a i n i g V ir
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER The Official Publication of the Virginia Photographer’s Association
Vol. 66, Issue No. 1
Winter/Convention 2015
”Halls of Inspiration” © 2014
Stephanie Adams, M. Photog., CPP, FP
Convention 2015
VPPA
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT Stephanie Garr Adams, M. Photog., CPP, FP 8742 Shadymist Drive Richmond, VA 23235 804-477-6617 E-mail stephanie@stephaniesportraitdesign.com 1st VICE PRESIDENT Tracy McGee, M. Photog., CPP, AFP 401 Waters Road Virginia Beach, VA 23322 757-382-9537 E-mail tracy@kaiserphoto.com 2nd VICE PRESIDENT/TREASURER Jeff Kaiser, M. Photog., CPP, AFP 401 Waters Road Virginia Beach, VA 23322 757-382-9537 E-mail jeff@kaiserphoto.com SECRETARY David Lee Michaels, CPP, AFP 905 Winona Avenue Roanoke, VA 24015 540-342-9129 E-Mail davidleemichaelsphotography@cox.net CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Jim Carpenter, M. Photog. Cr., CPP, FP 618-A Forest Street Charlottesville, VA 22903 434-296-7558 E-mail jjcarpentr@aol.com EXEC. SECRETARY Renny Cave, Cr. Photog., AFP, CPP 9909 Chancellor Place Bon Air, VA 23235-2711 804-272-0119 Fax 804-272-7510 E-Mail rbcave319@gmail.com EXEC. TREASURER Polly Frye, M. Photog. Cr., FP, CPP 1585 Pine Court Harrisonburg, VA 28802-2485 540-438-0223 Fax 540-438-0223 800-552-VPPA E-Mail pfrye25@myvmrc.net ASSISTANT TO EXEC. TREASURER Don Aittama, CPP 1960 Floyd circle McGaheysville, VA 22840 540-249-2035 E-Mail aittamava@aol.com BLUE RIDGE GOVERNOR Jen Chaconas 38 Peaks View Drive Moneta, VA 24121 540-521-1378 E-Mail jollyjenphotography@gmail.com CAPITAL GOVERNOR Sharon Younce, FP 1917 Fairoaks Road Powhatan, VA 23139 804-598-2392 E-mail: artfulimages001@comcas.net NORTHERN GOVERNOR Kathy Kupka, FP 202 Brown’s Meadow Court, NE Leesburg, VA 20176 703-777-2054 E-Mail kathykupka@aol.com TIDEWATER GOVERNOR Erin Clark, CPP 1005 Alcon Court Virginia Beach, VA 23456 757-472-2955 E-mail images@enephoto.com PPA COUNCIL MEMBERS Kevin Hurley, M. Photog. Cr., FP 1360 Maple Avenue Roanoke, VA 24106 540-345-3055 E-mail hurleyphoto@aol.com Charles Lawson, CPP, AFP 310 N. Main Street Kilmarnock, VA 22482 804-436-9999 E-mail: info@thehighlanderstudios.com Anthony Rumley, M. Photog., Cr., FP, CPP 6964 Forest Hill Avenue Richmond, VA 23225 804-864-5700 E-Mail anthony@anthonyrumley.com WEB AND SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER/ PPA COUNCILOR David Lee Michaels, CPP, AFP 905 Winona Avenue Roanoke, VA 24015 540-342-9129 E-Mail davidleemichaelsphotography@cox.net
In this Issue 3 Editor’s Corner Kitty L. Pugh 5 President’s Message Jim Carpenter 5 From the Desk of . . . 2015 Renny Cave 7 Convention Chair’s Message Tracy McGee 7 Welcome, New Members! 7 In the News 9 Chairman of the Board Message Jim Carpenter 10 VPPA’s Board of Directors 13 Photographic Growth and Challenge Wolfgang Jasper 14 A VPPA Tradition Just Keeps Getting Better Jim Sanders 15 Speaker Sponsors 16 Convention Schedule 17 Print Competition Judges 18 Speaker Information begins 30 Convention Committees 31 The Business Corner Doug Mattice 32 Virginia’s Degrees & Award Recipients 34 From the Desk of . . . SEPPA 2015 Robert Holman 38 Treasurer’s Report Don Aittama 38 Mark Your Calendars 38 Cover Note 39 Directory of Advertisers
Magazine Deadline Dates for Upcoming Issues For the submission of Articles and Ads for advertising Dates are subject to change without notice
Issue: Spirng/Summer 2015
Submission Deadline Date: May 1, 2015
Do You Have Questions About the VPPA? Check our website at: www.vppa.org Look under General Information — Handbook. There you will find answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions and lots that are not asked frequently! You can also find the VPPA Constitution and By-Laws there. SEPPA REPRESENTATIVE PRINT SALON CHAIRMAN Robert G. Holman, M. Photog. Cr., FP, CPP Wolfgang Jasper, FP 1917 Laskin Road, Suite 111 2501 Gresham Avenue Virginia Beach, VA 23454-4250 Richmond, VA 234228 757-491-9111 Fax 757-491-0869 804-231-4695 E-Mail rholman@visi.net E-Mail wsjasper@verizon.net
EDITOR, VPPA MAGAZINE Kitty L. Pugh, Cr. Photog., AFP, CPP 1917 Laskin Road, Suite 111 Virginia Beach, VA 23454-4250 757-491-9111 Fax 757-491-0869 E-Mail holmans@visi.net
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EDITOR’S CORNER By Kitty L. Pugh, Cr. Photog., AFP, CPP There’s a Party going on Right Here! A CELEBRATION to last throughout the years. So, bring your good times and your laughter too. We’re gonna celebrate your party with you. Come On Now!!! CELEBRATION! Let’s all celebrate and have a good time. Convention 2015 is here! Let’s do it. Tracy McGee has pulled out all the stops. If she could do it, she did it. If she could think about it and dream about it, she figured out some way to make it happen. Don’t miss this opportunity to ‘Party’. ‘Let’s all come together and have a good time. It’s up to you, what’s your pleasure.’ There’s a little bit of something for everyone. The date is: February 20th - February 24th, 2015 Place: Sheraton Richmond Park South 9901 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond, Virginia, 23235 Telephone: (804) 323-1144 Pre-Con Programs: Friday, Feb. 20th, 2015, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Pre-registration is required) Print Competition Entry Deadline: Friday night, Feb. 21st, 2015 All print cases MUST be in by 4:00 p.m. SHARP Note: Print Entry Forms can be downloaded on line at the VPPA website: www.vppa.org. If you have any problems, contact: Wolfgang Jasper at: (804) 231-4695 or by e-mail at: wsjasper@verison.net Important Note: There will be NO walk-up print case registration this year. You MUST register on-line. If you have not pre-registered, you will be required to register on line before you can enter your print case.
Print Judging: Saturday, Feb. 21st, 2015, starting at 8:00 a.m. Annual Breakfast/Brunch/Business Meeting: Saturday morning, Feb. 21st, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Closed Judging: Sunday morning, Feb. 22nd, at 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.. Trade Show: Sunday, Feb. 22nd, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Open to the Public) CPP Exam: Sunday, Feb. 22nd, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. For more details: contact David Lee Michaels, CPP Liaison, at [(540)342-9129] New Member Orientation: Sunday Afternoon, Feb. 22nd, 1:30 p.m. Past Presidents’ Dinner: Sunday Night, Feb. 22nd, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (You MUST be a Past President to attend this dinner.) Print Critique: Sunday Night, Feb. 22nd, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. All Convention Party: Sunday Night, Feb. 22nd, starting at 9:00 p.m. Theme: “Mardi Gras!” Get out your beads and your mask and let’s PARTY! Note: Don’t forget to buy your Raffle Tickets for the Polly Frye Scholarship Raffle Event. $10 each or 3 for $20. Contact Jim Sanders (540) 828-3375 or your District Governor to purchase tickets. CPP Luncheon: Monday, Feb. 23rd, 12 o’clock noon – 1:30 p.m. Executive Board Photos: Monday Night, Feb. 23rd, 6:00 p.m. – Hotel Lobby (Group photo of entire VPPA Executive Board and District Governors) VPPA Membership Group Photo: Monday Night, Feb. 23rd, 6:15 p.m. – Hotel Lobby President's Reception & Awards Banquet: Monday Night, Feb. 23rd, 6:30 p.m. -10:30 p.m. Grand Door Prize Drawing: Tuesday, Feb. 24th, 1:00 p.m. – You MUST be present to win. Here’s a quick list of all of the amazing speakers that Tracy has lined up. David Fitzsimmons – Pre-Con Jeff Dachowski – Pre-Con
“Curious Critters” w/ a hands “Posing and Lighting”
Anthony Marill Bob Coates Lisa Dillion David Fitzsimmons Brad Barton David Fitzsimmons Scott Strimple Clay Blackmore Wolfgang Jasper & Judges MaryAnn Talamo Keith & Holly Howe Lindsay Adler
“20 PS Tips/In 20 Secs or Less” “Fine Art Photo-Synthesis” “What Seniors Want” “Macro Photography: Little Worlds, Lots of Wonder” “Disabling Excuses That Get In The Way of Success” “From Portraits to Picturebook” “Shooting Video with your DSLR” “Weddings: Good, Better, Best!” “Print Critique” “Giving Your Studio the Fine Art Edge” “Managing Challenging Clients” “Fashion Photography & Live Demo”
Jeff Kaiser will be the person in charge of the Registration Desk this year at Convention. Hopefully, at this late date; you have already pre-registered . All the forms are on line. If you have not done it yet, do it NOW. If you cannot or do not pre-register online, you will be filling out a form when you stop at the Registration Desk to check in. David Lee Michaels has been working really hard to make the VPPA website user friendly and easy to use. PLEASE, give it a try. NOTE: Please pay especially close attention to the meal functions. Check those that you will be attending. If you will be bringing a quest, check that also. It is very important for us to get an accurate head count for cost/expense reasons. Some functions require you pay an extra fee for your guest – please make a note of that also. Remember: You have to register if you want to attend the convention. Forms can be downloaded from the VPPA website at: www.vppa.org. However,
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE I know we all feel this most of the time, but how is it already a new year and time for Convention again? I feel like my life is in the fast lane, and I'm still trying to keep up with adjusting to parenthood and running a business. With all that is going on, I am looking forward to taking some time out at the Convention to regroup, fellowship with Stephanie Adams, M. Photog., CPP, FP friends, and learn from our speakers. Tracy McGee has been working hard the last couple of years to put together an impressive line up of convention speakers. We have one of the best opportunities as members of the VPPA to attend a convention in our own state and hear from national level speakers. What a great value to our membership this is. I hope you will all take advantage of it. Please make sure to thank Tracy for all of her hard work. For me, one of the greatest values of being in the VPPA is the people. I have gained many friends and learned so much from talking with the other members in the VPPA. Numerous times throughout my 10 years in this industry, I have called on another photographer in our association for help or advice. And gladly, they have been there to guide and support me. I have also witnessed, on many occasions, members stepping up to help other members during a crisis in their personal lives that interfere with running their businesses. These are invaluable benefits of membership. In order for these relationships to be established, you need to be involved in the association. I highly encourage you to take advantage of your membership by attending monthly meetings, the seminar, and the convention. I must admit that the transition to having a baby and a husband who works too many hours to count has definitely affected my ability to attend meetings like I would prefer. And let me tell you, I have definitely noticed a difference in my business and relationships. I feel disconnected and have struggles. I think back to years past and the encouragement and excitement I felt after each meeting and convention and am looking forward to feeling these things again. If you find yourself in a similar boat, please, come join us and see the difference your involvement will make. It has been said many times before, “You get out what you put in.” See you soon!
From the Desk Of... Renny Cave, Cr. Photog., AFP VPPA Executive Secretary
2015 What a very exciting time to be a member of the VPPA! Thanks to the recent and current leaders, VPPA is rapidly moving forward. The Board has pared down the budget, but is striving to support the innovations and programs. It is very challenging to find the balance. For the first time the “print” competition will include electronic images. State of the art equipment (which we are borrowing) will show these images at their best. Hard copy prints will be judged as in the past. The choice is up to each maker. There will be monitors set up to project a rolling show of all the images during the Convention, so pause and take a look at the entries. They cannot be programmed to bring up your images as you walk by so you may have to wait a bit to see or show them to your friends. There are many other new ideas, proposals and programs being considered. Stay tuned for future announcements. And don’t hesitate to mention any suggestions you have for making the Association even better. Registration for the Convention has been simplified and that should make pre-registration easier. It can’t be emphasized enough how important it is to let Jeff know that you are coming. Since he must give the hotel a count for the meal events, you can help by pre-registering or pay a penalty for your silence. There are some challenges especially with the limited budget, but Tracy has done an amazing job of finding sponsors for speakers and events. She has been quite persistent and very successful. When you see her racing around at the hotel, please thank her for all of the hard work. The best way to see all of the new changes is to attend the Convention and your District meetings. Jump forward with us into 2015. You’ll be glad you did.
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CONVENTION CHAIR’S MESSAGE By Tracy McGee, M. Photog., CPP, AFP
There is no need to venture all the way out to New Orleans this year, Mardi Gras is coming here to Virginia! Richmond, Virginia, to be exact. We all like to have fun, and what’s more fun than Mardi Gras? How about five days jam packed with learning, print competition, an awards banquet, door prizes, social gatherings, a great big Mardi Gras party (VPPA style), and more! This year’s convention will be held February 20-24, 2015 at what is now called “Four Points by Sheraton” in Richmond, VA. This is the same hotel that we were in last year, but by the time we arrive for this convention, the new owners will have made some major changes, that are guaranteed to please. We will start off the convention on Friday, February 20th, with two options for pre-con programs that will run from 10am4pm. Both programs look amazing, and well worth the money, so the only hard part is trying to decide which one to attend. Don’t forget to also get your print cases delivered to the print room no later than 4pm sharp that day. There will be a lunch break during the pre-con programs, and we will be poking our heads in the door of both programs to make sure no one has forgotten to turn in their cases before that 4pm deadline hits. We then jump right into even more fantastic programs, given by some of the most talented speakers from around the country! Bright and early the next day begins the excitement and nail-biting adventures of print competition! You can sign up for text alerts, which will let you know when your print is coming up and then text you the score your print received, so if you can’t stand the intensity of sitting and waiting for your prints to roll around, you can go enjoy the other programs, or just step outside and enjoy some fresh air (while still biting those nails). If you haven’t yet entered a VPPA print competition, we have all sorts of exciting changes happening, so this is definitely the year to jump in. We are in for five days, filled with the best of the best speakers from around the nation, and more fun than you can imagine. So go ahead and grab some awesome Mardi Gras gear (we will have LOTS of beads and goodies to give out), and head on out! I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there!
Welcome, New Members! New Members voted into membership at recent VPPA Board meetings: Majorie Stallard Lauren Cyr Maureen Cryer Katie Siebert Dan Emmerman Katie Garlock (rejoining) Katie Quinn Charles Hartman (rejoining) Ann Marie Elmore
Blue Ridge District Tidewater District Northern District Northern District Northern District Northern District Capital District Tidewater District Blue Ridge District.
IN THE NEWS • REMINDER - ADDRESS CHANGES: The VPPA Website is now the official database for our organization. This is where you must now go to up-date and/or change your member information. YOU DO IT YOURSELF. If your information is wrong there, it will be wrong everywhere else; i.e. Wrong on District lists, vendor mailing lists, - EVERYTHING. So, PLEASE, go to www.vppa.org now and check to make sure your listing and member information is correct. • REMINDER - The only VPPA membership categories eligible to be listed on the VPPA website are those members with Active, Additional Active or Active Life Membership classifications. All other types of VPPA memberships are not eligible to be listed. • Web Manager - David Lee Michaels is serving as Web Manager for the VPPA website. David Lee will add events and other announcements to the Events Schedule page of the VPPA website as necessary. Links to members’ sites may also be requested by contacting David Lee at: www.davidleemichaelsphotography@cox.net. Most Convention and Seminar information can be found on line at the website. Other items such as: Print Competition Forms, VIP Applications and VPPA Membership Applications can also be found on line. David Lee updates membership directory listings almost daily. If you have any questions concerning your listing or about the website, contact him via e-mail or by calling him at: (540) 342-9129. • Our Thoughts, Prayers and Condolences go out to the family and friends of long-time Northern District member, Lowell Miller. Miller, as he liked to be called, passed away at his daughter’s home in Mt. Crawford on Saturday, December 3rd. Miller was a successful business owner operating several different businesses in the area. Miller was a World War II Army veteran serving in the 106th Infantry. He fought in many battles including the Battle of the Bulge and received various commendations for his service. He remained active in many organizations, including the VPPA. He was most often seen accompanying Ms. Polly Frye at Board meetings, Seminars and Conventions while performing her duties as Executive Treasurer. A little mischievous, Miller always had a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face – ready to lend a hand to help will any task that needed to be done. Funeral services were held on Friday, December 19th, at the Kyger Funeral Home chapel in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Interment followed at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens. Cards and letters may be sent to Ms. Polly and to Miller’s family c/o: Ms. Polly Frye, 1585 Pine Court, Harrisonburg, VA, 22802. Ms. Polly may be reach by telephone at: (540) 476-3257. • Congratulations to the following photographers who were awarded degrees at Imaging 2015: Tracy McGee, Erin Clark, Lisa Carter, Ritchie Gregory, James Cook, Wolfgang Jasper and Eric Green. VPPA Board of Directors’ Minutes from Board Meeting of August 11, 2014, held at the Sheraton Park South Hotel in Richmond. • The Meeting was Called to Order by Kevin Hurley and an Invocation/moment of silence was given by Jim Carpenter. • Recognition of proxy votes (in writing) was reviewed by Kevin Hurley. • Point of Order Charles Lawson addressed the Board advising that he had heard that some members were disappointed in his lack of participation on the board. He advised that personal and family obligations prevented him from fulfilling the duties as he had wished. • Minutes from Meeting of 4-28-2014 – as presented by Jeff Kaiser A Motion was made and carried to accept the Minutes as presented. • Executive Treasurer’s Report – as presented by Don Aittama As an overview, Don reported that the General Fund is holding steady. He is expecting to have a net $6000 balance in the account by the end of the year. The Association will start collecting dues prior to the end of the fiscal year and should make it to the end of the year without the bank account going into the red. - He advised that $4000 was transferred from the scholarship funds into the investment account. Dividends from the investment account were much higher this year and the value of the fund is growing every year. In Don’s opinion, the investment account is the best place to keep the excess funds for the long term. - The Sun Trust account fell by $6000. The Convention collected $2900 less this year compared to the previous year. There was a $1300 loss in membership dues, which is better than the prior year, but still not good. The Association should be aiming for a net gain in membership this year. He expects general and administration expenses to remain about the same as last year. - Don stated that high credit card fees for our old website were costing too much, around $6080 per month. Don made a Motion and it was carried to cancel that credit card account and switch to Paypal and the Quicken account. - Scholarship funds: Patti Good donated $500 for the Robert Good scholarship. There was some income from the Convention and investment funds that was applied to the scholarship fund. Some donations have come from the deaths of VPPA members or family members. $2495 has been paid out in scholarships to date. Some of the recipients have not indicated whether or not they will be using the scholarships. • Applications for Membership – as presented by Polly Frye and Don Aittama - Two new Active members’ applications were presented. Dues, application fee and cd for one member who submitted an application at the Convention have still not been presented. Another still has not applied to move from Office Staff to Additional Active status. Two members who joined as Provisionals are upgrading to Active and additional active. A Motion was made and carried to waive the additional fee from the Provisional status to the upgraded level for this year only. - Don made a Motion and it was carried that one pending membership application be conditionally approved upon receipt of the application fee. • Executive Secretary’s Report – as presented by Renny Cave - Renny gave each of the Governors a membership disk for his/her own District in November. However, she is still getting complaints that members are not getting notices and newsletters. It is crucial to keep members happy. She is willing to send out updated lists after the Convention to be sure that the new additions are included. - Renny reminded everyone that District elections should be held in August. She requested an updated slate of officers once elected. - Governors were asked to keep all email addresses up to date. David Lee requested that Don continued on page 35
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CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD MESSAGE On my way out…. A few years ago, shortly after a light dusting of snow, I took a photograph of an old man walking in a park. His frame was bent over and, with the assistance of his cane, he walked slowly away from me and my camera. As I carefully framed the subject in between a grove of tall trees and a row of benches, it suddenly dawned on me how this photo represents each of us walking away from life, down a narrow covered path, and slowly out of sight. This is the way we imagine life as it ends. Being VPPA Chairman of the Board is similar to walking down that path and out of the frame all the while knowing my leadership role in this fantastic organization is coming to a close. The activities that remain include leading our annual brunch, attending several Jim Carpenter, M. Photog., Cr., CPP, FP meetings, and then moving quietly out of the picture. My tenure has been amazing and I can say that I will truly miss being a member of this leadership board. Five years ago, when I accepted the nomination to assume this position, I knew that during the course of the next five years there would be a “lifetime” of meetings, phone calls, added responsibilities and endless emails. Although this was true and it did add stress to the everyday difficulties of operating my own business, when my wife asked why I wanted to take on the responsibility, my answer came swiftly. My response was, “If not me, then who? If not now, then when?” It sounded like a cliché answer at the time, but the honor of holding this position was something I had always wanted to assume. In fact, in hindsight, I now know it was one of the best decisions of my career. Throughout this organization, I have been surrounded by many of the most talented photographers in the world. Not only have they displayed their talents, but they have shared their time, knowledge, resources and, most of all, their friendship. Whenever requested, each member of our organization has willingly contributed their time, voluntarily donated their knowledge and expertise, and genuinely cared about their craft. At the end of November, I relinquish my title as Chairman of the Board. I wish all of you well in the coming new year. Whenever there is transition within an organization, there is always a search for new members to add a fresh perspective to its ongoing mission. The VPPA needs your guidance, direction, and support. Could 2015 be the year that you decide to fully invest your time and talents? For more than 100 years, the VPPA has existed simply because people just like me have asked themselves the question, “If not me, then who? If not now, then when?” Thank you for allowing me the past five years to get to know each and every one of you, enhance our leadership direction, and impart the personal knowledge and experience I have learned throughout my career. God bless you, your business, and your loved ones during this upcoming year, and may He continue to bless the VPPA with competent leaders, faithful members, and a forwardthinking direction in 2015.
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VPPA’S 2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman of the Board Jim Carpenter, M. Photog. Cr., CPP, FP 618-A Forest Street Charlottesville, VA 22903 (434) 296-7558 e-mail: jjcarpentr@aol.com Jim Carpenter has been a photographer in the Charlottesville area recording history and creating family heirlooms for over 40 years. Jim spent 20 years as photographer at The Daily Progress newspaper before purchasing Gitchell’s Studio in 1988. He has earned from the PPA his Master’s, Photographic Craftsman, Certified Professional Photography and Photographic Excellence degrees and the Virginia Fellow Photographer degree. He has been the Grand Photographic Winner for the state of Virginia 5 times in 10 years. He has been the recipient of the prestigious Eastman Kodak Gallery Elite Award, 12 FUJI Masterpiece Awards, 4 Kodak Gallery Awards, and Best in Show for State and Region 4 times. His works have been displayed at Walt Disney’s Epcot Center in Florida 3 times and 2 of his photos have been a part of the Traveling Loan Show for the Professional Photographers of America in Korea. Jim has had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to photograph 9 United States Presidents, Queen Elizabeth of England, Russian Prime Minister, Mikhael Gorbachev, among many others. On a personal level, Jim and his wife Joan are both natives of the Charlottesville area. Jim has been an active member of the Lions Club, Dogwood Festival, Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad, and is a Deacon at Belmont Baptist Church. President Stephanie Garr Adams. M. Photog., CPP, FP 8742 Shadymist Drive Richmond, VA 23235 (804) 477-6617 e-mail stephanie@stephaniegarr.com Stephanie Garr Adams is a Certified Professional Photographer. Stephanie fell in love with photography as a young girl and while driving on vacation was known to ask to stop by the road to photograph the scenery. Her consistent interest in photographing led her parents to buy her her first SLR camera. From a young age Stephanie always wanted to be a physician and had never considered photography as a career, although she always planned on having a darkroom in her home. But after receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and beginning the interview process for Medical School, she decided she wanted more flexibility in her family life than a medical career could provide and so enrolled in the Hallmark Institute of Photography in Western Massachusetts. Stephanie owns a studio in Richmond, VA and specializes in environmental portraiture of families and children. Stephanie has won various awards from VPPA and SEPPA and has been honored as a PPA Photographer of the Year in 2010. ‘What I love about being a photographer is creating memories and touching people’s lives.’ On a personal level, Jim and his wife Joan are both natives of the Charlottesville area. Jim has been an active member of the Lions Club, Dogwood Festival, Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad, and is a Deacon at Belmont Baptist Church. First Vice President Tracy McGee, M.Photog., CPP, AFP 401 Waters Road Virginia Beach, VA 23322 (757) 282-9537 Tracy McGee has a Bachelors degree in Business Administration and Information Technology Management, and she holds the credentials of M.Photog and CPP from the Professional Photographers of America, and AFP from VPPA. In addition to being an active full time professional photographer, she also serves on the State Board of Directors for the Virginia Professional Photographers Association, and volunteers for various other organizations. Shortly out of high school, Tracy did a little freelance work for her local newspaper and then went into banking, while continuing to practice and learn photography on the side. Tracy was a bank manager by the time she was 23 and loved her 8 year career in banking, but decided after the birth of her first child in 2003 to leave banking and use the additional knowledge that she had attained over the years to start her photography business. Tracy and her husband, David, have two children; an 11 year old son and an 8 year old daughter.
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Second Vice President Jeff Kaiser, M. Photog., CPP, AFP 401 Waters Road Chesapeake, VA 23322 (757) 382-9537 e-mail: jeff@kaiserphoto.com Growing up in Virginia Beach with a darkroom in his house, Jeff Kaiser developed a strong skill in photography at an early age. Jeff attended the University of Richmond, where he became an assistant darkroom instructor during his freshman year. After graduating from Old Dominion University in 1986 with a degree in Economics, he spent eight years working for Allstate. Soon his love for photography took over, and in 1996, he decided to go full time. In 2004, Jeff received the AFP degree from VPPA. The five images he entered into competition in 2005 received blue ribbons in the VPPA, SEPPA & PPA. He also received PPA’s Silver Level Photographer of the Year from PPA. That year he also received his first loan print, which was published in the May edition of Professional Photographer Magazine along with the story behind the print. Jeff received his second loan print in 2012 and in 2013 received his Master in Photography degree and earned his CPP. Jeff and his wife, Lyn, have been married for 26 years and have a 8 year old daughter, Samantha. Secretary, PPA Council Member and Web and Social Media Manager David Lee Michaels, CPP, AFP 905 Winona Avenue Roanoke, VA 24015 (540) 342-9129 e-mail: davidleemichaelsphotography@cox.net After a successful career in Radio and the music industry, David Lee took his passion for photographing events, concerts and musicians and opened his photography studio in Roanoke, where he specializes in Portraits, Weddings and pets. In addition to serving as webmaster and PPA Councilor, he has served as Lt. Governor and 2 terms as Governor of The Blue Ridge District. David Lee is married, has 1 grown son, 4 dogs and 2 cats. Executive Treasurer Polly Frye, M. Photog., Cr., FP 1585 Pine Court Harrisonburg, VA 28802-2485 (540) 438-0223 (540) 438-0223 Fax (800) 522-VPPA (8772) e-mail: pfrye25@earthlink.net Polly has been a member of the VPPA since 1952. Now in her 29th year serving as Executive Treasurer, she is retired from portrait photography but still involved with two art organizations. You will find her at the convention with checkbook in hand taking care of the financial business of the organization. Assistant to Executive Treasurer Don Aittama, CPP 1960 Floyd Circle McGaheysville, VA 22840 (540) 249-2035 e-mail: aittamava@aol.com Don’s first camera in 1966 was a $20 35mm Sears rangefinder camera that had manual settings for aperture and shutter speed. Don learned photography with this camera and quickly learned how to get good exposures without using a light meter. After starting a career as an accountant in 1983, Don set aside his camera and with the exception of family pictures, rarely took it out. In 2001, Don received a digital camera for Christmas and became interested in photography again. This led to a strong interest in pursuing professional photography as a second career and he started photographing weddings in 2004. Don joined the PPA in 2005 and the VPPA in 2008. Don’s accomplishments so far include completing the CPP Exam in 2010 and earning the PPA Silver Level Photographer of the Year award for 2011. Don works with his wife, Julie, on many of his photography assignments and has two daughters and one grandson. Executive Secretary Renny Cave, Cr. Photog., AFP 9909 Chancellor Place Richmond, VA 23235-2711 (804) 272-0119 (804) 272-7510 Fax e-mail: rbcave319@gmail.com Renny is a Past President of the VPPA and the current Executive Secretary. During the Convention you might meet her at New Member Orientation or see her doing her favorite things—awarding scholarships and degrees. Feel free to stop her in the hall or send an email with any suggestions you may have for making the VPPA a better organization.
VPPA’S 2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Print Salon Chairman Wolfgang Jasper, FP 2501 Gresham Avenue Richmond, VA 234228 804-231-4695 e-mail: wsjasper@verizon.net Wolfgang has been a professional photographer since 1972. He has owned and operated a portrait studio since 2000. He received an MFA from VCU in painting and print making. He has taught drawing and painting at VCU and the Virginia Museum of Fine Art for 18 years. He has worked alongside Pat Hansen as Assistant Print Salon Chairman for several years. Due to Pat Hansen’s recent retirement, this will be his first year serving as Print Salon Chairman. Editor, VPPA Magazine Kitty L. Pugh, Cr. Photog., AFP, CPP 1917 Laskin Road, Suite 111 Virginia Beach, VA 23454-2405 (757) 491-9111 (757) 491-0869 Fax e-mail: holmans@visi.net Kitty is a native of Norfolk and a graduate of Princess Anne Business College and Tidewater Community College. She has a para-legal degree and in 1994 earned her CPP. She co-owns and operates together with her partner, Robert Holman, Holman’s Photography Studio, which they opened in 1985. For her hard work and dedication to the VPPA, she was awarded the Virginia Award in 1995. In 2001 she received her Craftsmans degree and was the recipient of the State SEPPA Award. In 2007 she was the recipient of the National Award and the SEPPA Board of Governors Award. She is a past Tidewater District Governor, Past VPPA President and has served as Magazine Editor since 1997. Blue Ridge District Governor Jen Chaconas 38 Peaks View Drive Moneta, VA 24121 (540) 521-1378 e-mail: jollyjenphotography@gmail.com Jennifer is a commercial/portrait photographer based in the Smith Mountain Lake area. Her studio, located in Burnt Chimney, is a boutique-style studio that has a personality that truly reflects Jen’s passion. Jen graduated from UNCW, taught elementary school for 8 years, attended Furman University and Radford University for grad school, took a turn and went into pharmaceutical and medical device sales for 13 years. 4 years ago she decided to follow her dream… She left the corporate world, completed The Photography Institute (1 year online program) and opened the doors to JollyJenPhotography studio in June of 2013. She specializes in portrait photography including high school seniors and families the most! She is married with 4 stepchildren and a cool goldendoodle named Chloe Belle. Her ultimate goal every day is it to be a better photographer than she was yesterday! Capital District Governor Sharon Younce, FP 1917 Fairoaks Road (804) 598-2392 e-mail: artfulimages001@comcast.net It was with great pleasure that Sharon served the Capital District as Governor in 2014-2015. She has been a member of VPPA for 14 years. During those years, She was elected Governor of the Capital District twice. She has had the honor of holding all of the VPPA offices from Secretary to Chairman of the Board. During her membership, she has served on many committees. VPPA has given Sharon knowledge, friendship, support and much more. It is a wonderful organization and the more you give the more you receive. Sharon challenges all new members to make the commitment to serve the association by volunteering, attending district meetings, attending the convention and seminars. Artful Images has been in business for 15 years in June of next year. One of the first things that Sharon did when she started the business was to join VPPA. It is a professional organization and it gave her what she needed to succeed in the profession of photography.
Northern District Governor Kathy Kupka, FP 202 Brown’s Meadow Court, NE Leesburg, VA 20176 (703) 777-2054 e-mail: kathykupka@aol.com Kathy was born in Philadelphia and moved to Leesburg, Virginia, in the '90s, and started her photography business in 1998 after years of photography
classes at NOVA. Kathy specializes in child and dog photography. She photographs with available light only in her home studio and at local parks. She is known for her patience! Kathy is also a 13 year cancer survivor of Multiple Myeloma. She is now also an author after self-publishing her “Cancer is Ruff” photo book featuring precious images of dogs in her portfolio. Her book provides support, encouragement and, most importantly, humor for anyone facing the challenges of cancer and the treatments involved.
Tidewater District Governor Erin Clark, CPP 1005 Alcon Court Virginia Beach, VA 23456 e-mail: images@enephoto.com Erin has lived in Virginia since the end of 2010. She owns E-n-E Photography, Inc. One of the first things Erin did, when setting up business in Virginia Beach was to join the VPPA. It was a no-brainer to become a member in order to be successful. Now Erin is Governor and ready to uphold the VPPA values. She is ready to help any of our members become more confident as photographers. PPA Council Member Anthony Rumley, M.Photog., Cr., FP, CPP 6964 Forest Hill Ave. Richmond, VA 23225 (804) 864-5700 e-mail: anthony@anthonyrumley.com Anthony Rumley owns and operates a retail studio in Richmond, Virginia. He has represented the VPPA for over 13 years by occupying various positions on the board.In 2009 Anthony was the recipient of the SEPPA Award and in 2011 the SEPPA Board of Governors’ Award. In 2013 he was honored when he was presented with the Virginia Award and Life Membership for his hard work and dedication to the Association. In addition to creating custom portraits for his clients, Anthony also donates his photographic talent to various community associations and is the Richmond Area Coordinator for Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. He contributes much of his success to the ongoing support of his family, Jennifer, and his two children, Alexandra and Ashton. SEPPA Representative Robert P. Holman, M. Photog. Cr., FP, CPP 1917 Laskin Road, Suite 111 Virginia Beach, VA 23454-2405 (757) 491-9111 (757) 491-0869 Fax e-mail: rholman@visi.net Robert opened Holman’s Photography Studio with his partner, Kitty Pugh, in 1985. Robert was fortunate to have received an extensive photographic education as a photographer’s mate in the Navy. He joined PPA in 1985 and the VPPA in 1986. He obtained his CPP in 1988, his FP in 1997, his Craftsman in 1997 and Masters in 2001. He has won two Kodak Gallery awards for his commercial photography and is a past President of VPPA. He is the recipient of both the SEPPA and National Awards, as well as the SEPPA Board of Governors and Virginia Awards. When the weather is nice, you can find him catching a ride on his Harley.
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Elizabeth Kreutz Canon sports photojournalist since 2001
Elizabeth Kreutz was covering one of the world’s most important cycling events from the back of a motorcycle when rainy conditions caused her driver to crash. Everyone was okay, but Liz’s Canon EF 70-200mm lens wasn’t. She immediately reached out to her CPS rep and he arranged to have a Canon pro rep hand deliver her a replacement lens the next day, saving the rest of her shoot. This is the kind of support that Liz and thousands of professional photographers rely on and expect from Canon service, support and education.
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© 2015 Canon U.S.A., Inc. All rights reserved. Canon is a registered trademark of Canon Inc. in the United States and may also be a registered trademark in other countries.
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Photographic Growth and Challenge By Wolfgang Jasper & Company
“You are so talented!” “I love your work!” “You should do this for a living!” How many times have you heard these words but mostly from your family and friends? And how many of us have entered the photography industry and then realized how challenging it is to create great imagery? It’s easy to get caught up in compliments from others. If you have not yet participated in the print competition, perhaps it's time to take your images to another level. Why Enter a Print Competition? Because of competition. Not just photographic competition but competition from the influx of photographers that are ever-present in our industry today. With the advent of new technology and the ease at which one can enter the industry, the number of new photographers will undoubtedly increase every year. How do you set your work apart? First start with technical and artistic proficiency. Then work on standing out from the crowd. Create good work, then strive to create great work. The print competition can help you improve your work by leaps and bounds. Though still subjective, the judges at the VPPA and PPA are experts in their photographic areas and have entered and won many competitions on the state and national levels. Many have spent years in the industry, not only honing their talents but also making the very same mistakes that you have! Take advantage of the opportunity to learn from their many years of experience and the knowledge that they have to impart. How Do I Enter? Contact the Virginia Professional Photographers' Association (www.vppa.org) and the Professional Photographers of America (www.ppa.com). How Are My Prints Judged? Photographic trends, like many other things, come and go. Various digital filters and editing presets are flooding our market today. But those tools are not always used properly and sometimes cover up a poorly composed photograph. The print judges at the VPPA and PPA are experts in their areas and hold true to the "12 Elements of a Merit Image:" 1. Impact 2. Technical Excellence 3. Creativity 4. Style 5. Composition 6. Presentation 7. Color Balance 8. Center of Interest 9. Lighting 10. Subject Matter 11. Technique 12. Story Telling For more information about these twelve points, please visit: “12 Elements of Merit Image” http://www.ppa.com/competitions/content.cfm?ItemNumber=1792 Each photographer that I have spoken to has held varying sentiments when it comes to print competition: “I was fearful,” “I didn't think I would do well,” “I was looking for a challenge,” “I did better than I thought!” And each has walked away with an unforgettable experience - one which has helped them grow, not only as photographers, but as creative artists.
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A VPPA Tradition Just Keeps Getting Better! by Jim Sanders, CPP
A featured event at all VPPA conventions is our annual trade show. This is where we have a chance to see purchase considerations first hand and speak with our vendors directly… people like Dean from Magnolia Frames and George from GW Moulding. It is a part of every convention to see people carrying armloads of favorite frames as well as new styles to add to their studio inventory. Album vendors and labs are popular at all trade shows. This year we are excited to have PPA Vendor of the Year ACI joining us. Returning from last year will be Meghan and Shantelle from Photobooks.pro. For all things related to web sites, be sure to talk with Harry Markel from More Photos and the team from Photo Biz. For your used camera equipment, KEH is there for us. Midwest Camera Repair will be prepared for your on-site sensor cleaning. So bring your cameras to receive their annual cleaning and gather your equipment to bring to KEH. We are always excited to have Michel Company with us. You know this company for their wide product line… from packaging to self-mount albums and much, much more. David FitzSimmons will be using Sigma lenses for his pre-con class and macro photography programs. We are excited that Sigma will be at the trade show with a full lineup of lenses. Are you thinking about a small camera that also includes great video capability. Well, be sure to stop by the Panasonic booth to see their Lumix line of cameras. If you were at the summer seminar, you will recall the variety of soft boxes used at the shooting bay conducted by Adrian Henson and Pete Wright. John Snow of SweetLight will again be helping with lighting at our 2015 convention. John will also be at the trade show so be sure to stop by to see the SweetLight product line. Canon Explorers of Light is sponsoring Clay Blackmore for our Sunday afternoon program. We are happy to announce that Canon will also be at the trade show. Lucy Jane Frame Company was a hit at the recent SYNC conference with their handmade painted frames. We welcome Anthony and Leah Bazzilla to their first visit to a VPPA trade show. Also, after recently being at SYNC, Kelly Crosby from Serendipity Backgrounds is coming to be with us. As of the writing of this article, more vendors are still being added. Image Scapes will be bringing their magic! And very likely more vendors will be added by convention time. And, let’s not forget our own VPPA library. Timorah Beales will be present with the full library so be sure to stop by and take a look at all the offerings available to us. New this year will be a CLASSROOM CORNER organized by trade show chairman, Lisa Carter. Visit with the vendors, make some purchases (think about those trade show discounts and prizes) and learn about new products and services. Plan, also, to include some learning along the way. From 11:00 - 12:00, Kevin Hurley and Tammy Gunn will be demonstrating “Tools and Tricks for Framing”. Want to know more about Lightroom? Michael Corbin will be offering tutorials from 1:00 - 2:00. Learn about posing newborns as Marjorie Stallard shares her expertise from 2:00 - 3:00. Lisa and I are very excited about the way the 2015 VPPA trade show has come together. But it’s not just the two of us. Tracy McGee as convention chairman has brought invaluable help with speaker sponsors who will also have trade show booths. Special thanks go out in advance for behind-the-scenes help coming from Jim Carpenter and Kevin Hurley. Jen Chaconas made amazing contacts at the SYNC Conference. This type of grass roots help really does make a difference. The 2015 trade show is a VPPA tradition we can all look forward to. We’ll see you there!
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Convention Committees Convention Chairman Tracy McGee Registration Jeff Kaiser, Chairman David Lee Michaels, Co Chair Anne Companion Sharon Younce Program Coordination Tracey McGee, Chairman Speaker Coordination Ritchie Gregory, Chairman Elizabeth Bailey Anne Companion Jessica Robertson Trade Show Lisa Carter, Chairman Jim Sanders, Co-Chair Convention Promotion Tracey McGee, Chairman Pipe & Drape and/or Monitors Jim Carpenter, Chairman Photography, Candid Kitty Pugh, Chairman Robert Holman Jim Sanders Don Aittama Debra Curtis Michael Patch All Convention Party Miranda Durrer-Davis, Chairman Convention Party Photography Kevin Hurley, Chairman Tamee Gunn Awards Banquet Photography Don Aittama, Chairman SEPPA Award Bobby Thigpen Sandra Thigpen Jim Sanders David Lee Michaels National Award Kevin Hurley Jim Carpenter Shelba Powell Virginia Award Stephanie Garr Adams Group Photos 30
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Jeff Kaiser Print Salon Wolfgang Jasper, Chairman Pat Hansen, Co-Chair Robert Harper Joan Grippo Sharon Younce Devotion Jim Carpenter Trophies Polly Frye, Chairman Renny Cave Kitty Pugh Door Prizes/Silent Auction Barbi Barnum, Chairman Erin Clark Deborah Schmitz Liz Vance Pro Share David Lee Michaels, Chairman Cpp Luncheon David Lee MIchaels New Member Orientation Renny Cave, Chairman President’s Reception & Banquet Sharon Youne, Chairman Hospitality Room Margie Hatcher, Chairman
Program Signs Tracy McGee, Chairman Print Display Bobby & Sandy Thigpen, Chairmen Richard St. Peter Awards Presentation Wolfgang Jasper, Chairman Audio/Visual John Warters, Chairman Cary Philbrick Props, Lights and Models Anthony Rumley, Chairman Elizabeth Bailey Jessica Robertson Scholarship Fundraising Jim Sanders, Chairma
The Business Corner By Doug Mattice
“Your Price Is Too High!” What to do when your client says that (without caving!) Creative entrepreneurs dread it when the prospect says “Your price is too high,” or “your competitor has a much lower price.” These objections make you squirm not only because a price cut reduces your profit, but also because a concession would make it difficult or impossible to provide products and services at your typical high standard. It’s Not Really About Price Before you respond to these objections, you should remind yourself that price objections aren’t really about price – at least not most of the time. The percentage of your prospects that would choose a lower price over greater value is far lower than you might imagine, because price objections really relate to the perceived value of what you sell. So how do you handle price objections? First things first: Don’t panic and immediately reduce your price. If you do, you’ll destroy your ability to capture the revenue that will allow you to serve your clients well. To overcome a price objection, you need to shift away from price…to VALUE. The following three actions can help you do that. 1. Increase their perception of value. Regardless of the words your prospect uses to bring up a price objection, what she’s really saying is she doesn’t perceive enough value to pay the price you’ve quoted. So your immediate move is to increase the perception of value your product or service offers. You do this by realizing that the client isn’t really buying the product or service you sell; the client is buying the outcome you offer. To that end, you steer the conversation toward the outcome, which is the REAL VALUE of what you sell. You need to make your prospect aware that you offer a superior product or service to those of your competitors, and therefore that outcome is worth paying more to obtain. In your conversation about value, explain to your prospects what they will receive from you that no one else can deliver. 2. Help your clients justify your price. Part of increasing the perception of value means helping your clients justify paying more to obtain the outcomes they need. You need to show them some of the differences in your products compared to other photographers. For example, mounting your 8x10s and 5x7 prints will separate you from other photographers in the area as well as places who make “prints” in town. Including a frame in the price of a wall portrait could also justify a higher price because it is “packaged” as one product. Another way to justify price is to show testimonials from past clients. Testimonials can be a powerful tool to use for justifying your price value. How often do you look at the reviews of a product before buying something online? Your prospects want you to provide them with the proper proof so they can make an educated decision. Once you are able to do this, you increase the likelihood of maintaining your pricing and closing higher sales. 3. Decrease the perception of risk. In the drive to control costs, many of your prospects will underinvest in the results they need. They may invest in a smaller size wall portrait than they should or reduce the amount of coverage in a wedding in order to save a little money. You can counter that impulse by helping each prospective client understand the risk of underinvesting – that she won’t receive the results she needs with a less expensive, less satisfying purchase. One way to do that is to offer a “guarantee”. For example, when I sell a wall portrait to a client, I often get the objection of “what if this size is too large? Can we go home and measure?” You never want a client leaving a sale without placing an order. Here is how I respond to this objection: I tell them to invest in the more adequate size portrait (the correct size in my opinion) and if they feel that it is too big I will remake it in the smaller size and refund the difference. This guarantee works great and lets them know that they “can’t” make the wrong choice. It also closes the sale and allows the client to get the best VALUE and product from me – a win-win solution! To be a trusted advisor to your clients, you must take responsibility for guiding them toward the best possible buying decisions. As a creative entrepreneur you have a talent that can’t be duplicated easily. Use it to your advantage so your clients get the best value from your products and services! Doug Mattice is the founder of Onward to Excellence Coaching. As a Consultive business coach, he helps photographers increase their income and productivity by partnering with them so they learn HOW to grow their business without going broke or crazy in the process. Doug begins by looking at the overall business model to determine the most lucrative offerings and strategies available that will take the business to the next level. Then, he works directly with the studio owner to clarify what they need to do each day, week and month to create a highly profitable business and amazing lifestyle. He has a variety of coaching programs that combines business, marketing and money strategies that teach photographers the essential foundations they need to create a six-figure business and beyond. To learn more about his services, visit his website: www.o2ecoaching.com
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Virginia’s Degrees & Award Recipients 1958 1959 1960 1961 1963 1965 1966 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
1985 1985 1985 1987 1989 1991 1993 1993 1995 1997 1999 1999 2003 2005 2007 2007 2009 2009 2011 2013
NATIONAL AWARD Presented By STATE OF VIRGINIA
* Ralph Bray Lexington * Hugh W. Tribble Portsmouth (Westfield, NJ) * Wendell B. Powell Richmond * Van P. Moore Richmond (Greenville, SC) * Margo Kent Staunton * Robert A. Dementi Richmond Polly Frye Keezletown William S. McIntosh Virginia Beach * Archie McDearmid Virginia Beach Irby N. Hollans, Jr. Richmond (Arlington) * J. David Woody Bristol * Patricia Woody Bristol * W.E.A. “Billy” Moore Suffolk Esther Bunch Virginia Beach Arthur Cournoyer Salem * George Ambrester Lanexa * David B. McClung Lexington * Phil Rich Alexandria Carlton O’Neal Newport News (Carrollton, VA) * Tony Christiana Catlett James W. Taylor Waynesboro Jayne Opfer Benson, NC * Phil Aull Charlotte, NC Haroldine Aull Charlotte, NC * Nancy Justice Fairfax * Robert Opfer Benson, NC * Aubrey Whitenack Richmond Lewis Longest Richmond * Jesse Pennell Richmond * Paul Huffman Richmond Mike Kessler Roanoke Renny Cave Richmond Randy Pearce Mechanicsville * Troy Justice Fairfax * Ray Leahy Mt. Rainier, MD Kent Saunders Chesapeake Gene Campbell Forest James & Wanda Crawford Covington Mollie Isaacs Alexandria Glenna Taylor Waynesboro Pat Hansen Alexandria Marian Linett Virginia Beach Judith Whitmore Stafford Robert Holman Virginia Beach Bill Piacesi Dulles John Warters Newport News James Mitchell Moneta Kitty Pugh Virginia Beach Fred Powell Hanover * Bruce Hobbs Chesapeake Bill Garrett Danville * Richard Whitmore (posthumously) Stafford Shelba Powell Lake Wales, FL Jim Carpenter Charlottesville Kevin Hurley Roanoake
SEPPA BOARD OF GOVERNOR’S AWARD RECIPIENTS * Paul Huffman * J. David Woody * Patricia Woody Randy Pearce * Archie McDearmid Mike Kessler * Tony Christiana Polly Frye Renny Cave Arthur Cournoyer Robert Holman James Crawford Fred Powell Bill Piacesi Greg Finney Kitty Pugh * Bruce Hobbs Pat Hansen Anthony Rumley Kevin Hurley
PPA PAST PRESIDENTS
* Hugh Tribble * Archie McDearmid *Deceased
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Richmond Bristol Bristol Mechanicsville Virginia Beach Roanoke Catlett Keezletown Richmond Salem Virginia Beach Covington Hanover Dulles Abingdon Virginia Beach Chesapeake Kill Devil Hills, NC Richmond Roanoke
NATIONAL DEGREES
Master of Photography & Photographic Craftsman (M. Photog., Cr.) Jeff Bowman Jim Carpenter Lisa Carter Mary Fisk-Taylor Keith Forrest Polly Frye Bill Garrett Patti Good Patricia Hansen Robert Harris Jamie Hayes Robert Holman Kevin Hurley Mollie Isaacs Gordon Kreplin Suna Lee Marian Linett Jeff Lubin William S. McIntosh Bruce Muncy Carlton O’Neal Bill Piacesi Anthony Rumley Beverly Toves Shannon Turner John Warters Pete Wright
Photographic Craftsman
Master of Photography
(Photog. Cr.) Cathy Benton Renny Cave Arthur Cournoyer Rick Dawson Mike Kessler Michael Linett Randy Pearce S. Fred Powell Kitty Pugh Kent Saunders Fred Sergio Elizabeth Vance
(M. Photog.) Stephanie Adams Morris Burchette Susan Cecil Jeff Kaiser Tracy McGee Les Miller Don Monteaux Rosanne Rainville Jessica Robertson
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(CPP) Stephanie Adams Don Aittama Cathy Benton Teresa Bernard Jeff Bowman James Carpenter Lisa Carter Erin Clark Rebecca Clark Anne Companion James Cook Sharon Davidson Rick Dawson Francis Dowdy Mary Fisk-Taylor Ritchie Gregory Jamie Hayes Robert Herrman Jeannie Hobbs-Klink Robert Holman Jeff Kaiser Charles Lawson Suna Lee Clements Mayes Connie McDearmid Tracy McGee David Lee Michaels Lester Miller, III Don Monteaux Bill Piacesi Kitty Pugh Rosanne Rainville Anthony Rumley Fred Sergio Michael Sink Tyler Swartz Shannon Turner Liz Vance Sandra Worrell
Electronic Imaging Certified (EIC) Beverly Toves
Approved Photographic Instructor Master of Electronic Imaging (MEI) (API) Marian Linett Michael Linett Fred Powell
SEPPA PAST PRESIDENTS * Hugh Tribble * Archie McDearmid * J. David Woody Arthur Cournoyer * Tony Christiana
Certified Professional Photographer
Portsmouth (Westfield, NJ) Virginia Beach Bristol Salem Catlett
1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Pat Hansen Mollie Isaacs Beverly Toves
SEPPA AWARD RECIPIENTS
Mike Kessler *J. David Woody *Paul Huffman Randy Pearce Lewis Longest Ray Southard Patricia Woody Renny Cave *Tony Christiana Arthur Cournoyer Polly Frye *Archie McDearmid Rosalie Cournoyer James & Wanda Crawford Bill Piacesi Fred & Shelba Powell Mollie Isaacs Robert Holman Kitty Pugh Pat Hansen John Warters James Mitchell *Bruce Hobbs Cathy Benton Jim Carpenter Pete Wright Anthony Rumley Charles Hartman Kevin Hurley David Lee Michaels Jim Sanders Bobby and Sandra Thigpen
Roanoke Bristol Richmond Mechanicsville Richmond Danville Bristol Richmond Catlett Salem Keezletown Virginia Beach Salem Covington Culpepper Hanover Alexandria Virginia Beach Virginia Beach Alexandria Newport News Moneta Chesapeake Portsmouth Charlottesville Richmond Richmond Portsmouth Roanoke Roanoke Harrisonburg Suffolk
Virginia’s Degrees & Award Recipients VIRGINIA AWARD RECIPIENTS
VIRGINIA DEGREES
1976 1981 1986 1990 1991 1991 1993 1994 1994 1996 1998 1999 2000 2001 2001 2001 2002 2002 2002 2007 2007 2008 2008 2009 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Fellow of Photography
Associate Fellow of Photography
(FP) Stephanie Adams Cathy Benton Jeff Bowman Morris Burchette Jeanette Burkle, Jim Carpenter Susan Cecil James Cook Arthur Cournoyer James Crawford Debra Curtis Mary Fisk-Taylor Keith Forrest Eva-Kersti Freyss Polly Frye Bill Garrett Patti Good Pat Hansen Robert Harris Jamie Hayes Jeannie Hobbs-Klink Robert Holman Kevin Hurley Mollie Isaacs Wolfgang Jasper Jeff Kaiser Mike Kessler Kathy Kupka Suna Lee Marian Linett Michael Linett Lewis Longest, Jr. Jeff Lubin Joseph Lust Connie McDearmid William S. McIntosh Don Monteaux Bruce Muncy Carlton O’Neal Randy Pearce Bill Piacesi Fred Powell Rosanne Rainville “Slick” Reeves Anthony Rumley Ray Southard Richard St. Peter Jennifer Stoneman Beverly Toves Shannon Turner John Warters Shirley Whitenack Judith Whitmore Pete Wright Sharon Younce
(AFP) Don Aittama Lisa Akers Elizabeth Bailey Teresa Bernard Julia Bowman Bobby Carlsen Lisa Carter Renny Cave Rebecca Clark Earl Dashiell Sharon Davidson Ritchie Gregory Charles Hartman Margie Hatcher Doug Hinckley Charles Lawson Jim Markey Tracy McGee David Lee Michaels Lester Miller Joe Parker Shelba Powell Kitty Pugh Jessica Robertson Jim Sanders Kent Saunders, Jr. Liz Vance
Wayne Conner Pulaski Arthur Cournoyer Salem Irby N. Hollins, Jr. Richmond * Patricia Woody Bristol * James Chandler Suffolk * Troy Justice Fairfax James Taylor Waynesboro * Ray Hash Petersburg Esther Bunch Virginia Beach * Archie McDearmid Virginia Beach Polly Frye Keezletown * David McClung Lexington * John H. Smith Virginia Beach * Al Cothran Quinton, FL * Nancy Justice Fairfax * Jesse Pennell Richmond Carlton O’Neal Newport News * Robert A. Dementi Richmond * Aubrey Whitenack Richmond Lynwood Atkins Roanoke Kent Saunders Chesapeake Renny Cave Richmond John Westervelt Winchester Glenna Taylor Waynesboro * J. David Woody Bristol B. J. Longest Richmond * Ray Leahy Mt. Rainer, MD Lewis Longest Richmond * Gary Carter Roanoke * Richard Whitmore Stafford Judith Whitmore Stafford John Warters Newport News Kitty Pugh Virginia Beach Mollie Isaacs Alexandria Patricia Hansen Alexandria Marian Linett Virginia Beach Shelba Powell Hanover Cathy Benton Portsmouth * Tony Christiana Catlett Fred Powell Hanover Doug Graves Chesapeake Charles Hartman Portsmouth Jim Carpenter Charlottesville Robert Holman Virginia Beach Mary Fisk-Taylor Richmond Bill Piacesi Fredericksburg * Randy Searle (posthumously) Williamsburg Deborah Woodson Danville Cary Philbrick Powhatan Kevin Hurley Roanoke Anthony Rumley Richmond Tammy Gunn & Jeff Loope Roanoke
19?? 19?? 19?? 19?? 19?? 19?? 1941 1942 1945 1947 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1977
* A.W. Orpin * Fred Hamblin * Billy Lum * A.L. “Tony” Dementi * W.E. “Happy” Cheyne * Ralph Holsinger * Andy McClung * David Kent * Foster Orpin * Francis Hermann * Robert A. Dementi * Wendell Powell Carlton O’Neal * Lewis Allen * Arthur Clarke * Hugh W. Tribble * Phil Rich * Lewis G. Berry * Margo Kent * Herman Boaz * Van Moore William McIntosh * W.E.A. “Billy” Moore Gene Campbell Polly Frye Raymond Cournoyer * Jim Gentry * Archie McDearmid Morris Burchette Al Cothran * J. David Woody Arthur Cournoyer Irby N. Hollans, Jr. * John H. Smith * James Chandler James W. Taylor * Tony Christiana * Esther Bunch * Patricia Woody
PRESIDENT P. Frye R. Cournoyer J. Gentry A. McDearmid M. Burchette A. Cothran D. Woody A. Cournoyer I. Hollans J. Smith J. Chandler J. Taylor T. Christiana P. Woody T. Christiana L. Longest K. Saunders N. Justice P. Huffman R. Pearce M. Kessler P. McDearmid M. Hatcher R. Good R. Riddle R. Cave G. Carter J. Kelley T. Penrose M. Isaacs M. Isaacs J. Crawford R. Holman P. Hansen J. Whitmore J. Schultz F. Powell J. Warters B. Piacesi J. Mitchell B. Hobbs C. Benton D. Graves K. Pugh P. Meinen A. Rumley B. Piacesi W. Garrett S. Younce S. Younce K. Hurley Jim Carpenter
VPPA PAST PRESIDENTS
LIFE MEMBERSHIPS
Polly Frye Dora Tribble Carlton O’Neal Ray Southard Morris Burchette Gene Campbell Colbert Howell James Taylor Glenna Taylor Renny Cave Arthur Cournoyer Randy Pearce Judith Whitmore Richard Aufenger Mike Kessler Kenneth Saunders Jayne Opfer B.J. Longest Lewis Longest Jim Crawford Fred Powell Mollie Isaacs Pat Hansen Robert Holman Kitty Pugh Bill Piacesi Patti Good Shelba Powell Anthony Rumley
1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Keezeltown Virginia Beach Newport News (Carrollton) Danville Norton Lynchburg Raleigh, NC Waynesboro Waynesboro Richmond Salem Mechanicsville Stafford Norfolk Roanoke North Carolina North Carolina Richmond Richmond Covington Hanover Kill Devil Hills, NC Kill Devil Hills, NC Virginia Beach Virginia Beach Memphis, TN Elkton Hanover Richmond
1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
* Tony Christiana Lewis H. Longest Kenneth H. Saunders, Jr. * Paul Huffman * Nancy Starkey Justice J. Randolph Pearce Mike Kessler * Polly McDearmid Michael Hatcher Robert W. Good Rodger D. Riddle Renny Cave * Gary D. Carter James Kelley T.T. Penrose, III Mollie Isaacs James Crawford Robert Holman Patricia Hansen Judith Whitmore * Joseph Schultz Fred Powell John Warters Bill Piacesi James Mitchell * Bruce Hobbs Cathy Benton Doug Graves Kitty Pugh Pat Meinen Anthony Rumley Bill Piacesi William “Bill” Garrett Sharon Younce Sharon Younce Kevin Hurley Jim Carpenter
*Deceased
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Editor’s Corner . . . continued from page 3 please, pre-register on line if at all possible. It will make things so much easier AND FASTER for you when you arrive at the Registration Desk if you’ve already pre-registered. A Packet with your name on it will be ready and waiting for you at the Desk. Jeff will have had time to check the spelling of your name, your degrees, your committee ribbons, and whether or not you’ve filled out and registered for the proper functions. Please, do this now and save yourself a lot of time & heartache at the Registration Desk. Last year at our Convention, thousands of dollars worth of Scholarship money and door prizes were awarded. Many of our Scholarships are by application process and others are by drawing. Forms to register for scholarships can now only be found on line at the VPPA website. Here is a list of just a few of some of the more-well known scholarships. • Polly Frye Scholarship - This scholarship pays tribute to our Executive Secretary Polly Frye. Polly is a Past VPPA President and has been a member of our Association for over 62 years. She has received every honor the Association can bestow, including a Life Membership. This is a $1,000.00 scholarship and is drawn at the end of the Convention. • VPPA Memorial Scholarship - This scholarship was begun in 1988 with funds generated from contributions in memory of W.E.A. ‘Billy’ Moore, a past President of the VPPA. This a $750.00 scholarship and you must apply by application. The winner is announced at the convention awards banquet. • Gary ‘King’ Carter Scholarship - This is a $500.00 scholarship established in 1999 with a bequest from the estate of Gary Carter. This scholarship is limited to only those persons who have been Active or Additional Active members of the VPPA 3 years or less. Newer members are notified of their eligibility to receive this scholarship. Those interested must fill out and return a post card signifying their interest in receiving the scholarship. The winner is announced at the Awards Banquet. • Archie McDearmid Scholarship - This scholarship honors Tidewater District member, Past VPPA President, Past SEPPA President and Past PPA President Archie McDearmid. Archie passed away in 2010 but was a long-time member of the VPPA. He always had a twinkle in his eye, enjoyed serving our organization and mentoring new members. This is a $750.00 scholarship and you must apply by application. The winner is announced at the awards banquet. • Carlton O’Neal Scholarship - This Scholarship was originally funded by the Joseph Lust Foundation and continues to be sustained by general scholarship funds. This Scholarship honors a Past President and long time member of the Tidewater District. Carlton has been a mentor to many aspiring photographers by encouraging the development of both the artistic and the business aspects of the profession. This is a $750.00 scholarship and you must apply for this scholarship by application. The winner is announced at the awards banquet. • East Coast School Scholarship - This scholarship is donated by the Board of Directors of the North Carolina East Coast School. This grant pays the tuition for one course. The winner is chosen by an application process only. The scholarship must be used at the session of the year it is selected. The winner’s name is announced at the Annual Brunch and is sent by the Executive Secretary to the NC School. • Bruce Hobbs Scholarship - This Scholarship was founded and continues to be funded by many of the people who have benefited over the years from Bruce’s guidance, counsel and support. Mentoring was a very important part of Bruce's life. Bruce passed away in June, 201l; but his philosophy was to always help others in their pursuit of this profession. This is a $500.00 Scholarship and is awarded at the end of the Convention. • Robert Good Scholarship - This is a $500.00 scholarship established by Robert’s wife, Patti Good, to be given in memory of Robert, a Past President of the VPPA. An automatic entry will be made into this scholarship pool for each member who enters print competition and whose prints score 79 or below. The winner’s name will be drawn randomly at the Awards Banquet. The VPPA Board is constantly striving to continue the same quality of programs and events as we have always had in past years. Constantly increasing hotel expenses, speaker fees and reductions in sponsorship monies and membership have continued to make the task an on-going challenge. A great deal of care and thought goes into arranging things in order to make sure you, our membership, still have access to a lot of great quality programming, fun events and networking opportunities. Your support by attending the convention is what’s needed. It’s important for us to book a certain number of rooms (referred to as a room block) in order to get ‘discounted’ rates on our function/speaker rooms. So, make this the year you attend. There IS something for everyone. No Excuses! Come spend some time with your friends and fellow photography associates. Thousands of dollars in door prizes, auction items and big discounts will be given away. If you like to party – this is your chance. It’s a Mardi Gras! Don’t forget about that Grand Door Prize – remember, you MUST be present to win.
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Winter/Convention Edition
From the Desk of: Robert Holman, M. Photog. Cr., FP, CPP Virginia SEPPA Representative
SEPPA 2015 I want to remind all of you seasoned competition fanatics and send a ‘shout out’ to all of the new entries, ... The 2015 PPA District Judging has had a change of venue. Instead of Atlanta, Georgia, as in past years, it has been moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. The Convention location is the Sheraton Charlotte Hotel. The Convention dates are: May 1 - 5, 2015. All of the newest print rules and shipping information may be found at PPA’s web site, as well as at the new SEPPA web site: www.seppaonline. Also, since this will be a national judging event, digital entries will be accepted as well has the tradition prints. I will be attending the Board of Governors’ meeting on Sunday, May 3rd. I will come back and pass on to everyone all of the new information that SEPPA has to offer. Included in the programs will be PPA District Judging, an Exhibition and Trade Show, a VIP reception with Bob Timberlake, a Regional Affiliate School Day, a SEPPA Board of Governors Board Meeting, and Leadership Training for SEPPA Affiliates. Once you get your prints back from VPPA’s convention, get them ready to send off to SEPPA. If they hang at SEPPA, all you have to do is send them on to PPA Imaging for an automatic Merit. The new location – Charlotte, North Carolina, is MUCH closer. We’re expecting many, many more of our members to make plans to attend and show support for our great state. Remember, as a member of Virginia, the convention is free of charge. However, you do need to pre-register. If you wait to register at Convention, there will be a late registration fee. Old man winter should be long gone by the time May rounds around. My plans are to ride by Harley to Charlotte. If you want to tag along, give me a ‘shout out’ and come join me. Dust off your bike and let’s go for it. If you have any questions about the convention or print competition, please do not hesitate to contact me.
IN THE NEWS continued from page 7 send the updated information to the district secretaries for updates to membership rolls. Renny usually gets the updates from Don and sends it out. Tracy suggested adding a line to the general email sent from David Lee, notifying that the newsletters are now on the website. Stephanie suggested giving the secretary the membership list. Renny stated that the Governors need the list for the PPA memberships, and that there is more than just the membership list on the disk that she provides. • District Governors’ Reports – presented in written form Capital’s report will be emailed by Charles. Renny reminded the governors that the PPA renewal will be coming up and to remind the outgoing governors to prepare for it. It is very important to get it submitted prior to the deadline. If the current Governor will help the newly elected Governor, the process will go more smoothly. A Motion was made and carried to accept the governors’ reports that were presented. • Convention Reports: Convention 2015 - as presented by Tracy McGee Tracy stated that the schedule should be ready for posting to the website very soon. Some speakers want only $500 and will judge for free and several will actually room together. Clay will have a new program and is fully sponsored by Canon. Another Sigma speaker should also be fully covered. Lisa Carter will be heading up the Tradeshow. Tracy will be asking other members to be committee heads. - Pete Wright suggested that perhaps Richmond Camera could print the photos for the print awards since Jeff Loope who has been doing the layout and prints for the awards is no longer a member. Kitty requested that the trophy committee be a part of the decision making process to choose the trophies that will be used. Tracy mentioned that ACI has offered to sponsor some of the state’s awards. Renny noted that some of the awards are already sponsored and we should be careful not to step on anyone’s toes. Polly stated if she can’t do all of the trophies, she’s not interested in doing any of them. - Tracy asked about the marquee boards and who prints them. Kevin agreed to keep handling the posters. Kevin and Tammy also agreed to do the photos at the convention party. - Tracy asked about who hosts the past president’s dinner. - Don mentioned that one vendor has already paid for a Trade Show booth. Don made a motion to give the vendors a discount if they paid prior to 10/31. He suggested either a $25 deduction or a 10% discount. Discussion followed. Don restated his Motion. If the vendor signed a contract by 10/31, they would get a free ad in the magazine and be placed on the website as a featured vendor, along with the 10% discount. Discussion followed again with consideration given to various other options and discounts. Motion failed. - Renny suggested that we try to have the t-shirts promoting the Convention available by the summer seminar. Convention 2016 – as presented by Jeff Kaiser Jeff provided comparisons for several potential hotels. Based upon the information provided, Stephanie made a Motion and it was carried to hold the 2016 convention at the Williamsburg DoubleTree hotel. Jim Carpenter mentioned that he has applied for the SEPPA affiliated judging contingent upon that location. The dates of the convention will be February 19-23, 2016. Convention 2017 – as presented by David Lee Michaels David Lee stated that he would like to hold the 2017 Convention in Roanoke again. Don mentioned that we had many comp rooms and that most of the speakers’ rooms were covered. David Lee is trying to get things scheduled as far out as possible. There was no vote on this proposal. • Seminar Report – as presented by Michael Corbin and Governors Michael stated that speakers have been lined up with a total cost of $1609 for the speakers and travel expenses, plus 4 room nights. The committee still needs models and props, especially models for the Benkes (families) and Robin Owens (boudoir). There is a tentative print critique schedule. 15 people have signed up so far and we’re committed for 40 room nights. Kevin gave a personal recommendation for Doug Mattice who has offered to come speak to the board. The seminar schedule will be sent to the board tomorrow. Tracy mentioned posting it on the Loop. Charles will put a logo on the thread. A CPP exam will be also given at the Seminar. • Ethics Committee – as presented by Jim Carpenter There were no problems to report and therefore no report was presented. • Finance/Audit – as presented by Jim Carpenter and Don Aittama All issues requiring board approval were dispatched under the Treasurer’s Report. • Print Salon – as presented by Pat Hansen Pat’s intention is to resign as Salon Chairman at the next Board Meeting. She requested that the Board appoint Wolfgang Jasper as the new Print Salon Chairmen. She will stay on as his assistant through Convention. - Pat stated that they are looking into digital judging in the near future; however, she does not feel qualified to select the equipment needed. She wants to ask Pete Wright and others for suggestions. Jim has asked his contacts at Crutchfield’s to see if we could get a discount for the monitors if purchased from them. Anthony brought up the thought of renting the equipment, other than the laptop. Pat was not proposing going totally digital, but a hybrid of both. Jim will appoint a committee to look into the equipment. • Magazine Report – as presented by Kitty Pugh Dominion Printers will do the typesetting for this issue of the new style magazine, getting ready for the digital version. She refrained from putting most of the candids in the last issue of the magazine to save money. She will be working with David Lee to put them on the website. The typical award photos will still be in the magazine. Eliminating the candids will make the magazine about half the size as usual. It usually takes about 20 hours to typeset. Kitty advised that Dominion Printers has been sold and is in transition which slightly slowed down the process on the last issue. The current layout of the magazine is not web friendly and will have to be totally converted over to a website design program. Kitty considered getting Adobe InDesign software but is not familiar with that program so she needs more time for research. Erin Clark offered at the last meeting to help using a program that she has that is much cheaper than InDesign. A lot of time does in to producing each issue. If the Board chooses to go back to 4 issues for the digital version, the estimated cost is $50-$75 hour for an estimated 15-20 hours to have someone typeset the copy. David Lee made a motion and it was carried to give PhotoBiz a free full page ad in the magazine as a way to compensate them for their work on the VPPA website. There will be an article about Tony Christiana in the magazine. Patti Good will have one on Rodney too. • Website – as presented by David Lee Michaels The video software which was approved at the last meeting was purchased. There will be some new videos on the education portion of the website. Also, the blog portion of the website will be ready shortly. David Lee wants it to be marketed as part of the magazine. It will be member access only. He is looking for board members to be contributing to the blog. It would be a two way blog to be more interactive. The new email program can track the data for the email, as far as when it is open and who opens it and what percentage of the members open the email. David Lee has been talking to Doug Mattice about doing the first webinar for the VPPA members. He is looking into Lands End about our online purchasing of VPPA merchandise. They would handle it all as they handle PPA’s online purchasing. VPPA would not make any money from it, but we would not have to be bothered with it either. Additional discussion was held about updating the logo. Photobiz can also update our logo. David Lee is now on the administration pages of each district’s Facebook page. Tracy and Stephanie have found it hard to locate the VPPA public Facebook page and didn’t know if anything could be done to make it more visible. • Membership – as presented by David Lee Michaels David Lee advised that Canon has reached out regarding a day-long seminar in Northern Virginia and offered us free booth space to represent VPPA. He did not have a lot of details about the seminar. It was recommended that we have representation if at all possible. • Library: Timorah Beales, Librarian No report submitted Old Business: - Renny mentioned the amnesty letter which was mailed to recent members. There was no response, except returned mail addresses. - She asked the Board to clarify who qualifies as “full time convention support”. This was the term proposed at the April board meeting for free room nights during the Convention. This will mandate a change to the definition in the policy manual. - Anthony Rumley wrote an article about the program he started at the convention, “Get One”. It has had some activity but needs additional promotion. - Kevin Hurley mentioned that NVPPA can apply to be an affiliate of the PPA. They are acting as if they are an affiliate and PPA says they are keeping an eye on them. - Renny passed out new membership applications and said to dispose of the old green forms. New Business: Charles Larsen brought up that he received an email about the lack of direction of the mentor program. He made an effort to contact the new members in the Capital district and had very few replies. The person who contacted him remains a member “just because”. They like the fellowship, etc. but if it came down to keeping the VPPA or PPA membership, they’d keep the PPA membership. - David Lee brought up the new member buddy program that is in place. Charles wants a way to maintain the current membership and try to energize them in order to keep them. The key is continued on page 36
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IN THE NEWS continued from page 35 to keep the membership active in the association. Some the older members don’t feel as much of a part of the association as they used to. Bringing back the phone tree concept was suggested. It would encourage members to attend district meetings and show that their membership was valued. - Renny has been having difficulty locating the supplier of the FP medallions. A new die may need to be created if the old one cannot be found. Pat Hansen suggested looking into sliders instead of stars for additional credits. - A Motion was made and carried giving Renny authority to obtain a new die and order medallions. - Jim Carpenter read a letter from a church member who primarily shoots with a camera phone. Jim stated that she wants him to mentor her to further her photography career. He reminded us that we will be seeing more of this and we should know how to encourage these people and introduce them to the VPPA. • PPA Report – as presented by David Lee Michaels Anthony Rumley promoted the 2015 Nashville convention and $159 full pass, $218 for buddy passes. He mentioned that they are also having a 5k run and shoe donation. The 2016 convention will be back in Atlanta. • SEPPA Report – as presented by Robert Holman Robert stated that he had no new information to report since the last meeting. Charlotte, North Carolina, is this year’s location 5/1-5/15. They are looking for good attendance from VPPA since it’s so close. • Future Board Meetings The next VPPA Board meeting was scheduled for November 10th — but later changed to November 17th. The location was still to be determined at time of meeting with the Williamsburg Double Tree Hotel in Williamsburg mentioned. - Renny made a Motion and it was carried to change the policy manual to read that the Annual Transition meeting will be held in November rather than specifying the first Sunday. • A Motion was made and carried to Adjourn.
VPPA Board of Directors’ Minutes from Meeting held at the Double Tree Hotel in Williamsburg, on November 17th, 2014 • The Meeting was Called to Order by Kevin Hurley and an Invocation given by Jim Carpenter. • Recognition of proxy votes (in writing) was made by Kevin Hurley • Point of Order Pat Hansen reminded the Board that she was stepping down as the Salon Chairperson and she submitted a letter of resignation. She requested that Wolfgang Jasper be appointed as the new Salon Chairperson. A Motion was made and carried to accept Pat’s resignation as presented with the acceptance of Wolfgang Jasper as the new Print Salon Chairman. Jim made a motion that the Best in Show award be named the Pat Hansen Award. Motion passed. • Minutes of 8-11-2014 – as presented by Jeff Kaiser A Motion was made and carried to accept the minutes as presented from the last meeting. • Executive Treasurer’s Report – as presented by Don Aittama - Don stated that to date $10,956 has been collected in dues for 2015 and $1680 for the trade show. Dues collection was running ahead of last year and was attributed to the fact that Don sent out notices several weeks earlier this year. The investment fund continued to grow. It was up approximately $1700 this year. - There are 3 CDs valued at $6000. Don proposed moving them into the investment fund which yields a much higher return. The Association has lost $4323 from all 3 funds due to the decline in membership and the increased cost of the Convention. The disparity in Convention costs resulted in an $8000 loss. The goal is to have the Convention break even and to increase membership. This is a major problem that needs to be addressed continually. - The scholarship fund had a net increase of $477 because some grants were not used. Kevin questioned the wisdom of transferring all of the CDs into the investment fund in case there is a drop in the market again similar to 2008. A Motion was made and carried that the next maturing CD, 3/19/15, be transferred to the investment fund. - Don stated that 167 dues notices were mailed out but only 76 had paid so far. No Enthusiast members have paid to date. Renny said she believes that they were not added to the district mailing lists and thus they did not get the benefit of the meetings, etc. A Motion was made and carried offering a free pass to the 2015 Convention since it was our oversight – also meaning that their 2015 dues would be covered. - Checks for each District’s Affiliate dues will be made directly to PPA instead of writing them to the district and then having each District write their own checks. (A copy of Don’s report is attached to the permanent minutes.) • Applications for Membership – as presented by Polly Frye and Don Aittama Don presented information from three member applications. 2 additional were were received at meeting. A Motion was made and carried to accept all completed applications and accept conditionally the incomplete ones. Anthony asked the Board to accept Charles Hartman, a former member, without a formal application. He would be reinstated with the degrees and credits he earned. Motion carried. • Executive Secretary’s Report – as presented by Renny Cave Renny reminded governors to add the new members’ names and contact information to their mailing lists. She also reminded all officers to be accessible to all members and to attend the local meetings when possible. She encouraged all Governors to take applications to each meeting and to invite new people to experience our association. She requested that the Governors obtain PPA numbers from the District members if we don’t have them. She also encouraged Governors to read the policy manuals and to know what the new responsibilities are going to be when moving up to a new position. The template for the new stationery is on the CD that she distributed to the new governors. She reminded the new governors that the deadline for returning the Affiliate forms and dues to PPA is 12/31 Don requested the Governors remind new members about the billing cycles for the VPPA dues. It is stated on the membership application, but applications are turned into the Board and members often forget. • District Governor’s Reports – in written form Several reports were missing. Northern did not have their meeting schedule and Capital was lacking both reports. The reports from Tidewater will be emailed to the board. (Reports are attached to the permanent minutes.) • Convention Reports: Convention 2015 – as presented by Tracy McGee The finalized schedule will be emailed to the board. Tracy has received only one contract back from her speakers. A committee list will also be emailed. All speakers are either fully or partially sponsored but there was no budget presented detailing all of the anticipated Convention expenses. She has been in close contact with Don concerning the expenses and income. Six judges have been confirmed. The judges are also speakers and one is giving a pre-con class. One of the pre-cons speakers may be changed. One representative was not responding to her messages. She will continue her efforts to contact them. Concerns were expressed about only having only one signed contract at this time. Tracy advised that she will be immediately sending out contracts for them to sign and return. She is still trying to get sponsors for each event. Companies who spent at least $1250 will have their logos put on t-shirts. She also plans to have mugs and other items for sale. She was encouraged to have them ready ahead of time so that the Governors could sell them at their meetings. David Lee mentioned that they could be put online for additional sales. Jim asked if some could be made available those attending nationals to help advertise the Convention. No registration form was presented. Tracy was asked to get the missing information to the Board as soon as possible. Convention 2016 – as presented by Jeff Kaiser Jeff announced that we will be hosting the SEPPA affiliated judging. The dates of the Convention will be February 19-23, 2016. Jeff asked the Board to approve the Kingsmill Double Tree Hotel as the site for 2016. SEPPA is expected to supply the speakers, judges and equipment for judging. The details of print competition and Virginia’s print awards will have to be adjusted. Convention 2017 – as presented by David Lee Michaels The Holiday Inn in Roanoke was contacted as a possible site for 2017. Hotel room rates were projected a $79 per room. That Holiday Inn has been used twice recently and will have had a complete renovation by the time the Convention would be held there. • Ethics Committee – as presented by Jim Carpenter No report continued on page 37
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Winter/Convention Edition
IN THE NEWS continued from page36 • Finance/Audit – as presented by Jim Carpenter and Don Aittama The committee was asked to set a definite budget for Convention which will be emailed to the board. The Board requested the line item costs of the convention. • Print Salon – as presented by Pat Hansen Adrien Henson is expected to run the digital portion of the judging. Pat will be re-writing the competition rules to address the new format and will communicate that to the membership. Jeff Burton’s program will be used again this year. It was suggested that a pay per entry vs a print case fee be considered. In North Carolina the fee was $15/print. Pat and Wolfgang want to keep the print case fee the same this year as last year. However, they may suggest a change for next year. • Magazine – as presented by Kitty Pugh Kitty asked the Board to update their bios for the Convention issue of the magazine. She will chair the photography committee again this year. She has looked into several programs to handle the layout for the magazine. Due to the need to do further research and time restrictions, she has employed Dominion Printers again to assemble the next issue of the magazine until after the holidays. She will look into purchasing a new computer and the software to handle the new program then. Because there is a huge learning curve with doing the new layout, she wanted to wait until she had more time to work with it. The cost of having Dominion do the layout for this issue will be the same as last time - $500. If members want to order a hard copy of the magazine, only the administrator can order a printed version. The version will be available on Issuu. A Motion was made and carried to pay the $500 to Dominion Printers. Stephanie suggested having the option of ordering a copy of the magazine be put on the website. • Website – as presented by David Lee Michaels David Lee advised that membership renewal has been posted live on the website and the ethics signature is also done electronically. He has also created another facebook page for prop exchange that is limited to members only. David Lee will also create a page on the website: VPPA exchange. This page will also serve as a place where members can list items for sale/trade. There has not been a lot of participation on our Twitter and Instagram feeds, but David Lee hopes to encourage more members to follow the account and re-tweet to get a broader reach. PPA is good at re-tweeting the state’s twitter feed. David Lee introduced the subject of a new logo for the VPPA. This has been previously discussed and tabled because of a lack of funds. He had previously discussed the possibility of developing one with the company that designed our new website. A Motion was made and carried to have Photobiz create a new logo for VPPA for the price of $400. A committee was appointed to oversee the logo design process with David Lee as the chairperson. Anthony and Stephanie will also serve on the committee. • Membership – as presented by David Lee Michaels David Lee advised that the Buddy program seemed to work better than the liaison program in the past and the committee will continue it this year. • Library Report Timorah Beales serves as Librarian. No report was presented. The Board requested that a list of the library contents be listed on the website. • Digital Judging – as presented by Jim Carpenter A written Motion was presented by Jim giving Adrien Henson a year of free VPPA membership in exchange for the use of his digital judging equipment at this Convention. Motion carried. • Convention Committee – as presented by Jim Carpenter Don Aittama has agreed to function as the new Convention and Seminar Consultant. A list of the duties of this position are being compiled. • Seminar Report – as presented by Michael Corbin There were 74 registered attendees at the Summer Seminar in Portsmouth. Renny stressed to the new governors that they will work together to put on the seminar. The Capital District was named the host district for the seminar. The other jobs would be decided after a meeting with in-coming President Stephanie who will provide oversight to the Governors. It was suggested that the speaker contracts make a distinction between VPPA speakers and outside speakers to eliminate mileage reimbursement and other compensation for VPPA members. Old Business: - A Motion was made and carried to accept the PPA Principles of Affiliation. - Renny obtained a quote to change the stars currently used to indicate an additional 85 credits to bars similar to those used by PPA. It would be $195 to create the die and the cost would be $6 for bronze; $6.50 for gold or silver plating. It was suggested that if members want to update the stars they have, they would be responsible for purchasing them from the Association. - Renny circulated new wording for a change in the policy manual regarding members with delinquent dues. A Motion was made and carried to accept same. - Renny presented the names of the Ethics Committee members up for re-appointment: Jim Crawford and John Warters. Both affirmed that they are willing to serve again. A Motion was made and carried to approve their reappointments. - Don wanted to confirm the current policy on membership dues and the dates when the member joined. As stated on the application, people who join after 3/15 only have to pay ½ the dues rate for that year. Discussion was held on the merits of the current policy as opposed to the previous policy. The Board let the current policy stand, but is willing to reconsider changes at a future date. • Transition of Officers: The Chairman of the Board and the 2014 District Governors were recognized and thanked for their service. New Business: - Renny received a letter from a previous member about a photographic River Cruise. She questioned whether it would be a benefit to the members to know about it. Consensus was that since we do not benefit, we should not officially promote it. It was suggested that someone could list it on our Facebook page. - David Lee was asked to devise a tiered pricing plan for advertising placed on our various online outlets. - Anthony reported that a former member believed he was let down by the Association when he experienced a fire at his house and no one offered to help him out during the time of his need. Anthony requested that a free one year membership be offered as a good faith effort to change his attitude towards the VPPA. A Motion was made and carried to offer them a pass to this year’s convention as opposed to a free year’s membership. - Erin requested that the finance committee consider allowing new members to pay dues in installments. • PPA Report – as presented by David lee Michaels David Lee reported that PreCon classes are 1/29-1/31 and Imaging is 2/1-2/3. • SEPPA Report – as presented by Robert Holman Robert stated that the SEPPA convention is 5/1-5/15 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The VPPA is entitled to 2 free pages of advertising per issue. Robert has seen a marked decline in Virginia member attendance at the Convention. David Lee suggested putting a direct link on our website to the SEPPA convention page. • Future Board Meetings The next VPPA Board meeting was scheduled for January 12, 1015. The location is still to be determined. - A Motion was made and carried to adjourn.
Virginia Professional Photographer
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Treasurer’s Report 31 October 2014 General Fund Cash: Checking Accounts 10,606.20 CD’s: Investments Accounts Receivable Monthly payments 1,440.00 Deposits 500.00 Fixed Assets 21,706.00 Accumulated Depreciation (17,961.00) TOTAL ASSETS
16,291.20
Deferred Dues Income Deferred Trade Show Fees Chase Credit Card Fund Balances, Beginning Net Change in Fund Balance
10,955.91 1,680.00 567.99 9,641.62 (6,555.32)
TOTAL LIABILITIES and FUND BALANCES16,291.20
Investment Scholarship Fund Funds Totals 5,940.83 18,167.87 36,922.97
16,547.03 18,167.87 36,922.97 1,440.00 500.00 21,706.00 (17,961.00)
28,922.97 32,108.70
77,322.87
27,169.23 1,753.74
31,630.90 477.80
10,955.91 1,680.00 567.99 68,441.75 (4,323.78)
28,922.97
32,108.70
77,322.87
TOTAL INCOME Expense Convention General and Administrative Depreciation District Rebates Memorials PPA and SEPA Dues Summer Seminar VPPA Directory VPPA Magazine Scholarships
25,012.20 1,409.00 1,753.74
1,425.00 583.57
36,293.00 377.70 964.23 1,353.00 64,444.90
1,753.74
TOTAL EXPENSE
71,000.22
Net Change in Fund balance
(6,555.32)
1,753.74
25,012.20 2834.00 2,337.31 36,293.00 377.70 964.23 1,353.00 69,171.44
2,495.00
37,598.50 21,227.29 1,368.00 1,200.00 275.00 1,992.00 2,767.17 0 4,572.26 2,495.00
2,495.00
73,495.22
477.80
(4,323.78)
Respectfully submitted by Don Aittama Treasury Assistant for Polly Frye, Exective Treasurer
38
Winter/Convention Edition
For more information regarding District Programs, contact the following individuals: Blue Ridge District Governor: Jen Chaconas at (540) 521-1378 Capital District Governor: Sharon Younce at (804) 598-2392 Northern District Governor: Kathy Kupka at (703) 777-2054 Tidewater District Governor: Erin Clark at (757) 472-2955
“Halls of Inspiration”
2,972.80
37,598.50 21,227.29 1,368.00 1,200.00 275.00 1,992.00 2,767.17 0 4,572.26
Feb. 20-14, 2015 - VPPA Annual Convention to be held in Richmond, Virginia, at the Sheraton Richmond Park South Hotel, in Richmond. The Convention will have an Egyptian theme. For more information, contact Tracy McGee by telephone at: (757) 382-9537 or by e-mail at: tracy@kaiserphoto.com Mar. 7th – 9th, 2015 - North Carolina’s Spring Seminar to be held at the Quality Inn Hotel in Morehead City, North Carolina. For More Information contact: Lorretta Byrd at: (919) 796-4747. May 3rd, - 8th, 2015 - M.A.R.S. - (Mid-Atlantic Regional School of Photography) - 2015 will make the 19th Annual year for MARS Workshops. This event is held at the Grand Hotel, in Cape May, New Jersey, right across the street from the Atlantic Ocean. Many, many speakers from which to select and a wide range of topics and programs. For More Information go to: www.marsschool.com or call: 1-888-267-6277 June 14th – 17th, 2015 - East Coast School to be held at the Holiday Inn Downtown, Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina. For More Information, contact: Lorretta Byrd at: (919) 796-4747. Aug. 14th – 15th, 2015 - North Carolina’s Photo Expo to be held at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel, Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina. For More information, contact: Lorretta Byrd, at: (919) 796-4747. Feb. 19th - 23rd, 2016 - VPPA/SEPPA Affiliated Judging Event and State Convention to be held at the Kingsmill Doubletree Hotel in Williamsburg, Virginia. For More Information Contact: Jeff Kaiser, Convention Chairman, at (757) 382-9537. More information regarding speakers, programs and the print judging event will be posted at a later date.
COVER NOTE
Virginia Professional Photographers Association Statement of Cash Reciepts and Disbursements Year Ended October 31, 2014 Income Convention Donations Investment Income Membership Dues Other Income Raffle Income Summer Seminar
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
by Stephanie Adams, M.Photog., CPP, FP This image was captured while photographing in Tuscany. After attending the morning mass at a monastery in the Tuscan hillside, I turned a corner and saw this image of a monk in meditation. Seconds after taking this photograph, the monk left. I was fortunate to come across this scene at the right time and this image is the result. Halls of Inspiration scored 100 at SEPPA, won Best of Show Illustrative, a Kodak Gallery Award, and went Loan in International Print Competition.
D I R EC TORY OF A D V ERTI S ER S Canon (Ad Page 12) www.pro.usa.canon.com/supportmatters
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Miller’s Professional Imaging (Ad inside front cover) Contact: Dick Coleman 610 E. Jefferson Pittsburgh, KS 66762 800/835-0603
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Richmond Camera Shop, Inc., (Page 4) Contact: Sherry Sexton or Blake Bullard 213 West Broad Street Richmond, VA 23220 800/262-0515 E-Mail: proinfo@richmondcamera.com www.richmondcamera.com Sigma (Ad Page 8)
Advertising Info Publisher’s Statement
Virginia Professional Photographer is the official publication of the Virginia Professional Photographers’ Association, Inc. Permission to reprint articles or information in this magazine is granted to similar publications provided the author and the Virginia Professional Photographer are acknowledged. Persons wishing to submit articles, with or without photographs, for publication in the magazine are welcome to do so. All articles will be reviewed for content and published on a space available basis. The editor reserves the right to decline and/or edit all articles. All articles/correspondence should be sent to the Editor. Articles appearing in the Virginia Professional Photographer reflect the opinion of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Editor or the VPPA.
NOTICE TO ALL MEMBERS:
Any and all Changes or Corrections to your mailing address, your email address or other membership information can now be made by you (the VPPA member) directly to your listing on the VPPA Website by logging on to the VPPA website at: www.vppa.org. For More Information or Assistance Contact: Renny Cave, Executive Secretary 9909 Chancellor Place Bon Air, VA 23235-2711 E-Mail rbcave319@gmail.com 804-272-0119 For information about or questions concerning the VPPA Website, Facebook page, Twitter or other VPPA media sites, please contact: David Lee Michaels, VPPA Web and Social Media Manager By E-mail: davidleemichaelsphotography@cox.net By Telephone: (540) 342-9129 905 Winona Avenue Roanoke, VA 23015 Magazine Questions/Comments/Articles should be directed to: Kitty L. Pugh, Magazine Editor 1917 Laskin Road, Suite 111 Virginia Beach, VA 23454 E-Mail: holmans@visi.net Telephone: (757) 491-9111
2015 Summer Seminar To be Hosted by the Capital District Date: Sunday, August. 30th, 2015 Thru Monday, September 1st, 2015 Location: The Hospitality House Hotel And Conference Center Fredricksburg, Virginia For More Information Contact Your local District Governor
“How to Contact PPA” By Web Site: www.ppa-world.org By Telephone: 404/522-8600 • 800/786-6277 By Fax: 404/614-6400 By Mail: 229 Peachtree St. N.E. Ste. 2200 International Tower, Atlanta, GA 30303-6400 Virginia Professional Photographer
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2016 Convention
Virginia Professional Photographers’ Association, Inc. In conjunction with SEPPA a SEPPA Affiliated Judging Event Kingsmill Doubletree Hotel Williamsburg, Virginia February 19th - 23rd, 2016 Mark your calendar now And get ready for a …
Hawaiian Luau Questions? Contact Jeff Kaiser, Convention (757) 382-9537 E-Mail: jeff@kaiserphoto.com