September 2015
Alison Carlino
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September 2015
You Can Help Write the End of the Story… PPGH President’s Message
Last April, I was half listening to the TV as I was getting dressed for a busy, busy day at the studio when I heard something that caught my attention. CBS This Morning was interviewing the 2015 National Teacher of the Year, Shanna Peeples. She was very pleasant. Very articulate. But here’s what grabbed me. She said, “You can help write the end of the story for every kid.” As simple as it sounded, I thought how profound this was. YES! I want to be the one to write the end of the story for someone! Be the one to open a door of opportunity. Be the one that ignites a spark of Belinda Standford,M.Photog., Cr., CPP imagination, of things possible. Be the one that offers encouragement and respect. All of us can do this!! Even YOU! Whether it is our own child, a student, friend, colleague, etc., by being a positive influence, you can set someone on their way to their own personal success. Here is the National Teacher of the Year criteria for selection. Though this is geared for teachers, with just a titch of tweeking, they can be modified for all of us! - Inspires all students to learn - Plays an active roll in the community - Has respect and admiration of students, parents and colleagues So, what would it take for you and I to “write the end of the story” for someone? - Inspire all to continue to learn/better themselves - Play an active roll in your community, local photography guild, volunteer at local non-profits - Engage with people in an open and sharing way, always showing respect - Invest time and energy in what “can be.” The most valuable of our assets. Dedicating ourselves to ‘purposefully’ being the positive influence impacts lives well beyond what we can imagine. The book is still unfinished. It is just the beginning. The pen’s in our hand. The ending unplanned. YOU can help write the end of the story. Will you commit to doing your part? Let’s getting writing! Belinda See Shanna Peeples interview here:
http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/shanna-peeples-honored-as-2015-national-teacher-of-theyear/
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September 2015
Scholarships We are fortunate to have a guild that appreciates continuing education for our members. The guild usually awards at least three $500 scholarships, and one $750 scholarship for the Judges workshop. For a $500 scholarship, if you: 1. Have been an active member for two (2) years, 2. Have not received a scholarship from PPGH in the previous three (3) years, 3. Have paid your current dues for the year of scholarship application, …..then you need to go online and complete a scholarship form. For the $750 Judges Workshop scholarship, if: 1.Have been an active member for three (3) years, 2.Hold a PPA Degree or Certification (priority is given to Master Degree applications) 3.Have not received a scholarship from PPGH in the previous three (3) years, 4.Have paid your current dues for the year of scholarship application, …..then you need to go online and complete a Judge’s Workshop scholarship form. You will need to login to the www.ppgh.org website. Go to the Members Only section. (Hover over the three lines at the end of the Menu line and you will see the Members Only section. Scroll down to the Scholarship area and submit the required information. If you are selected to receive a scholarship, the following reimbursement information will be helpful to you: 1.The scholarship is good for one year after the date it is awarded. 2.The scholarship may be used for a maximum of one educational event. 3.The scholarship has no cash value (it may not be redeemed for cash). 4.The scholarship may NOT be used for online education. 5.The scholarship recipient must have paid their current dues for the year of reimbursement. 6.The scholarship recipient must pay up front for the educational event. Reimbursement to the scholarship recipient will occur only after the recipient has attended the educational event and reported back to the guild about their experience (either by Viewfinder article or by sharing in person at a monthly guild meeting), AND submitted their receipts for reimbursement to the Scholarship Chairman. The deadline for scholarship submission is 12 midnight, on November 17, 2015.
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Fill our the application NOW !!! www.ppgh.org
September 2015
MEMBER RESULTS FOR INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION EXPLANATION OF MEDALISTS:
DIAMOND Photographer of the Year (POTY): All four images received a merit with four images accepted into the Loan Collection Book. PLATINUM Medalist: All four images received a merit with three images accepted into the Loan Collection Book. GOLD Medalist: All four images received a merit with two images accepted into the Loan Collection Book. SILVER Medalist: All four images received a merit with one image accepted into the Loan Collection Book. BRONZE Medalist: All four images received a merit. OPEN CATEGORY PLATINUM MEDALISTS IN OPEN CATEGORY Karen Butts, M.Photog., CPP Cat Dybala, M.Photog.
Complete IPC Results
SILVER MEDALISTS IN OPEN CATEGORY Francie Baltazar Stonestreet, Cr., CPP plus 1 Showcase Tom Hathcock, M.Photog.,CPP Paul King RECEIVING INTERNATIONAL MERITS IN OPEN CATEGORY Robert Brayton, CPP - 1 Merit Rhonda Floyd, CPP - 3 Merits Kim Hartz, M.Photog., Cr., CPP - 2 Merits Melanie Hall, Cr. CPP - 3 Merits Sheila Hebert, CPP - 3 Merits Kimberly Kuhlman, 3 Merits Laura Mansur, CPP - 1 Merit Curley Marshall, Cr., CPP - 1 Merit Edward (Buz) Marvins, M. Photog., CR. - 2 Merits Sherry Piche’, CPP - 3 Merits Kelly Willis - 1 Loan plus 2 Showcase Terry Whittaker, CPP - 3 Merits MASTER ARTIST CATEGORY Cat Dybala,, M.Photog. SILVER MEDALIST plus 1 Showcase Karen Butts, M. Photog., CPP 1 Master Artist Merit
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September 2015
PPGH 2016 Nomination Slate of Officer and Directors Vote online or at the General Meeting The Nominating Committee must carefully review the eligibility requirments for each office and see that the nominees meet these requirments and are willing to serve in the capacity for which they are being nominated. After careful consideration, the Nominating Committee has chosen the following Active Members who they feel will diligently and timely perform the duties of that office as required by the PPGH bylaws. The following slate of Officers and Directors for 2016 are: Write in Candidate Chairman of the Board….. Belinda Higgins-Stanford, _____N/A_________ M.Photog., Cr., CPP _________________ President…………………...Teri Whittaker, CPP _________________ Vice-President ……………..Aileen Harding, M. Photog., CPP _________________ Secretary…………………...Kevin Falcon _________________ Treasurer…………………...Nikky LaWell, CPP _________________ Director at Large …..….....Sherry Piché, CPP _________________ Director at Large Membership….Laura Mansur, CPP _________________ Director at Large…………. Orpha Garcia-Labohm _________________ Director at Large…………. Alison Carlino _________________ Elections are September 15th. Nominations will be taken from the floor for all positions except Chairman of the Board. Please plan to attend the PPGH business meeting September 15. Only active members can vote, and voting is done online or in person at the meeting.
Voting ONLINE: Logon to PPGH with your password. Go to “Members Only” section. Click on 2016 Board Voting Ballot
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September 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, PPGH-Past President
President Belinda Stanford M.Photog., Cr., CPP
Director Sherry PichĂŠ, CPP
Vice President Teri Whittaker, CPP
Director - Membership Laura Mansur, CPP
Secretary Aileen Harding M.Photog., CPP
Director Orpha Garcia-Labohm
Treasurer Kevin Falcon
Director Nikky LaWell, CPP
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September 2015
What’s Inside the Viewfinder September 2015
President’s Message
Page 2
PPGH Committees
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September Speaker Info
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By Belinda Standford, M.Photog., Cr., CPP
June’s Image Competition Results Pages 12-18 All Star Line-Up
Pages 19
PPGH Workshop Series Classes Pages 20-21 New Members
Page 25-26
Happening Around Texas
Page 28-31
Member’s Merit Gallery
Page 32-47
Employees What You Need to Know Page 49 By Dixie Dobbins, M.Photog.,Cr.,CPP PPA Judges Workshop
Page 53-55
PPGH Video Library
Page 60
Looking Forward
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By Aileen Harding,M.Photog.,CPP
Photo by:
Kelly Willis Page 5
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: Cat Dybala, M.Photog. Board Liaison: Blair Haynie, CPP, Orpha Garcia-Labohmn Sandy Buller Kathy Kinser, Teri Whittaker, CPP Aileen Harding, M. Photog., CPP Nikky LaWell, CPP Sherry PichÊ, 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 Marvin Labohm, Duane Blocker 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 Buz Marvins, M.Photog., Cr. Kathleen Kinser, Brenda Logan Kim Christensen, Vicki Longoria, Meghan Holton, Teresa Casillas.
September 2015
Nominating Chairman: Tom Hathcock, M. Photog., CPP Alvin Gee, M. Photog., Cr., CPP Dixie Dobbins, M. Photog.,Cr.,CPP Kim Hartz, M. Photog., CPP Karen Butts, 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 Kevin Falcon, Kathy Kinser, Laura Mansur, Hallie Keller, Kim Christensen, Sandy Buller,
On The Cover Alison Carlino
Wrecked
Alison photographs weddings, portraits, and small business editorials in the Houston, TX area and beyond. Alison is known for her off camera lighting and fashion forward style of posing. She has been published in local magazines as well as The Knot Texas, Two Bright Lights, Texas Weddings, Rangefinder, the Rangefinder Show Guide, and the SWPP Show Guide.
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September 2015
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September 2015
Whitehouse Custom Colur (WHCC) provided a door prize certificate for our August Meeting. Vice President Teri Whittaker,CPP presented White House Custom Colour certificate winner for a Press Book to Michael Martinez. WHCC has provided us with a monthly giveaway...and it is something new every month. You can’t win if you don’t come! We hope to see you all at our next meeting!
PPGH-President Belinda Stanford,M.Photog. Cr., CPP, presenting certificate to Michael Martinez
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PPGH September Featured Speaker September 2015
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September 2015
August Image Competition First Place - Masters Division
Karen Butts,M.Photog., CPP
Girls Can Wear Blue Too
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September 2015
August Image Competition Second Place - Masters Division
Karen Butts,M.Photog., CPP
Mother Nature’s Heiress
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August Image Competition Third Place Masters
September 2015
Dixie Dobbins,M.Photog.,Cr., CPP Giving The Stink Eye
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September 2015
August Image Competition First Place - Active Division
France Baltazar., Cr., CPP
Sweet Slumber
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September 2015
August Image Competition Second Place - Active Division
Jennifer Heylmun Storm’s Coming
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September 2015
August Image Competition Third Place - Active Division Album
France Baltazar., Cr., CPP
This Is Love
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September 2015
August Image Competition First Place - Aspiring
Theresa Campbell
Starstruck
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September 2015
Did you read “The Viewfinder” this month? Let us test you. Write this number “320” on a piece of paper and put it in the “Viewfinder Free Door Prize” cup at the September General Meeting for a free chance to win a door prize from one of our Door Prize Sponsors. You can only win this prize on time a year. Page 19
September 2015
Professional Photographers Guild of Houston “Series of Workshops”
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September 2015
PPGH - “Series of Workshops”
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September 2015
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September 2015
Centrally Located 2500 Summer St, Houston, TX 77007 (832) 263-3182
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September 2015
ᰠ䌀愀渀 礀漀甀 瀀爀椀渀琀 漀甀爀 瀀栀漀琀漀猀 漀渀猀椀琀攀㼀ᴠ 夀漀甀 栀愀瘀攀 瀀爀漀戀愀戀氀礀 戀攀攀渀 愀猀欀攀搀 琀栀椀猀 焀甀攀猀琀椀漀渀 洀漀爀攀 琀栀愀渀 漀渀挀攀⸀ 䈀甀琀 礀漀甀 洀愀礀 渀漀琀 欀渀漀眀 栀漀眀 攀愀猀礀 椀琀 椀猀 琀漀 瀀爀漀瘀椀搀攀 漀渀猀椀琀攀 瀀爀椀渀琀椀渀最⸀ 圀椀琀栀 愀 栀椀最栀 焀甀愀氀椀琀礀 搀礀攀 猀甀戀 瀀爀椀渀琀攀爀 昀爀漀洀 䤀洀愀最椀渀最 匀瀀攀挀琀爀甀洀 愀渀搀 䐀愀爀欀爀漀漀洀 匀漀昀琀眀愀爀攀Ⰰ 礀漀甀爀 挀氀椀攀渀琀猀 眀椀氀氀 戀攀 琀栀爀椀氀氀攀搀 琀漀 栀愀瘀攀 瀀爀漀昀攀猀猀椀漀渀愀氀 瀀爀椀渀琀猀 椀渀 琀栀攀椀爀 栀愀渀搀猀 愀琀 琀栀攀椀爀 攀瘀攀渀琀⸀
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眀眀眀⸀椀洀愀最椀渀最猀瀀攀挀琀爀甀洀⸀挀漀洀
眀眀眀⸀搀愀爀欀爀漀漀洀猀漀昀琀眀愀爀攀⸀挀漀洀
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September 2015
PPGH New Members My name is Farhana (Sonia). I love to create portraits with my love for art and photography. When I was a little girl, I loved painting landscapes with water colors and color pencils. After receiving a few awards when I was in a children’s art school, I took a long break from the arts. It all started again when I Sonia Farhana Ahmad took my first film photography class in college. I enjoyed my time capturing people’s beautiful smiles and emotion. I launched my portrait business in 2011. Soon after I joined PPA and decided to go for CPP. Working on CPP was one of my greatest decisions. It helped me to look at people’s faces from a different perspective. I achieved my certification in October 2014. I can’t thank enough Ty Bass, Francie Baltazar Stonestreet, Al Audleman, and so many other great photographers who helped me tremendously with the certification process. I am also a mother of two beautiful girls. They are simply blessings and they make me proud each and every day. Besides my girls, my husband helps me in innumerable ways, such as taking care of my finances and helping me wisely decide on buying photographic equipment as there are always bountiful, tempting choices in the market. My inspiration is Ansel Adams. Before I go on any vacation, I look at his gallery. I love early morning coffee, shopping at antique stores and travelling. I love the mountains and the rivers that run down their slopes. Gardening and interior decoration are some of my hobbies.
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Roger & Sheryl Lochridge
Growing up as a kid I was always the family photographer using a Polaroid camera. In high school I did some photography (landscapes). When I got married I did a ton of photography taking photos of my wife and two kids. When my son was in high school I would take action photo shots of my son’s Lacrosse team. The team coach asked me if I would take the team group photo’s. That was the beginning of being paid on assignment. That was in 2006. Here now in 2015 we (my wife and I) have been still doing the team pictures and have expanded in to weddings, portraits & event photography. We’re a small family business always looking to improve our skills artistically and becoming more busy savvy. I have a goal of becoming a Certified Photographer and was hoping the PPGH could help with that.
PPGH New Members Erin Wever My passion for photography started in seventh grade yearbook, where I designed layouts and began taking pictures and learning the darkroom. I continued on with photo class and yearbook all through high school and was the photography editor my senior year. After high school, I switched to digital as did everyone, but having learned everything manually and through the darkroom helped develop my skills greatly. Once it was clear to me that I had the passion, I knew I needed to focus on how to create a career doing what I love. The road to success has been long and hard as I balanced being a gymnastics coach for 13 years and I slowly started to develop my career in photography. Fortunately, I was given the opportunity to assist photographer Amy Asch for two years and learned so much from her. Then after having my baby girl, I have been blessed with many opportunities to refine what I love and make a business out of it! My genre of photography has always been portrait photography. I enjoy taking portraits of babies, children and seniors. One of my favorite parts about my job is being able to capture moments that can be preserved and passed down through generations. I love creating art pieces and albums for my clients that can be displayed and truly represent who they are and tells their story. I have been influenced by many great photographers along this journey, first and foremost my teachers Laurie and Earle Emery from school. They have always been great motivators and have created the foundation for me. I have also been impressed by artists like Keith Carter with his composition and use of depth of field, and Duane Michaels for how he pushes to think out of the box. Some of my favorite portrait photographers are Sue Bryce, Jen Rozenbaum, and Julia Kelleher...such great women with very defined styles of photography. I am looking forward to seeing how I will learn and grow more throughout this journey with the guidance and influence of everyone!
September 2015
Associate Member Belinda Levingston
Laura Mansur,CPP Membership Director
I’m happy to be in my new position as Chairperson for the PPGH membership committee. Its my desire to make our organization better by bringing in new members I am accepting any suggestions or ideas to improve new membership outreach. Let’s make it a great year. Laura
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September 2015
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Other Guilds Around Texas
Other Guilds Around Texas Join Texas PPA
September 2015
April 24-29, 2016
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September 2015
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Other Guilds Around Texas
September 2015
Other Guilds Around Texas
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September 2015
Other Guilds Around Texas
Ester Fuller“Painter” September 9th
“When you are traveling around Texas, stop by and vist one of the local affiliate guilds. Click on the links below to find out more about each one. Be sure to tell them you are from PPGH.” Local Affiliates Austin · Austin Professional Photographers Association Bryan/College Station – Brazos Valley Professional Photographers Association Dallas · Dallas Professional Photographers Association Ft. Worth · Fort Worth Professional Photographers Association Lubbock · South Plains Professional Photographers Association San Antonio · Professional Photographers of San Antonio Tyler · Professional Photographers Forum of East Texas Waco · Heart of Texas Professional Photographers
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September 2015
PPGH Member’s Gallery
Dixie Dobbins,M.Photog.,Cr.,CPP
A Gift From Heaven
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September 2015
PPGH Member’s Gallery
Hallie Keller, CPP Blue Eyes
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September 2015
PPGH Member’s Gallery
Teri Whittaker, CPP
Colors From Gods Crayon Box
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September 2015
PPGH Member’s Gallery
Allison Carlino Grass Roots Faith
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PPGH Member’s t Gallery
September 2015
Dixie Dobbins, M.Photog.,Cr.,CPP
It’s Not Easy Being Green
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September 2015
PPGH Member’s Gallery
Teri Whittaker, CPP
Journey Back in Time
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September 2015
PPGH Member’s Gallery
Francie Baltazar, Cr., CPP
Latin Beauty
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September 2015
PPGH Member’s Gallery
Curley Marshall, Cr., CPP
Living The Life
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PPGH Member’s Gallery
September 2015
Curley Marshall, Cr., CPP
Long Journey Home
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September 2015
PPGH Member’s Gallery
Hallie Keller, CPP
Newsboy
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September 2015
PPGH Member’s Gallery
Hallie Keller, CPP
Professional In Pink
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September 2015
PPGH Member’s Gallery
Karen Butts, M. Photog., CPP Simply Noah
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September 2015
PPGH Member’s Gallery
Curley Marshall, Cr., CPP
Standing Watch
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September 2015
PPGH Member’s Gallery
Teri Whittaker, CPP
Sunny
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September 2015
PPGH Member’s Gallery
Allison Carlino Where I Came From
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September 2015
PPGH Member’s Gallery
Alison Carlino Wrecked
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September 2015
伀渀氀椀渀攀 倀栀漀琀漀最爀愀瀀栀礀 䔀搀甀挀愀琀椀漀渀 䄀琀 䤀琀猀 䘀椀渀攀猀琀
吀愀瀀 椀渀琀漀
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刀攀最甀氀愀爀 瀀爀椀挀攀 椀猀 ␀㤀⸀㤀㤀 愀 洀漀渀琀栀 圀愀渀琀 琀漀 愀搀搀 䐀嘀䐀猀㼀 倀倀䄀 瀀栀漀琀漀最爀愀瀀栀攀爀猀 愀氀猀漀 最攀琀 㔀 ─ 漀昀昀℀
倀倀䄀⸀挀漀洀⼀ 䤀渀猀瀀椀爀攀搀
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September 2015
Employees, What You Need To Know
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Dixie Dobbins
Lets talk about a subject that is very touchy and scary for many of you. Employees! Just six months after I opened my first brick and mortar studio, I found the need to have an employee. It was scary, but there was just no way I could do it all myself. As luck would have it, I had a salesperson come into my studio to sell me television ads. She was so professional and great that I wound up hiring her as my office manager/ assistant, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. However, after two years she moved to Florida, and I had to hire a replacement. This time I had a lot of problems, therefore, an employee guidebook was born! I simply made a new policy every time an employee created a problem for me, thererby avoiding or limiting the likeliness that it might happen again. Employees truly can make or break you, and locating good ones and training them well is critical to your future success. They represent your studio, and they can truly propel you or hold you back. Into my fifth year, I was very fortunate to find a photographer, Past TPPA President Walter Eagleton, of Denton, TX, who had the best employee handbook I had ever seen. He had many of my same policies, but since he had a staff of four, he had encountered many more issues than I had. So I put his and mine together and came up with a great book. I had several copies printed at a local printer and bound with a nice cover. I had each employee sign the handbook and I went over the rules during the training period. Over the following 18 years that I had a brick and mortar studio, I grew to having five employees and the book proved to be invaluable with my staff. Oftentimes, employees would correct a new employee because they knew the rules so well. Being an employer is a big responsibility. Whether you employ a second shooter at a wedding or event or have a staff in your business, makes no difference. Communication is key, just as it is with your clients. When your clients understand the way you conduct your business, your sales and policies, it makes for a much smoother transaction. Misunderstandings often lead to negative feelings, and it is something you definetly want to avoid having with both clients and employees. Even if your employees work from their homes, i.e. graphic design, it is still important to have your expectations in writing and make certain that your employee understands what your rules and expectations are. Texas is an “At Will” state, which means that you may terminate an employee “at will” for a good reason, bad reason or no reason at all. However you cannot fire someone for an illegal reason, such as racial discrimination, retaliation for complaining about illegal activity, etc. In turn, your employees can quit a job for any reason and at any time with you as well. According to the law, the employment relationship is voluntary. My handbook covers everything from our mission and governing values to dress code, lunch breaks, working holidays, nights, moonlighting, work schedule, photography benefits, pay period information, staff meetings, sick days, cell phone use, holidays, insurance, etc... Although I am between studios right now, since relocating to the Houston-area, I still use my handbook with second shooters at weddings and events. I have a separate one for makeup artists and hair stylists (who are contract labor). I do and will use it again should I decide to open a new storefront.
September 2015 cont. 49
I hope that my handbook gives you ideas and direction about making your own. I must say that having employees truly helped my studio become a success, so I could stay behind the camera and do my marketing and not have to worry about the telephone, sales, sorting orders, delivery and studio cleaning, etc. No one can be successful on their own; we all need help. A good employee guidebook is a great resource for keeping communication clear and misunderstandings to a minimum. As for that first employee i hired in 1995, she was pregnant at the time with a baby. Just this spring she flew me out to Tampa, FL to photograph her baby who was graduating high school and placed a very nice portrait order! It was an honor and privledge to do it. Employees can also become great sources of referrals for you and become lasting friends. Dixie Dobbins is a Certified Master Craftstman Photographer and also holds both of the Texas degrees. She has photographed the likes of President George. W. Bush, Senator Phil Gramm and Dallas Cowboy Tony Dorsett. She is semi-retired and lives on lake Livingston with her husband Bruce. For a copy of Dixie’s handbook please contact the PPGH Viewfinder editor.
PPGH - Now accepting Scholarship applications
Member’s Birthday in September
Jim Ferguson.................................Sept. 3 Randall Stanford, M.Photog., Cr.,CPP..........................................Sept. 4 Blance Duran.................................Sept. 5 Kirt Beaumont................................Sept. 6 Jeffrey Grass.................................Sept. 6 Don Hernandez.............................Sept. 8 Ted Penland, M.Photog., Cr.,CPP..........................................Sept. 13 Orpha Garcia-Labahom.................Sept. 14 Carl Clark.......................................Sept. 16 Vicki Longoria................................Sept. 16 Laura Popiel..................................Sept. 16 Israel Gonzalez Jr..........................Sept. 26 Booker Shelton Jr. ........................Sept. 27 Armando Chacon, M. Photog., Cr., CPP.........................................Sept. 30
CPP Image Submission Dates 2015
October 9-23
go to ppgh.org click on members only section and submit your application NOW. Page 50
September 2015
Congratulations
Curley Marshall
PPGH Past President, PPA Photographic Craftsman PPA Certified Professional Photographer and now
AUTHOR
Congratulations on BOTH of your books, Page 51
Expose Like a Pro and Mastering The Light
September 2015
FAA Takes Important First Step For PPA Members
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September 2015
PPA Judges Workshop-Lawrenceville, Georgia A Scholarship Review by Aileen Harding, M.Photog.,CPP
I can remember the very first print competition that I attended. It was in 2005 at a PPGH meeting. The room was hushed. Judges sat in a row waiting. A Guild member wearing white gloves would announce a title, carefully lift the corresponding print that had been laying face down on a table, and place it on an easel under lights. Their white gloves and solemn demeanor told me that this was serious business. I was awestruck by the beautiful images and how they seemed to glow under the lights. After the prints had been judged, the albums were presented in the same manner- each page carefully turned, pausing long enough for the judges to study every spread. This is where I learned what truly fine photography looks like. I am proud of the PPGH Print Competition Team and our process. After visiting other guilds, I have come to realize that our print competition is an incredible resource for our members. It is held very similarly to the regional PPA convention (Photogenesis), Texas state convention (SummerFest), and IPC (PPA’s International Print Competition). This gives our members a huge advantage in preparing for the larger conventions and IPC. It is the goal of PPGH to seat judges at our image competition that are all Master Photographers, and eventually who have all attended the PPA Judges Workshop. http://www.ppa.com/competitions/content. cfm?ItemNumber=1771 The Judges Workshop is open to all PPA mem-
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bers but is specifically geared towards members who want to become official PPA Approved Affiliate Jurors. Because of PPGH’s commitment to better serve their members, a scholarship was created two years ago to cover tuition for the Judges Workshop. Francie Baltazar Stonestreet received the first scholarship in 2014, and I was honored to receive the 2015 scholarship. We were responsible for our travel, food and hotel expenses, and PPGH paid the $595 tuition fee. It was exciting to rub shoulders with some of the best and brightest in PPA. Michael Timmons, M.Photog., M.Artist.Cr., CPP, F-ASP, president of PPA, co-taught our class with Bob Hawkins, M.Photog., MEI.Cr., CPP, PPA Counselor at Large. The workshop was held at Gwinnett College, in Lawrenceville, Georgia, where the 2015 IPC Judging was taking place. We began our class by meeting in a room with all the IPC judges and organizers, and listened as they were given their charge to perform their mission with integrity. We adjourned to our classroom as all the judging panels filed out to their respective rooms to begin the process. We began the class by reviewing what a judging panel looks like and how they’re chosen. Judges are often in three categories, the “Warm Fuzzies,” the “Cold Pricklies,” and those who lie somewhere in between. It is important to have a balanced panel- not all Warm Fuzzies or Cold Pricklies. A juror needs to have the following qualities-
emotion being a “finder”- looking at details passion flexibility an ability to listen. most of all, a juror needs to have balance
September 2015
5.) Composition is important to the design of an image, bringing all of the visual elements together in concert to express the purpose of the image. Proper composition holds the viewer in the image and prompts the viewer to look where the creator intends. Effective composition can be pleasing or Step One: disturbing, depending on the intent of the image maker. When judging an 6.) Presentation image, one should affects an imfirst determine what age by giving it category the image a finished look. falls within. The catThe mats and egory is determined borders used, by looking at the either physical “Twelve Elements of or digital, should a Merit Image.” support and enhance the imThe Twelve Eleage, not distract ments of a Merit from it. Image 7.) Color Balance supplies Twelve elements harmony to an have been defined image. An image as necessary for in which the the success of an tones work toart piece or image. gether, effectiveAny image, art piece, or photograph will reveal some ly supporting the image, can enhance its emotional measure of all twelve elements, while a visually superior appeal. Color balance is not always harmonious example will reveal obvious consideration of each one. and can be used to evoke diverse feelings for The twelve elements listed below are in accordance to effect. their importance: 8.) Center of Interest is the point or points on the 1.) Impact is the sense one gets upon viewing an image image where the maker wants the viewer to stop for the first time. Compelling images evoke laughter, as they view the image. There can be primary and sadness, anger, pride, wonder or another intense emosecondary centers of interest. Occasionally there tion. There can be impact in any of these twelve elewill be no specific center of interest, when the ments. entire scene collectively serves as the center of 2.) Technical Excellence is the print quality of the image interest. itself as it is presented for viewing. Retouching, manip9.) Lighting —the use and control of light—reulation, sharpness, exposure, printing, mounting, and fers to how dimension, shape and roundness are correct color are some items that speak to the qualities defined in an image. Whether the light applied to of the physical print. an image is manmade or natural, proper use of it 3.) Creativity is the original, fresh and external expresshould enhance an image. sion of the imagination of the maker by using the medi10.) Subject Matter should always be appropriate um to convey an idea, message or thought. to the story being told in an image. 4.) Style is defined in a number of ways as it applies to 11.) Technique is the approach used to create the a creative image. It might be defined by a specific genre image. Printing, lighting, posing, capture, presenor simply be recognizable as the characteristics of how a tation media, and more are part of the technique specific artist applies light to a subject. It can impact an applied to an image. image in a positive manner when the subject matter and 12.) Story Telling refers to the image’s ability to the style are appropriate for each other, or it can have a evoke imagination. One beautiful thing about art is negative effect when they are at odds. that each viewer might collect his own message or
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September 2015 read her own story in an image. Read Bob Hawkins’ article, “Elements of a Merit Image,” to learn even more. There is also a series of videos provided by Michael Timmons on the PPA.vom website that describe the “Twelve Elements of a Merit Image.” Images at the PPA District Photographic Competitions can receive scores up to 100 points, dependent on how they meet the “Twelve Elements of a Merit Image.” PPGH uses this “gold standard” for image competition as well. Score Category 100 – 95: Exceptional 94 - 90: Superior 89 - 85: Excellent 84 - 80: Deserving of a Merit 79 - 75: Above Average 74 – 70: Average 69 – 65: Below Exhibition Standards Step Two: After choosing the category, the juror will then decide whether the image falls at the lower, middle or higher range of the category. This will determine the score of the image. Challenges We discussed the responsibility of judging an image. The answer was that we should “trust the system.” If our score is either 10 points above or below the average score there is an automatic “challenge.” When the image is “challenged,” each juror speaks to the image, stating their score and whether they were for or against the image. They give reasons for their positions. It is important for a juror to be open and willing to listen to other jurors and their observations regarding the image. After hearing the feedback, the image is scored again. A juror also has the option to challenge an image at any time. This is usually done if there is a two category
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difference between the final score and the juror’s score. The challenger is required to state their score and either speak for or against the image. The other jurors then speak to the image and the challenger has the opportunity for rebuttal, addressing the various issues brought up by the other jurors. A juror can only challenge an image once during that particular judging process. Other jurors, however, may challenge the image during that round if they so desire. The PPA’s International Print Competition is the standard by which PPA members “judge” themselves and others. Degrees are earned, awards are given, and the very best images are printed in the prestigious Loan and Showcase Books. All these accolades are rewards for hard work, developed talent, and the continued search for excellence that makes us all better at our chosen profession. PPGH had an impressive showing at the 2015 IPC, and I believe that the quality of our local print competition helped prepare those members to succeed at the next level. One of the biggest “takeaways” I had with the Judges Workshop was that the whole judging process has been very well thought out as it has evolved over the years. While judging is still a subjective process, having a set of guidelines helps provide a foundation from which to work. It is my goal to hone my skills and be the best juror possible for our PPGH. Thank you so very much for providing me with the opportunity to attend the 2015 PPA Judges Workshop.
September 2015
Green Screen and Event Workshop Well Attended The Green Screen workshop was well attended with over 21 members thirsty for green screen shooting techniques. Ideas were presented to the members on marketing as well as shooting for greenscreen. Hosted by Bill Freeman of Freeman Photography, Sponsored by Imageing Spectrum, co-sponsored by Photodex, PPGH was able to bring in speaker Bill VahrenKamp to demostrate the do’s and dont’s of Green Screen and Event Photography. Also in attendance were five of PPGH’s Past Presidents, Buz Marvins, M.Photog., Cr., Curley Marshall, Cr., CPP, Author, Tom Hathcock, M.Photog., CPP, Armando Chacon, M.Photog., Cr., CPP, and Kim Christensen.
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September 2015
PrintCompetition.com PPGH Image Competiton Software PrintCompetition.com is an online management system for image judging and scoring. We partner with several photographic associations to automate the on-line registration and print salon activities. Major features include: physical print & digital judging, user-registration of images, user-printed print back labels, user-printed entry forms, online entry fee payments, image bar coding, digital image randomization, printed judging dockets, customized reports and forms, iPod Touch key pads for judges, iPad score monitor for jury chair, iPad projection of current image, iPad projection of leader board, iPad projection of results, Club79 experience, fantasy case, on-site support, associations of all sizes.
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Belinda Stanford, M.Photog.,Cr.,CPP Teresa Casillas
PrintCompetition.com provided a door prize certificate for our August Meeting. President Belinda Stanford, M.Photog.,Cr.,CPP presented PrintCompetition.com certificate winner for a one year subscription with full access to Teresa Casillas. PrintCompetition. com will be providing membership awards for the next two months to the lucky member who finds the right ticket number printed in the Viewfinder. You can’t win if you don’t come! Find the number in RED in the Viewfinder write it on a piece of paper and drop it in the cup before the Tuesday night general meeting. We hope to see you all at our next meeting!
September 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 exam in Houston, Sept. 24th 9:AM 50 Waugh Dr. Houston, Tx 77077 Student Members IMAGE COMPETITON
Calling all students! There are awards available during the monthly print competition for the Student Membership. You MUST sign in your image with the image competition team before or right after judging to qualify for an award. You also must be registered and present at the meeting to win the award. A PPGH ribbon will be presented to any student that scores an 80 or above. In the event that no student scores an 80 or above, the highest student score above a 75 will be recognized. If you are a student and enter the monthly image competition, please come up immediately after the judging to have your image personally critiqued by one of the judges to help improve your photographic skills. Sherry Piche, CPP., Image Competition Chairman
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September 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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September 2015
PPGH Video Library The PPGH has a library with videos on a variety of topics to help photographers better themselves in their careers. If you’d like to check out a video, email or call Curley Marshall, Cr., CPP at 281856-8915 or cmfolio@yahoo.com. Let him know which video you’d like to rent and he will bring it to the PPGH monthly meeting where you can pick it up. Then return the video at the next month’s meeting. Video rentals are $5 for 30 days, but there is a $3 late fee per day if the video is not returned on time. Video rentals are only available for members in good standing. PPGH Video Library #001—Kirk Voclain - High School Seniors #002—Larry Peters - Senior Photography #003—Kalyn Mendez - Seniors #004—Ralph Mendez - Seniors #005—Tammy Mars - Seniorography #006—Panel of Wedding Photographers #007—Lanren Larsen - Creating Timeless Wedding Photography #008—Vaughn Eleanor #009—Tomas Ramso - Destination Weddings #010—Lewis Kinckloe - 3 Weddings and A Funeral #011—Tony Corbell - The Power of Light #012—Winn Fuqua - Killer Studio Lighting #013—Jim Monteity - Traditional Lighting #014—Don Blair - Outdoor Lighting #015—Doug Box - Fill Flash #016—David Peters - Portraiture #017—Bruce and Sue Hudson - Portraiture #018—Clay Blackmore - Portrait Posing #019—Pat Mercer- Portrait Photography #020—Will O’Hallarun - Portraiture #021—Doug and Rita Loy - Portraiture #022—Alvin Gee - The Family Friendly Studio #023—Ron Whitfield - Model Portraiture #024--Robert Suddarth - Photographing Children #025—Ted Lane - Children #026—Cindy Mekanna - Children #027—Scott Kelby - Photoshop Retouching #028—Eddie Tapp - Photoshop #029—Steve Ervin - Photoshop and Painter #030— Ann Monteith - The Business of Photography #031—Marian and Mike - Marketing Weddings #032—Curt Campbell – Business #033—Ron Harris - Business of Photography #034—Carol Andrews - Growing the Money Tree #035—Bruce Berg - Out Sell-Out Shoot-Out Smart #036—Michael Cate - Targeted Exchange Advertising #037—Randy and L.Ann Pollard - Boudoir and Pinup
#038—Jim Stevens – Commercial #039—Paul Gittings - The Future on Photography #040—Bentkey Skeie and Jeff Locklear - Digital Imaging Myths #041—Richard Sturdevant - Composited Photographs #042—Gene Worsley - You Can Judge the Book by it’s Cover 044—Teri Quance - Marking a Merit Print #045—Steven and Came - Creating a Desire and Respect for your Photography #046—John Landauer - Selling Images and DIgital Files #047—Ron Nichols - Digital Workflow #048—Michael Ayers - Digital Photography Workflow #049—Steve Kozak - Forum Discussion #050—Dwayne Lee - “ABC” Absolutely Brilliant Concepts #051—Lizbeth Guerrina - Finding Inspiration #052—Dick Pennington - Stress/ Avoiding Burnout #053—Nancy Poole – I Feel Lucky #054—Evin Thayer - Finding your Niche #055—Michael Barton - Think Big #056—Tana Wild Surbet/ Frame Company - How to Display in your Dtudio #057—Tom Krieger
Contact Curley Marshall, Cr.,CPP, Author cmfolio@yahoo.com 281-856-8915
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September 2015
Looking Forward Next Month’s Issue
President’s Message Speaker Information PPGH-Workshop Series PPA Deadlines 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
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Photo by:
Kelly Willis