Board Members 2025 Board of Directors Portraits by Megan Drane / Firefly Nights Photography
Chairman of the Board: Maria Heineman M.Photog, CR, CPP, F-PPANI
President: Michael Lee M.Photog, Cr. CPP, F-PPANI
Vice President: Carol DeAnda M.Wed.Photog, Cr.Photog, CPP, F-PPANI
Upon entering high school, she explored various artistic mediums, yet it was photography that captured her heart. Attending Harrington College of Design's Digital Photography program in 2008 marked the beginning of her professional journey. Initially employed by a start-up named Bella Baby, she flourished, eventually founding her own venture, DeAnda Photography, shortly thereafter in 2010. By 2019, her business had soared, culminating in the establishment of her own studio space. Rejecting the notion that success lies solely in specialization, her clientele spanned headshots, family portraits, corporate events and weddings, ensuring a dynamic and evolving career. Additionally, she ventured into aerial photography for commercial listings and real estate. Secretary: Maureen Miller, CPP
Three decades later, she remains deeply entrenched in the photography industry. Her diverse experiences have spanned across retail studio management, wedding photography, high-end studio portraiture, volume photography, and even training. These experiences have all played a crucial role in the establishment and growth of her own successful photography businesses. She credits their lifelong learning through Professional Photographers of America (PPA) as a major factor in their ability to adapt, grow, and thrive in the ever-evolving industry. They are also incredibly grateful for the supportive community and educational resources offered by the Professional Photographers Association of Northern Illinois (PPANI). They look forward to what the future holds in this ever-fascinating field. For her, the science of photography is a beautiful blend of technical expertise and emotional connection. While she finds immense joy in creating captivating imagery, she is even more drawn to the profound impact their photographs have on their clients. After all, capturing and preserving precious moments is a truly magical experience. Her guiding principle: "Photography IS A BIG DEAL!" Treasurer: Carrie White CPP
Their expertise has been validated through successfully passing both a written examination and an image evaluation administered by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), the leading organization dedicated to certifying imaging professionals. This certification isn't simply a one-time achievement, but rather requires ongoing renewal, guaranteeing their continued commitment to education and upholding the highest standards within the industry. Their dedication extends beyond individual certification, as they actively participate as a member of the Professional Photography Association of America (PPA) and currently hold a position on the Executive Board for the Northern Illinois chapter. Driven by an insatiable passion for photography, they describe themselves as a "photographer junkie," constantly seeking new opportunities to learn and refine their skills. This unwavering dedication translates into meticulous effort poured into every shot, fueled by the understanding that each captured moment holds immense significance for their clients. Program Chair: Julie Monacella CPP
Upon launching a photography business in 2006, it quickly flourished, becoming their sole career path, a decision they have never regretted. Photography has provided the remarkable opportunity for both the logical and creative sides of their mind to work in harmony, fulfilling a lifelong desire. This perfect marriage of art and science, infused with a profound sense of passion, has fueled their continuous pursuit of excellence. They firmly believe that surrounding oneself with talented individuals is paramount to growth. This conviction is one of the reasons they deeply value the esteemed Northern community. The remarkable photographers within this group, along with the unparalleled local connections fostered, provide an invaluable network that continues to nurture their artistic journey. Membership Chair: Becka McKiness
While weddings occupy a significant portion of Becka’s schedule, she extends her artistry to include family portraits and branding sessions. Becka also takes on opportunities to immerse herself in the vibrant world of music. She occasionally captures live concerts of bands and musical artists she adores. Becka attributes her growth and willingness to embrace new challenges to her involvement with PPANI. This community of like-minded creatives has been a wellspring of inspiration, pushing her to expand her horizons and refine her skills. Technology Chair: David Fulghum, CPP
Dave’s experiences have ranged from photojournalism, shooting for three newspapers during and after college, working in retail camera shops and assisting professional trade magazine and commercial photographers while in his 20’s. He has owned and operated three studios between 1994 and the present. Building a management career outside of photography has given Dave a business perspective he finds invaluable and is happy to coach and share his insights with his fellow photographers. Dave is a Certified Professional Photographer, and has been a PPA member since 2021. Dave joined PPANI in 2023 after the Nashville IUSA show. “The IUSA conferences have helped me grow my business in way’s I never expected. From business coaching to networking with other Professionals to meeting the PPANI group, everything has just fallen into place perfectly”. Dave’s current studio, In Bloomington Illinois, serves the Midwest region. Dave primarily provides commercial photography work for business and industry. His market includes Chicago, Indianapolis and St. Louis. Dave also does art portrait work for individuals, headshots for businesses and theater needs and his own style of Family Portraits. Dave teaches the photography curriculum at the McLean County Arts Center in Bloomington Il. Dave also enjoys adventure travel photography and has published three books on his journeys. His latest, The Legacy Project : Iceland” is a collaboration with his son Sean. His next book is in the works, a monograph of images of the American West. When not taking photos (which it seems he always is) Dave enjoys adventure sports such as canoeing, SCUBA diving, hiking and road tripping to places few have tread. Host Chair: Rob Wehmeier
In 1991, he moved to Chicago from Flossmoor, IL, and started working full-time to develop his client base and work for established photographers on various advertising, catalog, and industrial projects. While most of his projects were in the Midwest region, he has traveled nationally and internationally for jobs. In 2002, Rob and his wife Elise partnered to open Wehmeier Portraits, which provides family and children portraiture in the southwest suburbs. The studio specialized in Black and White portraits, gradually expanding to include Color Portraits. In 2017, Rob relocated the studio from its brick-and-mortar location to its current residential setting. The studio mix continues with Family and Children while maintaining many Commercial clients in the corporate, industrial, and architectural arenas. Rob has served or serves on several professional boards, including the Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce, ASMP Chicago/Midwest Chapter, Associated Professional Photographers of Illinois, and other Illinois groups. He is currently a member of PPA, PPANI, and APA. Rob has been a passionate B&W photographer since college. One of his ongoing projects involves creating portraits using a large-format Deardorff view camera and sensitized paper as the recording medium. This slow and meticulous method explores the relationship between the photographer, the camera, and the subject and how it affects the creation and interpretation of the final image. Rob also has a long-running project using his phone camera to explore graphic composition, various phone-based processing methods, and the interplay of light and motion in creating social media imagery, which helps sharpen his design sensibilities. The Godfather: Bruce Van Pelt
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Maria began her career in photography working for a retail children’s & family studio, and then spent 20+ years in the school portrait industry as a photographer, photo manager & trainer.
Michael Lee has been a working photographer in the Chicago area for 20 years, is a Master Photographer, Photographic Craftsman, 
Since childhood, Carol had always been drawn to art, often seen with a camera in hand even during her school days. Her love for creativity extended to intricately posing Beanie Babies against various backdrops around her house. Encouraged by her supportive grandfather, who readily accommodated her requests for multiple print copies of her beloved Beanie Babies.
Maureen’s creative journey began with drawing as a child, followed by the discovery of photography in high school. She then pursued a graphic design degree in college, but her path soon shifted towards a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis on photography.
As a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), Carrie has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in their craft. This distinction signifies their completion of rigorous coursework on lighting, technique, equipment, and even unique photography situations. Furthermore, their photography has been critically evaluated and recognized as demonstrating professional quality.
Julie has always had a desire to create beauty. However, their analytical side initially steered them towards an eight-year career in engineering as a Systems Engineer in the telecommunications industry. Following a break to focus on their young children, a prior certification in facilitating corporate training programs, acquired before starting a family, reignited a passion for understanding people and their professional journeys. This experience involved facilitating programs in communication skills, public speaking, leadership, and human relations for a leading company in the professional development industry. They deeply enjoyed learning about people, companies, and their respective industries, while assisting them in achieving their goals.
Becka's journey into the world of photography started with a love of movies. Unexpectedly she found a profound passion for capturing emotions that lead her to specialize in freezing moments that tell powerful stories.
Dave has been involved with photography since his high school days. Nearing 50 years of experience with a camera in hand he has come away with one cardinal rule regarding his photography. “The more I learn about imaging, the more I realize how much more there is to learn”. Improving his work and growing as an artist are his driving passions.
Rob’s photography career started in the mid-80s while attending Valparaiso University. There, he created and customized his degree path and received his associate's degree in photography. During his college years, he worked with several campus departments to photograph events and portraits of University Administrators, including the University President. His first work out of college was assisting photographers in Northwest Indiana, where he photographed in many of the steel mills and their supporting 
Bruce, affectionately known as "The Godfather" within the PPANI community, stands as the unassuming maestro behind Brighter Visions Photography since 1994. His quiet dedication led him to join PPANI and PPA, where he skillfully captured the nuances of weddings, families, children, seniors, and diverse commercial projects. Bruce's journey took on a distinctive note as he served on competition committees for both PPANI and APPI, ultimately earning the title of Print Chairman at PPANI from 2005 to 2022. Fondly bestowed with the moniker "The Godfather" due to his longstanding history on the PPANI board, Bruce's impact resonates far beyond his lens. Modesty and wisdom define his legacy, making him a revered figure in the world of photography.