Did We Mention The $500?

Attention PPM members: Don't forget ... get your print cases and albums ready for Print Competition. Everything has to be there by 4:30 Friday Feb 6, and the actual competition begins at 7:00. You may submit digital albums this year, and prints do not have to be in an official print case. We will accept boxes.

Everyone who enters is eligible to win $500!
It is not too late!

Head to the website, ppm.org , for more information and to download your forms.

Looking For a Room?

Are you looking for a last-minute room for PPM convention? The convention hotel, Candlewood Suites is almost full. Last we checked there were still a few rooms for Sunday and Monday nights. Friday and Saturday nights are booked, but you can get on a waiting list. You need to call the hotel directly to get the best information. The direct phone number is 517-351-8181.
Other places nearby are: the Courtyard in East Lansing Ph: 517-482-0500
Staybridge Suites in Okemos 877-660-8545

Other suggestions have appeared on Facebook in conversations about PPM.

If you are looking for a roommate feel free to advertise in a comment to this post.

You Can't Afford Not To!

If you are not a member of the Professional Photographers of Michigan, this would be the year to join, even if it is only to attend the convention (Feb. 7 thru 10). And this year, you don't have to be a member to attend. You can attend any day, all day for only $99. Attend all 4 days for $299. Gold members (membership is $275) attend all four days free! You won't want to miss anything.

To help you decide...
Friday!
Print cases are due in the print room by 4:30 Friday afternoon. Anyone who enters prints or an album is eligible to win a $500 check. Last year the odds of winning were something like 1 in 45. Not bad! Print competition starts Friday night, beginning with albums. And plan to attend the banquet Monday night in case you win!)
Saturday!
Print competition continues all day. Even if you decide not to compete, sitting in is a great learning experience. .... Or learn from our speakers:
In the morning you have two choices. You can choose to attend the Back to Basics trio, of Wendy and Larry Bosely, Clint McLennon, and Loretta Young, to get some nuts and bolts advice for growing your business.

Or you could gain from Larry Peter's experience as an "Old Timer" in the industry whose business has had tremendous staying power through all kinds of economies. Larry will share his secrets to not only surviving, but thriving when many around us are failing. Larry's program continues in the afternoon.
If children photography is your thing plan to sit in on Chris Miller's program to "Get the Dirt on Photographing Kids."
And as long as you're there.... might as well stay for the trade show kick off party on the trade show floor, and then later, some "Comedy Shop" socializing in the hospitality room. But same some energy for...
Sunday!
Sunday is a day with the stars....

Starting bright and early, worth crawling out of bed for, it's Tim Priest with a hands-on (bring your camera) fashion photography presentation. Tim and his model will be ready at 7:00 am!
Missing Church? Come join the worship service at 8:30.

Starting at 9:30 you have a choice between business building advice from Bruce Berg, or inspirational set-yourself-apart artistic know-how from Marilyn Scholin.

Break for Trade Show! Trade Show! Trade Show!

Then enjoy the afternoon with senior photographer Kalen Henderson and "Time is Money," or Ken Sklute for an inspirational program, "Wide Angle Vision."

And more fun stuff.... Glip Auction, Masquerade Party, Digital Cafe', Hospitality Room .... But save some energy for...
Monday!

Catch the opening act early Monday morning with a fast-paced presentation from Michael Ayers on, "Mastering Wedding Success." Starting at 9:30 you won't want to miss the all-day presentation by the young gun from Australia, Ryan Schembri. Get there early to be sure you get a seat as Ryan shares all-day the secrets to photography for Gen Y.
Andy now that your brain is full its time to, you guessed it, party! Get dressed up and join us for the awards banquet (this is where you pick up your print competition winnings!).... and then meet with old friends, make new friends at the after-party gathering in the hospitality room. Get a little sleep and prepare for....
Tuesday!
Crawl out of bed early one more time to catch award-winning Environmental photographer, Steve White as he shares the ins and outs of the Environmental Landscape.

At 9:00 Barbie Vallot tops us off with "Big World Photography in a Small Town Market."

So many choices, so little time.... Join us any way you can. You can't afford not to!

Island Shoot-About

Last we spoke we talked about the upcoming Summer Seminar. All who went had a great time Here are some of the photos from our shoot-about. We should make this an annual event!

From Steve White...

From Deb Sportel....

From Red Enos......