Professional Photographers of Idaho

New Site!!

We finally have a new website!! It's still under construction but we'd love for you to update your bookmarks and RSS feeds to point there. Keep an eye out over the next few days to see the changes we've made! www.ppofidaho.org

2011 Convention is almost here!!

Can you believe it?! Convention is almost here!!  Check out what is in store for us this year!!

 

 

 

 

And if you haven't registered, you still can!! Call Pam at 208.529.1988 or register online by clicking the registration on the link on the left.

We are all looking forward to seeing everyone in Twin Falls!

2011 Print Competition

The 2011 Annual Convention in Twin Falls is fast approaching and with that comes print competition! Here you can find the downloads for the 2011 Print Competition Rules, Entry Forms and Print & Composite Lables.  Print Cases are due before 5:00 PM on Saturday, March 12th in the Print Room in the hotel or by 5:00 PM on Friday, March 11th at any of the drop of locations listed in the print rules. 

I'm looking forward to seeing the amazing work of the Professional Photographers of Idaho!! Make sure you get your prints ready and submit them for competition!

Below are the downloads:

Download 2011 Print Rules

Download Entry Form

Download 2011 Print Labels

Download 2011 Composite Labels

Early Bird Deadline Extended!!

If you missed out on the Early Bird Registration discount you've got a second chance to register for $199 as a member or $239 as a non-member. The new Early Bird Registration deadline is Tuesday, February 8, 2011! Head on over to the blog to register or call Pam at 208.529.1988

 

2011 Convention Speakers!

The 2011 Convention is fast approaching and we have a great line up of speakers!!

 

Bruce Berg www.bruceberg.com

Bry Cox www.brycox.com

Allison English www.englishphoto.com

 

Be sure to register for convention before January 31st to take advantage of the Early Bird Registration rate of $199 or $239 for non-members.  You can register online or call Pam at 208-529-1988 to register by phone! We're looking forward to seeing you all at the great convention we have planned this year!

 

 

 

 

Jackpot Quarterly Registration Form

Here is the registration form for the upcoming quarterly in Jackpot, NV on November 14-15.  Please be sure to bring your camera gear as there will be hands on instruction.  Also, if you have prints that you would like critiqued for competition, Sam Gardner, will be available for critiquing.  Don't miss out on this great quarterly we have planned for you.  Register today!

Download Registration form

Jackpot Quarterly Info!

Are you ready for some fun and learning?! You better be because it's Jackpot, baby, YEAH!
Here's the scoop ... be there!

 

 

 

I am going to see if I can figure out a way for us to have registration happen online but I have a little looking around to do and possibly some account setting up that needs done.  I will update if/when online registration becomes available.  In the mean time please call Pam Larsen to register. 

CPP Test in Jackpot!!

Dennis Hammon will be offering the CPP test at the Jackpot quarterly.  This is not a walk in test.  You have to declare with PPA and pay your fee's.
 
We need to know all who are planning on attending ASAP with PPA #'s in order to secure the exams.    The test will be given Sunday afternoon before the quarterly begin at Jackpot.  It is a 2 hour exam and you should have been studying Upton and London newest edition for this.
 

Any questions can be directed to Dennis Hammon at   evergreen70@hotmail.com  or 208 351 2843     
 
NOW is the time to set your self apart and become PPA Certified.  This is just one step in the process.  The prints are due in 2 weeks and next Judging won't be for several months.  If you want to complete this elite program, now is the time!
 
Call Dennis for info or to confirm your intentions.

2010 Board Members

This page is currently being updated.

For information contact Ridinger Photo at 208.743.5431

July Quarterly Registration Form

The registration form for the July Quarterly on July 18-19, 2010 is now available for download.  Please send if your registration forms as soon as possible! See you in Rigby!

Download Registration form

July Quarterly

The July Quarterly is just around the corner ...  July 18-19, 2010 and TriCoast Photography will be our special guests and we are so excited to have them!

Quarterly Location:

415 Farnsworth

Rigby, ID 83442

Rate: $89

Schedule of Events:

July 18 - Meet and Greet 6:30 pm

July 19 - TriCoast Photography 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (lunch provided)

A block of rooms has been set aside with a rate of $49.95 per night for a double room.  Mention the photography group when reserving your room to receive the group rate. 

South Fork Inn

425 Farnsworth Way

Rigby, ID 83442

208-745-8700

Registration forms will be available soon!

Rigby is approximately 10 minutes outside of Idaho Falls.

Updated: 2010 PP of Idaho Quarterly & Education Dates

Registration forms and information will be coming soon.

 

Convention 2010 - Wednesday's Schedule of Events

Convention 2010 | Fabulous 50's



Schedule of Events
Wednesday, March 23rd

9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Scott & Adina Hayne
12 p.m. End

Please see artist spotlights below:

Convention 2010 - Tuesday's Schedule of Events

Convention 2010 | Fabulous 50's




Schedule of Events
 Tuesday, March 23rd

8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Mini Seminars

8 a.m. Tiffany Hix

9 a.m. Greg Sims

10 a.m. Bill Sorenson

12 p.m. - 3 p.m. TradeShow/Lunch Break
3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Scott and Adina Hayne
7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Awards Banquet
9 p.m. Hospitality Room

For new attendees:  The Awards Banquet is a formal dinner.  Please dress up!

Please see artist spotlights below:

 

Convention 2010 - Monday's Schedule of Events

Convention 2010 | Fabulous 50's




Schedule of Events
 Monday, March 22nd


9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Lori Nordstrom
12 p.m. - 3 p.m. TradeShow/Lunch Break
3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Lori Nordstrom
7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Convention Auction/Dinner - Dress up in your 50's outfits!
9 p.m. Night Owl Bonus Program - Wacom
9 p.m. Hospitality Room


**Note: For Monday evening at the Convention Auction/Dinner, please bring with you any unwanted photo related items (old gear, old backgrounds) that you would like to donate to PPI for the auction dinner.** 

And, don't forget to wear your fabulous 50's outfit on Monday night too!

Please see artist spotlights below:

 

Convention 2010 - Sunday's Schedule of Events

**Convention 2010 | Fabulous 50's**
==========


Schedule of Events
Sunday, March 21st



7 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.  Judges' Breakfast
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. PPI Print Competition
12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.  Trade Show/Lunch Break
6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Sam Gardner
9 p.m. Hospitality Room

Please see artist spotlights below:

Are you ready for Print Competition?

Print Competition is set to begin Sunday, March 21st at 8:30 am. We have a great panel of judges this year so don’t miss out on the incredible opportunity to have your photography critiqued by the BEST. There are several drop off locations around the state to ensure that your case makes it in on time. The drop off locations are:
 
The Big Picture – Coeur d’ Alene
Ridinger’s The Art of Photography – Lewiston
Idaho Camera – Boise
Critchfield Photography – Twin Falls
Kristi Sheriff Photography – Idaho Falls

Or any PPI board member

Before Thursday, March 18th at 5:00 pm
 
You may also ship your case to the Event Center at:
 
Holiday Inn Boise Airport
ATTN: PPI Print Committee
3300 South Vista Avenue
Boise, Idaho 83705
 
You may also drop your case off at the Convention Center Saturday, March 20th  at the Print Competition room before 6:00pm. Any cases attempted to be delivered after this time will NOT be accepted without speaking to Jim Fort, Print Chairman. Please have all your prints ready for display at this time.
 

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE! We are looking forward to seeing everyone in Boise very soon.

Quarterly Dates 2010 - Mark Your Calendar Today

Here are the dates for the quarterlies we will be holding for PPI in 2010. 

July 19 - location to be announced

Nov 14 - Jackpot, NV

Get these dates on your calendar today!

Convention 2010 - Updated Schedule of Events

Here is the current schedule of events for PPI Convention 2010 - Fabulous 50's

Reminder: April 30, 2010 is the deadline for PPA's International Print Competition

The deadline is approaching very quickly for the upcoming PPA International Print Competition.  It is set for April 30, 2010

You can find the specific 2010 rules here:

2010 Print Competition Rules and Deadlines

If you have any questions or are unsure how to prepare for this, DON'T MISS THIS MEETING!  Taught by our very own, Dennis Hammon.

Need help figuring out competition? Don't miss this class!!!! (Sunday, March 28, 2010, 1pm - 7pm)

Educate Yourself for Competition Excellence

Taking the plunge into the International Photographic Competition this year—or thinking about it? Join Dennis Hammon M. Photog. Cr.  in  Salt Lake City for a step-by-step guide to the big day! The Photographic Competition Education Day will demystify the competition process from beginning to end, thanks to instruction directly from PPA-approved jurors. Come learn how to make the most of your competition experience—register for a class and prepare for competition excellence!

 

• http://www.ppa.com/education/ed_day.php Choosing the best images
• Proper print and/or digital image preparation
• Cropping
• Competition print density
• Mounting, matting & overall presentation
• Selecting titles

The 12 Elements of a Merit Image

 

WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?

• What is a merit?
• The PPA Master of Photography degree
• Becoming a better photographer
• Distinguishing yourself from the pack
• Increasing public notice of you, the professional
• Exhibiting & publishing your images
• Marketing opportunities

 

THE LEARNING TREE:

• State, Regional, International PPA Affiliates
• Where can I get help?
• Who is best qualified to help?
• How asking a Master of Photography can help
• How ordering an online video critique from the International Photographic Competition can help

 

REVIEW STUDENT IMAGES:

Critique student images (prints or digital files)

Each person to bring 6 images up to 16x20

Program Date: Sunday, March 28, 2010      1Pm to 7pm
Program Location:
Jolley Photography Salt Lake City Utah
1645 W. Town Center Dr
South Jordan, UT 84095

Register on line at PPA.com   cost $29.00

Print Rules & Entry Forms for Competition 2010

Here are the print rules and entry forms for our upcoming competition which is only about a month away! 

PPI 2010 Print Rules

&

2010 Entry Forms

Are you ready for comp?

I got a Merit, yay! Now, what does that mean?

Have you ever received a Merit from PPI and then wondered what you were going to do with that Merit or what it meant exactly?  Well, we have wondered that very same thing.  So, we got the answer from our very own Dennis Hammon. He is one of Idaho's local Amazing photographers who is full of knowledge regarding print competitions. He has been for many years, and continues to be, a judge at various local, regional and national competitions. Here is what Dennis has to say about Merits:

Each State or District (formally Regionals) offer their own "merit and degree"program
Idaho has it's Fellow Degree. And performing service and speaking and judging within the state can get you "State Merits" towards your State Fellowship Degree.

Typically Merits received from Idaho go towards the Fellow of Idaho Degree, they are not credited towards any PPA Degrees.

If You judge or speak at a state or regional or National Program,  You do receive Merits of Service from PPA towards your Craftsman or Masters Degree (If you are a member of PPA).

Print merits for PPA degrees are earned when you enter prints into PPA competition  and receive 80 or above and you receive 1 (one) print merit.  Once all prints are judged they are then re-judged for  LOAN.  Any image that is selected for LOAN receive an additional merit for that image. Many people typically enter the state first to test the waters of a print.  Then a regional competetion.  If a print receives a score of 80 or better, at a regional, it is call "pre-hung" Or "pre-merited".  You MUST submitted that print with the seal on the back at the next PPA print exhibiton to actually receive your  print merit.  If pre-merited at a regional, it is not re-judged to hang at Nationals,, but automatically goes to the Loan panel to be judged.  These prints that merit here are displayed at the next National IMagaing Convention.
 
To receive your PPA Masters Degree you need 25 PPA merits .  Of the 25 merits you need at least 13 PRINT merits from PPA and 12 additional Merits that are from speaking , judging or more print merits  with PPA merits. With the Masters Degree you get a Yellow Ribbon.

To receive your PPA Craftsman Degree you need another 25 merits.  Of those 25 merits, 13 Merits have to be from the Platform speaking and have received PPA merits for speaking, the additional 12 merits can come from more speaking, judging or print Merits.With the Craftsman Degree you receive a Blue Ribbon.  A combination of master and craftsman is a yellow/blue ribbon.

After you receive your degrees, each additional 25 merits you receive a gold bar to place on your ribbon.  After you receive an addtional 50 print merits (besides the ones for your master's degree ) you can receive a bronze bar to place on your ribbon.
 
 

 

2010 Convention Registration Form - Download, Fill Out & Send In TODAY!

Here is the registration form for the 2010 PPI Convention.  Sign up TODAY!!!!

Download this file and send it to Pam Larsen as listed on the form, or just give her a call and get on the list.

Download Registration_02052010

The Fabulous 50's Rock-n-Roll - 2010 Convention - {March 21 - 23, 2010}

Registration forms are coming soon!  Mark your calendar and don't plan anything else but coming to this convention.  Our speakers are going to be AMAZING! 

2009 Competition Image Entries

Upcoming Convention - Boise, Idaho - March 21, 22, 23 & 24th

This is our tentative schedule of events.  It's going to be a lot of learning from some fabulous speakers to include:

Lori Nordstrom
Scott & Adina Hayne

Sam Gardner

Preparing for Print Competition

Dennis Hammon, one of Idaho's PPI Members, is a National Judge all around the country, and he had some great links to pass on about print competition.  These are webex meetings that you can playback on your computer and listen to the Web Meeting. It's not too early to start getting prepared for our Print Competition at the 2010 Convention.  Don't forget to mark your calendar.  It's March 21, 22, & 23, 2010, in Boise, Idaho.  

Also, Dennis is the one you would contact if you wanted to take your Certification test too. 

How Print Competition Helps You      

https://ppaevents.webex.com/ppaevents/lsr.php?AT=pb&SP=EC&rID=1246837&rKey=93E5AF5B7BA5B268

PPA's International Print Competition: Process and Workflow
https://ppaevents.webex.com/ppaevents/lsr.php?AT=pb&SP=EC&rID=1270757&rKey=4AE0F9E396BE431D
 
The Twelve Elements of a Merit-Worthy Image           
https://ppaevents.webex.com/ppaevents/lsr.php?AT=pb&SP=EC&rID=1254117&rKey=97A437A3E59A73B3
          
The Home Stretch: Judging the International Print Competition         
https://ppaevents.webex.com/ppaevents/lsr.php?AT=pb&SP=EC&rID=1287327&rKey=2D99B37B9F8C129E

Lens Selection by Tiffany Hix

As a photographer you are probably always dreaming of a new lens, right?  Ever wondered what lens to buy?  With all of the options out there these days, sometimes it can be overwhelming.  Here is an article by one of our members on Lens Selection.  Enjoy!

Lens Selection

By Tiffany Hix

 

Selecting a lens is every bit as important as selecting a camera body and in some cases can change the outcome of an image entirely.  There are so many lenses in today’s market it is often difficult to decide what lenses are right for you; zooms or primes, brand names or after market manufacturers, IS, VR, L, ED … and a whole slew of other letters and numbers that define a lens.  Here are some tips to help you decide what lenses are right for you.

 

The first thing you should consider when choosing a lens is how and where it will be used.  If you are an on-location, natural light photographer you will, on more than one occasion, find yourself in a home that is very poorly lit.  As you know, you are faced with two choices in low light situations, increase your ISO or open up your aperture to allow enough light through to expose the image.  In this situation you will want a lens that has a wide aperture.  Generally speaking, a prime lens will have a wider aperture than a zoom and a good choice here would be a 50 mm f/1.4 lens, which both Canon and Nikon make.  If you find yourself in low light situations frequently you may want to consider the Canon 50 mm f/1.2L.  If you shoot most of your work in a studio with lights then a wide aperture lens isn’t as important if you are going to shoot most of your images at f/8. You may find a zoom lens to be preferable in a studio setting depending on the size of your camera room.

 

The second thing to consider is how you prefer to shoot.  Would you rather zoom on your feet or crank that baby over to get the shot?  This is a very personal choice and no matter how much input you have from others it is up to you to be comfortable in the way you shoot.   In my personal experience I have found that prime lenses can be sharper than zoom lenses.  I also tend to forget to zoom with the lens and zoom on my feet when using an adjustable focal length lens so I shoot with primes.  Again, this is personal preference. 

 

Brand name or after market manufacturers … oh my!?  Let’s just say that you should do plenty of research on any lens you are going to purchase.  No matter who the manufacturer is you need to make sure that the lens is made with quality glass, has a good, stable mount, and functions to your expectations.  I have heard that some after market lenses are not as sharp or produce inconsistent results.  I have heard the same with some brand name lenses as well.  

 

All those letters and numbers … what’s up with that?  Ok, I really am sure you all know what those mean but why do they matter?  Simple, because knowing the mechanics of the lens will help you use it to your best advantage and help you choose a lens that fits your needs, style and budget.  The more letters and numbers, the higher the price tag.  Keep in mind that you will probably own your lenses longer than your camera body and they are an investment in which you will make a return.   Having good glass is important if you know how and where you will be using your lenses.  Knowing your needs will help you choose the right lenses to fit your budget.

 

But, what about my camera?  Why yes, your camera body does come into play when selecting a lens too.  All lens focal lengths are based on the distance in millimeters from the optical center of the lens to the focal point, which is located at the film if the subject is at infinity. The basis for using this formula was determined using 35mm film.  With the advent of digital, the sensor, or film, was a smaller size than 35mm film, thus changing the overall field of view.  This is why some camera bodies have a crop factor and why there is a distinction for full frame cameras.  By having a sensor smaller than the standard 35mm film you are effectively shortening your field of view and lengthing the focal length of your lens. Canon’s crop factor bodies are a 1.6x crop factor, with the exception of the 1D Mark III which is 1.3x and then there is a line up of full frame cameras as well.  Nikon’s crop factor is 1.5x except for the D3 which is 1.1x. Knowing the size of your camera’s sensor is very important when choosing a lens because of this. You want to choose the focal lengths of your lens to compliment the style of work you do.  To determine the length the lens will be on your camera, multiply the focal length by the crop factor for your camera. 

 

Last but not least, style!  Lens length and aperture together result in bokeh, or the blurring of the background.  If you’re a bokeh junky like me than a lens with a wide aperture and a telephoto focal length is what you’re after.  My all time favorite lens for this look is Canon’s 85mm f/1.2L.  If you like a more environmental look with objects in the background contributing to the overall feel of the image than a wide to standard length lens and a smaller aperture will suit your needs nicely.  Canon’s 24-70 f/2.8L or Nikon’s 28-70 f/2.8D IF-ED are a nice option for this look, especially on a crop factor camera.

 

The next time you are ready to purchase a lens remember these tips and you will make an informed decision to benefit your needs and your style.

 

 

 

Convention 2010

Mark your calendars today! Our 2010 spring convention is scheduled for March 21, 22 & 23, 2010, in Boise, Idaho. Details to come soon.

November Quarterly Registration Form - Idaho Photographers

Here is the sign up form for our November Quarterly.  Don't wait another minute.  Sign up today before all the rooms are gone!!!!!

Download the form below, fill it out and send it in.  Or, just call Pam at 208.529.1988 Today to get on THE LIST!

Download 1109PPI

November Quarterly - Sign up Today!

the GOLDRUSH @ Jackpot, Nevada

November 8 - 9 2009

Sunday & Monday, Cactus Pete's Resort & Casino (800) 821-1103 for Reservations.  Call NOW and mention PPI!  Rooms in the Tower are only $59 and rooms in the Horshu are only $29. 

Only $49.95 if you're a member and $59.95 if you're not a member of PPI. 

Call Pam or Leon at 208.529.1988 to sign up TODAY!

Sunday Night - we will get to hear from our own talented Shirley Hill!  She is PPI's 2009 Photographer of the Year.  

Then, on Monday we have Steve & Shelley Harrington from Utah.  He is scheduled to speak at WPPI in 2010.  Go visit Steve & Shelley Harrington's Awesome Work HERE It's Amazing!  You will not want to miss what Steve & Shelley have to share with us.  

Summer 09 Quarterly is only a few days away! Here's the directions!

Well...we hope you have already signed up for the summer quarterly for PPI at Robin's fantastic studio this weekend (July 19, 20, 2009).  If not, CALL PAM OR LEON TODAY TO SIGN UP AT 208.529.1988 before it's too late!

We wanted to make sure everyone knew how to get to Robin's studio so here are the directions.  We wouldn't want you to get lost!

Directions to Robin's


Find Hwy 20 and go to Exit 318.

This will take you to county Line Road.  

From Idaho Falls take a Right on County Line Road

From Rexburg take a Left on County Line Road
You will now be headed East.

Go over the railroad tracks to the 4-way stop and go straight through the 4-way stop about one mile until you reach the church on the left.  

Turn left at the church.  This road is 3900 East when you go Left and  it changes names to 55th East  if you go right

Then, go one mile to 100 N  - the sign is kind of hard to see because a tree is blocking it.

Just look for the white vinyl fence on the NE corner.

 

Turn left on 100 North which is the opposite direction of the fence.

 

Robin's Studio is the first place on the right.  3891 E. 100 N. Rigby, Idaho

PPI July Quarterly

DON'T MISS THIS!  Sign up today!  Here is the REGISTRATION FORM! - just download it and send it in, or you can sign up at the door.

Summer Get Together - July 19 & 20, 2009

Mark your calendars today!  You aren't going to want to miss this get together of PPI Members this summer.  It is Sunday, July 19, 2009 in the evening from 6 to 9 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, July 20, 2009. 

Download the registration form HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Timeline:

Sunday 6 - 9 p.m.  - Shoot Out  (location to be decided)
with Adilfa and Russ Ford,  Robin Spencer & Kristi Sheriff.  Bring your cameras and reflectors.  We are going to show you how we do it....then it's your turn to practice and hone your lighting and posing skills. 

Monday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.  - Russ & Adilfa Ford of Don Polo Photography
(Monday's meeting will be held in Rigby, Idaho at Robin Spencer's studio.) 

Our Wonderful Speakers for this meeting are Adilfa and Russ Ford of Don Polo Photography.  They are going to talk about how to make use of your best asset to make money....Your Personality. It is a fun filled day of many topics of how to run a successful studio.  Read their bio below.....

It’s not just business, it’s personal.

Photography is the greatest job in the world!  Every day we have the opportunity to capture images with our talent and technical abilities.  But to create “Art” we have to put in something of our heart and soul as well.  This program is about taking all the things that make us who we are and using them to our advantage in the business of photography.  Your personality, not your camera is your biggest money making asset.  During this full day program we will also discuss common business mistakes and how to avoid them.  We will talk about taking a successful wedding business into the future and evolving it into a high end portrait studio.  We will also discuss building a consistent, safe workflow process from raw capture, presentation and sales, designing a storytelling album, to finished product, retouching, printing, and framing. 

Adilfa and Russ Ford of Don Polo Photography have been doing photography professionally for over 16 years and have traveled all over the world both photographing events and speaking to other photographers.  Adilfa is the beauty, the personality, and the brains behind the business and Russ is …, well Russ is there to follow Adilfa around and clean up the mess.  Well, really Russ has a background in computers and is a great technical resource for everything computer or electronic as well as being a photographer and graphic designer.  Together they make a great husband and wife team and their business, Don Polo Photography has become one of the most successful in the intermountain area.

Adilfa is a past president of the Intermountain Professional Photographer’s Association (IPPA) and served as a volunteer board member for eight years.  She is also a member of PPA and WPPI and been featured several times in their magazines.  She currently serves on the Heart Gallery committee to promote adoption through professional photography and believes very strongly in business giving back to the community through service and charity events.

Adilfa and Russ both speak fluent English and Spanish and have taught in Peru, Mexico, Florida, Wyoming, Utah and at WPPI in Las Vegas. 

Here is some of Adilfa & Russ Ford's work:

award winners

Well, the yearly convention for the Professional Photographers of Idaho has come and gone once again.  This year we had some great entries (which will be posted soon).  Until then, here are the winners.  Here are some photos of our ahhhhhmazing photographers we have here in the State of Idaho.  You can tell we have a lot of fun at every get together we have.  What an amazing group of Professional Photographers we have in Idaho.

I don't know the back story to this one, but it's funny... :)  Hey wait...is that a black eye?

It's great that at least one member knows how to get his sexy on. 

 

Pacific Color, Inc Presents....

The Big 3 - Bill Sorenson, David Hilton & Rachel & Clark Marten

You don't want to miss this seminar.  Mark your calendars today for Sunday, May 3rd, 2009 in Bellevue, Washington. 

Recession? Depression? Phooey!!!!! Pacific Color, Inc. presents a singularly unique seminar featuring 3 of the most successful photographers in the United States.  Featuring 3 perspectives on Marketing, Sales and Profitability during these challenging economic times.  Learn from your peers that have ACTUALLY done it!!!!

Click to see the flyer for the Big 3 here:  Big 3 Flier

Click to download the registration form here: Registration Form - The Big 3

Print Competition 2009 - more valuable information

With Idaho's print competition fast approaching we want everyone who is entering to be prepared.  Here are the forms you will need.  Please print them and start getting your submissions ready.

Print Competition Entry Form

Composite Entry Form 

Print Labels 1

Print Labels 2

Print Competition 2009 - start thinking about it now....

Along with our yearly Convention we always have a print competition.  There are many awards given out and a lot of great competition.  So, start going through all of your work and getting the best of the best ready to show the rest of us.  We want to see it!  Here are some tips to help you enhance your competition prints.

Hints to Enhance Your Competition Prints

    1.    Subject impact is probably the most important of all factors when considering a competition entry.

    1.    The old adage “KISS” (Keep it simple, stupid) is generally true.  Props should be included ONLY if they add to the overall effect.

    1.    Overly posed, trite, or confusing images score dramatically lower.

    1.    One MAIN center of interest is usually the best for competition.  View the print upside down.  Your eye will tell you where the interest is.

    1.    When possible, try to keep your subjects limbs parallel to the film plane to avoid a foreshortening effect of those limbs.

    1.    Use the “Rule of Thirds” in composition.  Keep the center of interest form being static.

    1.    “Leading Lines” – strong lines of interest that lead viewers’ eyes into your image – will improve impact.  Avoid strong lines that lead the eye out of the story.

    1.    Props and clothing, when kept “in-key” with the story will enhance it greatly.

    1.    Use vignetting, burning in, and dodging very subtly.  Less is definitely better.  The “port-hole” effect will undermine any chance of a decent score.

    1.    Keep print enhancement to a minimum.  Judges can spot excessive artwork and will down score accordingly.

    1.    The image should be printed “down”, i.e. deep and rich, to compensate for the washed-out effect of competition lights.

    1.    Detail should be seen in highlights as well as shadow.

    1.    Color, creative mounting or matting can be very advantageous to a prints overall impact.  Too much can overpower the prints appeal.

    1.    Balance the print with space around the images to avoid a crowded look.

    1.    Use gloss or clear spray.  Final spray should be even and smooth.

    1.    Always finish all print edges by coloring them with a felt pen that matches the key of the print. 

    1.    Titles on prints are important.  They help the judges to understand the story you’re attempting to tell.  Be creative, not redundant. Using the word “Untitled” is unacceptable, as well as being a creative   cop-out.

    1.    Make sure your print is fingerprint, dust and scratch free when submitted.  Pride in presentation is important.  Show it.

Download the official print competition rules for 2009 here: Download 2009 Print Rules

Convention 2009 - Coeur d'Alene Resort - March 8th - 11th

Okay everyone...We finally have the official information for the Convention. So....go ahead and get registered. The registration form is at the bottom of this blog post. We hope to see everyone there.  Even if you're new, don't be shy...we want to meet you.  What better place to get acquainted than the Coeur d'Alene Resort?

Print competition information coming soon....

Download 2009 Registration

2009 Convention Schedule

Professional Photographers of Idaho
2009 Convention Schedule
“Week Of Legends”
March 8-11, 2009
Coeur d’Alene Resort, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Sunday- Print Competition (Mike will provide schedule)
6pm-8pm: Private cruise on Lake Coeur d’Alene with appetizers/no host 
     bar and live music
8pm- Hospitality in the Hagadone Suite

Monday-
7:00-8:00    EarlyBird- Steve Mackley “Senior-Topia”
9:00-12:00  Platform Doug Box- “Marketing, Sales and Making Money In The Digital Age”
12:00-3:00  Trade Show and Lunch
3:00-6:00    David Beckstead- “Balancing Art With Life”
7:00-9:00    Dinner and Convention Auction
9:00-           Hospitality Suite

Tuesday-
7:00-8:00    Quicksilver Studios Tour (will meet in lobby and walk 1 block to the studio)
9:00-12:00  Platform- Eddie Tapp “PhotoShop Made Easy”
12:00-3:00  Trade Show and Lunch
3:00-5:45     Round Robin Seminettes (3- 45 minutes programs)
7:00-9:00     Awards Banquet
9:00-            Hospitality Suite

Wednesday-
8-12                              BONUS PROGRAM- Bruce Hudson “Diversify or DIE” ($39 registration)
Noon-          See you next year!

How to become a member of PP of Idaho

We have had a few emails about how to become a member of PPI.  So, we wanted to make sure everyone knows what they need to do to become a member.

To become a member of PP of I:
1. You must be earning all or part of your income through photography
2. Fill out the application
    - you must fill in a sponsor or how you heard about PP of I
    - members get merits for sponsoring new members
3. Mail form and $40 dues to Pam Larsen at Hart Photography:
    PP of I
    312 North Ridge
    Idaho Falls, ID 83402
4. Board members vote on new member applications
5. Pay $40 dues yearly on a January to January year
6. Attend at least 2 of 4 meetings per year
    -This makes you eligible to win scholarships and other prizes at the meetings!

 Download Membership Application

Convention 2009 - Coeur d'Alene Resort

Mark your calendars now!  March 8 - 11, 2009 - Coeur d'Alene Resort, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho - more details to follow......

Guess Who's coming to Idaho?

Well, Nevada actually.  See the light in Jackpot Nov 2nd - 3rd.

2008 PPI Fall Quarterly

Sunday & Monday, Cactus Pete's Resort & Casino, Jackpot Nevada

Tony L. Corbell's - The Power of Light 2008
Understanding and controlling light quality is at the core of all of Tony's presentations.  Attendees will learn how to see a unique perspective and not be afraid to push the limits of their experience and talents.  Tony will discuss and illustrate the importance of control in the digital capture and how a few seconds of extra time spent at the time of capture can save hours in post production.

Tony's programs always have something to offer both novices and masters.  Don't wait to register.

Call Pam today at 208.529.1988

or download the form here Download PPI_Fall08_Reg.pdf and register via email

A room, food & a nationally known speaker for less than $100

Rooms are still $49 tower, $29 Horseshu
Cactus Pete's 800.821.1103, mention PPI

Member $69
2nd Member $49
Student $35
Social $30

Professional Photographers of Idaho - New BLOG!

Professional Photographers of Idaho is proud to announce their new updated blog.  This site will feature all of the information you need to know about what is going on with our awesome organization.  Check here for any information you need about PPI.