Carolina Photo Expo 2023
July 28-, 31 2023
Image by Tosha Gaines
Welcome to Carolina Photo Expo, PPNC’s annual state convention featuring over 15 amazing speakers of three days of classroom and hands-on education. Each year, our organization scours the country to find photographers who are on the forefront of the photography industry. PPNC prides itself on being a teaching organization and our state convention helps our photographers push their craft to the next level.
With a full line of platform classes, lunch and learns, hands 0n events, and roundtable style discussions, you’re sure to take home a wealth of knowledge. Attending Carolina Photo Expo is a must for any photographer looking to advance their craft or grow their business.
Registration is open to both members and non-members and fees are tiered, increasing as the event approaches. Register early in order to get the best rate!
Thank you to our sponsors!
Meet our speakers
Platform Classes July 29-31
Academy Classes - All day Pre-con class July 28th $150
Carolina Photo Expo
July 28-31, 2023
Marriott Research Triangle Park
4700 Guardian Dr, Durham, NC 27703
(919) 941-6200
Group Rate $109, book your room by July 6th 2023 to get your room rate!
Schedule of Events
Friday, July 28th
9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Academy Classes
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm: Academy Class Lunch Provided by PPNC
1:30 pm – 5:30 pm: Resume Academy Classes
7:30 pm – 11:00 pm: Meet and greet in the Lobby Bar
Saturday, July 29th
8:00 – 9:30 am: Brian Mullins – Head shots.
9:45 am – 11:15 am: Betsy Byrd – Equestrian photography.
11:30 am – 12:45 pm: Marcelle Raphael – Maternity.
12:45 pm – 2:45 pm – Lunch & Learn celebrating our new members. Lunch provided by PPNC.
Lunch and Learn with Sally Lumpkin – PPNC’s Merits and Degrees explained begins at 1:45pm
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Trade Show
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Dinner of your own
8:00 to 11 pm: Models with instructors for shooting bays, round tables, chit chat at the bar, cornhole tournament
Sunday, July 30th
8:00 – 9:30: Tomayia Colvin – Marketing Doesn’t Have to be Complicated
9:45 – 10:45 am: Business meeting (Mandatory for members)
11:15 am – 12:30: Leslie Spurlock – Photojournalism and Documentary Photography
12:30-2:00 Lunch provided by PPNC (Introduce our tradeshow vendors)
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Trade Show
5:00 pm – 6:30 pm: Rhea Whitley – Part time to full time
6:30 pm – 7:00 pm: Aurora DeLuca – Keynote
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm: Dinner on your own
8:30 pm – 11:30 pm: Models with instructors for shooting bays, and round tables, chit chat at the bar and cornhole tournament
Monday July 31st
8:00 am – 8:45 am: Teresa Porter – Keynote – The Sunset Rule
9:00 am – 10:30 am: Tosha Gaines – Photographing Atypical Subjects
10:45 am – 12:15 pm: Jeff Wenzel – Creative Portraits with Gels
12:30 – 2:00 pm: Lunch provided by PPNC: Former presidents luncheon
2:15 pm – 3:45 pm: John Branch – Weddings
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm: Kira Derryberry – Getting hired for YOU
7:30 pm – 10:00 pm Awards Dinner
Frequently asked qestions
At Carolina Photo Expo, you don’t have to choose! Your registration includes access to all platform, lunch and learn and round table events. Academy classes are sold separately
Our host hotel is conveniently located less than 5 minutes from Raleigh Durham International Airport.
Once you have registered for the event, you may cancel at any point prior to 60 days and receive a full refund. Cancellations within 60 days may be transferred to a new attendee however no refunds will be issued.
Each year Carolina Photo Expo holds our annual awards ceremony. Members receive awards from both image competition and service activity within the organization. Click here to learn more about our awards.
Significant others are welcome to attend all evening events with the purchase of a meal ticket however they will not be able to attend any classes.
Some classes require nothing more than note taking materials while hands on classes may require lights, cameras and more. Be sure to check the course description for what to bring.
If you’re just starting out then this is the place for you! You’ll learn more in these three days that you would in months or years with trial and error.
Yes, if you’re a PPA member, you’ll receive 1 service merit.
