the year for our compeIIon winners and the cost of these trophies is over $1000.00.

In the past, one of the professional labs typically paid for these trophies so the cost did not have to come out of the PPGH budget. PPGH has had to pay for these for the past 2 years as we could not get lab support due to our compeIIons being digital. We also now have the addiIonal expense of an online file transfer account for digital images.

PPGH also has the expense of ribbons, whether we have digital or physical print compeIIons, which usually cost between $1.50-­‐$2.75 each depending on the quanIty ordered. At the end of each meeIng, we award our image compeIIon winners with ribbons and we take photographs to put in the TPPA magazine and

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MARCH 1, 2013 ViewFinder. All of the other guilds show photos with their winners holding their images which PPGH win-­‐ ners simply hold their ribbons.

PPGH Resources: PPGH simply does not have the resources to offer both physical and digital compeIIons each month.

Equipment is required for both: required lighIng for physical compeIIons and a decent viewing screen for digital compeIIons.

Every year, a member is appointed as Image Chairman (IC) by the President and Board of PPGH. It is the IC’s responsibility to transport the equipment, set up, calibrate, take down, storing, and maintenance, if any, of this equipment. With digital compeIIons there are also other duIes of keeping a large file trans-­‐ fer account current, downloading of the images, deleIng from the online account, organizing them for compeIIon, communicaIng with members if there are problems with their images, keeping electronic forms of all compeIIon forms, along with some miscellaneous duIes that always come up.

This informaIon and required duIes of the IC are menIoned only for you to keep in mind when thinking of feedback, other possibiliIes or soluIons. We have had members make wonderful suggesIons, such as recommending we purchase a larger screen TV and while that sounds wonderful, we simply do not have the resources to transport a large screen TV back and forth to meeIngs along with storing it between meeIngs. So while we are looking for feedback, suggesIons and recommendaIons please think the proc-­‐ ess through and provide feedback that is workable with our resources.

Digital Files vs Prints: Is it a bad thing for our members to enter image compeIIon digitally when professional photographers always complain about those “moms with a camera” that shoot and then just sell the images in digital format? How can we, as professionals, jusIfy the compeIIon process being – simply a digital file? Isn’t the prinIng process a huge majority of what our professional businesses are about?

Do you sell your images on a CD or DVD in digital format? Many professional photographers these days sell digital images along with prints.

At the monthly PPGH meeIngs, do you want to view images that are printed or do you want to view im-­‐ ages on the TV screen?

The Compe;;on Process – What is the best method?

That being said let’s focus now on the actual process and what we, as an associaIon, should provide to our members to make the right decision moving forward with image compeIIons.

As already discussed, the “pros” of digital are really good ones! Who wouldn’t want a cheap and easy way to enter image compeIIon? But, is cheap and easy really a good thing? How many Imes have you heard the old saying “you get what you pay for”?

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MARCH 1, 2013 What exactly are you gehng with this cheap and easy way of entering compeIIon? Of course you will get great feedback on the image – if the comments aren’t simply that the image is blown out or the color was off because the TV didn’t display it properly and there is really no good way for a judge to know. But, will you really get good feedback? Only if there is Ime for the judge to make comments be-­‐ cause with digital entry it is so convenient that any image can be uploaded whether the member really thinks it’s a compeIIon worthy image or not – because really, what do they have to lose – so the vol-­‐ ume is such that there may or may not be Ime to get feedback.

But wait, isn’t volume a good thing? We have more entries since switching to digital than ever before!

That can be a great thing because that means we have more parIcipaIon from members than ever be-­‐ fore.

But again, is volume really that great? I’ve always been told that unless someone has a financial invest-­‐ ment in something they really don’t appreciate it. Maybe that is true and maybe it isn’t but with digital entries there is no required financial investment (except for the $10 entry fee). So as members scroll through their images are they really entering an image they feel strongly about or is it just too easy to enter anything whether it’s compeIIon worthy or not?

How many of our members know, from experience, that a certain portrait would be beaer represented on fine art paper compared to Pearl, Metallic, Gloss, or Maae papers? What do you tell your clients when selling images about the various opIons with paper, mounIng and finishes? Are you well versed in this area or is this something you need addiIonal educaIon in? And if you need addiIonal educaIon in these areas – where do you get that educaIon if not from the image compeIIon process?

We NEED Your Feedback: As you can see, there are no simple answers. PPGH has costs associated with image compeIIon and those costs have to be supplemented by either the members or by professional prinIng labs. We have limited resources so we have to keep our resources in mind when making choices.

The process should be one of providing the best educaIon for the members. Are the members being educated enough by simply uploading digital files? Are there too many images being entered now that take up too much Ime on the part of the judges? Are the images being uploaded actually images that members feel strongly enough about that they would pay to have printed? If not, should those images even be judged to begin with? Are there so many images being uploaded now that the judges do not have Ime to provide feedback and comments to those that really put a lot of work into their images and deserve that feedback?

Or do the members need addiIonal educaIon regarding the “rest of the process” of preparing the im-­‐ age for print, choosing the right prinIng surface, mounIng and finish instead?

Would the prinIng process help you in your business with knowing more about how to prepare your images for print, the type of papers to use along with the types of mounIng materials and finishes?

What maaers most to YOU – the member? Please respond to: 2013Board@ppgh.org.

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MARCH 1, 2013

Important Dates March 15th, Texas PPA Convention, Arlington, Texas March 19th, PPGH General Meeting May 6th, PPGH Testing for CPP Given by Chris Bechtold, CPP

The Black Labrador opened in 1986 in a building formerly used by a church for its officers. It has 100 seats inside, 50 outside and 20 around the bar. The low ceilings and decoraIons gives the restaurant an authenIc pub atmos-­‐ phere unlike any in Houston.

The menu is varied with great ham-­‐ burgers, soups and salads but it is the English specials like Shepherd’s Pie, Fish and Chips and Raspberry Trifle that bring customers back Ime and again.

The Black Labrador is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner and serves brunch on Sundays starIng at 11 am.

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PPGH Meeting March 19th, 2013 1400 Montrose Blvd. #8 Houston, Tx 77006 713-529-1199

MARCH 1, 2013

CPP Candidates Mini-Workshop 2013 Basic Lighting Part One April 7th Get ready to join the fun at our first Mini-Workshop of the year! This will be a hands on Basic Studio Lighting Class. Learn to set your Studio Lights for a 3:1 ratio. Bring your cameras because there will be a demonstration and then you will each take turns metering/setting up lights and photographing one another. We will cover Short Lighting, Broad Lighting, Positioning the Main Light at the proper height and Masculine and Feminine posing.

This is a great opportunity to practice some of those basic lighting skills required for the CPP portfolio review.

Join us on April 7th from 1:00 to 5:00 (or come early for an 11:30 lunch at the Last Concert Cafe across the street) 801 Williams Street Houston, Texas 77002

Seating is LIMITED.. Register NOW !!!

Aileen Har*ng

About your instructor: Aileen is a naIonally published photographer who opened her Baytown, Texas studio in 2005. Aileen's work focuses on Senior, Family and Pet Portraiture. In 2011, she became a CerIfied Professional Photographer. Aileen’s work has been published in industry catalogs and in 2012 three of her images were selected as Loan Prints in the PPA InternaIonal Print CompeIIon. For her own creaIve projects, Aileen shoots wildlife and landscape images, three of which won “Best of Show” and first and second place in the Baytown Art League 2011 Spring show. As a devoted wife and mother of three grown children and a former MWAC (mom with a camera), Aileen is keenly aware of the role educaIon plays in developing the technical Aileen Harding, CPP skills necessary to provide quality imagery and meaningful portraiture. It is her firm belief that her legacy will be the portraits she is honored to create for her client's lasIng memories.

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MARCH 1, 2013

FELLOWSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM

Karen Butts

The Fellowship Program was brought back to life in 2012. It was designed as a means of recognizing those individuals who have given freely of their time and talents in service to the guild. Like everything else, this program has been affected by changing times and some alterations were made to the point system for 2013. Start now, keeping track of your points, so in November you will be ready to go on line and submit your points towards your Fellowship Degree. You can download a PDF file from the website to use as a worksheet to keep track of your points each month. In November, you will be ready to go on-line and enter the data that you have collected. The deadline is always midnight the day of the November meeting.

MEMBERSHIP BRING A GUEST: Members, I am challenging you to bring a photographer friend as a guest to the next PPGH guild meeting. If you bring a guest, your business card will be put in a drawing for a special door prize. The door prize for the March meeting will be a newborn cocoon with a matching headband. Hopefully, your friend will consider joining as an Aspiring member, or if they qualify, they may apply for Active Membership. To become an active member, a photographer must have their DBA, their tax license and also be available for clients at least 30 hours per week. For a complete list of Membership Classifications, go to the PPGH website. As our membership grows, we will increase our circle of friends while growing as a professionals.

MAKE A NEW FRIEND: If you see someone new at a guild meeting who seems to be alone, please approach them and make them feel welcome. You may be the one to make a difference as to whether they decide to join us or not. Membership check-in is doing our best to identify these people, but some may slip through the cracks.

UPDATE YOUR PROFILE

Please go on the PPGH website and update your member profile from time to time. We want to make sure that we have all of your current information. Please add an image of yourself to help other members identify you. There is also a place to upload some of your photographic images. Potential clients looking for a photographer will be able to see your images, they may make the difference in their decision when choosing a photographer. And lastly, make sure that you have clicked on the Ethics Agreement, which is the very last item in your profile.

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MARCH 1, 2013

MEET OUR NEW MEMBERS By: Karen Butts, Membership Director

ELISA PICKETT, STUDENT: My name is Elisa Pickett. I was born and raised in the Houston, Texas area. I am a senior at Clear Springs High School where I have been the photo editor and staff photographer of the yearbook for two years. I have taken a few individual photography classes but I was mostly self-taught until this year. This year I took a mentorship class at my school and am now being taught by Rhonda Floyd of Rhonda Floyd Photography. She has been an inspiration to me; the way she runs her business, gives back to the community, and strives for quality. Photography has always interested me because of the fact that it has both a technical side and an artistic one. I love learning and understanding all that Elisa Pickett camera equipment can do and how lighting can make such a difference on a photo. But I also love trying to see things in a new way that no one else has seen before and making something beautiful. I enjoy shooting just about anything; portraits, landscapes, sports, travel, weddings.

Next year I plan to go to college and double major in photography and business.

LIZ HOPKINS, ACTIVE MEMBER: I grew up in League City, Texas. My first job was working in a film development lab at the local mall where I bought my first camera, a Nikon FG-20. From that moment on I fell in love with photography. I continued working in film labs in college. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Child Development from Southwest Texas State University. For the past nineteen years I have worked at Helen Hall Library in League City. I have been married for sixteen years to my husband, David. Together we have been living in and restoring my father's childhood home.

Liz Hopkins

KAIVALYA TRIPATHI, ASPIRING: I moved here from Ahmedabad, India and I have lived in Houston for 15 years. I received my Masters in MIS from University of Houston and currently work at Oil service company in Supply Chain Management. I also have a Bachelors in Engineering. My education in photography has been through self learning, reading books and I took a workshop from Ben Chen of social pixels. My son, who is now 4 years old, inspired me to become a photographer. Though membership in PPGH, I would like to become a professional and full time photographer one day. I enjoy photographing portraits the most.

Join Today

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MARCH 1, 2013

PPGH Mini-Workshop by: Aileen Harding, CPP. Chairman Mini-­‐Workshop Madness!

I'm so excited about our Mini-­‐Workshop schedule for the year.

We're going to have the opportunity to get inside the heads of some of our most famous and talented members!! From hands on Basic Studio LighIng, to Edgy OCF, to Award Winning Dog Images, to Fine Art Children's Portraiture, to CreaIng a Client Experience, to Children's Portraiture from Start to Finish and topping it off with an Evening with the Masters...this is going to be an incredible year.

These workshops are designed to be an inImate experience where all your quesIons are answered and you walk away with exciIng new tools in your toolbox so be sure to sign up early because there will be limited seaIng..

Be there or Be Square...

Aileen Harding, CPP

Mark These Dates On Your Calendar April…7th LighIng with Aileen Harding, CPP May…9th An evening with the Masters June.. 23rd LighIng with Curley Marshall, CPP July.. 21st Karen Buas "Fine Art on a Shoe String: CreaIng Heirloom Newborn and Children's

Portraits Without Breaking the Bank" Aug.. 25th Melanie Hall,CPP "Off Camera Flash, My Way" Sept. 26th Kim Hartz, CPP "The Business and Art of Pet Photography" Oct.24th Packaging/PresenIng your Studio with Cindy Crofford, CPP Nov.14th Children…From Consult to Finished Prints, by Buz Marvins, M.Photog,CR. Mini-­‐Program Commiaee Members: Aileen Harding, CPP, Chairman, Lori Bailey, Tom Hathcock 36!

Duncan

Cofer

Chen

Cahill

Bryant

Berg

Alonso

Allen

MARCH 1, 2013

Check Out Our Schedule PHOTOSHOP/PAINTER Workshop - Suzette Allen (Extra Fee Req’d) MARATHON PRESS Business Seminar - Ann Monteith (Extra Fee Req’d) Hands-On FULL STUDIO SETUP - Cris Duncan (Extra Fee Req’d) Hands-On FULL STUDIO SETUP - Carmen Schettino (Extra Fee Req’d) Hands-On Outdoor & Location w/Equipment - Randy Kerr (Extra Fee Req’d) PHOTOSHOP/PAINTER Workshop - Suzette Allen cont. (Extra Fee Req’d) MARATHON PRESS Business Seminar - Ann Monteith cont. (Extra Fee Req’d) Hands-On FULL STUDIO SETUP - Cris Duncan cont. (Extra Fee Req’d) Hands-On FULL STUDIO SETUP - Carmen Schettino cont. (Extra Fee Req’d)

PM - 9 PM

Frievalt

8 AM - 12 Noon 8 AM - 12 Noon 9 AM - 12 Noon 9 AM - 12 Noon 9 AM - 12 Noon 1:30 PM - 5 PM 1:30 PM - 5 PM 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Ellinger

Friday, March 15, 2013

Kozak Marvins

Kerr

DEADLINE for Turning In Photos for People’s Choice Exhibit Posing & Lighting - Bruce Berg Boudoir & More! - Cindy Cofer sponsored by Virtual Backgrounds Nature & Landscapes - Steve Kozak Sports & Activity Photos - Pat Cahill sponsored by ACI Lab Graphics: Art from Your Images - Charlie Mosher sponsored by Fashion Photography - Steve Ellinger Graphic Authority Trade Show Open Informal, One-on-One Print Critique Nature Photography - Tim Ostermeyer Posing & Lighting - Sam Gardner & Patricia Mathis sponsored by High School Seniors - Suzy Fulton Miller’s Lab & Larson Studio Workflow - Mark Chen Lighting & Exposure - Randy Kerr Commercial Photography - Carmen Schettino DEADLINE for voting on prints A Bird Photographer’s Story - Arthur Morris sponsored by Canon

Lourcey

9:00 AM 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM 6:30 PM 8:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Fulton

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Meyer Monteith Vertz

Ragland

Tsakris

Sturdevant

Schettino

Potts

Mosher

30

Morris

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Senior Portraits - Dan Frievalt Getting Published - Mike Marvins Facebook - Chris Meyer sponsored by Pro Photo Deals Brand Marketing - Joy Vertz sponsored by Miller’s Lab Entering Print Competition - Richard Sturdevant Trade Show Open AWARDS PRESENTATION - Trade Show Area Pet Photography - Margaret Bryant Adobe Lightroom - Nick Tsakris sponsored by Pounds Labs Set Design - Debi & Steve Ragland sponsored by Miller’s Lab Running a Home Studio - Larry Lourcey Opening Your Own Studio - Emily Potts Posing, Lighting, Composition - Gabriel Alonso

Ostermeyer

8:30 AM – 11:00 AM 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM 2:00 PM 4:00 PM – 5:00 AM 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM 5:30 PM – 6:30PM

Gardner/Mathis

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Texas Professional Photographer

MARCH 1, 2013

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MARCH 1, 2013

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MARCH 1, 2013

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MARCH 1, 2013

How does $15,000 of FREE equipment insurance sound?

It’s yours—courtesy of PPA—when you join.*

PPA helps you protect what matters and, as a pro photographer, that includes your photographic equipment. With PhotoCare, PPA covers your premium* for $15,000 of equipment insurance.

It’s just one more way that membership in PPA pays.

JOIN PPA TO ACTIVATE YOUR POLICY FOR FREE! *PhotoCare Equipment Insurance is available to U.S.-based PPA Professional Active and Life members only. Policy is provided by PPA as a part of membership and includes equipment coverage up to $15,000 per year. Restrictions apply. Additional coverage is available for purchase. Insurance provided by Lockton Affinity. PPA members must activate their policy and maintain membership to receive coverage.

.com/insurance 41!

LOOKING FORWARD

MARCH 1, 2013

March 15-17 TPPA Regional

September 17, PPGH Annual Business Meeting

Conference, Arlington

October 15th, CPP exam PPGH General Meeting

March 19 PPGH General Meeting April 16th, PPGH General Meeting April 28-May 3. Texas School, Arlington

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November 19th, PPGH General Meeting/ ! ! !

Fellowship Points due December, TBA PPGH Gala

May 6th CPP testing for PPGH May 21, PPGH General Meeting

Monthly meeting 3rd Tuesday of each month

June 18, PPGH General Meeting

Mini-Workshops 4th Thursday of each month (subject to change)

June 29-13 TPPA Summer RoundUp, Kerrville July 16, PPGH General Meeting

The Viewfinder Newsletter deadline date 25th of

July, Nomination Committee Meets

each month.

August 20, PPGH General Meeting

Join a PPGH Committee Today Call one of the Chairmen and Volunteer Nomina;ng CommiPee Tom Hathcock, Chair Kim Hartz Laura Popiel Rhonda Floyd Kevin Falcon Cindy Crofford -­‐ alternate

Ethics CommiPee Belinda Higgins Sunny Arrant Cindy Crofford Kim Smith

Audit CommiPee Vickie Longoria, Chair Cesar Vargas Eric Hoffland Sheila Richards

Web CommiPee Kelly Willis, Chair Marvin Labohm Kevin Falcon Tom Hathcock

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Image Compe;;on Kelly Willis, Chair

Telephone CommiPee Teri Whiaaker, Chair Aileen Harding, CPP Jennifer Heylmun Sheila Richards Tabitha Spence Amanda Beard

Communica;on CommiPee Facebook and Twiaer Kevin Falcon, Chair

Librarian Curley Marshall, Chair

Mentor Program Francie Baltazar Stonestreet , Chair

PPGH Photographer Orpha Labohm

Viewfinder CommiPee Kim Christensen, Editor Rhonda Floyd Kelly Willis Kevin Falcon Tom Hathcock Karen Buas Procedures and Controls Teri Whiaaker, Chair Kelly Willis Melissa Dobbs

ByLaws CommiPee Alvin Gee, Chair Kelly Willis Tom Hathcock

Mini-­‐Program Aileen Harding, Chair Lori Bailey Tom Hathcock Membership CommiPee Karen Buas, Chair Kevin Falcon Shelia Richards Tom Hathcock

MARCH 1, 2013

CERTIFICATION PAYS

The power of certification is universal. Many industries have certified experts who are often looked upon as better or more reliable...and photography is no different. It pays to be an expert.

It pays to be certified.

Mark A. Campbell, M.Photog.Cr.,CPP, API

HOW DO I BECOME CERTIFIED?

1

Register your candidacy at www.certifiedphotographer.com.

2

Pass the comprehensive Certification Exam.

3

Pass the Image Submission Review.

WHAT IS A CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER? As the leading certifying agency for imaging professionals, the Professional Photographic Certification Commission is recognized throughout the industry.

This commission outlines and enforces the stringent requirements that Certified Professional Photographers must complete and maintain, proving technical competency in professional photography.

WHY BE CERTIFIED? Being a successful professional photographer takes more than a camera. A Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) designation will help you: © i~ ~{ z w z { w y { ~w ~w { ~{ {z}{ and the talent to back up your business. © b{ y { {w x { w z ~w {z}{ w z w { cutting edge…before they meet you. © [w { }{B { y { B w z ® { { | x { D ARE YOU READY TO JOIN THE RANKS OF THE CERTIFIED EXPERTS? For more information, go to www.certifiedphotographer.com or call 888.772.2780

Professional Photographic Certification Commisision Our mission: To acknowledge and validate a consistent standard by which professional photographers can achieve and maintain a recognizable mark of excellence.

The CPP cerIficaIon test will be given on May 6th, 2013 at 11:00 am.

Chris Walter Photography 5910 FM 1960 East Humble, TX 77346

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February’s Ima! Contest Honorable MentionsMARCH 1, 2013 P"nts Scores 80 or above

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by:Karen Bu(s