PPSNYS - the Blog

What's happening in Rochester?

2011-11-08T22:41:00.002-05:00

We've had an amazing year in the Rochester section and as President, I feel really lucky to have been a part of it.

Our latest updates can be found here in our newsletter and if you'd like to get updates from us directly, we're on Facebook too!

I also want to take the opportunity to thank Owen Kassimir for putting together the incredible 911 video for PPSNYS ~ truly a treasure to be seen.

That's it for now, thanks for reading from Rochester!

Project 9.11

2011-09-11T12:36:00.003-04:00

News from Professional Photographers' Society of New York State, Inc.
For more information contact: Paul Bernstein, (518) 434-9500
Professional Photographers' Society Commemorates the 10th Anniversary of 9/11
Members Work Together to Capture New York State's Resilience and Unity

ALBANY, NY -- The Professional Photographers' Society of New York State, Inc.(PPSNYS) is organizing
Project 9/11, which will involve members of the Association taking photos throughout New York State on
Sunday, September 11, 2011 – the 10th anniversary of 9/11. During this 24 hour period, the Association will capture the spirit of New York's resilience and unity through the eyes and lenses of participants from its over 400 professional photographer members. People and events from Montauk to Buffalo, Jamestown to Plattsburgh will be photographed.
The ultimate goal of Project 9/11 is to produce a piece of living history, demonstrating the power of visual media to capture and document the emotions, people and events in this brief moment in time. To accomplish this, PPSNYS is harnessing the talents, minds and hearts of some of the finest people in the profession. Submitted photos will be evaluated by the Project 9/11 Committee. The photographer with the winning photo will be honored at the 2012 Photo North East Convention and Trade Show, taking place March 24 – 27. To view a list of participating photographers in your area please visit www.ppsnys.com and click on 'Project 9/11'.

About PPSNYS: The Professional Photographers' Society of New York State, Inc. was formed solely to instruct its members and the public in photography and to create, foster, promote and encourage the exchange of knowledge among its members and the public. PPSNYS is a society dedicated to the advancement of photography both as a science and an art. Members are encouraged to develop the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, business practices and customer relations.

For more information about Project 9/11, please contact PPSNYS Headquarters at (518) 434-9500 or headquarters@ppsnys.com.

PPSNYS Lecture Series Continues on October 16

2011-09-07T16:09:00.003-04:00

TIM RILEY

Have you registered for this upcoming seminar? It's free for PPSNYS members and open to non-members for a $25 fee.

Here's what speaker Tim Riley says:
"As unemployment rises, so to do the number of new photographers. Armed with a new SLR Camera, the average Joe can get stunning results and build a portfolio that will rob you of life-long customers. Let 2012 be the year you begin to work "on" your business and not "in" your business.Forget about Photoshop and learn why using Lightroom can reduce your editing time by 80%. This introductory class will explain the basics of Adobe Lightroom and how to keep your desktop and mind clear of clutter."

The Lecture will be presented in Rochester, New York at the Hyatt Hotel from 8:00pm until 11:00pm. Don't forget your laptops!
Please click HERE to RSVP.

September News

2011-09-02T23:55:00.000-04:00

In this News Update

Hurricane Irene Outreach
SNAPP Talent Exchange Program
Lecture Series - Tim Riley
Project 9.11

Hurricane Irene

Many areas throughout New York State suffered much destructionas a result of Sunday's hurricane. If you, or a member you know, is in need of assistance, information or services in the aftermath of this storm, please contact Headquarters at 518-434-9500 or headquarters@ppsnys.com. Now is the chance for PPSNYS members to come together and support one another in this time of need!

Southwestern New York Association of Professional Photographers Presents the 2011

Talent Exchange Program and Print Competition

When: September 18, 2011

Where: Robert H. Jackson Center, 305 East Fourth Street, Jamestown, NY 14071 (Please use Prendergast St. entrance)

Cost: $65 for SNAPP, PPA, PPSNYS, or PPO members; $75 for non-members (fee includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and banquet)

Seth Garcia will present on the following:

The Power of Light

Free yourself and have more control shooting morning, noon or night regardless of the natural or artificial light conditions, properly exposing your subject as well as your backgrounds.

The Power of Photoshop

Today, Digital processing skills are essential to every photographer. Increase the value and profitability of your work, learn the power of Adobe Photoshop - the number one photo editing tool on the planet - and unleash your creativity!

Program Schedule

8:30am Registration and Print Entry

9:00am Seth Garcia's Program (The Power of Light)

11:30am Print Judging and Trade Show

1:00am Lunch

2:00pm Seth Garcia's Program (The Power of Photoshop)

4:00pm Print Critique

Banquet and Awards Presentation

Seth Garcia

Seth shoots high-resolution digital images for weddings, corporate events, photojournalism, and commercial and fashion clients. Seth's work has appeared in numerous international, national and local publications and magazine and on billboards, websites, posters and CD covers. His portfolio includes work for Maxim, Fox Sports, Newsweek, and many other publications.

For more details and registration information click here!

PPSNYS Lecture Series -

Tim Riley

An Introduction to a Sustainable Lightroom Workflow

Where: Hyatt Regency Rochester 125 East Main Street Rochester, NY 14604

When: Sunday October 16, 2011 from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM EDT

Cost: FREE for PPSNYS Members, $25 for Non-members

As unemployment rises, so to do the number of new photographers. Armed with a new SLR Camera, the average Joe can get stunning results and build a portfolio that will rob you of life-long customers. Let 2012 be the year you begin to work "on" your business and not "in" your business.

Forget about Photoshop and learn why using Lightroom can reduce your editing time by 80%. This introductory class will explain the basics of Adobe Lightroom and how to keep your desktop and mind clear of clutter. Don't forget your laptops! Please click on the link below to RSVP.

REGISTER TODAY!

Project 9.11

The ultimate goal of Project 9.11 is to produce a piece of living history, demonstrating the power of visual media to capture and document the emotions, people and events in this brief moment in time. To accomplish this, PPSNYS is harnessing the talents, minds and hearts of some of the finest people in the profession. Learn more>>

Thank you to all those registered for Project 9.11! If you haven't already, please register today! The deadline to register is Wednesday, September 7th.

Please contact PPSNYS Headquarters with any questions, 518-434-9500, headquarters@ppsnys.com. Thank you for your participation.

A Message from the President

2011-08-31T21:49:00.000-04:00

August, 26 2011

Letter from President, Greg Lewis

Hello, PPSNYS members! I hope you're all having a great summer, both professionally and personally! With vacations, weddings, graduations, and last month's successful Workshop keeping us busy, the summer has really flown by!

As many of you know, PPSNYS is coordinating a statewide photo shoot, Project 9.11, which seeks to capture images from all over New York a decade after the tragic event of 9/11, demonstrating New York's unity and resilience. I know there are many talented and creative photographers in our association who can contribute to this meaningful project. We currently have 50 PPSNYS members already registered; and we would love to have more involved. The deadline has been extended to Wednesday, September 7th, please register today to secure your participation.

In coming months, I will be traveling across the state to meet with section officers and delegates, to discuss job descriptions and the association's goals. I am currently working on updating the Policy and Procedure Manual, and look forward to sharing those updates on my visits, as well as discussing strategies to help PPSNYS grow and enhance service to members. It is my intent to meet with leaders from every section during my tenure.

If you've been spreading the news about the value of being a PPSNYS member, here's yet another reason to do so. In an effort to recruit new members, the PPSNYS Executive Council approved a membership incentive program which will allow current members to save money on their own membership renewal. "How much," you ask? The new member rebate program offers a sponsor 50% off his or her state dues for the recruitment of one active member, 75% off for two active members, and 100% off for three active members in the same fiscal year. By helping sign up new members, you're not only benefitting the new member and our association, also you're saving yourself money when the new member renews after their first year. (Your discount goes into effect when the 'Aspiring' member renews at the end of their initial year of membership, and becomes an 'Active' member.)

Please be sure to check the PPSNYS website frequently for other news about our society and its members, such as our 'members only' discount program. Don't miss out, as some of the discount offers are about to expire! New vendors are constantly offering discounts to PPSNYS members and I encourage you to consider bookmarking the webpage for easy reference. Another useful feature under discussion is a "buy-sell-trade" web page. Stay tuned for more details.

As a society, we've also been trying to come up with an effective way to easily identify and schedule speakers for our monthly meetings -- both on a local and statewide basis. Creating a 'speaker's bureau' will fill that need, but we need input from you to make it work. If you or someone you know has developed an informative presentation on a photography topic, please email the information to us at headquarters@ppsnys.com. Once we have assembled a list of speakers, we'll post it online as a useful resource for all of our Sections.

We will also be compiling our fall newsletter over the next few weeks, and would love to feature articles written by our members. If you enjoy writing and would like to share some of your ideas and techniques with fellow-members, please submit your article (+- 500 words), via email, to headquarters before Monday, September 26th.

On a sad note, we have lost two long-time members of PPSNYS in the Southern Tier Section, earlier this summer. In June, we lost Stephen Maciak; and in July, Shirley Green. PPSNYS extends our sincere condolences to both families.

One final item: Whether you're a PPA member, or not, there is an excellent promotional video on YouTube that will give you some persuasive selling points to use in the marketing of your business. If you are a PPA member, you can even post the video on your website. The video highlights the benefits of hiring a professional photographer, and will remind you of important points to focus on when talking to prospective clients. Check out the 'PPA --See the Difference' video.

I hope to see many of you register and submit photos for Project 9.11, because I know this will be a project we will all be proud of! As a bonus, you may also be named the winner of the Project 9.11 photo contest to be presented at Photo North East, March 24-27, 2012.

In the meantime, I encourage you to take advantage of the many educational and networking events PPSNYS offers to help you sharpen your skills and further your career. Enjoy the rest of your summer; and please don't hesitate to contact us with your questions, ideas and feedback!

Cordially Yours,

Greg Lewis, CPP

PPSNYS President

PPSNYS Project 9.11 Invitation

2011-08-09T14:34:00.000-04:00

Where:

New York State

Who:
PPSNYS
www.ppsnys.com

When:
Sunday September 11, 2011 from 12:15 AM to 11:45 PM EDT
Add to my calendar

Get more information

Register Now!

Dear Fellow PPSNYS Photographer,

The Professional Photographers' Society of New York State invites your participation in a very special event. PPSNYS is organizing Project 9/11, which will involve our members taking pictures on Sunday, September 11, 2011 - the 10^th anniversary of 9/11. Selected images captured that day will then appear in a book that will be published and marketed to first responder groups (hopefully as a fundraiser for them), as well as the general public. The success of this project relies on the participation of PPSNYS members like you.Photographers whose images are chosen will be credited for their work and receive publicity and photo credit in the finished product. Please review this invitation carefully and contact PPSNYS Headquarters with any questions. The registration deadline is September 1, 2011.

Please click here for more information. We look forward to working together to create something artistic and memorable.

Greg Lewis

President

cc: Project 9/11 Committee

       Paul Bernstein
       Honey DeLapa
       Maryolla Dannebaum

Rossi Ferraiolo

Professional Photographers of New York State, Inc | 136 Everett Road | Albany | NY | 12205

www.ppsnys.com

Great Educational Opportunity

2011-07-22T12:16:00.000-04:00

The SNAPP Section of PPSNYS, Inc. is hosting a great program on September 18th in Jamestown, NY. Register by August 18th and the cost is $65 for members and $75 for non-members which includes a full day program, lunch and a dinner banquet. What a BARGAIN for an outstanding speaker and meals too! A Print Competition and Trade Show will be held in conjunction with this event.

Spend a day with Seth Garcia! Learn the secrets of lighting and composition, as well as how to see natural light and use your own lighting in advanced lighting techniques in ANY location regardless of lighting conditions.

This is a program not to be missed.

Please download the registration form and sign up today!

A Special July Seminar at PPSNYS Workshop

2011-06-29T23:40:00.000-04:00

Workshop Special Event!

Sunday July 17, 2011
4:00-5:00pm
Vandervort Room (of the Scandling Building)
Hobart College 337 Pultney Street Geneva, New York 14456
FREE FOR PPSNYS MEMBERS
$35 for Non-members
$10 for wine and cheese at 5:00 (fee waved if attending week long workshop)

PLEASE NOTE THE TIME HAS BEEN CHANGED TO 4:00-5:00PM; WINE AND CHEESE AT 5:00PM. Come see what's new! Join Ken Sklute as he presents on the newest innovations in how to incorporate motion, HDR, quality lighting and other artful techniques to enhance your work.

Cheese and wine will be available following Ken's presentation. Don't miss this opportunity to learn and network with your peers and colleagues!
Ken Sklute
Canon Explorer of Light, Ken Sklute has been collecting Fine Art imagery for over 37 years in Professional Photography. In those 37 years as a Portrait and Wedding Photographer Ken has amassed 29 Photographer of the Year awards while making Art out of those Weddings, Portraits, Professional Sports and Landscapes. Ken will present a very moving and educational presentation on the always improving techniques available to us as photographers in 2011.

Please RSVP to headquarters@ppsnys.com. Include contact information and title email: Workshop Special Event.

SNAPP TEP - Sept 18th

2011-06-13T17:05:00.002-04:00

Join SNAPP for a program featuring Seth Garcia at the Robert H. Jackson Center in Jamestown, NY. Sunday September 18th is the day to mark on your calendar!
Program, lunch, dinner banquet, trade show are included in the registration fee. Also print competition (actual print, not digital...we're keeping it old school!) First 20 registered recieve special VIP status and seating.
Link to the brochure with registration form available here: www.snappinc.net/events.html

PPSNYS Lecture Series

2011-06-10T21:27:00.000-04:00

PPSNYS is pleased to announce the first in a new series of photography lectures.

Attendance is FREE to members and $35 for others. Registration is now open! Please follow the link for more information and registration information. PPSNYS Lecture Series

Thanks to Lustre Color Professional Imaging and Stephen Sedman, CPP, for their help in presenting this great program!

A Note from PPSNYS President, Greg Lewis

2011-06-06T22:30:00.000-04:00

June 3, 2011

Letter from President, Greg Lewis

Hello PPSNYS!

First, Workshop is just around the corner, July 17-21. Come join us for a week of education, networking, great instructors and fun at Hobart! Register now for this great event.

PPSNYS is also offering its members another benefit. We are introducing at our Council Meetings a free-for-members educational event. (There will be a nominal fee of $35 for non-members.) The first of these is at the upcoming Council Meeting in Albany. On Monday, July 11^th, following the Council Meeting -- at approximately 4pm -- Stephen Sedman of Sedman Photography in Braintree, Massachusetts, will present an informative program on weddings. You won't want to miss this education - just in time for the wedding season. Please join us by emailing headquarters@ppsnys.comwith your contact information.

In other news, the 10^th anniversary of 9/11 is a few short months away, and we would like you to be thinking about how and what you will document that day in your neighborhood. This will be a PPSNYS 'member only' event. The officers are working on protocols for image submission at this time; and, as we finalize the details, more information will be coming your way.

Another item I'd like to bring up is discounts on studio accessories. I am requesting some member participation on this topic. If interested, please develop a list and email it toheadquarters@ppsnys.com, don't forget to include your name, e-mail and phone.

Lastly, PPSNYS will be sending out a newsletter in July. Here is your opportunity to shine on that thought-provoking article you've been putting off for so long! Be thinking about what you like to photograph, that special style you've created, or a favorite lighting set-up. Your colleagues are waiting for your expertise! Please send any news from your neighborhood, including any awards from the local community, participation in a cancer project, the Heart Walk, a children's hospital event, or an inspiring speaker you've heard, recently. We are looking for content, and we know you have it! Please send everything to headquarters@ppsnys.com.

All the best for this summer season!

Greg Lewis CPP

President PPSNYS

Westchester Section is Keeping Busy

2011-06-06T22:27:00.000-04:00

There is a lot going on with the members of the Westchester Section of PPSNYS. If you'd like to read about the upcoming events, click here! Westchester Newsletter

A Big Thank you

2011-04-10T16:58:00.000-04:00

Greg and I want to thank you all for supporting us at PNE.....you are all part of our family. We had a great time, lots of fun, education and partying!
We are looking forward to a great year. Thanks, Sharon and Greg

News from Southern Tier

2011-04-10T16:31:00.004-04:00

Greetings from the Southern Tier Pro Photogs!

We have a great meeting coming up April 19th with nationally known speaker Rich Banick.

This is a must see program. Last year he shot 575 Seniors, about 7500 underclass kids and 3500 sports kid. Byron Sands knows him personally and has seen him speak and says this about him, "He has his system down better than anyone I know. Anyone the least bit interested in this field that doesn't attend the talk will be truly shooting themselves in the foot. Rich only speaks a couple of times a year at larger conventions - SPA, SPI, etc - we are lucky to get him - he's not on the "speaker circuit". He is constantly working!!!!!"

Go to www.stppny.com/news.html to see a full bio and topic synopsis of the speaker.

Sound great? Come and join us, all are welcome, just RSVP me at shar@stny.rr.com by April 15th.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Brothers 2 Restaurant

2901 Watson Blvd., Endwell, NY, 13760

5:30pm Sign in and mingle

6pm Dinner

7-9pm Speaker

Thank you, Sharon Lewis, President of STPPNY

Results of PNE Print Competition

2011-04-02T00:03:00.000-04:00

If you were one of the many who entered prints in the PNE Print Competition, you can see all the scores on the PNE site. The website also lists all the print awards.

For those of you who would like to see the amazing images which were honored with Courts of Honor and other prestigious awards, you can see them HERE!

Rochester updates and Photo North East!

2011-03-21T13:36:00.005-04:00

First of all, I can't believe we're finally into the last week of waiting for State Conference ~ everyone here in Rochester is very excited!

Just wanted to leave a heads up that you can follow Photo North East on Twitter and see what's going on up to the minute!

And for everything Rochester, please visit our Blog and join us on Facebook! We look forward to connecting with you!
:)

I also would like to mention what an incredible program we had last month and to recommend our speakers to the other sections.

Don Menges and Sheridan Vincent, gallery partners of Rochester's own Image City Gallery, provided an evening of breathtaking photography.

Don has a unique grasp on high dynamic range (HDR) photography and shared his ideas into what makes good HDR images and the techniques he uses to create such interesting images.

Sheridan produces eye-popping panoramic images and also shared his experiences and output techniques for creating such beautiful imagery.

They both spoke incredibly well and brought us into a world of visually stunning imagery.
If you would like more information, please contact our Programs Chair, Pat Luke and thank him for introducing us all to these talented photographers.

Photo NorthEast Conference

2011-03-15T12:38:00.000-04:00

One of the biggest events each year for PPSNYS, and photographers from all over the Northeast, is happening in less than TWO weeks! Each year we come together for Seminars, a huge Trade Show, Print Competition and fun with friends. If you've never experienced a photography convention, this is the time to do so. If you thought you'd skip this one, you should change your mind! You will never forget this experience!

There is still time to register for this amazing event and you can get all the details here ~
http://photonortheast.com/

Get a feel for last year's Conference with this video created by Rob Adams!

http://bit.ly/pneconference

Make sure to register today. You won't want to miss this fantastic event!

Special Offer from PPSNYS Workshop

2011-02-18T23:26:00.000-05:00

Register for any workshop class before March 1, 2011 and receive a special gift from Michael Barton!

"Top Secret Textures 3 is a collection of 68 textures gathered from around the United States. These textures will add a unique quality to your images and take your work to a new level. In addition to these, Top Secret Textures 3 also includes a bonus tutorial that will help you maximize your images." This CD has a value of $50.00

http://www.ppsnysworkshop.com/

Image Competition Rules

2011-02-04T13:26:00.000-05:00

PhotoNorthEast has posted the Image Competition Rules for the 2011 Conference in March!

There will be a digital component and a print component for this competition. Please read the information carefully as the rules have changed and the allowable print sizes are different.
We look forward to seeing your amazing images!

2011 PNE IMAGE COMPETITION RULES

What a BARGAIN! PPGNY Educational Event

2011-02-02T12:56:00.001-05:00

The Greater New York Section of PPSNYS has a fantastic seminar coming up with Michel Tcherevkoff, one of New York's Top Commercial Photographers.

It will take place on Monday, February 7, 2011. Right now you can register for $29 if you hurry! The regular cost is $75 for PPSNYS members and $85 for non members. Still a bargain!

There is no better value for a day of photographic education anywhere.

Go sign up today!
Click this link: GNY

PPA 2010 Grand Imaging Award Winners

2011-01-20T22:11:00.000-05:00

PPSNYS member, David Jeffrey, won First Place in the Portrait category! Congratulations on receiving this great honor!

You can see all the winning images here: PPA 2010 Grand Imaging Winners

SNAPP Officers for 2011

2010-12-09T17:20:00.003-05:00

(from left to right: Jon Hart, Olen Seidler, Stephanie Cunningham, Karen Heltzel)

Elections were held Wednesday December 8, 2010 for officers of the Southwestern New York Association of Professional Photographers.

Returning as President are Stephanie Cunningham CPP, Cunningham Photography, Ripley, NY; Vice President: Karen Heltzel, Moments In Time Studio, Warren,PA; and Treasurer: Olen Seidler, Seidler's Studio, Union City, PA.

Coming on board for 2011 as Secretary is Jonathan Hart of PhotoGraphix, Warren, PA.

We're looking forward to a great 2011!

Why Hire a PPSNYS Photographer?

2010-12-03T09:20:00.008-05:00

There has been much discussion lately around photographic circles regarding the influx of non-professionals with fancy cameras who claim to be able to offer our clients everything we do, albeit at much lower prices. There are many twists and turns to this story, and of course it's been going on for years, but with the easy access to professional level digital cameras, it seems the problem is affecting more and more of our fellow professional photographers.

Hudson Valley member Lou Bedinotti wrote the following piece as something that he will be including in the information he gives to his clients in an effort to educate them on the value of hiring a true professional. Lou is sharing this with our community in the hopes that we can all transform the future of professional photography, showing our clients the reasons to hire the real deal, as opposed to the cheapest deal.

Feel free to use this .jpeg in your own brochures, edit it to fit your target client, add your achievements, etc. Together we can educate our clients about the real value of professional photography!

-Liz Ferrara

President, HVPPSNY

Rochester TEP with Pierre

2010-11-25T11:02:00.002-05:00

The Greater Rochester Professional Photographers and Hahn Photographic hosted a full day photography workshop in downtown Rochester, NY with Certified Professional Photographer, Pierre Stephenson on Halloween. The workshop was a classroom style learning experience followed by a photography session with a model at night on Rochester streets. Everyone learned a lot of new tricks and ideas to quickly and easily spice up any portrait.

One Last Reminder, Coleen & Company, 11/7&8 - Syracuse

2010-11-03T15:24:00.000-04:00

You're about to miss it ! The incredible value of this event is unsurpassed at $129 (PPA/PPSNYS members) and $159 for non-members. TWO DAYS with Darty Hines and Coleen Gonsar -- two of the biggest names in Senior and Family Photography and FOUNDERS of SYNC!

Sunday, Nov 7th & 8th--

Full details and online registration here: http://ppscny11078.eventbrite.com/
Testimonials here: http://web.mac.com/colleenandco/Colleen_&_Co./Testimonials.html
Comments from people who realized later what they missed... (just kidding; they were too ashamed to admit it)

There's still time! At least check the page and see if your competition is signed up for it!
Have an awesome day!

Kelvin :-)

Marketing Across the Digital Media Divide

2010-10-28T10:43:00.002-04:00

** If you don't subcribe to the Marketing Spot, I highly recommend it as your daily dose of Marketing ideas! Simple quick daily topics delivered right to your email...... ~Heather

http://www.themarketingspotblog.com/

You really can’t market to everyone using one medium or one tactic. And while the new, digital media gets most of the favorable press, that doesn’t mean the old, traditional media doesn’t work, despite premature reports of its demise. So the big question is: How do you market to whom? Or, more appropriately, where do you marketing to whom? Let’s look at some facts.

The Media Facts

The median age of the broadcast television viewer is now 51. You will frequently see reports that television is dying, really it’s just getting older.

Approximately 57% of of American adults have a Facebook account. That figure itself is pretty staggering, but it doesn’t tell the entire story.

Dive into the numbers a little deeper (as I did) and you will find that 84% of adults under age 50 have a Facebook account. Wow. And according to Facebook, 50% of users log on to Facebook daily.

As I looked at the numbers for my local market area, I found that 89% of Facebook users are under the age of 50.

My friends, that is a digital divide.

The Digital Media Divide

There is a digital media divide in the U.S. and it seems to be right at age 50. Consumers under age 50 are more likely to use the new, digital media while over age 50 are much more likely to be traditional media users. So what’s a marketer to do?

Some people want to ignore the 50+ crowd by ignoring the traditional media, but that’s not smart. After all, Americans over the age of 50 comprise 41% of the adult population, and tend to have higher levels of disposable income. Far from being ignored, they should be embraced.

What you need is a marketing strategy that straddles the fence, or more accurately, straddles the divide. That strategy is a mix of traditional and new media that reaches across the digital divide, and invites all consumers into your business.

Of course, certain products and services aren’t mass appeal. If you sell class rings, you probably want to stay on the new side of the divide. But mass appeal businesses need a straddle strategy: car dealers, beauty salons, car washes, donut shops. Don’t ignore television, radio, newspapers, and magazines on the traditional side of the divide. Don’t ignore Facebook, websites, and location-based services on the new side of the divide.

If your audience is broad, straddle the divide. Are you just standing on one side?
Don’t miss out on free marketing advice. For updates on new articles: Receive The Marketing Spot by Email or Get The Marketing Spot in a blog reader

HVPPSNY TEP!

2010-10-24T14:24:00.009-04:00

The Hudson Valley Professional Photographers Society of New York will be holding it's annual TEP on Monday, November 8th.

With two renowned speakers, a great trade show, breakfast and lunch, and the chance to network with local photographers, this is an event not to be missed! Lindsay Adler and Neil Van Niekerk will be teaching lighting from two very different views.

Visit our website here to check out the details, or click on the images below to see the brochure.

Exciting News from Photo North East

2010-10-19T20:19:00.004-04:00

Have you been wondering about the 2011 Convention?

The Photo North East Convention and Trade Show website is now live - http://www.photonortheast.com - with information about the Hotel, Trade Show Vendors, Speakers, Events and a link to register for the Early Bird Price. This convention is going to "knock your socks off".

Print Competition will be all digital for the first time in history. Rules and procedures will be added as soon as everything is finalized.

You know you're not going to miss this great event, so take a look and sign up today! We'll keep you updated.

Event News from PPSNYS Historian, Denise Weldon

2010-10-12T14:22:00.000-04:00

This event should be of interest to all photographers!

Rochester, NY – The world’s only continuous symposium on the history of photography, PhotoHistory XV, will take place at the George Eastman House in Rochester, New York on October 21-23, 2011.

The 15th Symposium on the History of Photography

Finger Lakes Newsletter

2010-10-03T13:35:00.000-04:00

Editor, Steve Chesler has posted the newsletter for October. It includes program information for the upcoming Section Meeting.

You can read it here ~

Finger Lakes Newsletter

Long Island Day Conference

2010-09-27T13:51:00.001-04:00

If you're in the NYC area or want to make the trip for this great event, check out the details of the Long Island Day Conference sponsored by PPGNY.

The Professional Photographers of Greater New York
Present
Long Island Day Conference

October 4, 2010

Featuring

Doug Gordon

Internationally Renowned
Fashion Wedding Photographer
Teacher and Mentor

Robert Farber

World Famous Fashion and Fine Art Photographer
Author of 9 books on Photography

Long Island Conference Day

Colleen & Company Coming to Syracuse!!

2010-09-27T11:01:00.010-04:00

November 7-8, 2010 -- PPSCNY, Inc (CENTRAL) is hosting their first TEP in 3 years, in a 2-day event! Senior Success through Marketing, Photography and Sales... presented by Darty Hines & Colleen Gonsar, of Coleen & Company, and founders of the wildly successful SYNC - Senior & Youth National Conference.

Colleen and Darty will share their award winning marketing, photography and sales approaches and techniques. During this program, you'll find in depth education and demonstrations to push your senior photography and other parts of your studio to the next level. This class is heavy in senior portraits, but may cover other aspects of running a portrait studio along the way.

Early Bird Registration Online (ends October 17th):

$99 for PPSNYS and PPA members
$129 for non-members.
Hot lunch included both days.
Hotel rooms available for just $89 per night, up to four occupants.

Full details and registration at http://ppscny11078.eventbrite.com/

60second video overview below. Questions, email: kelvin@ppscny.net.

HDR and Fine Art Nature Photography with Tony Sweet

2010-09-20T01:15:00.000-04:00

Tony was an instructor at PPSNYS Workshop in 2006 and again in 2008. Many of our members attended and were inspired by his work and teaching style. Check out his upcoming webinar.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM PDT

Join renowned fine art nature photographer Tony Sweet as he shares the stories behind some of his gorgeous nature images and also provides deep insights into the techniques of creating fine art photography. In this webinar, you’ll not only learn how he refines and enhances his images with Nik Software tools, but also get a special sneak peek into his use of Nik’s new HDR software scheduled for release October, 2010. Tony Sweet is the author of the acclaimed “Fine Art Digital Nature Photography” and a well-recognized workshop leader and contributing editor to both Shutterbug and Rangefinder magazines. www.tonysweet.com http://www.facebook.com/tony.sweet

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/514714491

Greater Rochester Professional Photographers October Wine Tasting and Photo Scavenger Hunt

2010-09-17T17:35:00.004-04:00

Come on down to Keuka Lake and spend some time with your fellow photographers on a field trip as we capture the beauty of Autumn while sipping the delicious flavors that NY wine has to offer! We will have a tour bus on hand that will pick us up probably in a Victor, NY parking lot and take us directly to the first winery.

We’ll have time to do half the lake…the West side including: Hunt Country Vineyards, Stever Hill, Dr. Frank’s, and Heron Hill.

We’ll be on the trail by noon, finishing up by 6pm on Wednesday October 13th.

Bring your favorite gear, and your imagination and we’ll look forward to sharing our images at the Christmas party. There will be a photo scavenger hunt at each location and a competition!

Some of the resources allocated towards this trip will involve a donation of a digital image by each photographer to Keuka Lake Wine Tours.

Please check the Greater Rochester Professional Photographer's website for updates…there are more specifics to follow. There will also be a scavenger hunt planned so put on your thinking caps!

HERE IS THE ITINERARY; IF YOU'RE DRIVING DOWN SEPARATELY, THIS IS WHERE WE'LL BE AND WHEN:
(Our driver is Steve Shaw; (c) 585 489 2714)

1pm: Hunt Country Vineyards. 4021 Italy Valley Rd. Branchport, 14418; 800 946 3289

2pm: Stever Hill Vineyards. 3962 Stever hill Rd. Branchport 14418;
315 595 2230

3pm: Dr. Franks Vinifera Wine Cellars. 9749 Middle Rd. Hammondsport, 14840; 800 320 0735

4pm: Heron Hill Winery. 9301 County Route 76. Hammondsport 14840
800 441 4241

Departing at 4:45 - back to Eastview Mall by 6pm.

Our fabulous President is coming up with a scavenger hunt so put your thinking caps on!

We will also be giving out prizes for :
1. Best composition
2. Best lighting
3. Best location (spirit of the place)
4. Best Impact
5. Best color

Please RSVP to:
Sue Egan Photography
sue@seganphoto.com
http://www.seganphoto.com/
http://www.seganphoto.com/blog
Facebook: http://artist.to/sue_egan_photography
Twitter: http://twitter.com/seganphoto
585 224 5612

Relocation Sale on Photography Books!

2010-09-17T17:28:00.001-04:00

To all Professional Photographers of America Members

We are relocating to larger offices next Friday and have 8 pallets of photography books that we would prefer not to have to move! As such we would like to offer members of your regional PPA 2 of our books (published this year) at a discounted price.

Wedding Photography - A Guide to Posing. The first print run of this ran out and we just took delivery of another 6000 copies last week. It has received universal rave reviews.
Wedding Photography - A Guide to Photojournalism. This was released a few months ago and is proving very popular as a companion to the Posing book and has also got fantastic reviews.

Even if your members do not shoot weddings the books are a great help to those shooting portraits. If you take off the wedding dress then it is a portrait session virtually anyway!

The books are usually $23.95 each but your members can order them both for just $39.95 (inc P&P) by ordering from the special page I have created at the address below. They can read all about the books on out website www.oliver-cameron.com.

Special Ordering Page
http://www.oliver-cameron.com/specials/ppa.html

The offer runs out on the 24th September so if it could be done sooner rather than latter it would be appreciated. You can see full sample chapters (low res PDF's) at:-

Posing Guide - Group Chapter at www.oliver-cameron.com/groups
Photojournalism Guide - Preparation chapter at www.oliver-cameron.com/prep

Many thanks and hopefully it will save out backs not having to move so many books!

David
Oliver Cameron Publishing
sales@oliver-cameron.com

Greater Rochester Professional Photographers Meeting

2010-09-07T15:29:00.000-04:00

The Greater Rochester Professional Photographers is hosting a very interesting program on Wednesday, September 8. Details can be found here - http://bit.ly/GRPPseptember.

All PPSNYS members are welcome to attend meetings at any Section as part of your member benefits.

Make sure you are taking advantage of your membership by checking here to see all the exciting events that are sponsored by PPSNYS and the Sections.

SNAPP Happenings...

2010-09-03T16:53:00.003-04:00

Sadly, SNAPP has had to cancel our TEP that was scheduled for September 12th and the shootout with Lew Everling on Sept 13 (a free add-on to the TEP). This was due to a very low number of people registered for the event. We're hoping to have Lew and Mark out to our section, perhaps another time...
In October, we're planning a day long class with Paul Rogers, "Mother Nature's Studio". Paul will be strictly working outdoors with 15 students. His program will conclude at our next meeting October 13th. Anyone who would like to attend this class is welcomed to contact Paul and secure a spot on the roster! Cost of his class is $69. Dinner & meeting at the Diamond Cafe, 140 Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY. Cost of dinner with drinks and dessert is $19 (not included in the class fee). For more information, please contact Stephanie Cunningham CPP, SNAPP President by email: shutter@hughes.net or by phone, (716) 736-9669.
November we will be accepting nominations for new officers for the 2011 year.
2010 will conclude with our annual holiday party in Waterford, PA.

GRPP September Meeting

2010-09-03T15:37:00.003-04:00

Greater Rochester Professional Photographers:

September Meeting

“The Business of Aesthetics”

Brady Dillsworth and Paul D. Van Hoy II from ‘WPW: Wedding Photography Workshop” have pioneered an incredible website filled with information for professional photographers. They hold workshops to further educate as well and we are very lucky to learn from them!

They technically describe their writings as “The Business of Aesthetics,” however, a much more accurate overview is that they are “teaching people how to maximize profit while minimizing mistakes!”

“We have each made just about every wrong move known to man, yet somehow managed to build a respectable business! Our goal is to make sure that photographers know they are not alone as they navigate the tricky path of selling, marketing, investing and shooting ”

GRPP meeting is on Wednesday September 8th

Networking & Print Critique is from 6-7

7pm Meeting begins.

* bring a food or beverage to share if you would like to
* bring up to 3 professionally printed 8×10s for critique

Meeting is open to current paid members. Non-members are charged $30 at the door or may join GRPP/PPSNYS.

BookSmart Studio
250 North Goodman St.
Rochester, NY

What's your reason?

2010-09-03T14:59:00.006-04:00

Have you ever found yourself, especially after a rough day, asking yourself, or your spouse, or whomever will listen, "Why do I do this?!"

Recently, I photographed a family that has a 3 yr old with a rare form of kidney cancer. Before the session at their home, I was a basket case stressing over all the "things that could go wrong". Never having had a family portrait, these would most likely be their only family portraits with Lydia. I relayed my fears to my friend & mentor, Dana Nordlund, and he said "THIS is why you are a photographer...get out there and do it".

We had good weather the day of their session. Lydia and her 1 year old sister were just as busy as any one and three year old getting photographed. We enjoyed our time together, capturing as many moments as we could before the girls gave out...even got Dad to crack a grin (he didn't smile for his own wedding photos I was was told). I posted the proofing slideshow to Facebook for them to share with their friends and family afterward (the family got the dvd copy to keep). It was tough not letting the emotional aspect override my brain throughout all of this.

Lydia took a turn for the worse about as week after their prints were delivered. Fluid is building up from the cysts that the tumors create. Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh can do no more for her but keep her comfortable and as pain free as they can with the help of Hospice. They figure she has maybe 2 weeks...

The pictures we create today for people may be the only things some people have left when the ones they love are taken from them. When I first started taking photographs, I thought I wanted to help people feel better about themselves by getting their best angles, touching up the flaws they can't see past. But after this experience, I want to make sure I have created the most beautiful memory for someone.

What's your reason?

Stephanie Cunningham, CPP

SNAPP

Is the price too high, or your dream not big enough?

2010-03-13T16:21:00.009-05:00

I learned that question from my good friend Don MacGregor from Vancouver, BC. He's an awesome photographer and one of the best "teachers" of photography that I've ever met, and his question... if you think about it, has life-altering potential.

As PPSNYS president, last year, a number of people called or wrote me before conference, to talk to me about why they weren't or couldn't go, and several of them allowed me to suggest to them why they really couldn't afford to miss the conference. When it was over, each of them who decided to go thanked me profusely for "talking them into it."

One such young lady, wrote to me just a few days before the conference -- she wasn't even a member, but had heard about it. She was a single mom with two kids, who'd been doing a little photography on the side, just dabbling, and she'd just gotten laid off from her job. She wanted to go, but said she couldn't afford to, especially now after losing her job. We talked about it for a bit, and she realized that her small photography business was the only hope she had... so she found a way to come. She drove an hour or so, each morning and evening, back and forth -- because she couldn't afford the hotel room -- but she came, and she got enough information and inspiration from the sessions, to go back home, take her photography business full-time, and make a living to support herself and her two children. Her reason -- her dream -- got big enough. She thanked me.

Several people thanked us -- the whole conference team -- afterward. I lost many of those saved comments during a computer crash. But, I managed to salvage a few. In case you're on the fence... one of them might connect with you...and make a difference. Here are a few to consider.

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Dear Kelvin, Deb & Owen:
Thank you for all you did to make 2009 convention an amazing experience in education. I was so impressed & very thankful. I am knee-deep in great changes and advancement in my studio. NEVER have I been more motivated following education as we (Brock and I) are since convention! Thank you for all that you did.
Suzette Tweedie
ST Photography Portrait Studio (SNAPP)

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I just wanted to take a minute to say thank you once again...not only for your email assistance prior to the convention but also a big thank you to all of the PPSNYS members who made me feel incredibly welcome during my 26 hours in Albany. From the moment I walked into the hotel to register, PPSNYS members were outgoing and friendly, speaking with me before even knowing I was there for the convention. I must admit that in all of my travels whether it was work related or just for pleasure, I have never felt so welcome. Thanks to everyone... from the gal with the pink in her hair!
Susan Wacht, GeminEye Images, New Hartford, CT
www.gemineyeimages.com

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What an awesome conference we had this year in Albany...Not everyone in the group knew each other going in, but by the end, we were one big happy family. It's also great to see a crop of new, young, talented photographers coming in to the state organization. The camaraderie and support that all the professional photographers offer each other, along with the educational opportunities to advance our craft are truly inspirational.
Steve Chesler, Chesler Photography (FingerLakes)
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=67549273070

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It truly was a GREAT conference, great speakers, great camaraderie, comfy rooms, nice space. Good job!

Janice Fundalinski (Buffalo-Niagara)

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Kelvin,
I guess all those hounding emails paid off. It was a very successful conference. I haven't seen that kind of attendance for many years. Thanks for all your hard work!
Eric A. Wessman (Westchester)

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Deb,
I can't say enough about how great the conference was! You and your team did an amazing job. I also have to give a very loud applaud to the Print committee, they worked their tails off, It was all so wonderful. Can't wait for next year."
Maryola Dannebaum (PPGNY)

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Deb, that was an AMAZING conference - I know how lucky I am to have attended, and can't thank all of you enough for everything you did to put that together for us - we are all extremely grateful - THANK YOU THANK YOU!
Sue Egan-Mongiovi (GRPP)

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Nearly a week later, back to my real life, I looked through your album and cracked up.This past convention will be a tough act to follow in the fun department. Thanks for sharing! Stay well!
JoAnne Schoepfer-Corrado (PPGNY)

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Kelvin:
The hotel was a feast for the eye, and my fellow professional image makers, both presenters and participants alike, were inspirational, informative and supportive. There were so many different events and presentations that I wanted to attend, I found myself blazing from one to another to insure not to missing any of the vital tips and marketing musts for improving my clientele. I can't thank you and the other members enough for putting on a first class networking event. I learned so much that I was, frankly anxious to get back home and put all the great ideas into action. I hope to give you a positive progress report on my business growth as a result of using all of the pointers and connections I made at this great event...
Russell Allen, Busydog Consulting & Photography LLC (PPGNY)

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"Thank you for all your hard work Deb! Conference was awesome!"
Honey Delapa (FingerLakes)

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From one of last year's speakers...

Hello Deb,
Please send this out from us to all involved as well. We want to thank you all for such a great time with PPSNYS. We LOVED the organization and felt like we were right at home with friends. Thank you for making us feel so welcome. We had a wonderful time sharing and really just thought the reception of our program was excellent. We really loved everything about the group and you all did a GREAT job with the convention! WAY TO GO!!

Thanks so MUCH for having us! We hope to visit you all soon again.
David and Ally McKay, McKay Photography

SAME BAT TEAM ... SAME BAT CHANNEL

YOUR DREAM IS BIG ENOUGH !

The (Conference) Hits Keep on Coming!

2010-02-24T04:25:00.006-05:00

The 2010 conference theme is LEARN MORE TO EARN MORE and this conference delivers it all! Photoshop, marketing, classical portraiture, weddings, models and fashion, fine art, seniors, children and MORE! right down to some KICKIN' EARLY BIRDS.

In the last two months, we've added MORE speakers, MORE vendors, MORE excitement!

NEW! On Saturday, March 27th at 1:00 p.m. at the Desmond, we've arrange to administer the PPA CPP test (Certified Professional Photographer) If you're interested in taking that test, call PPA right away to make sure you're eligible and can participate.

NEW! We've added early birds on 1) getting REAL results with Facebook, 2) Lightroom tutorial, 3) background design using muslins, 4) how to design a marketing piece, and 5) a special early bird that will take you on a photo safari around the Desmond and show you how to find photo opportunities on location. Check the schedule here for specific times and instructors. One non-early bird program discusses the PHVusion that happens with still and video. Promises to be a cool program.

NEW: There's new print rules posted that now include ALL the award categories -- Fuji, Canon, Courts of Honor, everything explained.

BRAND NEW! We just added (20 minutes ago) the speakers' posters online -- you know, the ones you normally stand outside their room to read at conference to see if that's who you really want to see? We're giving you a head start this year; because you may have to make some tough choices :-). SO, when you check the schedule, check out the green "Learn More to Earn More" logo to the right of each presentation and click it to check out that's speaker's bio and information. AND if you click on their photo, you'll go to their web sites so you can really check them out. it doesn't get any easier than that!

Someone wrote me that they didn't know some of our speakers. THANK GOODNESS! The team worked hard to bring you fresh talent. You might not have heard of some of them, but I promise you the artists we present you this year are cream of the crop, and at the top of their games.

Consider KEN SKLUTE! Canon Explorer of Light -- a designation shared by only 60 other top photographers worldwide! Could you learn something from a person who's been chosen as photographer of the year 27 times in 35 years, between different states? or someone who's won 15 Kodak Gallery awards and 15 Fuji Masterpiece awards. Would you like to get inside that mind? Check out his poster here: http://ppsnys.com/conference/2010/Sklute.html .

Or how about MATTHEW JORDAN SMITH; photographer to the stars, teaching us photographic lighting secrets and marketing techniques to improve your bottom line. Do you think the person who photographs Oprah Winfrey, Tyra Banks, Halle Berry, Mandy Moore and other stars might be able to share a thing or two about lighting? The same man who's hired by Pantene, L'Oreal, Revlon and Olay? Right here in Albany...Friday, March 26 at 1:00 p.m. Check out his poster here: http://ppsnys.com/conference/2010/mjs.html

Do you work out of your home? How about STOREY WILKINS who, in 6 short years, built a highly successful home based wedding business and was named one of Canada's top 10 wedding photographers in July 2009? March 9th she'll be teaching a master class at WPPI on the art of powerful wedding day storytelling, but you can save your money because she'll be teaching the same program at at our conference in Albany on March 28th at 8:00 a.m. (tradeshow starts at 10:00) Check out her poster here: http://ppsnys.com/conference/2010/wilkins.html

That's just 3 -- and there's so much more. I don't want to give it to you all at once; I just wanted to give you a feel for what will be right here in your own back yard... March 25-28th, 2010 at the Desmond.

The ONLY way to keep from learning something MAJOR at this conference... is to not show up! Don't risk it! Your competition is already registered !!

The Fine Print

Day Rates Tickets now available on the registration site. PPSNYS / PPANJ/ PPA member rate is only $75.00. Non-Member Day Rate fee is $100 dollars.

Print Competition begins on THURSDAY, March 25th, so be sure to check the rules for deadline dates and fees and submission changes.

FULL CONFERENCE fee! $175 for PPA, PPSNYS, PPANJ members -- $245.00 for non-members, includes 1 year free membership in PPSNYS for first-time members) Includes all parties and socials (except Sunday night awards banquet), one lunch, one brunch, all seminars, and the TRADE SHOW! Sunday night awards banquet must be purchased separately.

Hotel Reservations
The Desmond is located just 2-1/2 miles from Albany International Airport, and is easy access off routes 1-87, 787, Rt 7 and I-90. Call 1-800-448-3500 to reserve your plush accommodations at The Desmond Hotel and Conference Center for the special price of only $135.00 per night for up to 4 occupants. Special rate ends March 5th, 2010.

Talk to you again soon. ;-)

Your Conference Team

New York and New Jersey Co-Venture Joint Conference for 2010 !

2010-01-23T10:54:00.006-05:00

The Professional Photographers' Society of New York State (PPSNYS) and the Professional Photographers' Association of New Jersey (PPANJ) are making history, as these two powerhouse organizations come together to co-venture the "1st Annual The Northeast Regional District of Professional Photographers of America Convention", being held Thursday, March 25 - Sunday, March 28, 2010.

Assessing current market conditions and anticipating upcoming changes to PPA's regional print competition policies, the organizations seized the opportunity to get a head start in working together and setting the spirit and example of cooperation among the Northeast Region's photographer Societies.

The 2010 joint conference is being held at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center, 660 Albany-Shaker Road in Albany, New York. Click the image below to see full registration details on the upcoming conference as well as a video of the conference speakers.

The conference features a plethora of top speakers (see the schedule here) , as well as a FULL HOUSE of sponsors for the TRADE SHOW on Saturday and Sunday.

Just $175.00 for PPSNYS / PPANJ / PPA members, includes the full conference, one brunch, one lunch and all social functions (including the theme party). Non-member fee of $245 includes one year of free membership in PPSNYS (for 1st time members) at the section of your choice (there are ten sections throughout New York State)

REGISTER NOW at http://northeast2010.eventbrite.com/?ref=ebtn or send a blank email to ppsnysconf@aweber.com for up-to-the-minute updates.

See you there!

And the Beat Goes On...

2009-05-23T13:49:00.010-04:00

When I joined PPSNYS back in September of 2000, I could not have forecasted the series of events that would have culminated in my becoming president of PPSNYS.

As I look back, it all came about because I had a desire to contribute. I've always believed that if I'm going to "belong" to something, I needed to contribute. So after I joined in 2000, I started pitching in at the section level -- first as secretary, then delegate -- and wound up being section chair at Central for two years, and the rest is history.

In order to be a good member, I believe that you need to find a way to contribute to whole. Everyone doing a little makes the organization stronger, particularly in an all volunteer organization.

So maybe you don't want to be president -- I certainly didn't think that was in the cards for me -- but I encourage you to find a way to contribute. Don't just carry membership card; carry out the "active" part of your active membership. Think of what small part you can play -- and add your own unique value -- that will make PPSNYS a better society for you, and all of us. Choose to be a partner in our greatness. It is the power of our team that makes us stand out, and makes us successful.

Thank you for helping us have a very successful year! Despite the downturn in the economy, PPSNYS members turned out mightily for our conference, and we had a great time.

The photo committee processed over 1500 images (see them on FLICKR at http://www.flickr.com/photos/ppsnys/).

So, I've graduated to the ranks of past presidents - 104th in a series. Though my presidency is over, my contribution is not. I will continue to be a good member, and contribute to make our society better. I hope you will continue with me.

If you're new to our great society -- our family -- we understand that you joined us in hopes of receiving something. But members of a family support and nurture each other, and if we're not a family, we're just a bunch of people sitting around in a room together. I hope you'll be part of our family.

Thank you for allowing me to lead you. Take care.

Kelvin P. Ringold, CPP
"The Prez" (some habits die hard)

2 Weeks to Go (From Winifred)

2009-03-16T21:08:00.004-04:00

We are only two weeks away from PPSNYS and as I am looking at yet another beautiful snow fall in the northwest, I know I am being prepared for what I might find in Albany – because I have certainly NEVER seen a winter like this in Poulsbo WA before - winter 2008/2009. We have created history!

In addition to a slideshow I hope you will enjoy, I will have sixteen 24x30 canvas prints on display. Sometimes it is difficult to put together a large display when traveling to a conference, but with the help of Paul Bernstein and my lab – I am getting them there.

I am so excited about meeting so many new people and of course meeting my new FACEBOOK friends. I would never have been on FB had Kelvin not said – “I need you to be on FB. I want people to start to meet you and you them and it will be good for your business.” I was resistant – I emailed “What is this FB. – just another link to my site” Anyway, I joined and could immediately see the significant platform it provides and the access it gives me to easily connect to my professional industry. I am actually a very private person, so there are real limits as to how I use it but I do enjoy.

I am speaking on the first evening but I am remaining for the entire convention. I am looking forward to all the presentations - it is such an opportunity to keep those creative juices stirred and such an opportunity to meet you.

See you there.

Winifred

3 Weeks to Go (from Winifred)

2009-03-09T01:59:00.004-04:00

Less than 3 weeks to go and I am thinking "shouldn't I wear an evening

gown so that I can better represent my elegant ladies." I wonder if I

can pull that together! I have so much to show you and to share with you about Intimate Portraits for Women - my tiny slice of the market and I love it. I am in the 212 club. I am going for STEAM! SOMEBODY needs to setup a 212 group.

You are probably aware of the reputation New Yorkers have for being all business, cold and distant. I continue to be amazed by the warmth with which I have been received and the assistance extended by this NY community. Wouldn't it be something to have to coin a slogan "New Yorkers are Nice" Scary but It could happen.

Anyway, I sure hope you will come to State, as I hear it called, and please introduce yourself to me. I am so enjoying this cross country connection. Speaking of cross country, it was so frosty and cold this morning, I thought I was in New York. Well, at least the time has changed -- a promise of Spring to follow. Winifred

---

http://www.intimateportraitsforwomen.com/blog

http://www.intimateportraitsforwomen.com

elegance@intimateportraitsbyWinifred.com

~~~~~

New York ~ 347.835.8783

Seattle/Bainbridge Island ~ 206.777.5178

Poulsbo ~ 360.779.1375

http://www.facebook.com/people/Winifred-Whitfield/646537920>Facebook me!

PPSNYS / Westchester Member in the News!

2009-03-02T21:45:00.008-05:00

Every body likes good news, and all the better when it's about US!

Westchester member Aida Krgin -- was featured last week in two different articles in her area. A local online journal entitled The Loop, featured Aida's studio on Saturday Feb 21, and also talked about her involvement with "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep" (NILMDTS), an organization that provides bereavement photography for parents who have experienced early infant loss.

Aida and Krgin Photography were also featured in an article which appeared on February 25th in The Rye Record, and details her success in transforming her passion into a profitable business.

Check it out then drop her a line at aida @krginphoto.com and say congratulations!

Do you have other good news to report? Drop us a line at news@ppsnys.com!

Have a great day !!!

The Prez is on the Move

2009-03-02T20:00:00.006-05:00

February 24th, I had the pleasure of visiting our Westchester section, at the kind invitation of Mr. Frank Mohalley. I got there just in time to be "social" and enjoyed a good meal and invigorating conversation. Then I found out I was going to be a print judge -- a pretty humbling experience when the other judge is Frank Dispensa!

But I survived the night and among other things had the pleasure of helping select the Carol Phillips 2008 print of the year, in honor of our past state president Carol Phillips. The award was presented by her husband, Robert Phillips, to Sheila Gardner.

It was a good night for Sheila -- she took that award, as well as Best of Show, 1st and 2nd place awards for Westchester's quarterly print competition. 3rd place was garnered by Les Howard. Thanks for inviting me Frank!

I have visited some other sections during my term. Last year I visited Southern Tier, actually before I was officially president. I visited Finger Lakes for their summer family picnic, SNAPP for their TEP with Don MacGregor last fall, Greater New York for their excellent Long Island Conference, and Hudson Valley in the fall for their John Woodward TEP. Greater Rochester invited me a couple of times, to include installing their officers in January.

I still need to get to Capital Champlain and Buffalo -- hopefully not on the same night! I have until mid-May as president, so maybe we can work these out after conference.

Have an excellent day! See you at conference!

PPSNYS 2009 Conference Speakers

2009-02-05T03:51:00.005-05:00

Sometimes, the easiest / simplest things to do, are the things we forget -- like... making sure your conference speakers are ALL readily found so people know what they're teaching. Below, is a comprehensive collection of our conference speakers and their subjects -- and special surprise on some of them. Kevin Kubota and Rod Evans have given us video messages, Beth Forester and Carl Caylor brief hellos and updates on their programs. David and Ally McKay give us a heartfelt letter to all photographers who read this. Be sure to check that out.

Here's the line-up, folks! See you at the conference :-)

Kelvin

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Beth Forester "Digital Power: Pump Up Your Senior Business "
http://www.foresterphoto.com/

Beth is known for her dynamic style of cutting-edge style of senior portraiture, and for her ability to repeatedly create unique and stunning images using digital tools and techniques.
In her program, Beth will share insight into her success in the highly lucrative market of senior portraiture. She will cover all aspects of digital senior portrait photography designed to pump up any senior session and attract new customers to your studio. From lighting and posing the senior subject to photoshop tips and tricks, she will reveal her
everyday techniques used to create stunning, one-of-a-kind portraits. Finally, she will discuss senior philosophy and how to use it to create higher market demand and, thus, increased sales. See her special letter to PPSNYS attendees.

Carl Caylor Artistic Elements of Portratiure
http://www.photoimagesbycarl.net/

This program is designed to stimulate, energize and stretch your imagination. Carl will share his views on composition, lighting, dolor harmony and more. He will show how depth is created, where and how to look for light , how to make portraits believable and interesting, how to choose the correct background and how to use it, how to enhance an image with emotion and how all of these pieces work together to create and artistic image. Click here for his personal message to PPSNYS conference attendees.

Rod Evans
http://www.evanscreativity.com/

Portrait artist Rod Evans has become one of the fastest success stories in the photographic industry in the world. In ten short years he has taken his studio for start up to carriage trade. Rod has been selected as one of the 78 most influential photographer in the world by Canon USA. Learn marketing straregies and technology to gain more clients with online bookings and CD ROMs. Rod will also explain how clients order online without you losing your sanity and business with a presentation system that will have your clients spending more and enjoying every minute of it. See his special video message to PPSNYS conference attendees:

Mark Garber and Jennifer Gilman Creating the RED HOT Studio
http://www.markgarber.com/

*How to create Red Hot images even if youre in an Ice Cold location.
*How to get wedding event planners to fall in love with you and want to marry their brides to your studio.
*How to dazzle inquiring brides by using Red Hot Viral Marketing.
*Creating a Buzz about your studio by using co-vendor marketing.
*How to keep brides coming to your studio and spending money long after the wedding is over.
*Hot products and sales techniques that will help you to achieve your desired lifestyle.

David Jay Creating Freedom
http://www.davidjay.com/

David Jay will give you a firsthand look at the innovative techniques that he has developed in his unique approach to wedding photography. Creating Freedom will focus on Davids revolutionary Hands-Free marketing system and Hands-Free workflow, both of which have allowed him to create a thriving business and still have time to live the kind of life he wants. This program will combine discussions of Davids principles and techniques. He will also share the secrets of developing and adopting systems that will run and market your wedding business quickly and automatically, leaving you with more time to focus on other areas of our work and life. Davids Hands-Free workflow has been the key ingredient in his rapidly growing business: with less than 4 years in the industry, he has gone from photographing weddings for under $1,000 to making over $15,000.

Kevin Kubota - Your Undisputed Action Hero
http://www.kkphoto-design.com/2005/

Everyone knows Kevin Kubota for his incredible Photoshop actions, but did you know he was also named one of the top 10 wedding photographers in the world by American Photo magazine? His wedding and portrait work has been featured in Rangefinder, Studio Photography & Design, Popular Photography, and Shutterbug, as well as in photography books such as The Best of Portrait Photography and The Best of Wedding Photojournalism by Bill Hurter, and others. And so much more. Speaking on two separate days... you do not want to miss him. Click here for his special video message to PPSNYS Conference attendees.

David and Ally McKay The Journey ~ Ingredients for Success
http://www.mckayphotography.com/

Be prepared to be inspired artistically, creatively and financially. Sharing their passion for their work as well as their marketing and sales strategies, this program includes the ingredients the McKays have found to own and operate an incredibly successful high-end portrait business with consistent sales of over $5000 selling Wall Dcor Art pieces. These ingredients include: Passion and Inspiration, Artistic Technique, Niche Marketing and Sales Techniques. The McKays will also explain how even in a slow economy you can implements ideas to be highly successful. See their special letter to New York State Photographers, and PPSNYS conference attendees here. .

Duane Sauro Portraiture Today
http://www.saurophotographicart.com/

The program includes a slide presentation, print exhibit and discussion of techniques and philosophy of portraiture. The emotional and compositional structure of portraiture, past and present will be analyzed. Classical, contemporary, illustrative and surreal presentations of portraiture will be discussed. Digital imaging will be exhibited and discussed as an invaluable and repeatable tool in our ongoing effort to produce increasingly artistic images for our clients, personal gratification and business profits.

Marilyn Sholin The Digital Art Studio
http://www.marilynsholin.com/

Marilyn shows digital art techniques designed to give your portraits and weddings new artistic intensities. Learn how to use a variety of digital software that easily lets you define your own style and emphasizes your unique vision. Learn the secrets to creating original art and paintings fast and easy using an assortment of tools and software. Put the finishing touches on the final prints or canvas taking them to a new level using art products that are easy to use, but give a big impression.

Winifred Whitfield Intimate Portraits for Women
http://www.winifredsgallery.com/

Elegance with a contemporary flair is the style that is unmistakably Winifred Whitfield. Imagine the ladies of yesteryear, posing for their portraits. Two Hundred years ago women dedicated hours to sit for an artist turning their present appearance into a treasured memory. They had chosen a definitive time in their lives to capture their own immortality. Portrait artist, Winifred Whitfield believes that the ladies of today also hunger for and deserve the same type of definitive fine art portrait. Although at one time she was a traditional photographer, now the majority of her wall portrait commissions look like paintings on canvas. Her life work is creating beautiful and very flattering, portraits of women, and this is the reason women seek her services.

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We're Getting Excited here!

2009-02-03T01:47:00.006-05:00

Hello New York!

It's heating up now. Less than 60 days before the conference and everybody is getting excited! Our speakers are excited, the conference team is excited and hopefully YOU are excited! Among other things, we'll be bringing you some messages from our speakers, so you can get a real feel for what you can look forward to in March!

We mentioned before that about half our speakers are on Facebook, and how great it is to get a peek into the daily lives of people we hold up as celebrities. It gives us hope to see them battle the same "stuff" in life as the rest of us, but forge ahead and make their dreams work in spite of it all !

DID YOU REALIZE that we are starting conference programming on SATURDAY this year? Yes! Usually you don't get anything good until Sunday, but tis year we figured... why waste a day?! The Regional Affliate Print Judging starts on Saturday afternoon -- earlier than usual -- but if you're not a print judging kind of person, Beth Forester is kicking it off early with her presentation on senior portrait photography! and she's got a lot to say.

As a matter of fact, Beth wrote me a note last week and asked me to pass it on to our members and anyone else who might be coming to the conference, so here it is:

Envelope-to: kelvin@ringold.net
From: Beth Forester
Subject: Re: Since you two...
Date: Tue, 27 Jan 2009 09:21:52 -0500
To: Kelvin

Hey Kelvin,

I am so excited about the PPSNYS conference in March. I have been working hard on my new program and I have loads of exciting information to share. It's all about Buzz Marketing and how to connect with the teen market. In the program we'll discuss topics such as:

-Word of Mouth marketing and why it works in the Teen market

-Viral networking; Facebook--how and why

-Podcasting

-Create a Frenzy--building demand in your area

-Creating Buzz-worthy product lines

-Designing for the Teen Market

-Selling the experience

It's going to be great and I am so looking forward to the event. See you there!!

Beth
Beth Forester, CPP, M. Photog. Cr.

Forester Photography

http://www.foresterphoto.com

I like the way that's starting off !!! And some of the other speakers are sending me messages too, so stay tuned or those !

Registration is STILL only $149.00 for PPA or PPSNYS members for everything ! 4 jam-packed days of seminars, conference parties, tradeshow ! I asked myself... how many red hot ideas would I need to bring away from this thing, from 10 of America's hottest photographic talents... to make it worth $149.00 ? One? What's the chances of coming away with just one ? Yeah.. .Exactly.

And mon-members get all that for only $215.00 PLUS they get a full year of unrestricted membership in PPSNYS ! Top is off by taking an additional $25.00 off those give-away prices just for registering online and using the special vendor discount code of TSP2009 that's printed on those 10,000 trade show passes that are floating around right now.

What an incredible bargain ! Less than you're probably going to pay for your next pair of shoes.

Anyway, I'm getting excited. And if you especially didn't fly to Phoenix for IMAGE USA, and you're not flying to Vegas for WPPI, you can drive on over to Albany... and you'll even get a chance to meet them and talk to them and shake their hands, instead of just peeping at them through the binoculars from the back of a big room

Okay ? Register now for this no-way-to-lose price, then call 1-800-448-3500 to reserve your hotel rooms at the beautiful (and very cozy) Desmond for only $132 per night (plus tax) because... no way are you going to want to miss Winifred Winfield on Saturday night (hey... she just joined PPGNY! She's a LOCAL girl now -- sort of)

And after her awesome presentation, you've got the room so you can stay for the party! then wake up refreshed and hit the trade show in the a.m.

Stay tuned for more. Have an awesome day!

Kelvin

The Prez

In Memory of Dan Runfola

2009-01-25T10:43:00.008-05:00

We take this moment to honor a friend and fallen member, Angelo (Dan) Runfola, who passed away Thursday, January 22, at the age of 53. Dan was a long time member and faithful supporter of PPSNYS and Finger Lakes section.

He was installed as his Section Chair on Wednesday afternoon, and posed for this portrait right after. He succumbed to a fatal heart attack the next morning.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Nan and their family. Dan will be remembered lovingly by many.

Cards can be sent to Nan at:
Nan Runfola
The Crafty Bears Photography
8400 State Route 15
Wayland, NY 14572

FACE it! PPSNYS gets with the Technology!

2009-01-25T09:47:00.003-05:00

Some things you just never think you'll see -- like PPSNYS on FACEBOOK.

However, we figured out that a significant porttion of our membership -- and a huge number of the photographers we want to attract -- are using social networking tools.

So, in an effort to reach as many people as we could to have them learn what an awesome society PPSNYS is, we created a both a FACEBOOK and LinkedIn presence. and we've promoted our March conference in both venues.

So... look for us on Facebook. It's not a closed group, so anyone can join us really, and that allows them a little insider view of the things we do. The group name on FACEBOOK is -- you guessed it -- is PPSNYS! It's a little tougher on LinkedIn, so I guess I'll go fix that right after this post.

There's about 70 people on so far, but that includes some honorary members like... our speakers. Those who are connected so far have had the chance to get personal with 5 of our conference speakers (Rod Evans, Winifred Whitfield, Marilyn Sholin, Beth Forester and Kevin Kubota), as well as a few of our vendors and some other favorites like Frank & Kathy Dispensa, Owen Kassimir, Doug Gordon, Michele Celentano and... well, why tell you all of that. Just get connected and see!

PLUS, it's a wonderful MARKETING opportunity. Think about that for a while.

K

Happy New Year!

2009-01-10T11:25:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year PPSNYS!

I am so excited about the coming year and what we're about to accomplish. The conference is coming together in a TREMENDOUS way. March 28-31st in Albany is going to be one, serious event -- maybe the biggest thing hosted in New York that wasn't in the Javitz Center :-)

PPSNYS is marching confidently into the 21st Century with web presence! Not only do we have this blog and our forum, but we've established a group (PPSNYS) on FACEBOOK and LinkedIn, and are advertising the conference in both venues -- we've even gotten a few inquiries ! EXCITING that 7 of our 10 speakers have incredible presence on FACEBOOK, and we're linking them in as we speak, so you can get to KNOW them and meet them as friends at the conference. Already online we have Beth Forester (pending), Marilyn Sholin, Winifred Whitfield, David Jay, Rod Evans, Carl Caylor (pending) and Kevin Kubota.

We've had some challenges updating this blog, but we'll have some ideas for making that happen better in our upcoming member emails, along with some other news you're going to want to hear.

For right now, I just wanted to say hello and welcome you to 2009. You can certainly expect more and frequent updates in the future.

PPSNYS! IT TIME TO GET EXCITED! 2009 is going to be a BANNER year.

Have an awesome day! STAY TUNED!

Kelvin (the Prez)

Headed for 100 !!

2008-08-13T10:17:00.008-04:00

It's pretty exciting! We're at 84 combined sign-ups for our 2009 conference and we're still 8 or so months out! I guess people are excited at the $99.00 early bird pricing for PPSNYS and PPA members, and the fact that first time non-members who sign up for the early bird $165, also get a year's free membership in the society!

We published the agenda on our main web site, but we're publishing it here for the rest of the world. Early bird pricing ends on September 15th, so get in there and be a part of history, and get set for an incredible event!

If you're not a member, but want to stay tuned to the continuing conference news, send a blank email to ppsnysconf@aweber.com. For a brief summary of what each speaker will cover, see the back page of our July Newsletter.

Premininary 2009 Conference Agenda

Have an awesome day!

Summer Workshop Still A Blast !

2008-07-28T13:38:00.003-04:00

What an awesome week last week was! Refreshed, challenged, socialized, appreciated, exercised. Who'd have thought you could get all that out of one teenie weenie week of learning at the PPSNYS Photo Workshop !?

Heck, and that was just our class. We had the pleasure -- pleasure, mind you -- of studying with J . Michael McBride for the week. You never know what exactly to expect at work shop, really, but you always expect to be recharged and motivated. We got that and then some. Amazing what you can do inside AND out , without a flash. Windows are wonderfully magical, and reflectors are the tools of the gods. Combine that with a little inspiration and a new way of looking at the world, and what you end up with is a new lease on your photographic life. At least that's how it happened for me, and most of the other members of our class. Seeing your world through new eyes. Try to make it next year, eh ?

And remember to sign up for our annual conference and the high-intensity line-up we have arranged! March 28-31, 2009 in Albany, NY. Only $99 for PPSNYS and PPA members, through September 15th, 2008. Once you see that line-up, you'll RUN to pay your $99 ($165 for non-members). Grrrrrrrrrrreat price. Even Tony the Tiger can't beat that one :)

Kelvin
The Prez

It's the beginning...

2008-07-11T23:20:00.000-04:00

Welcome to PPSNYS' new blog. In the coming weeks and months we plan to let you know about events and happenings of our photographic society and it's members - good stuff, fun stuff, essential stuff, noteworthy stuff, and things of general interest to members, fellow photographers and to consumers.

So thanks for stopping by. We'll be talking to you again soon.

Kelvin
President, PPSNYS