January 2014 newsletter

Virginia Professional Photographers Association

Northern District Newsletter

January 2014

Annual Print Critique Tuesday, January 14th in Culpeper

12:30…

lunch at the Copper Fish (It’s About Thyme)

2:30…

print critique at the Culpeper Public Library—

128 East Davis Street

As noted by Tim Walden, “Competition forces you to push harder than you might normally, and it can bring you to great things.” On Tuesday the 14th, Jim Carpenter and Jeanette Burkle will be offering their guidance for your competition considerations. Not sure about entering or new to competition —just remember that the elements that make great merit prints can carry over to all of our photography. So gather up your favorites and come on!

We hope to see you there!

Culpeper Public Library 271 Southgate Shopping Center Route 29 South (Madison Road)

Northern District Officers Governor Jeanette Burkle, FP

Mentor Island Workshop The coolest business deduction you’ll ever take!

by Michael Patch

jeanette@galiephotography.com Lt. Governor Kathy Kupka, FP kathykupka@aol.com

Mentor Island is the brainchild of Mark & Cheryl Campbell. Having decided that there was something missing in the photographic education arena, they set out to correct the situation, and this is the result!

What was missing, they thought, were several things. First and foremost it had to be fun. No sitting in a dark lecture hall taking notes. It had to be in a resort location to make it attractive

Secretary Mike Patch michael@michaelpatch.com Treasurer / Newsletter Editor Jim Sanders, AFP jimlondonsanders@mac.com

“John Loengard, the picture editor at Life, always used to tell me, ”If you want something to look interesting, don’t light all of it.”

Joe McNally

to attend. It had to have great “mentors” who know the industry through and through, and finally it had to give participants access to these mentors in an unprecedented an interactive way.

So why not invite some of the top speakers and industry professionals to spend the week in a seaside paradise where everyone could live and learn in an awesome relaxed and luxurious atmosphere? We did, they jumped at the chance and Mentor Island was born!

So the idea is, you’ll not only hear what our mentors have to say and work with them in hands on location shoots, but live with them for the week, giving you a chance to pick their brains while lying by the pool or on the beach, which is just a few short steps away! As an added bonus, this is a PPA approved workshop so if you’re a PPA member you can earn merits by attending!

We’re looking forward to seeing you there!”

While at the 2013 VPPA Convention, and after hearing Joe and Mary Jean Campanellie mention the workshop, I picked up a flyer for it and tucked it away with the other free information I was gathering. When I got to my room that night, I looked at the workshop’s website, and it intrigued me. I had never been to Emerald Isle, NC, and I had never stayed at a house on the beach.

Having been to a MARS workshop and the East Coast School Photographic Workshops, I could only compare what I was reading on the website with my experiences at each of these schools. Each of these workshops was a wonderful experience, but the Mentor Island concept engaged me. My first thought was that it might be too expensive for me, so I turned off the computer and went to sleep, but I held on to the promotional card.

At the convention banquet, I was very fortunate to receive the Archie McDearmid Scholarship, and I thought there might be a possibility of attending the Mentor Island Workshop. When I returned home, I began to research all of the PPA affiliated schools and their class offerings. However, I did not see the Mentor Island Workshop listed. inking it was a mistake, I sent an email to the contact address on the Mentor Island webpage. I quickly received a reply that the school was not yet a PPA affiliate, but it was in the works. I could not apply my scholarship to a non-PPA affiliated school, so I had to wait for the process to complete. While waiting, I re-checked the class offerings of all of the PPA schools, but I found nothing that grabbed me like the Mentor Island Workshop. ere was no guarantee that the Mentor Island Workshop would be approved by the PPA. I felt some pressure to make a decision, since the scholarship comes with a six-month window to declare how it will be used. In addition, the Mentor Island Workshop had a limit to the number of students. I hoped and prayed that it would not fill up before the PPA decided. I kept in touch with Cheryl Campbell (my Mentor Island contact), and I finally received word that the Workshop had been approved. at sealed the deal!

I was so excited and found it difficult to wait until September, but the week after Labor Day finally came. I arrived at the beach house, and it was better than I thought. I was greeted warmly and given a tour of the house and shown to my room. Leaders and students went out to eat together the night before the workshop officially started. e learning and fun had begun! e instructors for this workshop were: • Mark Campbell - Mark is our Photoshop expert. He has been using it since version 2.5 and has been teaching both Photoshop and workflow techniques across the country for over 15 years. He holds the degrees of Master of Photography, Photographic Craftsman, Certified Professional Photographer and is an API (Approved Photographic Instructor). He has won numerous Kodak Gallery and Fuji Masterpiece awards for his work and has the distinction of being (he believes) the only photographer to ever have his first entry into the PPA print competition published on the cover of the Loan Collection book! He and his wife, Cheryl, have also been the recipients of numerous service awards from a number of different state, regional and national photographic associations.

• Cheryl Campbell - Cheryl may be the most versatile member of our team! Her talents are many, including design (albums, folios, marketing materials and much more), sales (her techniques have been successful in maximizing the potential of each and every client that comes through the door) and marketing. She is extremely organized and quite simply knows how to get things done. She is a past president of the Professional Photographers of West Virginia and is the current president of the Triangle Photographers’ Association. In addition, she is our week’s gourmet cook! To say she knows her way around the kitchen would be a wild understatement and you'll agree by week's end.

• Beth Forester - One of today’s true industry “Rock Stars,” Beth’s small studio began in her home in 1995, and grew into its current spacious location in downtown Madison, WV. Over the years, she has collected honors and awards too numerous to list, and she has attained the coveted degree of Master of Photography from the Professional Photographers of America. Because of her amazing eye for creating images, many books and magazines have published her work. Nationally recognized as one of the leaders in the photographic industry, she is in demand all over the country as a keynote speaker. Her insights on portraiture and graphic design have influenced the work of hundreds of other photographers. She is also the originator of the poplar “Photoduds” design tools (http://www.photoduds.com/ index.html).

• Pat Dodd - Pat is the owner of one of the most progressive photography labs in the eastern US, Photographic Production Services in Charleston, WV (http://www.photoproduction.com). PPS is a very small, “boutique” digital printing service catering to portrait and wedding photographers as well as advanced amateurs and fine artists in West Virginia and throughout the surrounding states. PPS continually strives to create an environment of client focused innovation, combined with operational simplicity and precise attention to detail. Pat is also a confirmed “techno-geek” and Apple enthusiast. If it involves software, hardware or any other kinds of "wares" (except for maybe tupperware), Pat is likely to have the answers you need! He also happens to be married to Beth!

• Joe Campanellie - Joe was the recipient of the ASP Gold Medallion Award, PPA’s Diamond Photographer of the Year, and the Imaging In Excellence Award. He also received the prestigious Fellowship Degree from the American Society of Photographers. During the last four years Joe has had 14 out of 16 entries accepted into the PPA Loan Collection and 5 finalists in the PPA Grand Imaging Awards including a 3rd place in 2012. At the 2011 SEPPA convention, he was awarded the Canon Par Excellence Award for the best print case. Over the years he has accumulated numerous awards including 33 Kodak Gallery Awards including 2 Kodak Gallery Elite Awards, 8 Fuji Masterpiece Awards, 4 ASP State Elite Awards, and over 450 state and national print and service merits. Joe was Maryland’s Illustrative Photographer of the Year for an unprecedented 11 years in a row and has earned “Image Maker of the Year” for the past 8 years.

• Mary Jean Campanellie - Mary Jean is an accomplished photographic artist and is Maryland’s only Certified Master Artist. She also holds the degrees of Certified Professional Photographic Specialist and Craftsman from the Professional Photographers of America. She began marketing her studio’s “Signature Series” of portraits using traditional mediums such as oils and dyes and now with Corel Painter and digital painting techniques, which she will be demonstrating throughout the course of this week. Mary Jean has an extensive background in both fine art and fashion design that contributes to the success of her images. For 14 years she worked as the head designer for a wholesale bridal headpiece and veil manufacturing company. Her customized bridal designs were sold world wide and accounted for gross sales of over $1.5 million dollars a year. Many of her designs have been featured on the covers of such national magazines as Bride's, Modern Bride and People Magazine. (from http://m94607.wix.com/mentor-island) As you can see, the leaders in this workshop were top-notch, and we all lived in the same house on the beach for the week. It was a fantastic week of learning, observing, listening, trying, conversing, and affirmation.

In addition to prepared presentations from each instructor, the week included hands-on experiences in a variety of photographic areas, beach photo sessions with families, mother/child, and models, wildlife and landscape field trips, technology information and usage, light painting and much more! e informal setting allowed for questions as sessions were in progress as well as later in the day during break times on the beach. Every day included formal and informal learning, fellowship, fantastic meals created by Cheryl Campbell, work, play, and rest. My mornings began on the beach before sunrise which was my choice, except for the morning we went on a field trip via boat and left before sunrise! Each day was a new adventure of learning, practicing, building relationships and pure fun. Getting to know the leaders and other participants was an experience I will long remember. I was very sad when it ended. What I thought might be too expensive turned out to be one of the best investments I have made in my photography and in my life. ank you, VPPA, for helping to make it possible for me to attend the Mentor Island Workshop.

While a housing location is still in the works, plans are coming together for the 2014 Mentor Island Workshop to take place in Emerald Isle, NC, the week after Labor Day, September 8-12. Look for more information on this wonderful experience, and see if it is right for you. It was exactly what I needed, and I am already planning to be a part of the next one!

Mentor Island Workshop

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See Mike’s workshop images—

http://www.michaelpatch.com/p207819570

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Just a lile of what is being said about our

2014 Convention “SUPERHEROES” Drake and Richard Busath — “Oh wow. This is amazing.

Drake Busath and his son Richard are fantastic, successful, genuine photographers. This program will be a life changer!!!”

Mary Fisk–Taylor

Nathaniel Dodson — Nathaniel saved me this

Ralph and Cindy Romaguera — I may be a bit biased here.

These successful guys are close friends but the Romagueras are by far the most successful, authentic and exciting instructors on senior portraits that I have ever seen. A long time mentor of ours Ralph's expertise and Cindy's enthusiasm is going to just fill your brain with too many ideas!

Mary Fisk–Taylor

Cris J Duncan and Deanna Duncan are fantastic people, super talented photographers and wonderful instructors. This will be an amazing program for any photographer or studio owner that wants to raise both their level of photography and their profit margins!!

Mary Fisk–Taylor

Christmas with one of his online tutorials. This young man knows his stuff. You'll learn do much from him.

Cathy Benton

Mark McCall — Well I am always excited to hear someone share with us how to make weddings easier. This will be a great lecture and so worthwhile.

Mary Fisk–Taylor

Adrian Henson — This is a great program for people to watch so they have a beer understanding of what they are watching the next day during our state print competition. Perfect timing for this program!

Pete Wright

Randy Collier’s program is a must see for seasoned & new professionals alike. Sometime we forget the importance of good light in our work. Especially with all those high ISOs available you us. Light is still key to distinguishing the difference between a " professionally " created portrait & an amateur learning still.

Cathy Benton

Andy Armstrong — I love the twist on a program like this. And it's something we don't usually think about much less remember how important it really is to communicate to the client. Gonna be interesting.

Cathy Benton

You are like Santa David Lee Michaels. The excitement just keeps coming. This will be a top notch convention.

So much variety and so much talent.

Mary Fisk-Taylor 9

Substance and Style: Develop Both For A Competitive Edge The following excerpts are from the August 2011 issue of Professional Photographer – page 126.

Tim Walden, PPA vice president, makes some observations — “We need to welcome all styles and creative techniques… but only reward them when they sit on top of substantive, quality imagery.

What forms a substantive image like that? Look to the 12 elements of a merit image (of which Walden prizes impact). “Yes, every good image should have initial impact when you first see it. But aer you study the image and consider the other elements, does it still have impact?” offers Walden, explaining what Gerhard Bakker taught him long ago. “All the artistic elements combine to support whether or not the impact lasts. at’s what makes a truly great image.”

Can you say your images have that kind of substance? It’s easy to get complacent and think your clients won’t notice small imperfections. at’s exactly why Walden emphasizes the need to “Competition is like compete (for himself as well).

exercise. You don’t jog to jog; you jog to get healthier and stronger.

“Competition is like exercise. You don’t jog to jog; you jog to get healthier and stronger. You compete to exercise your skills and accomplish more things for clients,” he says. “Competition forces you to push harder than you might normally, and it can bring you to great things.”

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PPA Standards Of e 12 Elements To Define A Merit Image Any image, art piece, or photograph will reveal some measure of all twelve elements, while a visually superior example will reveal obvious consideration of each one. e twelve elements listed below are in accordance to their importance.

Impact is the sense one gets upon viewing an image for the first time. Compelling images evoke laughter, sadness, anger, pride, wonder or another intense emotion.

Creativity is the original, fresh, and external expression of the imagination of the maker by using the medium to convey an idea, message or thought.

Technical Excellence is the print quality of the image itself as it is presented for viewing. Retouching, manipulation, sharpness, exposure, printing, mounting, and correct color are some items that speak to the qualities of the physical print.

Composition is important to the design of an image, bringing all of the visual elements together in concert to express the purpose of the image. Proper composition holds the viewer in the image and prompts the viewer to look where the creator intends. Effective composition can be pleasing or disturbing, depending on the intent of the image maker.

Lighting—the use and control of light—refers to how dimension, shape and roundness are defined in an image. Whether the light applied to an image is manmade or natural, proper use of it should enhance an image.

Style is defined in a number of ways as it applies to a creative image. It might be defined by a specific genre or simply be recognizable as the characteristics of how a specific artist applies light to a subject. It can impact an image in a positive manner when the subject matter and the style are appropriate for each other, or it can have a negative effect when they are at odds.

Print Presentation affects an image by giving it a finished look. e mats and borders used should support and enhance the image, not distract from it.

Center of Interest is the point or points on the image where the maker wants the viewer to stop as they view the image. ere can be primary and secondary centers of interest. Occasionally there will be no specific center of interest, when the entire scene collectively serves as the center of interest.

Subject Matter should always be appropriate to the story being told in an image.

Color Balance supplies harmony to an image. An image in which the tones work together, effectively supporting the image, can enhance its emotional appeal.

Color balance is not always harmonious and can be used to evoke diverse feelings for effect.

Technique is the approach used to create the image. Printing, lighting, posing, capture, presentation media, and more are part of the technique applied to an image.

Story Telling refers to the image’s ability to evoke imagination. One beautiful thing about art is that each viewer might collect his own message or read her own story in an image.