Events

TPPA Annual Photographic Competition

The TPPA Annual Photographic Competition
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
9:oo AM

Image Competition Fast Facts:

  • Judging will be held on March 21, 2023.
  • Registration opens on February 20, 2023.
  • All registration takes place at: www.printcompetition.com.
  • Entry Deadline is 11:00 pm Central Time, March 20, 2023.
  • TPPA is holding three competitions:
    Photographic Open Competition,
    Artist Competition,
    Wedding Competition.
  • Entrants may enter up to eight entries in each of the three competitions.
  • The entry fee is $15 per individual entry.
  • Entries include any combination of digital entries and digital album entries.
  • Entrants may pay an additional $10 per image for image critiques. Please allow 4 weeks following the completion of the competition.

The TPPA Image Competition is designed to further both the technical craft and art of photography, in all its forms.

Images entered are judged against 4 equally weighted elements:
– Impact
-Technical Excellence
-Composition
-Creativity

Jurors use these 4 elements to deem whether an entry has met or exceeded the level of a high-quality professional image.

Images that meet or exceed will be accepted as a TPPA Approved Image.

All Approved Images will be judged in a second round of evaluation to recognize those images that are of superior level. These images will remain as approved or receive either an “Image of Distinction” or “Texcellence” designation. 

All Approved Images are eligible for our Photographic Awards. Awards will be decided upon by the panel of jurors in a head-to-head voting process.

All images that receive a TPPA Seal of Approval by the jury panel will also earn a Fellowship Point for TPPA members. 

The 2023 TPPA Photographic Competition features our Texcellence Award for images which are judged. “the best of the best” in Texas. The designation will be commemorated with the Texcellence Award Challenge Coin. Beautifully designed and exquisitely crafted, this coin will hold a very special place in your awards collection.

TPPA Annual Photographic Competition2023-01-14T16:34:14-06:00

What’s New in Lightroom?

Hosted by Guy T Phillips, Cr. Photog, CPP
Live Online
February 15
7PM Central

Did you know that Adobe updates Lightroom every other month?

Join Guy T Phillips as he helps you navigate these updates and improvements in his program, “What’s New in Lightroom?”

Every other month, Guy T will take you through the newest releases of Lightroom Classic and both the desktop and mobile versions of Lightroom.  He will also take your questions on all aspects of Lightroom.

The next episode is February 15th and continues on the 3rd Wednesday of April, June, August, October and December 2023, from 7 to 8 PM Central.

Best of all, it is Free for TPPA Members.

Program Dates (All times 7 to 8 PM Central)
2023 
April 19
June 21
August 16
October 18
December 20

Do you have a Lightroom question for Guy T?  Ask it here.

You can also watch previous episodes at TPPA365.  Click here and log in with your TPPA Username and Password.

Meet TPPA Member, Guy T Phillips
Guy T has quickly gained a reputation for a great hands-on experience from his students, with rave reviews from his many TPPA and PPA events over the last several years. His ability to simplify technology helps make this class entertaining, fun, and very informative. As a former corporate educator, he knows how to make the learning ‘stick’, with activities that will take your gained knowledge to new skills and abilities. He’s a member of the DPPA, an Associate Fellow with the TPPA, a PPA Craftsman, a CPP and a CPP Liaison. He also serves as a Councilor at Large on the TPPA Executive Council.

What’s New in Lightroom?2023-02-16T13:52:00-06:00

Back to Basics

Back to Basics:  Cameras, Meters & Flash
Hosted by Steve Kozak

Saturday, April 22, 2023
10:00AM -5:00PM

Are you a “self-taught” photographer?  Most of us are, and the fact is, we likely missed a few things along the way. If you want to go back and learn more about your camera, how to use the in-camera or a hand-held light meter, or if you want to finally learn how to use your flash, then this is the class for you!

Join Steve Kozak as he takes you through the fundamentals of photography and helps you apply the information to  your camera, lenses, meters and flash.  This class is completely non-judgmental and provides a safe space for you to ask questions about anything and everything having to do with lighting, exposure and your personal gear.

Steve is not only a “PPA Approved CPP Instructor”, he is also the author of the “Preparing for PPA Certification” study guide.  While this is not a CPP class, the information that will be covered is certainly part of the CPP curriculum.  You will not only be gaining a tremendous insight into the craft of photography and the equipment used, you will also be learning important concepts you will need when you do decide to go after your CPP.

Steve’s relaxed teaching style helps you absorb the material without making you feel overwhelmed. His conversational approach to teaching the concepts have made him a popular instructor and speaker.  There is no shame in getting back to the basics!  This class will be fun and you will learn a ton!  You will leave feeling much more confident and certainly more competent.

Steve will cover:

  • Basic Camera Controls such as white balance, ISO, focus selection and much more
  • The case for manual exposure
  • Why a hand-held meter is superior to the in-camera meter
  • How to use a hand-held meter
  • The important role lens selection plays in fulfilling your creative vision
  • How to get perfect flash exposures every time
  • The huge benefits to off-camera flash
  • Anything else you want to talk about

Back to Basics2023-03-13T09:30:47-05:00

Successful Sales The Secret To Unlimited Growth

Presented by Brian Williams
Author: Ultimate Sales Messaging System

Saturday, April 22, 2023
10AM -5PM

All sales are final and no refunds will be given on precon class registration.

Brian Williams rocked the tech companies of Silicone Valley when he broke down the elements of successful sales communications and repackaged them in a way that blended science and psychology. Companies including AT&T, Cisco and Texas Health Resources fought for him to train their top sales executives to connect with people in an honest, approachable way that led to converting prospects to clients. A popular coach to CEOs of Fortune 100 Companies and one of the highest rated speakers ever at Imaging USA, Brian is developing a new program tailored to the needs of photographers.

This round table workshop will be a blend of instruction, breakouts and actionable plans developed by you during the day to transform your business and help you reach your sales goals. The first half of the day will focus on perfecting sales communication based on his book The Ultimate Sales Messaging System. The second half will center around the 6 Traits of Unlimited Business Growth. This master class in business development works for multi-billion dollar corporations as well as micro-businesses run by new entrepreneurs. It will be a can’t miss event.

Brian Williams brings a new perspective to the old business of creating sales messages and presentations that work. In his six-step systematic approach you will learn to design and deliver sales messaging that drives your prospects towards a clear decision, and you, to increased revenue as you learn to create sales messaging that is clear, concise, and compelling. If your sales message is confusing, you are definitely losing because confused prospects rarely buy. So learn the systematic approach that has been proven to work for Fortune 100 companies, small businesses, and entrepreneurs everywhere.

With this six-step system you will learn to:
• Focus on your audience and understand their greatest issues or concerns.
• Use the Cornerstone Principle to build a message with a strong foundation that is results-focused and audience-focused.
• Create a sales message that is clear, concise, compelling – every time.
• Deliver your sales message with a confidence that creates connection.

As photographers, we are always communicating with prospects or clients. But the real question is, “Do we have the emotional intelligence and sales conversation skills required to genuinely connect with them, hear them, and persuade them?” This workshop promises to motivate, inspire, and change your employees’ perspective that anything is possible, despite extreme circumstances and multiple setbacks.

Brian Williams has a bachelor degree in Computer Science from Texas A&M University and is a 20 year corporate veteran of Silicon Valley startups and Fortune 500 companies. He has delivered hundreds of programs in 13 countries and is a Toastmasters World Champion of Public Speaking semi-finalist, in the top 40 of 30,000 contestants. He is married and the father of four and resides in Dallas, Texas.

You’ll not want to miss this extraordinary opportunity for a life-changing experience. The bargain price for this workshop is $49 if you are registered for Texas School and $95 if you aren’t. Check out: TexasSchool.org.

Successful Sales The Secret To Unlimited Growth2023-03-13T10:19:53-05:00

Photographic Competition Boot Camp

Print Competition Boot Camp
Hosted by Mark McCall

Saturday, April 22, 2023
10:00AM -5:00PM

“What are the Judges looking for”? Sounds familiar, right? Follow Mark McCall’s journey into the often scary world of PPA Print Competition. Learn the tricks that have brought him success in PPA/IPC Print Competition.

We’ll turn the 12 Elements on its head and give you Mark’s version of the 12 Elements that will shake up everything you’ve been taught. This is real life, not just words on paper.

You’ll leave with the knowledge and confidence to get those print merits…and get them regularly.

You’ll learn:

  • One type of image almost always merits. Find out what it is and how to create it.
  • Two subjects are usually better than one, find out why.
  • See Mark’s SECRET WEAPON he uses in almost every competition piece he enters.
  • One thing will drive down the score of any competition print. Find out what it is and how to avoid it.
  • Learn how to squeeze an extra point or two by paying close attention to an overlooked area…the mat!!!
  • Different Levels of Competition
  • See the Juror’s Charge, the video every Juror must watch before sitting on a panel.
  • Storytelling goes a long way. Learn to tell or create a story within your image that can make a less-than-perfect image score much higher. PPA ranks Story Telling as #12 on the list of 12 Elements, but Mark has it ranked #2!!! See the completely new 12 Element List!
  • Find out what type of paper to use with what type of image.
  • What mounting material?…yes, it makes a difference.
  • Learn about printing, subject matter, where to find inspiration and most importantly, learn what the judges are looking for and what they’ll ding you for.
  • Learn to use PPA’s own rulebook in your favor to earn the coveted Photographer of the Year Award.
  • Entering client work vs shooting for Competition. Which is better? The answer will surprise you.
  • Printing your work vs entering digitally, which is better? Another shocking answer!
  • Hear a few of Mark’s funny print competition stories….real things that have happened in Print Competition.
Photographic Competition Boot Camp2023-03-13T09:36:44-05:00

Marketing Doesn’t Have to be Complicated

 

Marketing Doesn’t Have to be Complicated: 5 Simple Things to Get and Keep Your Client’s Attention
Hosted by Tomayia Colvin

Saturday, April 22, 2023
10am to 5pm

If you’re like most businesses, you’re fed up with spending money on marketing your portrait studio that doesn’t work. If you knew what to do differently, you would—but you don’t, and so you feel stuck. Meanwhile, your inquiries are lagging. Your bottom line isn’t budging. And worst of all, you feel discouraged. Here’s the good news: It doesn’t have to be that way. In this talk, Dr. Tomayia Colvin —a StoryBrand Certified Guide—will share the five things you need to build to engage customers and grow businesses. You’ll walk away knowing how to capture your customers’ attention and compel them to book.

Stop worrying about your marketing, and get back to owning a photography business you love.

Marketing Doesn’t Have to be Complicated2023-03-13T10:31:09-05:00

Basic Forensic Photography

Basic Forensic Photography for Crime Scene Investigations
Hosted by Mike Fulton

Saturday, April 22, 2023
10am to 5pm

Crime scene photography remains one of the most important aspects of crime scene and criminal investigation. However, proper use of a camera can capture everything of significance at a crime scene that is contained in the viewfinder. This permanent recording can prove invaluable days, months, and even years after the crime scene has been released by law enforcement. Mike will go over the basic concepts of Forensic Photography, including capturing evidence and documenting the crime scene through skilled photography techniques. This crucial concept will be explained and shown in order to process proper criminal and crime scene investigations.

This course begins with instruction of basic photographic techniques such as the mechanics of exposure, depth-of-field, and motion control. Camera handling and operation are stressed in all areas to include camera controls and how they work, electronic noise causes and controls, and continue to the more advanced forensic concepts with hands-on processing techniques of latent fingerprint evidence using various modern day chemicals.

Mike will support this course through hands-on instruction, lecture, real life case review, as well as practical exercises. The results of all exercises are reviewed in class and are critiqued by the instructors and the students.

Course Topics

• Basic Photography
• Basic Electronic Flash including TTL Concepts
• Composition for the Crime Scene (How to photograph crime scenes)
• Photography of Chemoluminescent Blood Reagents
• Painting-with-Light Lighting Technique
• Fingerprint Photography and Specialized Evidence Lighting Techniques
• Alternate Light Source Photography
• Legal Issues for Digital Photography

Practical Exercises by Instructor and/or Students

• Electronic Flash Operation
• Bluestar© Reagent Photography
• Low-Light Photography/Painting-with-Light
• Fingerprint Photography and Evidence Lighting
• Alternate Light Source Photography

Suggested Audience:

• Amateur Photographers wanting to learn more about the basic concepts
• Professional Photographers wanting to expand their photographic knowledge base
• Law enforcement and non-commissioned personnel assigned to investigative tasks and duties such as crime scene investigators, fire investigators, detectives, medicolegal death investigators, patrol officers, corrections officers and forensic nurses

Students Should Bring:
• Camera and lenses
• Electronic flash
• Cable release
• Tripod
• Extra batteries for camera and flash
• Laptop computer and photo card reader (for photo review)

Basic Forensic Photography2023-03-13T09:34:34-05:00

Chase Merits While Making Money in Volume Photography

Chase Merits While Making Money in Volume Photography
Presented by Robin & Jennifer Janson

Saturday, April 22, 2023
10:00AM -5:00PM

All sales are final and no refunds will be given on precon class registration.

This class is the perfect opportunity for all levels of experienced photographers who are considering adding a new revenue stream to their business. Join us as we discuss 4 revenue streams (schools, sports, pre-schools, and special events) that we have found to be consistent year after year. Learn how to start, build, and maintain a successful volume business with proven techniques that should be applied for volume photography.

  • You’ll learn what marketing and sales techniques work
  • Discover that you DON’T need to mimic what your competitors
  • How to request and work with school/sports data
  • Workflow methods for each genre
  • Learn basic lighting and posing techniques
  • Why it is so important to build a long-lasting relationship with a lab
  • Create and price your packages
  • The list could go on and on, but you get the idea…right???

See why Jennifer and Robin were recently featured in Time Magazine for their hard work and success as volume photographers. This class is thoughtfully designed for new or skilled photographers looking to start or add volume photography as another successful revenue stream. So, stop fearing the unknown, quit questioning yourself and get out there and find success!

Chase Merits While Making Money in Volume Photography2023-03-13T10:17:33-05:00

FAA Part 107 Prep Course

FAA Part 107 Prep Course
Presented by Robert and Kathy Norwood

Saturday, April 22, 2023
10am-5pm

All sales are final and no refunds will be given on precon class registration.

Drones are a hot item with photographers today! But unlike most aspects of photography, drone photography requires a government license. This course will teach photographers the rules and regulations required by the FAA to successfully pass the Part 107 FAA exam.

We will cover the 5 main subject areas of the test. This includes regulations, airspace classifications and operating requirements, weather, loading and performance, and drone operations.

A sample test will be administered to prepare the participants to take the Part 107 exam upon completion of this course.

Bio’s
Capt. Robert N Norwood has been a pilot with American Airlines for 30 years. He holds an ATP with type ratings on B-777, B-767, B-757, MD-11, and B-727. With over 36 years of aviation experience, Robert has successfully navigated the ins and outs of the FAA regulations and test taking.

Robert has been a member of PPA since 2010 and with the advent of drone photography he realized that to use a drone in his business, that he would have to follow the guidelines that FAA required. Therefore, in 2016, Robert added his drone license to his FAA license and is beginning to incorporate the drone into his photography business.

Kathy Norwood has been a professional photographer since 2006 and became a Certified Professional Photographer in 2009. In 2017, she received her Photographic Craftsman Degree and has been married to Robert Norwood since 1978.

Kathy’s area of expertise has been in children and family photography and in teaching. She also became a private pilot in 1994 and has a general understanding of airspace classifications and operating requirements for pilots.

Contact Info
979-690-9105
979-574-8867

hello@knorwoodportraiture.com

FAA Part 107 Prep Course2023-03-13T10:18:34-05:00

TPPA Annual Awards Presentation

April 22, 2023
8:30 PM

Renaissance Dallas Addison Hotel
15201 Dallas Parkway
Addison, TX

Join TPPA at the Renaissance Dallas Addison Hotel, home of the Texas School of Professional Photography, for an evening of celebration and honor.

TPPA will recognize the winning images and their makers from the TPPA Annual Photographic Competition.  There are several awards up for grabs, so be sure you enter the competition.

We will also recognize our recipients who have earned their Fellowship degrees as well as announce the winner of the coveted PPA National Award.

The Celebration is open to all TPPA Members and guests and admission is free.  You do not have to be registered for Texas School to attend.

TPPA Annual Awards Presentation2023-03-02T13:32:46-06:00
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