Professional Photographers of Michigan

A Deal You Can't Afford to Miss!

2010-09-02T15:17:00.001-04:00

What a deal!

Every paid registration to

Fall Training Camp

includes a coupon for $99 toward admission to

one of the MI Photo Expo pre-convention programs on March 18, 2011!

You must attend Fall Training Camp to qualify.

Michigan Photographic Expo 2011--Date Change

2010-06-15T14:46:00.002-04:00

The dates for the 2011 MI Photo Expo are March 18-22, 2011. This has changed from the previous dates in February in order to avoid conflicting with other national events.

Plan to join us at the Westin Detroit Metro Airport Hotel.

PPM Fall Training Camp October 3-5, 2010

2010-06-15T13:50:00.004-04:00

PPM Fall Training Camp 2010
at Garland Resort in Lewiston, Michigan

To reserve your room, contact the Garland Resort and mention the PPM Fall Training Camp.

Your per-person room rate includes:

2 nights lodging, 2 lunches, 2 dinners (breakfast on your own).

Cost is $298 single
or $207 per person double occupancy.

Reserve your room today by calling the Garland Resort directly
at 877-4-GARLAND
and identify yourself as a member of the PPM group.

Cut-off for our room block is September 3, 2010.

Everyone who registers by the September 3 deadline will be entered into a drawing for $100 off 2011 PPM membership dues.

Essentials is Here--It's Time to Register!!

2010-03-13T08:09:00.001-05:00

For more information and to register go to

PPM events. com

PPM.org

or call 248 318-5182

As a special gift, we want to give every Essentials attendee

a free 16x20 canvas!

Awards!

2010-03-03T08:22:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to all the award winnning photographers! We had a great turn out for our annual convention and Print competition. Here are the results!

Michigan Photographer of the Year - Tina Timmons

Award of Excellence - Michael Timmons, David Humphrey

Award of Merit - Brad Hawks

Top 7 Master Photographers -Debra Sportel, Andrew Jenkins, Anne Keesor, Steve White, Debra Trombly, Denise Boyce, Kathy Falls, Ron Nichols

Top 7 Photographers - Kelly Dobson, Kari Douma, Mari Latozas, Cristine Baetz, Shawn Rockwood, Sam Sarkis

Michigan 4/4 - Tina Timmons, Michael Timmons, Karen Walker, Steve White

Best of Show:

Portrait - Tina Timmons - Chiseled

Illustrative - David Humphrey - Forgotten

Wedding/Event - Brad Grotkowski - Whispers of Love

Commercial - David Humphrey - Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend

Electronic Imaging - Karen Walker - Sorcerer

E.I. Retouching and Enhancement - Ed Westwood - Howard's Store

Next Generation - Conrad Carroll - Drops of Life

Best B&W - Tina Timmons - Chiseled

Kodak Gallery Award:

Portrait - Tina Timmons - Chiseled

Illustrative - David Humphrey - Forgotten

Wedding/Event - Sam Sarkis - Anticipation

Electronic Imaging - Karen Walker

Fuji Masterpiece Award:

Portrait - Brad Hawks - Staying on Track

Wedding/Event - Anne Keesor - Fun With Parasols

Court of Honor:

Portrait:

David Humphrey - Classical Decay

Anne Keesor - The Storyteller

Cristine Baetz - Beautiful Destruction

Illustrative:

Michael Timmons - Piazza at San Marco

Michael Timmons - An Evening Ritual

Brad Hawks - Gaslight Alley

Steve White - Bird Bath

Kathy Falls - Pastel Roses

Tina Timmons - Footsteps In The Rain

Wedding/Event:

Shawn Marie Rockwood - The Day Is Finally Here

Congratulations to everyone who competed! Great job!

GLIP Auction at PPM Expo!

2010-02-18T08:19:00.001-05:00

Don't forget about the auction at the Michigan Photographic Expo! The Auction will be held at the Expo on Sunday night from 7-9. There will be frames, equipment, a day with a photographer, printers, lights, books, prints, and many other things from our vendors!

You will receive 1 ticket for each $10 spent. If you spend $50-99 you will receive 5 extra tickets! If you spend $100-149 you will receive 20 extra tickets, $150 and up will receive 20 extra tickets! There will be a raffle, and each ticket that is drawn will be worth a $100 scholarship toward your glip registration. We are going to have more winners this year!

Plus, a chance to win the golden Ticket! Worth up to 4 free days at GLIP. For a great learning experience and a great time, plus a chance to meet and talk to fellow photographers, BE THERE!

You are going to love GLIP's new and exciting school location for 2010 at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor. Plus, this year is a new class schedule with lower prices - $149, $299, $550. There will be 1-day, 2-day, and 4 day classes. You can even take 2 days with one instructor and 2 days with a different one for the 4 day price of $550.

If you bring any items to the auction to be auctioned off, you will receive 1 ticket for the drawing. We are extending the date for Scholarship applications to be submitted to Saturday Feb 20 at 12 noon.

Michigan Photo expo!

2010-02-16T12:04:00.001-05:00

MI PHOTO EXPO SHOW SPECIAL

Professional Sensor Cleaning

$24.95

While you wait!

Midwest Camera Repair, Inc.

Servicing the Professional Photographer for over 53 years

Booth #2

Authorized Warrenty Service Center for:

Canon, Nikon, Kodak, Hasselblad,

Olympus, Fuji, Konica/Minolta

PPM Michigan Photographic Expo

Trade Show February 21 & 22, 2010

Midwest Camera Repair, Inc.

318 Oak St., Wyandotte, MI 48192

www.midwestcamera.com

CALL: (734) 285-2220

Photographic, Digital & Electronic Service

Since 1957

Also, make sure you check out Long shot Camera buyer for selling your used camera gear also!

Enjoy the Night Life

2010-02-10T07:20:00.001-05:00

Photographers love to socialize and MI Photo Expo provides many opportunities to meet new people and hang out with old friends.

Friday Night, Feb 19

Be sure to plan to stick around after the Opening Act Workshops. The speakers are planning to stay and socialize into the wee-hours. Book a room and join the group in the PPM hospitality suite, 14th floor of the Marriott Hotel. It will be open to all attendees.

Saturday Night, Feb 20:

The ASMP Michigan is hosting an all-convention social mixer. Everyone is invited to the Medeterranin Room at the Troy Marriott Hotel. Starting at 6:00 we'll have music, dancing, cash bar. Pizza & beer/wine/soda availabel at a reasonable cost. Dress is casual, party/club attire. It is a great opportunity to meet and network.

After the party, continue socializing in the hospitality suite.

Sunday Night, Feb 21:

The GLIP (Great Lakes Institute of Photography) auction is from 7:00 to 9:00 in the Dimension room.

At 9:00pm gather in the Ballroom Foyer area for dessert and coffee time, with music, cash bar and photobooth. Dress casually and enjoy time with your new friends.

At 11:00 the party moves to the hospitality suite to finish the evening.

Monday Night, Feb 22: Sponsored by JD Photo Imaging

We are trying something new this year....

6:00 to 7:00

Print competition awards will be presented at the Awards Celebration Cocktail Gathering. Everyone is invited. This is your chance to dress up in your best party clothes. . .tux/suit and gown/cocktail dress would not be out of place. . . adorned with your finest bling. Accept your awards, and support other reward recipients. This is where we hand out the $500 cash prize. Bring your friends!

There is no extra charge to attend the Awards Celebration Cocktail Gathering.

7:30 - 9:00

After the Cocktail Gathering, relax and enjoy good food and good friends at the National Award Dinner Party--$25 for attendees, $55 for family and friends. Black tie optional...Great food...relaxed atmosphere.

Menu:

Passed items-

Brushetta duet

Smoked chicken quesadillas with pico de gallo

Vegetable spring rools with plum sauce

Mediterranean salad with roasted beet vinaigrette

4 oz filet mignon with truffle scented mushroom compote

4 oz grilled salmon with grapefruit/basil beurre blanc

Loaded mashed potato

Asparagus, baby carrot, pearl onion teardrop tomato

Turtle cheesecake with caramel, pecans, almond cookie

Thank you to JD Photo Imaging for their help in sponsoring this evening!

10:00
Hospitality suite open to all attendees.

Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

Win $500! (Enter Print Competition!)

2010-02-04T07:53:00.000-05:00

PPM print competition is just around the corner...

but there is still time to enter!

Print cases are due by 4:30 Friday afternoon, Feb. 19, 2010

Boxes will be accepted in lieu of a print case this year

Ship or deliver to:

the Troy Marriott Hotel

200 West Big Beaver Road

Troy MI 48084

PPM is accepting digital album entries.

Albums may be of wedding, baby/child, senior, family, event.

Album and print judging begins Friday!

Guidelines and forms for prints and albums can be found online at

ppm.org

ppmevents.com

Plan to Join the Party!

New this year.....

Print competition awards will be presented at the Awards Celebration Cocktail Gathering. Everyone is invited. This is your chance to dress up in your best party clothes, adorned with your finest bling, to accept your awards, and to support other reward recipients. Bring your friends!

There is no extra charge to attend the Awards Celebration Cocktail Gathering.

After the Cocktail Gathering, relax and enjoy good food and good friends at the National Award Dinner Party--$25 for attendees, $55 for family and friends.

Michigan Expo Trade Show!

2010-02-03T07:58:00.001-05:00

Make sure you come to the Michigan Photographic Expo February 19-23 in Troy Michigan! This is the largest Photographic Expo in the state of Michigan. You aren't going to want to miss the biggest trade show in the state! The trade show will be held during the convention at the Troy Marriot Hotel. It is free for the Michigan Expo attendees, or you can purchase a trade show only pass for $10. Here are a list of vendors that you will want to check out... more coming soon! The trade show will Be on Sunday from 11:00 - 4:00, and Monday from 10:00 - 3:00.

American Color Imaging

North American Photo

Canon USA

Burrell Colour

Miller's Professional Imaging

Del Marcus

Midwest PhotoExchange

Midwest Camera Repair

Midwest Transaction Group

White House Custom Color

Color Inc.

Now is a Good Time...

2010-01-12T16:55:00.000-05:00

... to register for Michigan Photographic Expo (MI Photo Expo)! We have a ton of great speakers and events lined up just for you, the professional photographer. To register you may click here. Or you can visit the new PPM event site: ppmevents.com for further information on the programs, trade show, Marriott Hotel, and night life.
We are very excited that the American Society of Media Photographers is cosponsoring MI Photo Expo this year, bringing in speakers, fresh ideas... and a party!

We Love Our Volunteers!

2010-01-05T15:51:00.002-05:00

Professional Photographers of Michigan is a volunteer run organization. PPM is totally dependent on volunteers to keep us moving forward. Without volunteers, we would not exist.

We need volunteers to assist in the areas of communication, hospitality, print competition, working at an event, and clerical tasks. Volunteering is the best way to get plugged in to meet members, make great new friends, and get the most from your organization.

We are always on the lookout for volunteers to make our organization better. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Scott at edir@ppm.org and let him know right away. We'll get you plugged in!

Thanks!

Welcome New Sponsors

2009-10-15T07:47:00.003-04:00

Welcome two new premiere sponsors to the PPM family....
American Color Imaging and Burrell Colour Imaging. Check out and support all of our premiere sponsors: American Color Imaging, Burrell Colour Imaging, Canon, H&H Color Lab, JD Photo Imaging, Millers Lab, North American Photo. You can find links to their websites to the right of this page.

Training Camp!

2009-09-20T11:30:00.000-04:00

Starts today!
Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

WOW! Look at This!

2009-09-11T14:13:00.007-04:00

Fall Training Camp has free stuff, a cash prize and $2000 worth of Raffle Prizes....
Everyone who attends will have an opportunity for fun prizes and free stuff, but the number one reason that you can't afford to miss this event is the information and inspirational training you'll glean from the experts and friends. Information and inspiration leads to business success!
Don't forget to visit our page on Facebook, and on the website: ppm.org , for more information.
Check the notes on Facebook for information on sharing rides and/or rooms.

Last Chance for Fall Training Camp Savings....

2009-07-27T21:47:00.013-04:00

Photographic Fitness Experts, Scott and Adina Hayne are coming to PPM Fall Training Camp.

Don't miss out on the last sale for Fall Training Camp . . .

bring a friend for 50% off!

This week only when you register with a friend you get the lowest price registration half-off.

Click here for Registration Form

All For: $199

PPM Gold Members pay $99

You and your friend must register at the same time.

Hurry!! Offer ends July 31

You'll get photographic fitness training that will "blow your socks off and break a few rules," with Scott and Adina's No Rules Workshop. Since starting their business in 2007 the Haynes have seen business explode and they are willing to share the lessons learned on their amazing ride! Join them for two half-day seminars that will reveal the factors that go into their photography, networking, and business success. You will not want to miss training with these bright new stars of photography!
Brought to you by H&H Color Lab.

And that's not all...
Bring your cameras and get hands-on training from Michigan experts, Jackie Palmer, David Humphrey, Betsy Finn, Candy Young, Rod Gleason, John Marion, Mary Anne McAtee, Brad Hawks, Joy Hein, and Laura Boutel.

You will want to reserve your room at Crystal Mountain soon. Special price ends August 20.
Visit the website, ppm.org , for more information and registration forms.

Get Photographically Fit -- Half Price!

2009-06-18T07:03:00.009-04:00

In case you didn't get the email, we are reminding all professional photographers that it is time to get your business in shape.

Attend Fall Training Camp, September 20 thru 22.

Register this week and bring a buddy for free!
That's right! Register with a friend by June 23 and pay only one registration fee.

All photographers are invited to get in shape with photographic fitness experts, Scott and Adina Hayne. They will strengthen your skills and business savvy in their "No Rules" Workshop.

Plus, get tons of hands-on experience with Michigan experts, Jackie Palmer, David Humphrey, Betsy Finn, Candy Young, Rod Gleason, John Marion, Mary Anne McAtee, Brad Hawks, Joy Hein, and Laura Boutel.

You do not have to be a PPM member. Registration for three days is $199. PPM members pay $99. ...and we repeat, register this week and bring a buddy for free!
Visit the website, ppm.org , for more information and registration forms.

Look What We Did!!

2009-05-01T14:43:00.031-04:00

The Essentials event was everything promised, and more! We had a great time learning, creating and relaxing with new and old friends at the Inn at Bay Harbor, in Petoskey, MI

Jennifer Hudson inspired us to to new creative heights.

The Antisdels endured their personal version of "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles" to share a little of everything with us. What they went through to get to Petoskey!! We so appreciated it!

Michelle Huesgen did a great job sharing her brand of child and Senior photography... complete with Photoshop tips and tricks.

And we had time for shopping, gallery hopping, eating at great restaurants, hunting Petoskey stones, shooting, collecting textures..... and soaking in the view.

Hope we can do it again!

FREE STUFF!!

2009-03-21T14:11:00.002-04:00

A quick note to announce that senior photographer, David Humphrey has donated a complete set of actions to everyone who attends the PPM Fall Training Camp, September 20 - 22. This is a $129 value. The action CD's will be handed out at Fall Training Camp.
Thanks David!!!

Share a Ride - Share a Room

2009-03-21T10:01:00.002-04:00

Looking for someone to share a ride or a room at Essentials? Comment at the end of this post. Let us know if you want to share. Be sure to leave contact information!

Not For Women Only

2009-03-21T08:54:00.003-04:00

Hey guys! Men are allowed to come to Essentials, too! It is a great opportunity to share and learn more about your clients. Gain new insights into the mysteries of the female mind, as well as pick up techniques that appeal especially to women!
... and don't worry, some progressive-thinking men have already signed up. You won't be the only ones! See you there!

It's Essential!

2009-02-26T09:43:00.009-05:00

The Essentials Retreat For and about Women is just around the corner, April 26 - 28. This year the venue is in the beautiful Inn at Bay Harbor in Petoskey, MI. This is the perfect time to get away from it all and relax, renew, and reinvent yourself . . . before the rush of the busy season. Essentials is not your ordinary seminar where you spend the entire day in a stuffy classroom; we have downtime built into the schedule! Time to relax, and renew acquaintances -- or make new friends!

When you're relaxed, be prepared to reinvent yourself with information from our line up of business success stories:

Sunday, Jennifer Hudson, a young photographer from Boston, has recently reinvented herself and her photography. She will share her story and her techniques and artful new products for in her presentation, the Handmade Life.

Monday, Sana Antisdel, and Kia Antisdel Bondurant, of Louisburg, Kansas, will share their relevant style and innovative ideas that have earned them national recognition in high school senior photography. They are excited to be bringing you brand new marketing, shooting and selling ideas.

On Tuesday, Michelle Huesgen, a children and senior photographer from St. Louis, Missouri, will share all the insight she has to offer, as well as tips and tricks of the trade when it comes to turning a portrait into a work of art!

You won't want to miss a minute of it!

Visit the PPM website to register.

FYI . . .

2009-02-23T15:10:00.003-05:00

Print Competition 101 - Demystifying the Process
Cost: $95 - includes all four Webinars & 100% of your registration fee is applied to your 2009 Print Competition case fee!

Get a head start on PPA's 2009 International Print Competition with this 4-week Webinar series, designed to give you a complete understanding of the benefits and workings of this exciting program-a very different form of education!

How Print Competition Helps You
Wednesday, February 25 | 7:00pm Eastern
The Twelve Elements of a Merit-Worthy Image
Wednesday, March 4 | 7:00pm Eastern
PPA's International Print Competition: Process and Workflow
Wednesday, March 18 | 7:00pm Eastern
The Home Stretch: Judging the International Print Competition
Wednesday, April 1 | 7:00pm Eastern

To register or for more information, visit: www.ppa.com/education-events/webinars/090225-print-comp.php.

And the Winner is...

2009-02-23T08:48:00.003-05:00

Just a quick post to announce the award winners of the PPM print competition. We had some amazing entries this year and great judging. The judges, Kalen Henderson, Ken Sklute, Gabriel Alonso, Helen Yancy, Randy McNeilly, Bert Behnke, and Dave Swoboda, provided good feedback, great advice and consistent scoring.

Congratulations to the Image Makers!

And here are the results:

In Electronic Imaging...
Brad Hawks was Electronic Imager of the Year (sponsored by North American Photo) with a score of 333
Karen Walker earned Court of Honors recognition (sponsored by JD Photo Imaging) for two images: Sylph, and Honor Restored.
Brad Hawks earned a Kodak Gallery Award for Back to the City.
Edward Westwood earned the Fuji Masterpiece Award for National Museum of the US Airforce.
Best of Show, Electronic Retouching and Enhancement (sponsored by Canon USA) was National Museum of the US Airforce by Edward Westwood.
Best of Show, Electronic Imaging (sponsored by Miller's Professional Imaging) went to Back to the City, by Brad Hawks.

In the Photographic Imaging categories...

Michael Timmons earned the ASP State Elite Award for the album, Alaska.
Carol Nichols and Kelli Walton tied for Highest Scoring First Time Entry (sponsored by the Jack Marion Family).
Michael Timmons won the Bill Stockwell Award for the album, Alaska.
Highest Scoring Image (sponsored by JD Photo Imaging) was Snow-capped, by Michael Timmons.
Best Black and White Image (sponsored by Photoeducation.com) was Snow-capped, by Michael Timmons.

Those earning Court of Honor
...in the Portrait category (sponsored by Canon USA):
Andrew Jenkens for Intense and On Edge,
Deb Trombly for Fishing Buddies,
David Humphrey for Perfect Balance,
Jim Churchill for Demons Within.
...in the Illustrative category:
Tina Timmons for Liquid Grace and Russian Resting Place
Cynthia Higgons for Spare Ribs,
Betsy Finn for Soul Shoes,
Michael Timmons for Final Flight and Morning Watch.
...in the Wedding/Event category:
David Deutsch for Contempory Classic
...in the Album category:
Jim Schmelzer for Miss Fashionista.

Kodak Gallery Awards went to
Portrait: David Deutsch for Jamzzz
Illustrative/Commercial: Michael Timmons for Pemaquid Light
Wedding/Event: Brad Hawks for Two Bridges as One
Album: Michael Timmons, Alaska

Fuji Masterpiece Awards went to
Portrait: Jim Churchill for Emergence
Commercial: David Humphrey for Speedo the Breath of Victory
Illustrative: Tina Timmons for Docked
Wedding/Event: Clint McLennon, Stairway Romance
Album: Rick DeLorme, At Last

Best of Show
Portrait (sponsored by North American Photo):
Dan Pulver, Eva at Two
Commercial (sponsored by Canon USA)
David Humphrey, Dirt Devel
Illustrative (sponsored by Miller's Professional Imaging):
Michael Timmons, Snow-capped
Wedding/Event (sponsored by H&H Color Lab)
Sam Sarkis, Wrapped in Love's Light
Album:
Michael Timmons, Alaska

Michigan Photographers 4 for 4
Michael Timmons
Tina Timmons
Jim Churchill
David Humphrey
Andrew Jenkins
Sam Sarkis
Brad Hawks
Barry Rankin
Debra Sportel

Michigan Top Seven Photographers -- non masters (sponsored by MTPPA)
7. Moni Most, score 319
6. Carol Nichols, score 320
5. Carol Fabrizio and Mari Latosis, score 321
4. Kelly Dobson, score 322
3. Karen Walker, score 323
2. Betsy Finn, score 326
1. Sam Sarkis, score 329

Michigan Top Seven Masters (sponsored by DPPA)
7. Cliff Stewart, score 324
6. Barry Rankin and Deb Trombly, score 325
5. Brad Hawks and Clint McLennon, score 328
4. Dan Pulver, score 333
3. Andrew Jenkins and Debra Sportel, score 334
2. David Deutsch, score 346
1. David Humphrey, score 353

Michigan Photographers Award of Merit (sponsored by Miller's Professional Imaging)
Tina Timmons, score 354

Michigan Photographers Award of Excellence (sponsored by H&H Color Lab)
Jim Churchill, score, 357

The Alan Tedrick Michigan Photographer of the Year Award (sponsored by Canon USA)
Michael Timmons with a score of 386. This was the highest scoring print case in Michigan print competition history! Congratulations Michael!

Some of us are looking forward to viewing these images online, but we will have to be patient. After a couple of requests to hold off until after the PPA International Print competition we will do just that, to reduce the risk of a judge having to disqualify him/herself because they know the image and the maker. We have the images and will be posting them after June. Hopefully most of us had a chance to view them first hand at convention, if not it will be worth the wait. Thanks for understanding!

Convention Adventures

2009-02-09T10:46:00.003-05:00

A Word From Our Sponsors

2009-02-06T06:45:00.004-05:00

Today is the big day! The PPM convention officially starts tonight at 7:00 with print competition. You have until 4:30 to get your print cases to the James B Henry Center in Lansing.

Trade Show ..... Trade Show ..... Trade Show ..... Trade Show ...... Trade Show

We are also very excited to bring you a full trade show. We have a lot of old favorite vendors as well as some pretty cool new vendors. Many of them are bringing new products and bargains! Even if you can't swing convention plan to come for the trade show. Trade Show only passes are $10 at the door. Hours are 11-4 Sunday, and 11-3 Monday. Bring your friends!
Here is a list of some of our much-loved sponsors......

White House Custom Color
Great Lakes Albums
Dynamic Designs
Herf Jones
Virtual Backgrounds
American Color Imaging
Midwest Photo Exchange
MAC Group
Graphic Authority
Just Rite Brackets
Burrell Colour

KEH Camera Brokers
Allied Imaging
GP Albums
Image Place
MadCamp Backgrounds
H&H Color Lab
North American Photo

Midwest Transaction Group
Midwest Camera Repair
Millers Imaging
Canon USA
JD Photo Imaging
Phase One

Do You Twitter???

2009-02-02T11:20:00.007-05:00

PPM is twittering! Now you can get even more up to date PPM info on Twitter.

What’s a Twitter?

Twitter is a real-time messaging utility… kind of like instant messaging but also kind of like blogging. The updates are very short (140 characters or less), and you can use your account for simple things like “it’s raining”… or you could let your friends know what you’re up to. So, for Professional Photographers of Michigan we’ll be using twitter to let you know what we’re up to …especially at the Michigan Imaging Expo…

So if you want to know what's happening at Michigan Imaging, be our guest! You can find us at http://twitter.com/prophotomi. Sign up! You don't want to miss out!

Did We Mention The $500?

2009-01-30T13:56:00.003-05:00

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?

2009-01-29T06:16:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-01-28T07:02:00.017-05:00

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

2009-01-24T16:00:00.009-05:00

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......

Shoot-about

2008-07-28T08:25:00.004-04:00

Hope you all are planning to attend the Summer Seminar on Mackinac Island. This is our first year on the island during the warmer months. Bring the kids and plan to take part in all of the fun the island has to offer... hiking... biking... shopping... swimming... eating... lounging...

One more thing for you to consider:
A few of us are hoping to put together a couple of informal, just for fun, shoot-about options. Our plan is to meet in the hotel lobby one evening (after the party, of course) and early one morning.
In the evening we will probably walk into town for night-time photographs under the lights.

In the morning we'll concentrate on sunrise over the lake.

Bring your camera gear, your point and shoot, or empty handed, and just tag along. Everyone is welcome!
Watch for more information and let us know if you can come with us.

More to the Story

2008-07-27T19:06:00.000-04:00

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