focal point nov-11

Focal Point N

ovember 2011

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orthern California Professional Photographers

Focal Point November 2011

2 Northern California Professional Photographers

Northern California Professional Photographers Officers Committee Chairs Newsletter Info. and Coordinators

President Kevallyn Paskos 925-766-3121 [email protected] 1st Vice President Programs / Education Michael Kirwan 925-287-8421 [email protected] 3rd Vice President Membership Denny Weigand 925-336-7994 [email protected] Treasurer Malcolm Sleight 925-330-8737 [email protected] Secretary Mark Gebhardt 925-408-8175 [email protected] Chairman of the Board Wayne Miller 925-330-8737

Membership Denny Weigand 925-336-7994 [email protected] Blog / Website Wayne Miller 925-330-8737 [email protected] Newsletter Focal Point Editor Tom OConnor 925-586-2745 [email protected] FP Copy Editor Wayne Miller 925-330-8737 [email protected] Image Competition Caleb Cheong 625-234-3278 [email protected] Hospitality Nicole Gee 925-785-7772 [email protected] Photographer

Send Newsletter information to: Tom O'Connor. [email protected] Deadline for submission of articles and ad copy is the 25th of each month. Information received after the deadline cannot be guaranteed publication

Advertising Costs: 11 Issues per year Contact FP Editor NCPP Members: You supply camera ready art

work and text. 1/4 page for 3 months per year

- Free Additional / Larger Ads: 1/4 Page for 3 months - $25 1/2 Page for 3 months - $50 Full Page for 3 months - $75 Change to ad - $25 Note: Members can use the Yahoo Group email to advertise at no cost. Sustaining Members: You supply camera ready art

work and text. Full Page per year - Free Non Members Non Sustaining Members: You supply camera ready art

work and text. Full Page per year - $500



Presidents Message Kevallyn Paskos 4 Member Spotlight Cheryl Bigman 5 November Meeting Held in the Contra Costa Room this month. Mike Kirwan A Hands-On Workshop - Lighting & Posing with Real Models Vendor Night Raffle and Prizes 6 Print Comp Info and Calendar 7 Preparing an image for "Projected Image Comp" 8 9 Print Comp Winners October 2011 10 Best of Show October 2011 11

October Image Comp and Meeting Images 12 17 Holiday Party CANCELLED!!!!!! 18 NCPP Blog 19 NorCalPhotogs 20 Info Share New 21 How to Protect Your Camera in Extreme Conditions Deidra Wilson 22 24 January 2012 Speaker - Christine Bentley 25 Membership Information 26 NCPP Presidents, Awards & Degrees 27 - 28 Certification Information 29 PPCC Certification and PPA Merit & Degree Programs 30 NCPP Focal Point & Image of the Month History 31 - 36 NCPP Membership Classifications and Fees for 2011 37 Member Advertisements & Ad Specs. 38 NCPP Sustaining Members 39 - 44 Our Neighboring Affiliates 45 Calendar - Important Dates 46 Sunset Chart 47

NCPP MEETING THIS MONTH TUESDAY, November 8th, 2011 Doors open at 6:15pm, meeting starts at 7pm

Come early at 6:15pm to socialize!!

Table of Contents



Dear NCPP, Hello and Happy Halloween! This has been a fun month and it was great to see everyone at the last meeting. The lovely San Francisco based fine art photographer, Lisa Lefkowitz shared her valuable insight, inspiration and images throughout the evening. Her photography is fresh, detailed and personal. Lisas expertise in shooting film was reflected in the artistry of each image and confirms why she continues to gain national recognition. NCPP Guests Our recent meeting also welcomed many new guests. We continue to add new members to our organization each month. If you know of someone who might be a student, aspiring professional or a photographer who wants to learn more about the photography business, please let us know. We are really looking forward to growing the NCPP organization with new members in 2012 and its already looking bright! Photographer Recognition NCPP member Cheryl Bigman! Cheryl shared her recent dedication in working with the Lafora Children Research Fund. Chelseas Hope was born in 2007 out of a parents desperation to save her young teenage daughter from a little known horrific disease whose victims rarely live past their second decade of life. With no support or funding, Chelseas Hope needed help to start creating awareness and raise money for research. Cheryl contacted Chelseas mom Linda and proposed the idea of putting real faces to this obscure sounding disease by creating portraits of as many of the affected kids as possible. The exhibit called, The Faces of Lafora, was displayed at the first ever Chelseas Hope Fundraiser in May of 2009 and began a journey that would change Cheryls life and the lives of other Lafora families forever. September Print Competition had 10 Professional photographer entries! Print Comp is open to every one of you so dont be shy. I will continue to personally challenge each one of you to enter next month so the pressure is on again. Aspiring photographers enter for FREE! Please get your digital images in before Monday at midnight prior to each meeting. This is a great way to learn from the pros. Please check out the print comp instructions right here in Focal Point. Best of Show Congratulations goes to1st Place Wayne Miller with Mystic, 2nd Place Michael Malerba After Midnight and 3rd Place Karen Drinkwater Arches and Crosses. Thank you for your submissions, they were all great. Read all about these artists and their prints in this months Focal Point. Nor Cal Photogs Meetup group Awesome resource! Learn about upcoming NCPP guest speakers, other photography field trips and special events. Please take a few minutes to join. http://www.meetup.com/NorCalPhotogs-Meet-up/ Special thanks to Tom OConnor, Mark Gebhardt, Malcolm Slight, Denny Weigand, Caleb Cheong and Mike Kirwan for their assistance throughout the evening.

"Be the change you want to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi.?

Warm regards, Kevallyn

NCPP Mission Statement: The Northern California Professional Photographers is an organization dedicated to advancing the business of professional photography. Our purpose is to create an environment amongst professional photographers that

will inspire each of us and to help one another grow as business professionals and artists.

Presidents Message Kevallyn Paskos



Cheryls story began shortly after she earned her MBA while working as a Project Manager at Hewlett-Packard. She learned her job was being transferred to Colorado and decided to leave the company and set off for what would become a life-changing adventure a photography workshop in Paris! Cheryl quickly realized she had a passion for capturing real, un-posed, natural moments between real people. She had always enjoyed writing stories, and telling them through pictures was right up her alley. Paris is often called the City of Love. Some people do find love there, but Cheryl found her love for photography. 5 years later, she now operates a full-time home studio and specializes in High School Seniors and Bar & Bat Mitzvahs. After hearing an NCPP speaker talk about the importance of personal projects, especially ones that benefit others, Cheryl was inspired to get involved with an organization called Chelseas Hope Lafora Children Research Fund. Chelseas Hope was born in 2007 out of a parents desperation to save her young teenage daughter from a little known horrific disease whose victims rarely live past their second decade of life. With no support or funding, Chelseas Hope needed help to start creating awareness and raise money for research. Cheryl contacted Chelseas mom Linda and proposed the idea of putting real faces to this obscure sounding disease by creating portraits of as many of the affected kids as possible. The exhibit called, The Faces of Lafora, was displayed at the first ever Chelseas Hope Fundraiser in May of 2009. Not only did this event raise awareness and $30,000 for Chelseas Hope, it began a journey that would change Cheryls life and the lives of other Lafora families forever.

Member Spotlight Cheryl Bigman

If you would like to know more, or donate to help the Lafora Children Research Fund, visit: Website: www.chelseashope.org ------ Email: [email protected]



NCPP Alumni Night all current and past NCPP members get in free. Lighting & Posing with Real Models - A Hands-On Workshop Portrait, Fashion and figure photographer, Mike Kirwan will share some of his secrets of lighting and posing during a hands-on Fun Night and our NCPP meeting on November 8th. Mike will be providing three studio sets, one formal, complete with back drop, two mono-lights, one equipped with an umbrella/soft box the other a honey comb grid for directional lighting. The second set will include a portable ring-flash for impromptu shooting; while the third set up will be Mikes portable studio, which packs into a small case and includes soft box as well as a fill light and other modifiers. In addition to the lighting, Mike has secured the talent of four local models. The models are available for your direction. You will get to direct them in poses according to your individual taste. A tethered set up will be available to see the results of your work in real time, you will have the opportunity to capture directly into LightRoom or with a nifty software package that allows focus control directly from the laptop. For something different, Mike will be providing two medium format film cameras pre-loaded with film. Why? Shooting with a Hasselblad or Mamiya RB is very different than a Nikon D3 or Canon 5D, you will learn to use a flash meter to ensure you get the correct exposure no chimping here. Mike will personally develop and scan the films and make the images available on CD. While this is somewhat of an education event, it is really informal, and intended for everyone to have fun. So bring your charged cameras and make sure you have enough storage cards to last you through the evening. Vendor Evening: We will also have some of our vendors present. Included in the lineup is Dan Leto from Camera West, who will be bringing along a number of surprises. Also Ryan Kristin from OnOne Software will be showing off their latest product suite. We also will be enjoying the company of Elaine Peters from PCL West Imaging; and Mike Moretti from APF Wholesale. To top the evening off our vendors have donated door prizes including gift certificates, albums, educational CDs and the latest release of imaging software.

NCPP Proudly Presents Tuesday Nov. 8th Fun Night Mike Kirwan NCPP Fun Night



If you are interested in volunteering with image comp, please contact: Caleb Cheong at 625-234-3278 or email Caleb at [email protected] For PPA Style Competition, Only Projected Images will be accepted.

Preparing your image for "Projected" Image Comp This article will remain permanently in the Focal Point.

Print Comp Calendar

Peoples Choice Print Competition see rules just below. 2. People's Choice Print Competition a. Entry Rules 1) At the discretion of the Print Chair, a theme may be assigned to a People's Choice competition once each year. The theme may or may not pertain to the subject of the speaker's program. The theme will be announced at the meeting, published in the Focal Point and also sent by email to NCPP members. 2) Entries for Peoples Choice may be framed, or in albums, mounted to alternative substrates, etc., in addition to PPA style mounted prints. 3) Each NCPP member may submit up to two entries. 4) Entries must be signed in with the print comp chair at least ten minutes before the start of the meeting. 5) Entries will be assigned a number by the print comp chair. Titles are not required. 6) Depending on the style of the entry, the photographer's name or studio logo may be an integral part of the entry and therefore may remain visible during judging. X) You may also enter Projected Images using a Laptop or iPad

PRINT COMP 2011 CALENDAR November: Peoples Choice December: Year End PPA Style

PRINT COMP 2012 CALENDAR January: PPA Style February: PPA Style Masters Only Year End Peoples Choice Masters Choice of Peoples Choice March: April: May: June: July: August: September: October: November: Peoples Choice December: Year End PPA Style



Here are the basics for creating your "Projected Image" file. We will be setting the file type, dimensions, color space, jpg quality, pixels per inch and file name that that will qualify for NCPP Projected Image Comp. These requirements are the same as PPA with the exception in NOTE 2 below.

1. Create a file that will become the background for your image that is 4,000px Wide x 2,200px High @ 200 pixels per inch. (20" x 11") This size fits our monitor and will be displayed at its optimal.

2. The color space can be sRGB or RGB1998. 3. The file type is a jpg with a Quality setting of 10. Total file size not to exceed 3.5mb. 4. You can apply a color or pattern to this layer just as you would do for a printed image that you

would have entered previously in print comp. 5. Next prepare the image that you are going to insert over the background. The color space, ppi

etc needs to be the same as your background layer. 6. Size the image as you wish in either a vertical or horizontal format. The image size must be at

least 80 square inches. An example is 8" x 10". The image may be placed anywhere you want to put it on the background layer. The positioning of the image on the background layer will be part of your "Presentation" score just like with Printed print comp.

7. Add a stroke or any other edge treatment to the edge of the image you want, or not. 8. All images will be shown only with the background in the "Horizontal Format". This is the same

way that PPA is handling it. The monitor will not be rotated for vertical images. They will be shown just like the example images on the previous page.

9. There is to be no photographer name or studio name on the image. 10. Name your file with the following convention:

Member's First Name_Last Name_Image_Title_.jpg (Use _ for spaces). Example file name: Bill_Jones_Mount_Diablo_Sunset.jpg

11. More information for download or viewing at.

NOTE 1: If you plan to submit any of these images to PPA, I would initially save this file as a layered PSD or TIFF. When I was done and ready to submit to NCPP, I would then save it again as a jpg with all of the requirements listed above and submit the jpg. This way if you later decide to enter this same image with PPA or re-enter with NCPP, you can open your PSD/TIFF and make any changes you want. NOTE 2: PPA Projected Submission Specifications match what is required for NCPP, except:

PPA requires your PPA# in place of your name in the file name: Example: 12345_Mount_Diablo_Sunset.jpg Link to the PPA site for a video on How To: http://www.ppa.com/competitions/tutorials.php

ENTRY RULES AND DEADLINES:

Cost per each image is $5.00 prior to the Monday, (at midnight), prior to the Tuesday meeting. Fee is to be paid via the NCPP PayPal link.

E-mail images to [email protected] Limit of 20 Projected images allowed per meeting. This is at the discretion of the Print Chair on a month by month basis.

Preparing your image for "Projected" Image Comp This article will remain permanently in the Focal Point.



CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Winners for October 2011

Images by Tom OConnor

1st Place Wayne Miller Mystic

2nd Place Mike Malerba After Midnight 3rd Place Karen Drinkwater

Arches and Crosses

Image Competition



The image Mystic was created using several images into a composition. Krista had a striking appearance and tranquility for such a young woman that it conjured a mystical sense when I captured her image. It is not often that a subject is as comfortable in front of the camera as she was. The background was comprised from several images, one of condensation and water on a shower door and another of peeling paint on an old barn. These were blended with color burn in Photoshop layer modes. The wings were from a costume from the SF Carnaval parade, and another image of smoke was used. I also used Nix Glamour Glow to add the finishing touch. Creating the image from several different components may seem complicated but it isnt when you are enjoying the journey and not too concerned about the destination. In creating an image for your own enjoyment and not concerned about competition the artist within can be free to create. Each time I work on an image I judge my growth as an artist and strive to improve in my craft. Wood Allen said - Ninety percent of success is just showing up. So if you want to grow as an artist in photography one must put ones images out for the world to observe, love, hate, criticize and admirer Wayne Miller.

Best of Show October 2011 Mystic by Wayne Miller



October Image Competition Entries



October Meeting Images



Insert Holiday Flier

Holiday Party 2011



Be sure to visit our NCPP Blog. There is a ton of information, How Tos, Tutorials and much more!! The site has a completely fresh new look and is very user friendly! Visit: http://ncpponline.org/

NCPP Blog



Come join the NoCalPhotogs Meetup group. You can sign up for NCPP meeting and leave comments about the group and speakers. This will help NCPP grow, so please join us and let the world know how great this group is. http://www.meetup.com/NorCalPhotogs-Meet-up/

NorCalPhotogs



Info Share Denny Weigand has a great idea. Sharing links and other photography related information that we think other members would be interested in. So, new to the Focal Point will be an ongoing Info Share article where members can submit information that they think NCPP members would be interested in knowing about. If you have information you would like to share, Email it to the Focal Point Editor by the 25th of each month to be included in the next issue of the Focal Point. [email protected] Breathtaking HD video of Utah and Arizona - Web Submitted by Denny Weigand The creator of this stunning piece is Dustin Farrell. Every frame of this video is a raw still from a Canon 5D2 DSLR and processed with Adobe software, he says, I felt that showing them again with motion controlled HDR and/or night time lapse would be a new way to see old landmarks. Web link: http://gawker.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=251e609e1dba3888b86c21cc8&id=002d17d7c1&e=d7f6318658 Bill Cunningham New York - Movie Submitted by Denny Weigand 2010 NR 84 minutes Living simply and using a bicycle to get around New York, 80-year-old photographer Bill Cunningham tirelessly records what people are wearing in the city -- both out on the sidewalk and in the salons of the wealthy. Through his "Evening Hours" and "On the Street" photo columns in the Sunday New York Times, Cunningham has faithfully chronicled the city's fashions and sparkling nightlife while maintaining his own unassuming charm. Stream at Netflix: http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/Bill_Cunningham_New_York/70141814?trkid=4213507 Rent or Purchase at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Bill-Cunningham-New-York/dp/B005MMY7GO/ref=sr_1_1?s=instant-video&ie=UTF8&qid=1317615638&sr=1-1 Light Space & Time Art Exhibition - Web Submitted by Denny Weigand Web link: http://www.lightspacetime.com/exhibitions/current-exhibition-all-photography/

Harvey Milk Photo Center - San Francisco Submitted by Denny Weigand Web Link: http://harveymilkphotocenter.org/

Photographers find light in the dead of night - Night Photography - SF Chronicle Submitted by Denny Weigand Web link: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/10/08/DDBM1L4LCA.DTL

Pier 24 Photography - San Francisco Submitted by Tom OConnor Web link: http://www.pier24.org/ Schedule your visit online: http://www.pier24.org/visit/index.html

Understanding Criticism by Alain Briot from The Luminous Landscape Submitted by Tom OConnor Web link part 1: http://www.luminous-landscape.com/columns/understanding_criticism_part_1.shtml Web link part 2: http://www.luminous-landscape.com/understanding_criticism_part_2.shtml Web link part 3 to come:



A quick glance at the car thermometer lets you know that it is 115 degrees outside. You look to your left and outside the car window, the hot desert air is a swirling mess of blowing dust and sand. Youre in Death Valley and the light is epic. Every fiber of your creative being is yelling at you to get out and start snapping, to get that perfect shot! Hurry up; you have maybe 5 minutes left!

But there is another side to you, the side that made you research tirelessly to get the best price on the best gear. Your frugal side is holding your adventurous side back because the weather is downright nasty. Can you keep your gear safe and clean in extreme weather environments, and get your sensible side to let your wild side run free?

There are ways to protect your gear in nearly any scenario, which will make you more comfortable while shooting, and that typically translates to better images. My disclaimer is to always read your manual for basic camera care, such as how to keep it clean and functioning properly. However, for extreme conditions, the following tips may keep you out of trouble.

Hot Weather

You want to keep your gear as cool as possible in this scenario. You can cover your camera with a light hand towel, or work under an umbrella. The goal is to keep it out of direct sunlight if you can. A pair of walking/hiking poles can be used to make a makeshift sun shelter; simply attach a towel or shirt to the poles and position the resulting spot of shade in between your camera and the sun. I have also used people, cars, and even a friendly wild burro as sun blocks in extreme heat. Keep in mind that your mileage may vary on the availability of accommodating burros. Mine was so helpful I named him Tonto, so if you see him tell him I said hello.

If temperatures are soaring over 100, you need to occasionally give your gear a break. Get it back into the car where theres air conditioning. Let it cool down, even if only for five minutes. Its sensor cant deal with constant extreme temperatures. On that note, dont leave it in the trunk when its that hot out, either. Thats simply asking for trouble.

When dealing with extreme heat, you also run the risk of drying out the seals that keep your gear protected from other elements, such as moisture and dust. If you cant avoid the heat because you have to get that shot, try to keep the time in the elements to a minimum, and cool the camera down when possible.

How to Protect Your Camera in Extreme Conditions Deidra Wilson



Do not, however, cool the gear down abruptly. You want to avoid extreme temperature swings, as they can damage computer and mechanical parts inside the body or lens.

Cold Weather

A major problem with cold weather shooting is battery life. I typically keep my batteries warm inside an interior jacket pocket, or by wrapping a chemical hand warmer around them and fastening it with a rubber band. Once your battery dies from the cold, you can place it back into your pocket, or back into the hand warmer and it will likely come back for at least a few exposures if needed. Dont let the battery get too warm, or it could cause condensation inside your equipment (see below). If it gets too hot from the hand warmer, let it cool down just a touch before you place it in the camera body. If its below zero outside, a few moments of the battery being exposed to the elements alone will ensure it is ready to go safely in your camera.

The biggest issue with cold weather for me seems to be condensation when you bring the camera back inside to room temperature. The rapid rise in temperature causes things to get foggy. Think about when you go from a cool air conditioned room out into the humid summer air are your glasses or sunglasses fogged up? Its the same principle at work but its happening inside your camera body and lenses, which can be quite scary. Most professionals like to seal the camera in a bag with the cold outside air to gradually bring the gear back to room temperature. You can then use a Silica Packet or two inside your camera bag to ensure that any remaining moisture does not become a problem (see Wet Weather below).

Wet Weather

Usually if you are caught out in the elements and it starts to sprinkle, its not the end of the world. You throw your jacket over your gear, grab the shot and move to a drier location. However, there are times when you have no choice, and the client needs the shot. In that case, you have to find a workaround.

In a pinch, you can always toss the whole setup in a large Ziploc or grocery bag. Then, cut a hole out for the lens and rubber band the bag around the lens to keep the majority of the water out of the actual camera body and lens, minus the front element. This is not necessarily the most effective or fun way to prevent wet weather damage, but it could keep you out of the repair shop. For these pesky its sprinkling but not quite raining moments I use a $5 neoprene water shoe that I modified to make a blanket that can go over the top of my body and lens. Essentially, I sliced it open down the top of the shoe, creating more of a flat piece of rubber and neoprene. I flip that upside down so it hugs my body and lens a bit tighter. That gets me through most light rain perfectly as long as I dont allow the material to saturate with water.

I also own a very solid and expensive waterproof jacket made by a company called ArcTeryx and its always with me if I think theres even the slightest chance of rain or moisture. This particular jacket packs down very small. I simply drape the jacket over my head and camera, being careful to always slide out the back of the jacket when I am done to minimize the chance of accumulated water droplets from soaking my camera. This trick was invented long ago by someone smarter than me, but its a great way to protect your gear not only in rain, but also at the beach and around waterfalls. I was recently on a shoot at the Oregon coast in the rain forests and its an anomaly if some level of rain




isnt falling from the sky. I took several pairs of gloves to always ensure my hands were dry, every lens cloth I own and a simple and inexpensive car wash chamois to place on top of my camera. I then placed my waterproof jacket over my camera and myself it worked perfectly.

After any exposure to high humidity or direct rain/snow, you can always try using a few Silica Gel Desiccant Dehumidifiers in your camera bag. These are the strange packets you find in electronics packaging that keep things from being damaged by moisture (again, please resist the urge to put the packets in your mouth follow the instructions).

Of course, if you must work in extremely wet conditions, you may want to consider using an underwater housing. This is the most effective way to keep water out of your gear. It is not inexpensive, and usually isnt necessary for the average photographer, but some pros may require the ability to endure this type of weather to get the perfect shot.

Sand or Dust

I live in the desert. It is always windy and there is almost always some type of suspended material in that wind sand, dust, UFOs, you name it. First, youll likely want to protect the front element of the lens with a UV filter (at a minimum). This will prevent any tiny pockmarks (sandblasting) to the actual lens. A good UV filter can run you as little as $20. While replacing the front element is the cheapest fix for most lenses, why would you run the risk if you can prevent the problems in the first place?

One of my best tips for sandy or dusty conditions is, perhaps surprisingly, to use an underwater housing. This may not be the least expensive fix, but it is certainly one of the best. Since youre essentially waterproofing your camera equipment, you can be sure that fine grit, dust and sand wont be able to get to your precious gear, either. It is definitely not as user friendly to use an underwater housing on land but you will have the ability to walk into some pretty gnarly weather and get some shots that few others could ever capture.

Youll definitely want to do any type of gear change, such as lens swap or a memory card change, in a protected area. You wouldnt believe the amount of damage a few grains of sand can do the delicate interiors of todays DSLRs.

In general, you want to use ingenuity when it comes to shooting in any type of weather. Hopefully these few simple tips will help you battle the most common issues when it comes to shooting in extremes and you come back with epic shots.

Deidra Wilson is a Las Vegas Wedding Photographer who has a fiendish passion for shooting in conditions that are less than favorable.

Check out more of Deidra Wilsons work. Web: http://www.deidrawilson.com/ Twitter: follow her on Twitter Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DeidraWilsonPhotography




Details You've heard it a million times. It's all about the details. You know that shooting wedding details is important to be published, but do you know how to shoot them in the best possible style for editorial? Christine Bentley will not only share the secrets to insure that your weddings are published, but also explore shooting styles and technique that has made this possible, even celebrity photographer Bob Davis has called Christine, the Detail Diva, while acting as his second shooter. Beyond publication, shooting details can be the most profitable form of marketing, from blog to vendors. This PUG not only benefits those that want an edge to publishing their own wedding, learn strategies for marketing wedding details, but also for second shooters wanting to learn how to take the reins of photographing details. Wanna know how? Join us at the NCPP meeting on January 10, 2012. Christine Bentley Photography www.christinebentley.com

Coming January 10, 2012 Christine Bentley - Details



Contact Denny Weigand with / for any Membership Information

Phone: 925-336-7994 or Email: [email protected]

If you have comments or information regarding new applicants, please send them to: Denny Weigand, NCPP Membership Chair: [email protected]

WELCOME NEW NCPP MEMBERS

Membership

PROSPECTIVE NCPP MEMBERS



NCPP Past Presidents

1998 Michael Van Auken 1999 Judy Host 2000 Jim Fidelibus 2001 Linda Johnson 2002 Walter Guasch 2003 Kimberly Peterson 2004 Jim Fidelibus 2005 Michael Gan

2006 Michael Gan 2006-2007 Laura Cottril 2007-2008 Leslie Artis-Gan 2008-2009 Brent Walton 2009-2010 Randy Cazinha 2010-2011 Wayne Miller 2011-2012 Kevallyn Paskos

NCPP Member of the Year 1998 Peg Jackson 1999 Michael Van Auken 2000 Jim Fidelibus 2001 Jim Fidelibus 2002 Kay Simon 2003 Shelly Najera 2004 Linda Johnson

2005 Heather M. Whiting 2006 Michael Gan 2007 Laura Cottril 2008 Tom O'Connor 2009 Brent Walton 2010 Wayne Miller

Photographer of the Year 1998 Peg Jackson 1999 Jim Fidelibus 2000 Richard Stahlberg 2001 Michael Gan 2002 Richard Stahlberg 2003 Shelly Najera 2004 Leslie Artis

2005 Richard Stahlberg 2006 Leslie Artis-Gan 2007 Michael Van Auken - Tie 2007 Richard Stahlberg - Tie 2008 Richard Stahlberg 2009 Wayne Miller 2010 Wayne Miller

NCPP Presidents and Member Awards



PPA Master Craftsman Photographers Lisa Evans Peg Jackson Michael Gan Judy Host Leslie Artis-Gan PPA Master Photographers Jim Fidelibus Linda Johnson Deidre Ligenfelter Mary Small

PPA Craftsman Photographers Denny WeigandWayne Miller PPCC Certified Professional Photographers

NCPP Member Degrees

Leslie Artis-Gan Laura Cottril Lisa Duncan Michael Gan Jill Hager Judy Host Greta Heintz Tammy Hughes Linda Johnson

Scott Kouns Dana Smith Richard Stahlberg Arleen Thomas Darleen Tom Denny Weigand Wayne Miller Brent Walton Pam Biasotti

Jennifer Chesterman Jennifer Fink Stacey Flurscheim Nicole Gee Tod Gomes Ann Gordon Malcolm Slight Terry Riggins Mary Small



Educational Opportunities



If you are interested in becoming a Certified Professional Photographer, Master of Photography, Master of Electronic Imaging or a Photographic Craftsman, click here. Or, contact Wayne Miller or Denny Weigand PPCC CPP Liaisons. This link will take you to the PPA website and you will see the page shown below. The image below is just a screen shot of the website, the links are not hot on this screen shot.

PPCC Certification, and PPA Merit & Degree Programs



NCPP Focal Point and Image of the Month History 2011




Professional Active:

Annual Dues $135. A professional photographer is an individual who on a regular basis, takes and sells photographs or photographic services. Must satisfy federal, state (resale permit), & local license requirements. Professional Active members have full membership privileges (Free meetings, voting, use of NCPP logo for self promotional use, and image competition).

Aspiring*: Annual Dues $135. An individual who does not work in the photographic field, or derive any income from photography but plans to enter the profession. Limited to one year. Membership privileges: Meetings and entering image competition, but may not vote, hold office or use the NCPP logo. May not actively sell their photography or advertise/promote themselves as a photographer for hire. Limited to 20% enrolment. Student*: Annual Dues $50. Members preparing for a career in photography and currently enrolled in a school as a full time student. Applicant must show evidence of enrollment. Membership privileges: Meetings and entering image competition, but may not vote, hold office or use the NCPP logo. Limited to 10% enrolment. Sustaining: Annual Dues $150. Membership issued to the business name of the organization, which is a supplier, vendor, or manufacturer of photographic materials, supplies or photographic services. One representative of the organization shall have meeting privileges only, additional pay guest fees. *Aspiring & Student Classifications must assist/help six events per year to maintain classification, submit 2 images per month in Aspiring image competition (free), and attend Business 101 A to Z a new photographers guide to business success ($99) in order to move to Professional Active

NCPP Membership Classifications and Fees for 2011



Ad sizes are: 1/4 Page: 4-1/4 Wide x 5-1/2 High 1/2 Page: 8-1/2 Wide x 5-1/2 High Full Page: 8-1/2 Wide x 11 High Spec is: Jpg @ 94ppi Color Space: sRGB Include at least 1/8 of white space at the outer edges the

sizes listed above.

Focal Point Advertising Information

Advertising Costs: 11 Issues per year Contact FP Editor NCPP Members: You supply camera ready art

work and text. 1/4 page for 3 months per year

- Free Additional / Larger Ads: 1/4 Page for 3 months - $25 1/2 Page for 3 months - $50 Full Page for 3 months - $75 Change to ad - $25 Note: Members can use the Yahoo Group email to advertise at no cost. Sustaining Members: You supply camera ready art

work and text. Full Page per year - Free Non Members Non Sustaining Members: You supply camera ready art

work and text. Full Page per year - $500



Sustaining Members are companies that manufacture or distribute photographic equipment, laboratories, publishers or firms providing services to photographers. These Sustaining Members also contribute to the welfare of NCPP, with monetary and technical support. Sustaining Members may participate in all NCPP events; however they may not vote or hold office. We encourage our NCPP members to support our Sustaining Members. If you are interested in becoming a Sustaining Member, contact Denny Weigand. 925-336-7994 or E-mail @ [email protected] -Listed Alphabetically- THE ART OF PICTURE FRAMING APF is a full-service wholesale custom framing facility. We work closely with Fine Art and Framing Galleries, Interior Designers, Professional Photographers, Art Consultants, Retailers and others in need of custom framing at wholesale prices. APF specializes in creating custom programs or packages to your individual business or market needs. We offer superior quality with flexible pricing to fit your individual needs. Contact: Mike Moretti 1084 Shary Circle, #B Concord, CA 94518 (Located behind Costco) E-mail: [email protected] 925-689-5177 web: http://stores.apfwholesale.com/StoreFront.bok

NCPP Sustaining Members



BAY PHOTO LAB Contact: Debbie Thomas E-mail: [email protected] 510-585-7049 web: http://www.bayphoto.com/ 2161 Delaware Ave. Santa Cruz, CA 95060 800-435-6686 fax: 931-475-5257




PPC Professional Photographers of California Affiliates

Our Neighboring Affiliates

Company Name City Phone Web Site

All Valley Professional Photographers - AVPP La Canada Flintridge

(818) 262-7903

Associated Image Makers - AIM Fairfield 1-888-442-6606

Central Valley Professional Photographers - CVPP Fresno 559 266-0305

Channel Islands Professional Photographers Association - CIPPA Camarillo (805) 573-7637

Gold Coast Professional Photographers Association - GCPPA Pismo Beach 805 733-5197

Inland Empire Professional Photographers & Videographers - IEPPV Riverside 951-737-7310

Northern California Professional Photographers - NCPP Walnut Creek 925 330-8737

Professional Photographers of California Escondido

Professional Photographers of Los Angeles County - PPLAC Culver city (818) 344-0671

Professional Photographers of North Valley - PPNV Redding 530-241-2191

Professional Photographers of Orange County - PPOC Mission Viejo 949.916.2471

Professional Photographers of Sacramento Valley - PPSV Sacramento 530 363-0138

Professional Photographers of San Diego County - PPSDC San Diego (858) 695-9563

Professional Photographers of Santa Barbara County - PPSBC Santa Barbara (805) 403-6556

Professional Photographers of Santa Clara Valley - PPSCV San Jose 408 244-2293

Professional Photographers of the Greater Bay Area - PPGBA So. San Francisco

530 574-6033

Professional Photographers of the Redwood Empire - PPRE Santa Rosa 707 548-1181

Stanislaus Professional Photographers - SPP Modesto 209 847-0540



NCPP Calendar

November 2011 Tues. 8th: NCPP Meeting Mike Kirwan - Vendor Night Contra Costa Room this month Fri. 25th: Focal Point articles due Wed. 30th: Focal Point Publish December 2011 Wed.14th: Bi-Annual Board Meeting & Potluck 6pm 9pm See Emailed Flier 11.11.11

January 2012 Tues.10th: NCPP Meeting Christine Bentley Sun. 15th: PPA Imaging USA New Orleans Wed. 25th: Focal Point articles due Mon. 30th: Focal Point Publish February 2012 Tues.14th: NCPP Meeting Masters Night Sun. 19th: WPPI Las Vegas Sat. 25th: Focal Point articles due Thur. 30th: Focal Point Publish March 2012 Sat. 3rd: PPA Western States Image Comp Tues.13th: NCPP Meeting Sat. 24th: Business 101 Sun. 25th: Focal Point articles due Fri. 30th: Focal Point Publish April 2012 Tues.10th: NCPP Meeting Wed. 25th: Focal Point articles due Mon. 30th: Focal Point Publish May 2012 Tues.8th: NCPP Meeting Fri. 25th: Focal Point articles due Wed. 30th: Focal Point Publish



Sunset Table for Walnut Creek

"Be the change you want to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi.?Hot WeatherCold WeatherA major problem with cold weather shooting is battery life. I typically keep my batteries warm inside an interior jacket pocket, or by wrapping a chemical hand warmer around them and fastening it with a rubber band. Once your battery dies from the c...Wet WeatherSand or Dust

focal point nov-11

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