Back in the "early days," we had a small print competition mentor group. We (Dennis Craft, Steve Bohne', Duaine Brenner, Rod Gleason, and myself) belonged to our local PPA affiliate, Michigan's Triangle Professional Photographers Association.

In those days, preparing your prints was a tremendous task. My mentor group worked with a local custom printer who first produced a work print, on which we noted color and density changes and burning and dodging. Sometimes it took the printer several tries to get the "perfect" print. Then we did positive enhancement. Sometimes we did it ourselves with pencils and dyes, but we often sent it to Helen Yancy. We used to call her magic touch "getting the Helen Yancy eyes" because the eyes just sparkled.

After getting prints back from her, we physically trimmed the image to the final crop, mounted it to an underlay, trimmed that to just a sliver of color, and mounted the print to the final mount board. Finally, we added sealer coats of lacquer until we could flood the print to get the high gloss sheen. Sometimes we would have over ten coats of lacquer on a print.

It seemed that the night before the prints were due, my studio looked like a bomb hit. Everything happened there because, at the time, I had the most room and the tools we needed. The whole studio reeked of lacquer as we worked. Toxic fumes kept us going to the wee hours of the morning--perhaps that's why Dennis is a little odd now!

When Dennis and I traveled to various conventions to speak, judge, or just have fun, we always carried a stack of 4x5 proofs. We'd look for someone with a yellow ribbon and have them quickly go through the stack. They wrote their initials on the backs of the ones they liked, so we had a start on making competition print selections. Those Masters were always willing to share and help us newbies with valuable, one-on-one training. That alone was worth the PPA dues!

Print competition really became a ritual--a rite of male bonding--and it taught us to be better photographers. It forced us to critically look at our images, understand exposure and lighting, control eye flow, and pull the presentation together with color harmony. It forced us to learn. Above all, it was a lot of fun. Four of our five earned Master of Photography degrees. Between us all, we can take credit for a few hundred print merits.

Times have changed and so have the technologies. You no longer chance lung cancer because a beautiful laminate can make your prints shine. There's no need to mount an underlay--it can be done with a 15 pixel stroke. Carrying prints around is not needed--you can post images to the OurPPA forums and wait for comments. In many ways, print competition is easier now; in other ways, it's harder.

Many new to the industry seem to have a fear of failure, so they don't enter. But what's nice about print competition is that whether you earn the merit or not, you're still a winner because you tried and you learned. The next time you enter, you'll learn more and likely do better. There's no magic bullet in print competition. I earned my Master's in 1990, but I don't merit every image I submit...not even close. But because I enter, it hones my skills.

In February, PPA's Photographic Exhibition Committee (PEC) launched a series of four Webinars to teach you about print competition--what's involved, how to do it, and what you can gain from it. Even if you missed the series, you can still take advantage of the archived versions on PPA.com. It will either get you going strong, or will make you better.

Take the leap: gather your images, post them on the OurPPA forums (you can do it anonymously), and get some feedback. Watch the Webinars and pack your case. You'll need to hurry...the 2009 deadline is May 1!

It will be fun; you'll learn a whole lot in the process; and you won't have to smell the lacquer!

Follow Ron's travels this year...just visit http://blog.ronnichols.com.

Ron Nichols signature, M.Photog.Cr., API
2009-2010 PPA President

In 2008 I had my best print competition year ever. All four images were accepted into the International Loan Collection. The images were "out of my box," from my China travels the year before. As I prepared my images, I tried new techniques (Ok, my wife Carol showed me), so I learned, too. Carol also entered for her first time, earning a General and Loan Collection image. Not bad for the first time out of the chute.

I always feel blessed to be a part of the photographic industry. This month's magazine is focused on commercial photography, an area of photography in which I have very little training or knowledge. But while I have chosen to concentrate my business on portrait photography, I do have the opportunity to tackle a few commercial jobs every year. One of my first commercial jobs--a job I accepted my first year in business--had a great impact on my life, or my almost lack of life.

What you must know is that I am afraid of heights, to the point where I don't even like riding in glass elevators. But I was hired by a company out of New York to photograph grain silos in a town close to Marshall, Mich. The day of the photo shoot I showed up at the airport with my camera to find a really young pilot and a very small airplane waiting for me. After takeoff, I realized that the window of the plane didn't open. I asked the pilot, "How am I going to photograph the grain silos?" His response was not reassuring--we would open my door when the time came.

Here we are in September already--kids are getting back to school, vacations are over for the year--and where are we with our businesses?

Many of us, myself included, see the summer as the start of family and senior portrait season. I'm sure that those in the wedding markets are well into their season and school photographers are getting ready to start a new year. While each of us may have a slightly different business module, we all find it necessary to continually promote and define our businesses. If we stop and rest on our past accomplishments or fail to stay aggressive in the promotion of our unique products, the market will pass us by.

The business of photography is much different than I have ever known it to be. That being said, I find this challenge one I'm looking forward to. I see great potential for growth, but our success will depend on how we approach this new market. We have to be willing to learn!

PPA has always been blessed with teachers who show us how to build and run successful businesses, and I have had the privilege of studying with many. One of my very first seminars was with Charles Lewis, a man who has been teaching marketing and sales techniques for over twenty years. John Hartman, who has been on the cutting edge of marketing for years, also taught me a lot. And where do we go to hear from many such fine instructors? Imaging USA.

When I look at Imaging USA in Phoenix, Ariz., and its list of speakers, I know we are committed to helping members grow their businesses. It is never too late to plan for Phoenix...let's grow our businesses together.

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Friends Met Along the Way
A couple months ago, I spent a week with about 70 of my closest friends during PPA's International Print Competition in Daytona Beach, Florida. The Photographic Exhibition Committee (PEC) works to maintain the quality of our print competition. From rules and regional judgings to maintaining the judges' list and being aware of where the competition needs to be in the future, it's a huge job with very little thanks. I just want to say, "Congratulations, PEC. Great job."

When I think of all the great friends I have met in this industry, some of those closest to me are involved in print competition. This year, I was there as one of the instructors for the Judges Workshop, but I was able to see and renew friendships with judges I usually only see at Imaging USA. There were 43 judges this year, and I count each as a friend. I wish I could list all of them, but space doesn't allow. 

In addition, there are dedicated volunteers who come each year to work the print rooms and critique areas, move prints, and work the judging stations. Without them, the judging would never happen. So thanks to each one of you who gave of your time and worked so hard to keep our print competition's reputation as one of the best in the world.

Another group in Daytona Beach was made up of the students that Helen Yancy and I had the privilege to teach. Attending this class is one of the requirements to become an Affiliate Juror, and this year we had 17 students. Members take this class for a number of reasons, but this year, all had the goal of becoming an Affiliate Juror. I knew some from my years in PPA, but I also made a number of new friends that week. Thanks to each of the students for a great week and many memories, and I wish each success in their journey to become an Affiliate Juror.

To everyone in Daytona: thanks for a great week. It doesn't get any better than this!

Dennis Craft, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, API, F-ASP
2008-2009 PPA President

image copyright Rod Gleason

Children...that one word brings back floods of memories of my own childhood and children.  

While my parents were firm in their discipline, my memories of growing up are filled with laughter and love. I can remember playing street football until it was so dark you couldn't see the ball and spending hours riding sleds in the winter. And my dad was a Lansing grocery store's produce manager, so I have memories of him bringing boxes of popsicles and ice cream bars home for the neighborhood kids (when the store had freezer problems). He was everybody's favorite dad that day!  

Lori and I have been blessed with three great kids of our own--each with their own personalities and dreams, but all with wonderful hearts. Whenever we sit around as a family, our children now tell stories of their childhood memories.

As you can probably tell, this month's magazine focus is children's photography. It's the type of photography I enjoy the most, and it's the one I feel most privileged to do. But when I opened my business in 1979, I was an unmarried 24-year-old and children scared me, especially babies. I dreaded those sessions. I remember going along with my staff when they indicated we needed to build a children's photography market, though I thought it would never happen. What did happen was the opposite: the more children I photographed, the more I grew to love spending time with them.

I could go on a long time about what I have learned from such kids over the years, but I'll just highlight a few. First, their unconditional love is incredible. Children are born with the nature of forgiveness and love, and my own children have taught me this often. Secondly, their simple outlook on life is eye-opening. Kids don't care about status or material things; they care about the relationship. 

I am so fortunate to have the privilege of photographing children. I hope I can give back to them as they have given to me.

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Friends Met Along the Way
I think most people can be trained to take pictures of children, but not many can open a child's world and show it in their photography.

While attending the Southwest PPA Convention in Arlington, Texas, I had the opportunity to visit Kim Wylie's studio with Ron Nichols. We spent a few hours with Kim and Jessica Sikes, talking and looking around a studio filled with beautiful children's photography. Kim has a unique style of photographing children, which I'm sure her clients cherish. What I noticed the most, though, was the life that was captured in each child's eyes. That is a gift that Kim has, and her clients are blessed to have her.

There are two other photographers with similar talents who come to mind: J. Michael McBride and Mark Garber. Early in my career, I had the opportunity to enjoy their work. For years, their images inspired me to learn more and grow. I marveled at how they took a simple child and created images that reached out and demanded emotion from me. When I consider who has had an influence on me and my photography, these two are at the top of the list.

We are fortunate to have people from whom we can learn...photographers who take photography past "taking pictures" and into a level were we capture the inner person.

Dennis Craft, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, API, F-ASP
2008-2009 PPA President

image copyright Rod Gleason

Welcome to summer! This month's magazine is dedicated to family portraiture. Family is one of the greatest blessings in my life, and I know others feel similarly.

For the last 12 years, an important part of our family has been our Golden Retriever, Molly. When she became ill this spring, we faced the tough decision of putting her to sleep. She was the only Golden my children remember, so you can imagine the void in our home.

Our home was empty for a few weeks before we found our new Golden Retriever puppy, Jackson. It was love at first sight, and the laughter is back in our home. Jackson is every bit a puppy, but I wouldn't trade the joy he brings for anything. We have had many family portraits with our dogs, and I can't wait until Jackson is a part of the next portrait.

As photographers, we have an awesome responsibility with such family portraits. Customers trust us to memorialize their family and capture the love and laughter they share. Getting to know them in the few hours we spend together is a blessing in itself.

Anyone can take a picture of a family, but a true artist captures the relationships and the spirit of each (and the family pet). I have been mentored by some of these true artists and wonderful family photographers. Rod Gleason is probably one of the best family portrait artists in Michigan, and he has taught me many things over the years. I became friends with Michael Taylor about sixteen years ago and have always marveled at his beautiful family portraits. And I am always inspired by Ken Whitmire. Many years ago, I had the opportunity to sit in a few programs and see his mastery of family portraits. Ken's images are not only technically correct, they also flow with a grace and beauty that is breathtaking.

The challenge of family photography is making many people look good and feel comfortable at the same time. I have a lot of respect for image makers that can take the challenge of family photography and create images that show the interaction and love of the family, making it beautiful at the same time.

Whether you are with your family or creating images for your clients this summer, enjoy the time and relationships that will develop. Have a great summer with your family!

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Friends Met Along the Way
The best part of this profession is meeting others who share the same passions we do, whether they have been in business many years or are just beginning.

I had the privilege to teach at Texas School in April. While there, I met Quinn Hancock, a Kansas photographer. Quinn was the head wrangler for the building my class was in, and we had many conversations ranging from associations to computers and photography. As the week came to a close, I knew I had found another friend who shares the same passions as I. Quinn, thanks for a great week.

The second person to meet is graduating from our local photography program. Sarah Karr worked in our studio during high school, wanting to continue her college education in photography. She recently graduated with an Associates Degree in Photography. As part of the process, she needed a professional photographer to critique her portfolio. I spent a few hours reviewing her images, finding myself impressed with her creative eye. At the end, my family and I went to the open house (for all the graduates in the 2008 class), where we enjoyed the portfolios and spent time with Sarah. It was an honor to share this special time with a young person who loves photography and the future that it holds for her. 

Thanks to Quinn and Sarah, they have again inspired me. I count that a blessing.

Dennis Craft, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, API, F-ASP
2008-2009 PPA President

image copyright Rod Gleason

Traveling this spring for PPA, I have found that every conversational topic seems to be about taking care of business. We're in an industry that is not only changing rapidly in technology, but also in business practices.

For instance, in the last year, our studio changed many of the ways we market to and find customers...and what we sell to them. We have changed more in the last twelve months than we did in the previous twenty-seven years. Some of these changes were brought on by technology, some by the changing marketplace.

Education reflects these changes, too. Years ago, most photography conventions' programming was heavily geared towards lighting and posing, offering little in regards to business and marketing. In fact, when business and marketing programs were offered, the attendance was very low. But recently there has been a strong surge in educational opportunities that help grow photographers' business skills. 

PPA has made a conscious effort to offer business programs at Imaging USA, which has generated a new group of industry instructors--a wonderful resource for all PPA affiliates and members. 

A few years ago, PPA also conducted a survey of studios around the country. The 2005 Studio Financial Benchmark Survey gave us, as members, a wealth of information about how we could make our studios more profitable. It is now time to repeat this survey. Thanks to this upcoming study and analysis, we will have even more information to help you navigate your business.

As your business and marketplace continues to change, PPA will continue to update the resources you need to stay on the cutting edge. Whether you are attending a PPA Local Affiliate, PPA Affiliate School, PPA Webinar, or Imaging USA itself, PPA is committed to making the best resources available. 

May your business continue to grow!

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Friends Met Along the Way
Through my photographic journey, I have had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people. Some have inspired me with their photography, others with their business savvy. Over the years, some have become close friends, people I have spent time with outside of photography.

One such person is Drake Busath of Salt Lake City, an incredible photographer with a successful business. I met Drake about ten years ago and count him as a great friend. I have had the pleasure of visiting his studio and spending time with his family.

Photography brought us together, but true friendship goes beyond the camera. A few years ago, my family joined the Busath family and a few other photography friends on a houseboat at Lake Powell. Friendship, laughter, great food, and fun...all started because of a camera. It will always be one of my family's treasured memories. 

This April while representing PPA at the Asian Pacific Regional, it was a pleasant surprise to see Drake as one of the invited speakers. We crossed paths 6,000 miles from home and renewed a friendship that started many years ago. 

My journey has become richer because of the people I have met, and I feel lucky to count Drake as a friend. This month, remember the friends that you wouldn't have if it wasn't for photography.

Dennis Craft, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, API, F-ASP
2008-2009 PPA President

image copyright Rod Gleason

As I have the opportunity to speak with photographers around the country, many have shared how diverse the high school senior photography market is in different regions of the country. And it amazes me how that market has changed over the years since I have been in business. The studio I purchased in 1979 was just starting to offer color photography (it was still second to hand-colored portraits), and environmental portraits were just starting to gain in popularity.

One of the first seminars I attended was a presentation on high school senior photography by Wah Lui from Seattle. He started the transition that led to a total makeover of our senior photography market.  There were many other photographers in that transition, but the two that have influenced me the most are Gary Jentoft and Larry Peters.

I am not only inspired by the photographers that crossed my path in the early years; I am also inspired by those who are up and coming. For instance, I had the opportunity to photograph Chris Cox, my son's best friend, while he was home visiting last summer. An aspiring photographer who has won awards in a New York student competition, Chris and I spent a few hours creating images that reflected his personality.

Today I see many new faces who still push the creative envelope, not only with their photographic style, but also by embracing the changing technology. The young, creative talent of students like Chris is an inspiration. I am excited to see what transformations await us in the coming years. This is what makes the industry so great: There isn't a standard that we must follow. We don't just create a likeness of our subjects; we have the ability to create unique images that say something about those we meet on this journey called photography.

May your journey this month allow you to cross paths with someone that will inspire you.
 
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Friends Met Along the Way
Three of my early mentors were not photographers. They started out as individuals helping me be successful in business, but they became dear friends in the process. To each of these people I owe a big thank you.

After purchasing the studio, my first contact was my Burrell Colour Imaging Lab's rep. Bob Clark walked into my studio early on and kept pushing the need to get involved with photographic organizations and learn more. He must have wondered more than once if I would make it in this business! But his persistence led me to PPA, my state organization PPM, and the local Triangle affiliate.

Evelyn Lageman was our studio consultant in the late 80's. She came to our studio at least twice to help us learn how to run a photographic business, training the staff where we were struggling. She was a master of dealing with people--while kind and gentle, she accomplished all of her session goals.

Then, at one of my first Michigan conventions, I met a frame salesman, Brian Runnels with Culver Art and Frame in Ohio. Over the years our friendship grew beyond the photographic industry. Brian would plan his studio stops around Marshall, so we could meet for dinner. He became close to our children. And he always had an encouraging word or listening ear as I worked my way through a challenge. 

Bob and Brian have since passed away, but I will always treasure the friendship and lessons they shared with me. None of the three taught me a thing about photography, but all taught me about the importance of relationships. Cherish the relationships that come into your life, they truly are a blessing.

Dennis Craft, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, API, F-ASP
2008-2009 PPA President

As we come into spring, I hope that you were able to renew yourself and your studio and prepare for another busy photographic season. I always look forward to this time of year after the conventions and seminars that renew my passion for photography...and my friendships. 

One of my passions is competition, which I have used as a learning tool for over twenty years. I still remember the first time I entered four prints in the Professional Photographers of Michigan print competition: I was so happy to receive two red ribbons and two yellow ribbons...without any thrown out! Each year I am inspired by the creativity and quality of others' works and am committed to create my own best image. At Michigan's competition some new photographers did very well alongside the "veterans." One of those veterans was well-known lecturer and mentor Barry Rankin. Barry received the Photographer of the Year for PPM--congratulations Barry! I hope everyone is planning on entering PPA's International Print Competition (June 6, 2008). Let's get our images ready and make this International Judging the biggest ever.

Speaking of international, I will be representing PPA this month in Korea. This is the fifth year that PPA has held an Asian Pacific Affiliated Judging at Professional Photographers of Korea's convention (at Seoul's COEX Center). It has been nice to see the benefits of this relationship each year, as we present the Master of Photography degrees to PPA members from this region. 

Thank you again for allowing me to share this time with you. And start working on those competition prints!

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Friends Met Along the Way
This month I would like to introduce you to three people who taught me about photography. When I bought my studio in Marshall, Michigan in 1979, I had no real training in photography. In fact, I had only owned a 35mm camera for a few years.

Taking the advice of a lab rep, I started attending our local PPA affiliate in Michigan (Triangle). After a couple years, I knew I was in over my head. So I paid attention to the others who attended, soon identifying three photographers I admired for their businesses, friendship, and photography. One you might know: Ron Nichols, current Vice President of PPA. The other two might be new to many outside Michigan: Rod Gleason and Duaine Brenner. To these three I owe most of my success.

At one Triangle meeting, I suggested that we start a focus group and meet once a month for breakfast. I lived about an hour away from them, so I offered to do most of the driving. I'm sure it didn't take them long to realize my real reason for the group, as I brought stacks of proofs each month for them to critique...but they were very patient. They introduced me to many photographic fundamentals over pancakes and eggs.

Ron, Rod, and Duaine became my first mentors within this profession--a gift I will never be able to repay. Never did they make me feel inferior or stupid for asking hundreds of questions.

When you read this, I hope you call or e-mail the person who was your first mentor. Chances are, they might not realize the influence they had on your life. From the bottom of my heart, thanks Ron, Rod and Duaine. Thanks for everything you did for me.

Dennis Craft, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, API, F-ASP
2008-2009 PPA President

As you read my first message as the PPA President, I am thrilled to tell you that the organization has just surpassed the 20,000 member mark. What a privilege to be President during this exciting time for the Professional Photographers of America. After all, being a PPA member (since 1987) is one of the most important things I have done for my photographic career and business. 

I was a member for two years before I attended my first PPA convention in 1989. My wife Lori and I never thought we had time to attend. But as Ron Nichols, now PPA Vice President, was receiving his Masters Degree that year, we thought we would sacrifice the time to support our friend (and make our first trip to Las Vegas). During that first convention, we were introduced to so many new experiences: the overwhelming tradeshow, programs that inspired as they taught, and--most importantly--a new network of friends in the industry. Our PPA experience was just beginning. 

Now, every year, we look forward to spending time with old friends...and making new ones along the way. This year in Tampa we had lunch by the bay with our good friends from Montana, Clark and Rachel Marten. Not only did we discuss our respective businesses, we also shared stories about our children and enjoyed the brief time spent with old friends. And we again had the opportunity to make new friends, David and Ally McKay from California. David was in a Christian Rock band before photography, and we actually met via that connection. 

As you can see, PPA is more to me than just another trade association. I can belong to a number of different organizations that will help me with my photography skills and my business knowledge. But there is only one organization that provides the best learning opportunities, mentors that truly care, and friends that will go the extra mile and last a lifetime. 

And that brings me to what I would like the President's Message to become this year. I have been so blessed with my PPA experience and the people I have met, so I will feature a different person from my journey each month. They might be from my travels this year as president or someone who has made an impact on my life in the past. I hope this will give you a glimpse into the wonderful people that make up PPA and help you reflect on those you have met during your own walk through life. 

Again, thank you for this incredible opportunity to serve as your president this year. May we all grow and prosper...not only in business, but also in our friendships.

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Friends Met Along the Way
In July 2000 I had the opportunity to present a program to the Professional Photographers of Korea. Sae Lee, M.Photog.Cr., F-ASP, a photographer from California (originally from Korea), organized the trip and traveled with Tyler, my son, and I. It was an experience that opened my eyes and heart to a very gracious group of photographers and a culture that I had never experienced before.

My son was 10 years old at the time, and I thought it would be great for him to accompany me on this trip.  Sae Lee introduced us to Mr. Kim and his son Tae Hung, who was also 10 years old. These two boys from different countries, different cultures, and different languages bridged all those barriers in about five minutes. You would have thought they had known each other forever. Tyler still talks about his special trip with me and the people he encountered along the way. 

Sae opened my world (and my son's) to a culture and people that we have both come to love. These kind and caring people are photographers who have been influenced by Western photographers while maintaining their own styles. For the introduction to such creative photographers and wonderful friends...Thank you, Sae.

Dennis Craft, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, API, F-ASP
2008-2009 PPA President

image copyright Rod Gleason