P r o f e s s i o n a l P h o t o g r a p h e r s o f L o u i s i a n a

e-MiniaturesM a g a z i n eMarch 2010 - Vol. 1 Issue 1

Winter Workshop Recap

• Bring Out Your Inner Idol• Senior Marketing• SWPPA Results• PPA National Award Winner• An Interview with Cherish Drinkard• Fellowship Program Explained• Guild Updates• and more

V I E W P O I N T_________________________________

Welcome to the first issue of the Professional Photographers of Louisiana e-Miniatures Magazine. Many of our members from years past will remember a little thing called Miniatures that was the official publication of the association. Recently, your Board of Directors unanimously agreed to bring back an official publication of our association and what better than to harness the technology that is available to us today, than to have electronic-format, thus going completely green with this issue moving forward.

It is our hope to provide our members with information, education and history by publishing this magazine on a quarterly basis. We invite our members to contribute their knowledge, share their techniques and stories with us here. Being published you will you earn a fellowship merit towards your PPLA Fellowship Degree, and you'll be one step ahead by having a written article ready to submit to the Professional Photographers of America Professional Photographer Magazine for publication consideration and earning a service merit if you are published.

So go ahead and make a cappucino or a latte and sit back and enjoy the first issue of e-Miniatures Magazine. I invite you to email your comments, feedback, images, articles and thoughts to me at eMiniatures@ppla.net.

R ick Najdzion Editor & District 4

Board Representative

O N T H E C O V E R_________________________________

Cover image by Sonny Randon. Master Photographer Robert Faust demonstrates a lighting technique at PPLA's Winter Workshop, November 2009.

e-Miniatures Magazine is the official publication of the Professional Photographers of Louisiana, Inc., published quarterly for members and others for information of industry matters, personal achievements, and news of this and other associations. Acceptance of advertising, or publishing of press releases does not imply endorsement of any

product or service by this association, publisher or editor. Permission is granted to similar publications of the photographic industry to reprint contents of this publication, provided that the author and e-Miniatures Magazine are

credited as the source.

Articles with or without photographs, are welcomed for review for inclusion in this publication; however, the editor reserves the right to refuse publication, or if accepted, the right to edit and use on a space available basis. Send all

communications, articles, or advertising to: Editor, e-Miniatures Magazine: eMiniatures@ppla.net

2 e-Miniatures Magazine • March 2010

OFFICIAL e-PUBLICATION OF THE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS

OF LOUISIANA, INC.

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 MARCH 2010

Rick Massarini, M. Photog.President

Wade Ponthier, CPP, Cr. , ABI, CBMVice President

Ralph Romaguera Jr., CPP, Cr.Secretary

Patrick Bates, M. Photog, CPPPast President

Roch E. G. EshlemanExecutive Director

Rick NajdzionEditor, e-Miniatures Magzine

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRPAHERS OF LOUISIANA, INC.2319 Metairie RoadMetairie, LA 700011-800-915-PPLAwww.ppla.net

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C O N T E N T S March 2010____________________________

5 President's Message

6 Calendar of Events In Memory

7 Executive Director Message

8 Day with the Masters

10 Senior Portrait Marketing

11 Board Member SpotlightKarla Byron

12 SWPPA Results

14 An Interview with Cherish

16 Bring out your Inner Idol

18 PPLA Degree Program

20 National Award 22 Guild Corner

Thank You To Our Premier Sponsors

A M E S S A G E F R O M T H E P R E S I D E N T

At long last…it’s back! We’ve raided the graveyard and revived PPLA’s long deceased publication “Miniatures” only this time - in a new electronic form. The new E-Miniatures Magazine will be initially issued as a quarterly electronic publication designed to keep you informed of news, upcoming events, and the accomplishments of your fellow members. E-Miniatures Magazine will also feature educational articles submitted by our members, news from our local Guilds, spotlight pages on our members and sponsors, the winners of our photographic competitions, a section on association’s history, and a calendar of upcoming events.

For our members who are actively working towards their PPLA Fellowship Degree, “PPLA state merits” (not PPA merits) will be given for articles included in the magazine. (See the fellowship article in this issue for further details.)

In the past, our newsletter, “Miniatures” was considered to be a valuable resource by our members. We hope that the revived electronic version will be equally welcomed by our current membership as the printed version was in the past. And for those who still prefer a printed version, E-Miniatures Magazine is also available in a printed form too - just hit File-Print or Ctrl+P !

We hope you enjoy our first issue of E-Miniatures Magazine and we look forward to many more issues and to having many of our members become regular contributors.

Rick Massarini, M.Photog., PPLA President

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MARCH 21 - 23, 2010PPLA SPRING SEMINAR - PARAGON CASINO RESORT - MARKSVILLE, LA

WWW.PPLA.NET

MAY 2 - 8, 2010TEXAS SCHOOL -

INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER - DALLAS, TX

WWW.TEXASSCHOOL.ORG

JULY 31 - AUGUST 3, 2010PPLA STATE CONVENTION - WESTIN

HOTEL - NEW ORLEANS, LA

SEPTEMBER 17 - 21, 2010SWPPA REGIONAL CONVENTION

AND AFFILIATED PRINT COMPETITION - SHERATON HOTEL &

CONF CENTER - ARLINGTON, TXWWW.SWPPA.COM

PPLA WINTER WORKSHOP

JANUARY 16 - 18, 2011IMAGING USA - SAN ANTONIO, TX

WWW.IMAGINGUSA.ORG

JULY 30 - AUGUST 2, 2011PPLA STATE CONVENTION - WESTIN

HOTEL - NEW ORLEANS, LA

JANUARY 2012IMAGING USA - NEW ORLEANS, LA

WWW.PPLA.NET

6 e-Miniatures Magazine • March 2010

In Memory

Ralph A. Plaideau Sr., co-founder of Primary Color Lab, passed away Monday, January 18, 2010 at the age of

78. He was a native and businessman of New Orleans, La., and a resident of Metairie for 53 years. Ralph is

survived by his wife of 55 years, Jacqulyn K. Plaideau. He is survived by a son, Ralph Plaideau Jr. (daughter-in-law, Nan Plaideau), and two daughters: Robbie Holland (son-in-law, Eddie Holland), and Rhonda Bierman (son-

in-law, Mike Bierman); seven grandchildren: Alicia Rispoli (grandson-in-law, Charlie Rispoli), Ralph (Trey) Plaideau III, Todd Keanan, Michael Bierman Jr., Erica

Bierman, Kimberly Dixon (grandson-in-law, Dean Dixon), Megan Bierman and one great grandson, Tyler Bierman. He is also survived by brother-in –laws, sister-in-laws, as

well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Plaideau served in the Marines during the Korean conflict. He was both a Cub Scout Master and a Boy Scout Master for several years. He was co-founder of

Primary Color Lab which opened in 1958, and an active member of the Association of Professional Color Labs

(APCL), having served as president from 1974-1975. He also served as director at large. Plaideau was an

honorary life member with the Professional Photographers of Louisiana and was a Professional

Photographers Association National Award Recipient. He was very active with the Krewe of Mid-City since 1969

having acted as Officer, Captain, King (1998), and currently, Captain Emeritus.

In life just as in our businesses, it is imperative to always remember and learn from those who did it before we did. As children, we learn from our parents how to walk, speak, act, etc… Too often in our businesses we think we have to reinvent the wheel and that we know better than anyone else. We seldom remember those men and women who were in our industry at its onset and how difficult it must have been. Dark rooms and film may well be on there way to extinction, but the art and craft of photography is what each of us get the opportunity to practice on a daily basis. With the launching of e-Miniatures Magazine, we learn from those leaders of our association from the past, who knew that communication was a vital part of the growth of our association both professionally and socially. I am honored to serve in this position during this time in our history, where our industry and our association are continually evolving and we, the members of it, have the right to shape and mold it to what we want it to be while thanking those who have done it already.

Our association is strong. The recent boards of directors have ensured fiscal conseravatism in their decision making allowing for the association to maintain a steady cash flow and positive balance sheet even through these trying economic times. As a member of the association, I welcome your questions about our finances if you have any. We are seeking sponsors for our different events throughout the year and I am happy to report that our speakers for our upcoming Spring Seminar are being sponsored by some companies who we have not seen involved in our association in some years. Our move of Spring Seminar to March allows for some additional lead time before State Convention and is shaping up to be a great educational experience. Joseph & Louise Simone are offering their progam for a day and a half on classical portraiture, maternity, children & families. They are sponsored by Kodak, Nik Software, Photogenic, Excel

Picture Frames & Virtual Background Systems. Aaron Adams offers his expertise in the field of Senior Portaits and is sponsored by Denny Mfg. And our own Rick Najdzion will teach us all how to incorporate Facebook and viral marketing into our businesses.

It is because of the involvement of the membership and the feedback received that we will continue to offer programs by top talent from around the world in an effort to better our craft. Professionalism is at the center of everything we do and as members of the association, we should continue to strive for the ultimate in professionalism – our look, our feel, our business sense, etc…

If you know someone who is not a member of PPLA – MAKE THEM ONE! We offer numerous categories of membership that will allow anyone in the photographic business to come and better themselves with their peers. Our Membership Committee is working on updates to the number of benefits that we offer to our membership. As I type this, I am waiting on two quotes to be able to offer Life, Vision, Dental, Short Term Disability and other insurance benefits to the members.

Please feel free to contact me at any time by email or phone with any questions about your membership and getting others involved. See you in Marksville!

Roch E. G. Eshleman

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E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R N E W S

"What's Old Is New Again"

8 e-Miniatures Magazine • March 2010

PPLA hosted an incredible line up of seven of Louisiana's Master Photographers at the Winter Workshop on November 16, 2009 at the Embassy Suites in Baton Rouge. On hand were Master Photographers Ed Broussard, James Byron, Dick Goodall, John Michael Hannan, Robert Faust, Jim Pitre and Kirk Voclain. Each Master taught lighting and posing techniques throughout the day long event. Thank you to our incredibly talented team of master photographers for sharing their knowledge and expertise with the members of PPLA. Be sure to look for our next Winter Workshop announcement after State Convention. Some images from the event captured by Sonny Randon are below.

A Day with the Masters

http://www.ppla.net

Seniors

Marketing has always come easy to me. Maybe it’s because I can look at other businesses and see what they are doing to be successful. Take for example Disney World: millions of people go there every year. Why? It’s their product. They are selling FUN. Imagine what seniors would do if we as senior photographers would start selling fun, and 8 x 10’s just happened to come with it. Start noticing what successful corporations are doing with advertising. In McDonald’s advertising, for example, they usually sell emotion, not hamburgers. Why don’t we stop advertising price, because price can be compared. Instead, why don’t we advertise the experience, the difference, the emotion. Beyond what big business is doing, you have to look at how your customers are being treated by other businesses in your community. How many businesses now display that small town, good-old-boy, neighborly, the customer is always right, attitude? How many business still “ask” for your business? We are in the microwave age, a fast paced, fast living society. Whenever someone displays an attitude opposite of that, they stand out, they get customers, and they are successful! This is how you survive in a depressed economy!

Packages vs. A-La-CarteWhenever a senior calls my studio, one of the first things they ask is, “How much are your packages?” I do not sell my portraits as a package. The reason is simple, I hate packages. With a package, what the customer wants has to fit into what you are selling, or one of your packages. If you want to please the most people, you have to have no less than 15 or 20 different packages. Packages are also difficult to explain, “No, you can only order one pose from that package. Now that’s our 3 pose package and you have only picked out 2. No, before you can get the proofs for that price you’ve got to order at least 5 units.” This kind of terminology may be understandable to photographers and lab people, but to the average senior, it’s quit confusing. Why not have one price for an 8 x 10, one price for a wall portrait, and quantity prices for wallets? When the senior calls looking for package prices, tell them the truth, “We don’t sell packages because we find it difficult to please everybody with a package. Instead, we sell everything individually so that you get exactly what YOU want and not what a photographer

thinks you want. For example, 8 x 10’s are.....” Simple!

No Sitting Fee PolicyWhy do we charge a sitting fee? So that in case they don’t buy anything, we don’t get stuck. Right now, your customers can take one of our images and go down to the local drug store, pop a dollar into a copier and get an 8 x 10. So what do we do? We could do what the commercial photographers do, charge hundreds of dollars for the sitting and then practically give away the portraits. I think this is a great idea and eventually, that is what will have to happen. However, in south Louisiana, a high sitting fee would take years of educating the public to catch on. Instead, I have gone to the “no sitting fee policy”. If you don’t charge a sitting fee, you can advertise “FREE SITTING”. To compensate for this loss in revenue, raise all of your prices about 20%. Next, I charge a $100 MINIMUM ORDER for each outfit that is inside the studio, $150 for outside and $200 for location. To keep away the “no shows”, seniors have to send in 50% of that minimum order for me to book their appointment. This is what wedding photographers have been doing for years. Seniors make the decision where they are going to be photographed, but it’s mom and dad who write the checks. With this “no sitting fee policy”, mom now has to get involved. This solves several problems: mom is now never surprised at how expensive you are, more questions are asked on how to make sure these portraits are going to come out good, and she makes sure they’re on time, the clothing is well cared for, and the hair and makeup is done right. This policy also solves several other problems, such as getting seniors to come in to your studio in the morning, during school time. This is done by offering a discount or a percentage off of the MINIMUM ORDER amount. What this does is insure that your best customers, the ones that spend the most, are the ones that receive the best service. One last thing; by not charging a sitting fee, offering your portraits on an a-la-carte basis, getting a 50% deposit, and treating your customers as if they were gold, you will have higher averages, better clientele, and YOU will be happier. Happier because you will be giving the BEST customers the BEST possible service, and still having enough free time to spend with your family.

Marketing Senior Portraitsby Kirk Voclain, M. Photog, Cr.

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Seniors

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Volunteer should have been my middle name! I’ve always enjoyed being part of special projects that enhance community awareness. Something that will bring attention to my community as well as help me grow both as an individual and as a professional. I’ve been involved with the Bayou

Bassin Charter Chapter of the American Business Woman Association for 21 years.

As the owner and manager of La’ Portrait Gallery Photography, Inc. located in Patterson, La. I have the privilege of working with my husband, award winning photographer, James W. Byron, M. Photog, Cr., CPP, API while enjoying growing our business. I’ve been an official member of PPLA for a 2 year period, yet I am not a stranger to PPLA. Working behind the scenes for the past 13 years as a volunteer. I must say that it has been an honor to be a part of this incredible organization and family. As one of the newest board members, I’ve worked hard in hopes of earning the trust of every member in my district by sharing my philosophy of “Knowledge is Power”. We can achieve this by working as a team realizing that we can learn from our successes as well as our failures. I believe, that by encouraging members to become active in our organization they can become a stronger benefit to the organization, giving them a sense of ownership.

As a member of PPLA I have had the opportunity to see first hand how our organization lives by its mission statement with the best in educational programs, followed by motivation, inspiration, networking, ending in fellowship. I believe that we all have so much to learn and if you as a member are willing to participate in the growth of PPLA, you will enjoy the many positions available that require you to take the first step in becoming part of this professional team.

My line is always open for any questions: kjbyron@cox.net work:985-395-3126

cell: 985-518-7970

Thank you to our supporting sponsors

2010 Committees & Chairs

Photographic Competition & Print Exhibition Barbie Vallot & Cindy Romageura

Trade Show & Vendor RelationsRoch Eshleman & Lloyd Elsas

Hospitality/Party/Event CommitteeSharon Turner

Talent Committee Rick Najdzion

Membership & Retention Committee Sharon Turner

Speaker Host Committee Al Cotton

A/V Committee Ralph Romaguera, Jr.

Props & Models Committee Ralph Romaguera, Jr.

History Committee Roch Eshleman

Communications & Publication Committee Rick Najdzion

Fellowship & Service Awards Committee Ralph Romaguera, Jr. & Barbie Vallot

Scholarship Committee Ralph Romaguera, Jr. & Barbie Vallot

Advertising Committee Ralph Romaguera, Jr.

By-Laws Committee Jim Layne

If you are interested in joining a committee, please contact Roch Eshleman at

roch@ppla.net

12 e-Miniatures Magazine • March 2010

A big CONGRATULATIONS goes out to all of the PPLA members who received the PPA “Seal of Approval” on their images at the 2009 Southwest Professional Photographers Association Regional Affiliated Print

Competition in Arlington, TX. These images will receive PPA Exhibition Merits for their makers when they are sent to the PPA International Judging in May 2010 and will be exhibited at the 2011 PPA International

Convention in San Antonio, TX.

Maker Title RemarksPatrick Bates Wildlife PhotographerPatrick Bates What a Kiss !Patrick Bates Highway to nowhereRobby Bishop Lovely Distinguished Print - Wedding - GeneralRobby Bishop Ebony in IvoryColin Burnum Up, Up, and AwayDon Daigrepont Staring at Medusa Distinguished Print - Portrait - MastersDon Daigrepont Big Shots Big DayDon Daigrepont Simplistic BeautyTerri Eddington Expecting a MiracleTerri Eddington Enchanted Moment Distinguished Print - Wedding - GeneralTerri Eddington Point of No ReturnTim Eddington Touchdown InterruptedDick Goodall God Bless America Dick Goodall You’ve Got Mail Distinguished Print - Illustrative - MastersDick Goodall Nature’s MajestyDanny Izzo Jourdan’s Starry NightJames Johnston The JokerJames Johnston A Week’s Supply Distinguished Print - First Timer

& Judges Choice RibbonGeorge Kuchler She’s Mine Now Distinguished Print - Wedding - GeneralGeorge Kuchler Photographing HarleyGeorge Kuchler Lust After DarkTammy Mars Burned BeautyJames Pitre Lady Fair Ralph Romaguera, Sr. Role Model ExtraordinaireRalph Romaguera, Sr. Flags of IrelandRalph Romaguera, Sr. Lady of the HouseRyan Romaguera Journey to LifeRyan Romaguera D. J. AugustinRyan Romaguera Tad Gormley StadiumBarbie Vallot Four for Four Award and the Louisiana High Print CaseBarbie Vallot The Babu’ska Book ClubBarbie Vallot The Forgotten Distinguished Print - Portrait - Master

Barbie Vallot I’ll take Care of Him Until I DieBarbie Vallot Bunch of Couch Potatoes

2009 SWPPA RegionalPrint Competition Results

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14 e-Miniatures Magazine • March 2010

With each issue of e-Minitatures Magazine, we hope to feature a PPLA member photographer. This issue we are featuring Cherish Drinkard owner of

Cherished Portraits located in Baton Rouge, LA.

How long have you been a photographer?I started working in a studio when she was 15. I worked for photographer Lionel Selser for two and half years before starting off on my own. I’ve operated my own studio since 2002.

What inspired you to become a photographer?Photography was something that always interested me ever since I was a child. I love family photos and reminiscing about moments and memories of a particular moment. I love that I can capture those moments for others.

When did you join PPLA?I become involved with PPLA at age of 15 when I worked for Lionel Selser. That was 1999.

What do you like the most about photography – your job?I love that I am recording memories. I especially love children’s photography, newborns and maternity sessions. I love watching children grow before my eyes every time they come in for session.

Are you a studio or location photographer?I do both but mostly studio. I have property at my studio location so I have lots of options to offer and I don’t have to waste a lot of time scouting locations and driving around

from location to location. My locations are right here on my property.

What’s on your inspiration wall right now?I have an inspiration folder on my computer full of images and inspiration. Right now I’m into more whimsical newborn maternity things – Lori Nordstrom is a big inspiration to me. I love soft dreamy images.

Who inspires you right now?Kelly Moore and Carrie Sandoval & Brittany Woodall

What has been your favorite moment as a photographer?I just enjoy every day and every moment of my life.

What photographer would you most like to have lunch with and pick their brain?Vicki Taufer because I like her style and she seems like she is very open to share information about where she is now and how she got there – I feel like there is a connection their – she seems to have a very fun personality. I would get along with that.

What has been your greatest learning experience?Opening and running my own business – it’s not all about just taking photos – there are many sides to owning, operating and being a business.

How are you different from other photographers?I do a lot of maternity – there are not a lot of photographers in my area doing my type of maternity which has an artistic creative feel. I think I have a female to female connection with my clients which makes them more comfortable and more relaxed allowing me to have a great end result that is more artistic with

An Interview w i t H

Cherish Drinkard

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creative lighting and posing. I love using wraps and creating something different for every client so that my maternity sessions are not a standard – I try to make every maternity different from the previous – no two maternity sessions are alike to me.

What is one thing most people would be surprised to know about you?

I will sing along to the entire Beauty and The Beast movie! Really!

What was your best vacation ever?Thailand and Cambodia – because it was awesome and an amazing experience to be able to observe and experience a different culture from our own. I have thousands of images from my trip,

I just fell in love with being there.

What is your Favorite TV show?Project Runway

Do you have a favorite lens?Canon 28-200

Are you a doer or a procrastinator?Depends on the task at hand – usually like to put a lot of things off but I do have a get up and go and get it done attitude about everything.

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James W, Byron, M. Photog, Cr, CPP, API

As I watch American Idol each week, I see how judging music is similar to how one would judge photography. The Idol judges would say, “your voice is Incredible, you present the song well, but you don’t own it”. In other words where are the feelings and emotions, Simon would say, as he continues to say, “so you sang the song, big deal”, “ I didn’t get it.” I attended the national photographers program in San Antonio, TX a couple of years ago, where Jay Maisel’s was asked by someone to critique one of there images. Jay replied, “…is my opinion of your image going to change your opinion of your image?” In other words if one is not excited about ones own work we are not going to be able to excite others. I want to project my self into my work. The more I am able to do that I believe the more I can see myself in my subjects.

We as people have more similarities in common than not. And those similarities can be seen in the lines on our subjects’ faces. If we can capture those emotions and feelings in a photograph then we have given Simon on American Idol what he asked for. Every one of those connections teaches us more. As Andy Warhol once said, “Everyone is influenced by everyone”. Someone also once said that “Pure portraiture is sometimes misunderstood, in that the portraits are manufactured or that they are arranged aesthetics.” A produced look if you will with rigid posturing, poor posing, often referred to as bad photography. The ability to create amazing images demands preparation and expertise. Will Rogers once said, “If we are to be good at something we must first know what we are doing”. So I can see that there is a science to great portraiture. One that takes into account the collaboration between the subject and artist. It would actually be about the subjects’ personality using it to express itself. As Margaret Burk White once said “get involved with the subject and the camera will almost take you by the hand.” “get

into the subjects head, get them to accepted you on a personal level” she would continue to say. I agree with that philosophy. We use all this advice to bring us to that confident defining moment. Realizing that it is exactly that, being about the moment. If it wasn’t it would be called capturing the end result. It seems that the moment is the only time we have and can make changes in. The more we understand and are able to control the moment, the better the end result will be.

Let me talk a little about another important aspect of photography, a little thing called, Lighting. I think that we need to get over thinking that there is enough light to take the picture and realize that the light is the picture. That concept alone will take you far. It comes from the definition of photography that says it is writing with light. Knowing how to control the direction, color, quantity, quality and intensity of light is all a part of the lighting process. I can control the mood, mental ability and general well being of the viewer. I can make things look flat or three dimensional. That would be my choice based upon the knowledge I received from everyone who influenced me. Learn to be inspired by those things around you and watch the shadows and hi

lights change as the sun moves in the sky. Look for overhangs, windows, doors or any control devices and watch the light change on the people around you. Learn to accept what you like and be able to find that situation again or reproduce it. Listen to all and test their concepts and you will

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Mark your Calendar's Now for the 2010 PPLA State Convention - July 31 - August 3, 2010

featuring Ken Sklute

Kay EskridgeHelen Yancy

Dave SwobodaRon Nichols

Mark Garber & Jennifer GilmanHanson Fong

Keith & Holly HoweTrade Show, Image Competition, Early Birds, Pre & Post Convention programs, Friendship, Fun and Education all

under one roof at the Westin Canal Place in New Orleans!

begin to own them for your self. Remember that practice makes perfect. I think that it should be perfect practice makes perfect. Your body of work says yes you can. You are able to use all of your past knowledge to build upon your future by use of the moment. It is on the journey that I discover the destination. Life is a process, learn it. Edgar Degas said “Art isn’t so much about what we see but what we can get others to see”.

18 e-Miniatures Magazine • March 2010

Take A Fresh Look at the PPLA Merit and Degree Program! We think you will like what you see.: Get Educated, Teach, Compete, Get Involved, and Get Recognized!

After years of some confusion over what exactly it takes to become a “PPLA Fellow,” we have decided to break it down for you, and add a couple of more levels to make your climb to the top seem a little more attainable, and a lot more rewarding! Keep reading… and bear with us as we walk you through it. (There might be a test… you never know!)

Q: So what exactly is a PPLA Fellowship? A: There are fellowships to be earned in many academic and scientific areas of training, and is generally presented to those who have attained the highest level of expertise in their field. It is most commonly associated with a teacher’s status, for which our forefathers believed to be of among the most respected of professions.

A PPLA Fellowship symbolizes a status of respect and achievement for one who has steadily and consistently demonstrated responsibility with honor and humility. It symbolizes willingness and a desire to share knowledge with other photographers. A PPLA Fellowship inspires artistic excellence and the ability to recognize it. A PPLA Fellowship is the highest degree a PPLA member photographer may obtain.

Q: How do I get one?A: First of all you can’t just get one. It has to be earned, and, as with any goal worth achieving, it takes time and diligence… one-step at a time. There are 4 degrees that may be earned through PPLA. All of which are dependent upon the others to obtain a full PPLA Fellowship Degree. Striving to earn this degree takes commitment and dedication. These are qualities that we want to nurture and instill in our membership.

Q: What are the 4 Degrees that can be earned?A: The PPLA Service Degree, The PPLA Artist Degree, The PPLA Associate Fellowship Degree, and The PPLA Fellowship Degree, (which at times, you may hear referred to as a Full Fellow; meaning that all of the degrees above mentioned have been obtained.)

Q: What do I need to do to earn a PPLA Service Degree?A: You must earn 25 Service Merits, and be a member of PPLA in good standing, for a

minimum of two consecutive years in order to be eligible to apply for the PPLA Service Degree. This is probably the most attainable, because you start earning this degree the day you attend your first PPLA function. That’s right! You earn merits by attending the PPLA State Convention, Spring Seminar, and PPLA workshops, or, by working on committees, chairing committees, and teaching and writing articles for e-Miniatures, the newly reinstated PPLA Newsletter. These are called Service Merits and will be applied to your merit record automatically, if it is a PPLA sponsored event. You may also earn service merits by presenting programs for a guild, or at other State or regional PPA affiliate schools, as well as PPA international convention. However, to receive credit for out of State service you must submit your information to the PPLA Executive Director for approval.

With us so far??? Good! Remember... keep reading. We warned you… Never know when that quiz could pop up and surprise you!

Q: What about the PPLA Artist Degree? I thought we were Photographers!A: Yes we are, and our photography is our art! Hence, The PPLA Artist Degree! To earn this degree you must earn a minimum of 25 print merits at the PPLA State convention’s print competition.

So you see, this is the new “Fresh” PPLA. For your “worker bee” side we have the PPLA Service Degree and to satisfy your more creative side, The PPLA Artistic Degree.

Q: What if I want to get both degrees?A: Great! There is a little bit of overachiever in all of us! This is where the next Degree level begins to take form. After you have successfully earned both your PPLA Service and Artist Degrees, you will have a minimum of 50 merits, (with at lest 25 merits from each degree category.) This achievement will entitle you to the Degree of PPLA Associate Fellow, or the PPLA Associate Fellowship Degree.

Q: OK, that makes a total of 50 merits. What's next?A: Double that, earn an additional 25 merits in each Degree category and earn your PPLA Fellowship Degree.

Introducing PPLA’s New and Improved Degree Program

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PPLA Merit ChartAssociate Fellowship (25 Services Merits + 25 Artist Merits)

Full Fellowship (50 Services Merits + 50 Artist Merits)

Service Merits: Service Degree (25 Merits)PPLA President .... 6 Merits PPA Council .... 2 Merits per yearPPLA Vice President .... 4 Merits SWPPA Rep. .... 2 Merits per yearPPLA Secretary .... 3 Merits LA Guild President .... 2 Merits per yearPPLA Board of Directors .... 2 Merits/year LA Guild Vice President .... 1 Merit/yearPPLA State Convention Chairman .... 4 Merits Speaker .... 2 MeritsPPLA Spring Chairman .... 3 Merits (PPLA, SWPPA, PPA or LA Guild speaker per program)PPLA Winter Chairman .... 1 Merit Volunteer PPA Convention/Print Competition .... 2 MeritsPPLA Committee Chairman .... 2 Merits PPLA Committee Member .... 1 MeritSuper Monday Speaker .... 2 Merits Published Article for eMiniatures... 1 Merit

Artist Merits: Artist Degree (25 Merits) Annual Print Entries (PPLA Entries Only)Court of Honor (8 80 or above).... 2 MeritsPhotographer of the Year .... 3 Merits Best in Show .... 2 MeritsGallery or Masterpiece .... 2 Merits Peoples Choice .... 1 MeritAwards .... 1 Merit Full Print Case Submission...1 Merit

PPA Degrees ... Issued OnceMaster of Photographer .... 5 Merits Other Masters Degrees .... 5 MeritsPhotographic Craftsman .... 3 Merits PPA Certified .... 2 Merits

AttendancePPLA .... 1 Merit per function SWPPA or Texas State .... 1 MeritPPA Convention .... 1 Merit

Degree Ribbon ColorsFellowship Degree BlackAssociate Fellowship Degree GreyService Degree PurpleArtist Degree GreenCertified PPA Photographer Maroon

Degree Ribbon Color CombinationsBlack Full Fellowship DegreeGrey Association Fellowship DegreePurple & Grey Service Degree & Associate Fellowship DegreeGreen & Grey Artist Degree & Associate Fellowship DegreePurple Service DegreeGreen Artist Degree

PPLA Special AwardsService Bar to be received for every 25 subsequent merits earned after first 50 service meritsArtist Bar to be received for every 25 subsequent merits earned after first 50 artist merits6 for 6 Pin to be awarded at the Annual Awards Banquet to PPLA members who receive a Court of Honor for all 6 of their prints entered.

20 e-Miniatures Magazine • March 2010

At the 2009 PPLA State Convention, the PPA’s highest honor that can be bestowed by a PPA affiliate organization, the PPA National Award, was presented to Kirk Voclain, M.Photog., Cr. The award was presented by PPA President Ron Nichols at the annual PPLA awards banquet.

The award introduction was written by Kirk’s longtime friend, and past National Award Recipient, Tim Babin, Cr. Photog. Tim’s memorable introduction of this year’s PPA National Award recipient is reproduced below.

“Again, this honor recognizes those individuals whose support for photography goes far beyond any regular expectations or contributions. The person receiving this honor today has met those criteria.

This person has been a professional photographer for over 30 years having their first paying job photographing a weddings as a teenager. This person has been a fixture of PPLA’s conventions for over 20 years---doing very well in print competitions, winning nearly every award given and has spoken here numerous times to support out our organization. This person has taught in many state, regional, and national organizations; . And whose name is recognized by professional photographers all over the United States including Canada.

This photographer has humble beginnings even though they may have one of the most recognized names in our industry today. Not many people would show a photograph of their business sign and in front of their studio being a mobile home —saying “Senior Portraits with a touch of class” and laugh at himself because of it. Or even say their job, as a teen, was to help move house trailers by getting underneath them in the creepy crawly world of who knows what muck.

Believe it or not, in the early days of his career, this person was once so intimidated attending his first PPA convention, drove all the way to Orlando, walked into the registration area, saw all the people and turned around and drove back home. No one would ever think of this person as ever being intimidated now.

I have always known this person to help anyone in our industry become better, all they had to do

was ask. The major contribution of this photographer to the photography industry would be an idea coming out of a late night bull session at a convention in the mid 90’s. Within a few weeks this person had this idea up and running and named. The idea was to use the internet to have a message board that photographers could log onto and learn from other photographers, work through problems, share ideas. This was before many of us even had email and most barely had cell phones.

This started out as a free entity to take from the idea of those convention bull sessions around drinks. And turn it into a 24- 7, 365 day bull session wherever there was a computer and an internet connection. Nothing like this ever existed that was a specific photography chat and message board at the time. Since, many of these forums have popped up using the same format. This was another form of photography education invented changing the face of photography education for our industry. And now Pro4um has been a paid site for the last 9 years becoming a rather large online photography community. He and his website has helped many people to move from film to the digital world along with the business of photography. I, personally, have heard many say that this photographer has changed their lives.

It is my honor to share with you a good friend and trend setter in our industry as our 2009 National Service Award Honoree as Mr. Kirk Voclain.”

Voclain.Receives.PPA.National.Award

http://www.ppla.net

22 e-Miniatures Magazine • March 2010

G U I L D C O R N E RThe three south Louisiana professional photographer guilds recently announced new leadership for 2010. The Greater New Olreans Professional Photographers Guild welcomed James P. Whigham as the new President for 2010. James is owner & operator of JWP Studio LLC, a full service portrait & wedding photography studio combined with New Orleans’s Westbank premier tuxedo rental location. James started his training in photography in 1989 as a photographic specialist for the United States Marine Corps. After ending his military career in 1997 and years of studying at Winona Institute of Photography, Imaging USA, Defense School of Photography, he earned his CPP and opened JWP Studio as a fulltime photography business. My motto then and now is: " The difficult or seemly impossible should NEVER be a factor in the achieving of your goals, your visions, your destiny, or your blessings. God is in charge!" Gloria Holmes was named Vice-President, LeKeith Holmes, Secretary. Board members include: Edward Ceaser, Melanie Langteau and Fred Walker. Past President is Rick Najdzion.

The Capitcal City Professional Photographers Guild welcomed Jennifer Lemoine as it's 2010 President. Jennifer’s love for photography came at the early age of four, she was never without a camera in hand. After meeting her husband Matt, they began to photograph weddings together and built a successful wedding brand. In 2005, Matt and Jennifer took the plunge and opened a retail studio in Walker, Louisiana and haven’t slowed down since. Being elected to president at such a young age, she understands that she has some really big shoes to fill. With courage, she hopes to work with her great board members to be able to promote and grow the Baton Rouge Professional Photographers Guild. Fay Gordon was named Vice President and Matt Lemoine, Secretary. Board members include: Chris Genovese and Julie Morgan. Past President is Sharon Turner.

The Acadiana Professional Photographers Guild welcomed Travis Gauthier as it's 2010 President. Travis is a native of Lafayette, Louisiana, a 1995 graduate of The Art Institute of Houston where he earned an Associate of Arts degree in Photography with a focus on digital imaging and portraiture. With experience in several different photographic arenas; photojournalism to retouching and lab work to the portrait and wedding industry, Travis has made photography his lifelong chosen career. Michelle Fuselier was named Vice President and Scott Breaux, Secretary. Executive Director is Robby Bishop. Past President is Colin Burnum.

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