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 Coming Soon
Friday August 26
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
6:00 pm – 11:00 pm: Opening reception
Saturday, August 27
9:00 – 10:30 am: Megan DiPiero – The Niche Down Fallacy
10:30 am – 11:30 am – Business Meeting (ALL PPNC MEMBERS AT CPE MUST ATTEND)
11:45 am – 1:15 PM: New Member welcome and orientation + Lunch for all members provided by PPNC Sally Lumpkin – PPNC’s Merits & Degrees Explained
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm – Colby McLemore – Food Photography
3:00 pm – 6:30 pm: Trade Show
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm: Dinner of your own
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Jim Woltjen & Ellen Leroy – Families
9:00 pm – Until: Models/shooting bays, fellowship and round tables
Sunday, August 28
5:30 am – Sunrise shoot TBD
9:00 am – 10:30 am: Toni Shaw – How to develop your style and beat the creative block using one light
11:00 am – 12:30: Lunch and Learn provided by PPNC Jerry DeLuca – Copyright Law
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Trade Show
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm: Cane Sampson – Cha Ching, all about marketing
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm: Dinner on your own
8:00 pm – Until: Models/shooting bays, fellowship and round tables
Monday August 29
9:00 am – 10:30 am: Tracy Page – The beauty edit workflow: Understanding frequency separation
10:45 am – 12:15 pm: George Joell – Event Lighting
12:30 – 1:30 pm: lunch and learn provided by PPNC, Dave Davies – Living on the edge, backup systems for your business
1:45 pm – 3:15 pm: Jeff Dachowski, hands on lighting
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm: Tommy White – Landscape
6:30 – 8:00 pm Awards Dinner
8:00 pm – until – New President Reception
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.
