in focus
Welcome to the new online journal of Professional Photographers of North Carolina (PPNC). You can find out more about what is going on and coming up with PPNC as well as more information on the members of PPNC and the photography industry.

Two incredible days of learning

The excitement is building.  I am delighted that we are returning back to the mountains during its beautiful fall colors time for the PPNC Western Seminar and this year we have an incredible line up of talented speakers for you.

These two days are going to be two incredible days of learning.  If you are a photographer, professional or wanting to become one, then this is the workshop for you.

We are holding the PPNC Western Seminar at the beautiful Meadowbrook Inn in Blowing Rock on October 17^th- 18^th.  You are going to love spending time at the Inn and enjoying the breathtaking fall colors that the North Carolina Mountains offer.

The speaker line-up for the 2010 Western Seminar is packed full of talent.  The theme is LTD: Living The Dream.  If you are not already living the dream, then these speakers will help you get there.

We start off with Irresistible Portraits’ Renda Asycue sharing her knowledge of how to put together the perfect items to create the perfect setting for each portrait.  Then Marilyn Sholin is going to show you how to take your work and your business to another level.  I learned so much from Marilyn the last time I attended one of her programs.

After lunch you will be touched and inspired by Janice Clewis’ story of how she beat cancer and how the lessons she learned in that battle is helping her in her photography business.  The dynamic duo of Mike Brantley and Rhonda Lester will then teach us how to keep from turning our photography business into a hobby.  This is one I think we all need to learn.

After supper we are going to be treated to a great entertaining show by Karen Goforth.  I have been promised that the “Late night (but not too late) with Karen G” show is going to be entertaining, but very educational at the same time.  I am definitely looking forward to it.

On Monday, we are going to have Scott and Adina Hayne from Virginia.  If you have never heard of them; well where have you been?  They have graced the covers and pages of every professional photography magazine lately and have been speaking at workshops and conventions everywhere.  I have attended their one day workshop and I cannot wait to see it again.

This is going to be two great days of photographic learning.  More information can be found on the PPNC website and will be posted here over the coming weeks.  We are going to rock – Blowing Rock!

See you in the mountains,
Denise

Submitted by Denise Clay of Denise Clay Photography

One incredble week of photographic learning

It is hot outside and that means it is time for East Coast School.  The official school of PPNC and a PPA affiliate school kicks off a week long of learn on Sunday, July 18^th and continues through Thursday, July 22, 2010.  The school is back at the lovely downtown Raleigh Sheraton hotel and this year’s line-up of instructors is one you do not want to miss.

ECS starts out this year by offering two different Super Sunday classes.  John Woodward will be sharing his expertise on lighting during one of the special Sunday classes.  Leslie Mills and Ellen LeRoy will be teaming up to give a class on marketing.

The legend Bob Boyd will give his annual class at the East Coast School.  Here is the complete line-up for this year’s ECS classes:

• Bob Boyd – Introduction to Professional Photography
• Mary Fisk-Taylor & Jamie Hayes – The Best of Both Worlds
• Mario & Thomas Munoz – Step up your Wedding Game
• Dave Huntsman & Jessica Vogel – Many Hats of a Photographer
• Eddie Tapp – Digital 4 Eleven
• Michael & Tina Timmons – The Fine Art Side of Photography
• Greg & Lesa Daniels – Fine Art Potrait

Last checked there were only a few spots left in some of the classes.  Read more about the individual classes and on how to register for a class at this year’s ECS.

It is going to be Hot Fun in the Summertime!!!

In just a few days the roads to Sunset Beach are going to be full of photographers heading to the 2010 Eastern Seminar.  This year’s Eastern Seminar is loaded with talent and at a beautiful location; Sea Trail Golf Resort & Conference Center.

On Saturday afternoon, Adrian Henson is going to kick off the seminar with a photo session before the group hits the road again for a short trip down the beach.  Calabash will never be the same after the PPNC caravan rolls in.  Take your camera for the photo opps around the boats.

Sunday morning, Adrian gets us going again with the competition of his program.  Devotions will be given by Ellis Williamson.  We have a change in the schedule after lunch.  John Stanton will not be able to join us this time, but Victoria Kelly is going to show us how to utilize online booking in our businesses.

After Victoria, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to watch and learn from the legendary Bob Boyd work through a portrait session.  You are going to want to attend this program!  We finish up Sunday afternoon with dinner and the “Tonight Show” featuring the Mighty Fare-on Art Players.

If you want to take your images to the next level, then join in on Jack Deere’s Digital Art class on Sunday and learn some simple – yet effective steps to turning your images into paintings.

Eastern Seminar finishes up on Monday with Rick Trummer sharing his secrets to solving digital workflow issues.  This is going to be a great seminar and it is going to be fun putting the toes in the sand too.  More information can be found here.

See you there!