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• Lisa Francescon & Travis Patenaude- 2 programs

  • When
    14 May 2025
  •  
    9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    PROCAM - 4300 Westbrook Drive Aurora, IL 60504

  Register

  
  

  2 programs!

  Morning Session- Lisa Francescon

  Creating Pet Photography Content for Social Media

  Why should owners have their pets professionally photographed?  Why should people hire you instead of the photographer down the street. What benefits will your clients receive by hiring you? 

  These answers are key to your marketing and offer creative techniques instead of the constant, “book me” and “hire me” that you see throughout social media.  These are the concepts that intermingle into your scheduled marketing events. 

  Lisa will share with you how to answer these questions and create social media marketing content with your answers. She will also offer a variety of events and fundraisers that you can offer through your studio.
  
  This class is for pet photographers, those who want to add pet photography to their offerings, and for those of you who want to use the ideas to implement in your preferred genre.

  
  

  Lisa's Bio

  Based out of Coal Valley, Illinois, Lisa has been capturing the relationships and personalities of families, children, and high school seniors with her camera since 2004.  In 2015, Lisa began to focus on pet portraiture and her primary client now has fur and whiskers.  Lisa did her first fundraiser for an animal shelter in 2017 and continues to raise money and photograph shelter and rescue animals to increase their chances of finding a forever home.

  Lisa holds a bachelor’s degree in Special Education, a Master’s Degree in Education and taught in the public school system for many years.  

   Lisa has been awarded the Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman degrees.  She is also certified through the Professional Photographers of America and has won numerous awards both at the state and international level. 

  https://www.momentsbylisa.com/
  

  
  

  Afternoon Session- Travis Patenaude

  Lighting the Way: Techniques for Captivating Dog Studio Portraits

  Join us for an immersive class designed to elevate your skills in dog studio photography. Led by seasoned photographer Travis Patenaude, this workshop covers essential topics from dog safety and body language to advanced studio lighting techniques.

  Participants will gain crucial insights into dog safety and body language, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free environment for both the photographer and the canine subjects.

  Next, dive into the intricacies of using studio lights for dog photography. From understanding modifiers to mastering one, two, and three light setups, participants will learn how to harness the power of light to capture stunning portraits of dogs. Through live demonstrations, Travis will showcase each lighting setup, providing valuable tips and techniques along the way.

  During the class, attendees will have the opportunity to observe and participate in live shots for each lighting setup. This hands-on experience allows participants to refine their skills under the guidance of the instructor, capturing memorable images of our furry models.

  After the shooting session, Travis will walk through his editing process, revealing secrets to post-processing techniques that enhance the beauty of dog portraits. From color correction to retouching, participants will learn how to transform their raw images into polished works of art.

  Travis's Bio

  Travis Patenaude, a highly acclaimed dog photographer from Stink-Eye Photography creates unique portraits that foster an emotional connection between the subject and the viewer. He believes emotions and feelings are a vital part of telling stories and has to be put in a form that touches the hearts of people to evoke empathy and to make the viewer want to learn more about these dogs. Travis is an advocate for animal rescue and animal rights, in particular raising awareness for the plight of the hunting dogs of Spain. He has won international awards and has been published across international print, online media, and magazines.

  https://www.stinkeyephotography.com/

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• Kristy Steeves - In Pursuit of Excellence through Image Competition

  • When
    11 Jun 2025
  •  
    9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Location
    PROCAM - 4300 Westbrook Drive Aurora, IL 60504

  Register

  
  

  In Pursuit of Excellence through Image Competition

  Entering images in photographic competition can seem like a daunting task for many people but it's a journey that, if undertaken, can lead to improved skills, more earning capacity, and better recognition through branding and marketing. Image competition is not all about winning trophies.  It's about getting better at the craft.

  During this program, Kristy Steeves, who is an approved PPA juror, will talk about what makes an image merit-worthy.  She will show you how to prepare your images for competition - from coming up with impactful titles to creating presentations - along with upping your game as a visual storyteller.  Kristy will also share her favorite editing techniques to help us refine our images.

  Don't let the fear of failure hold you back.  It is the catalyst for learning, growing, and becoming successful photographers!  We all have to start somewhere and this is a great place to begin, or, for those who've already embarked on this journey, it's a way to take your work to the next level.  Image competition is one of the best educational opportunities available in the photography industry.  Here's your chance to reap the benefits! 

  Kristy's Bio

  Kristy Steeves, M.Photog.M.Artist.Cr, CPP, F-ASP 

  Kristy Steeves graduated from Indiana University with two Bachelor of Arts degrees in journalism and political science. She worked as a television news reporter for 25 years before switching careers to become a professional photographer. She specializes in children, high school seniors, corporate headshots, pets, and wildlife. Kristy is actively involved in the photography industry serving as a PPA approved juror and vice president of Professional Photographers of Northeast Ohio. She has also served as an elected council member for PPA and for the Board of Governors with the American Society of Photographers.

  Kristy has won various awards including 4 television Emmy awards, PPA Diamond Photographer of the Year, Ohio Photographer of the Year and is a two-time finalist for the IPC Grand Imaging Award. She is also the recipient of the Imaging Excellence award. Kristy is a PPA webinar instructor, an Imaging USA speaker and has earned PPA’s 100EDU speaker bar. She is also the recipient of the ASP Gold Medallion and State Elite awards. She is an ASP Fellow – the highest honor a professional photographer can achieve. Only 133 photographers have earned this designation in the history of photography. 

  http://kristysteevesphotography.com/
  

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• Kira Derryberry- Empower your business with Chat GPT

  • When
    9 Jul 2025
  •  
    9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    PROCAM - 4300 Westbrook Drive Aurora, IL 60504

  Register

  

  EMPOWER YOUR BUSINESS WITH CHAT GPT: TRANSFORM YOUR AI INTO YOUR SMARTEST EMPLOYEE

  Unlock the potential of AI in your small business with our hands-on class. Designed for solo entrepreneurs and small business owners, this class will introduce you to Chat GPT, a powerful tool that can become your smartest virtual assistant. Whether you're just starting out or have an established business, you'll learn how to effectively use and customize Chat GPT to handle various tasks, streamlining your operations and boosting productivity.

  By the end of the day, you'll have a solid understanding of how to prompt Chat GPT to get the desired results, customize your GPT account for your specific business needs, and leverage it for tasks such as blog post writing, social media planning, brand voice development, story branding, market research, website content creation, marketing calendar planning, and email newsletter creation.

  We will be exclusively working with Chat GPT, and students can use either the free or paid versions to participate in the class. Bringing your laptop is optional but ideal for a more interactive experience. Join us and discover how to turn Chat GPT into a valuable member of your business team!

  Morning Session: Understanding and Using Chat GPT

  1. Introduction to Chat GPT

  • Overview of AI and Chat GPT

  • Benefits of using Chat GPT for small businesses

  • Setting realistic expectations

  2. Getting Started with Chat GPT

  • Creating an account (both free and paid versions)

  • Navigating the interface

  • Basic functionalities and capabilities

  3. Effective Prompting

  • What is prompting and why it matters

  • Crafting clear and effective prompts

  • Examples and practice exercises

  4. Interactive Q&A Session

  • Addressing common questions and challenges

  • Live demonstrations based on student queries

  Afternoon

  1. Customizing Your Chat GPT

  • Personalizing settings for your business

  • Creating custom instructions and contexts

  • Utilizing memory and conversation history

  2. Leveraging Chat GPT for Business Tasks

  • Blog post writing: Tips and techniques

  • Social media planning: Creating engaging content

  • Brand voice development: Consistency and tone

  • Story branding: Crafting compelling narratives

  • Market research: Gathering and analyzing data

  • Building website content: SEO-friendly copy

  • Planning marketing calendars: Staying organized

  • Creating email newsletters: Effective communication

  Expectations and Outcomes

  By the end of this class, you will have:

  • A comprehensive understanding of Chat GPT and its applications in small business

  • The ability to craft effective prompts to maximize Chat GPT's output

  • Customized your Chat GPT account to better fit your business needs

  • Practical experience in using Chat GPT for various business tasks

  • Actionable insights and resources to continue leveraging AI in your daily operations

  Note: Due to time constraints, we will focus on the most impactful tasks and provide resources for further exploration. Bring your laptop for a more hands-on experience and to start implementing what you learn immediately!

  
  
  

  Kira's Bio

  KIRA DERRYBERRYM.PHOTOG.HON.M.PHOTOG.CR., CPP

  Kira Derryberry is a highly accomplished photographer and educator based in Tallahassee, Florida, specializing in family, commercial, and corporate portraiture. As the Chair and Past President of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) Board of Directors, Kira is a recognized leader in the photography community. She holds titles of Master Photographer, Master Craftsman, and Certified Professional Photographer, reflecting her skills and dedication to the craft.

  Kira is an approved judge for both the International Photographic Competition and PPA's Merit Image Review. Beyond her professional endeavors, Kira co-hosts the popular photography podcast, "Get Your Shoot Together," where she shares her insights and experiences with a broad audience.

  In addition to her photography business, Kira is passionate about helping small business owners leverage technology to enhance their operations. Prior to her photography career, Kira spent 15 years as a web developer and programmer, equipping her with a strong technical background and a deep understanding of digital tools and technologies.

  When she's not behind the camera or the microphone, Kira enjoys her roles as a wife, mom, and Karaoke Queen, bringing a sense of fun and balance to her busy life.

  
  

  https://kiraderryberryphotography.com/
  

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• Quarterly Meetup

  • When
    23 Jul 2025

  More info to come

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• Annual Image Competition

  • When
    13 Aug 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    Online

  Register

  Annual Image Competition

  - ASP members eligible for State Elite Award

  Time: 10am-4:30pm 
  Location: Online at http://printcompetition.com

  Enter online at http://printcompetition.com

  View the image competition rules here: 

   https://ppani.wildapricot.org/sys/website/?pageId=18083

  
  

  Watch party locations TBD

  
  

  
  

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• Garon Cooper- Adding video to your portrait sessions

  • When
    10 Sep 2025
  •  
    9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    PROCAM - 4300 Westbrook Drive Aurora, IL 60504

  Register

  

  Adding Video to your Portrait Sessions

  Video is HOT right now! And if you're a photographer who has been frustrated with learning it, or if you've been too daunted by the idea to even try it, this course is designed just for you! Garon approaches the subject from a photographer's mindset to get you into 'filmmaker mode'. You'll learn how to 'think in video', get shot ideas, discover what to do and what not to do during the process, get familiar with some video gear, learn the basics of editing, and pick up loads of tips and ideas. The entire goal is to leave you with actionable steps to get started creating great video promotional content and exciting new offerings for your clients.

  
  

  Garon's Bio:

  Garon has been in the commercial filmmaking industry since 2010 and began his portrait business in 2013. Over the next few years he used his cinematography background to pioneer a process for creating commercial quality films for portrait clients that could be produced efficiently and profitably. He's created a business that now serves both commercial and portrait clients with the same high level of production value, and has been teaching his process to other photographers since 2018.

  
  

  
  

  https://garonphotocinema.com/

  
  

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• Quarterly Meetup

  • When
    18 Sep 2025

  More info to come

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• Laura Kinser- Business of Headshots

  • When
    12 Nov 2025
  •  
    9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    PROCAM - 4300 Westbrook Drive Aurora, IL 60504

  Register

  
  

  Business of Headshots

  1. Introduction

  • Overview of Working Conferences & Corporate Photography

  • About Laura

  2. Experience & Services

  • Event Photography

  • Headshot Booths

  • Team Headshots

  • Corporate "Stock" Photography

  3. Practice Shoot: Headshot Booth

  • Hands-on experience with headshot photography

  • Setting up lighting and backdrops

  • Directing and posing clients

  • Reviewing and improving results

  4. Marketing & Connecting

  • How to Meet the Right People

  • Key Networking Channels:

    • Convention Bureaus (CVB)

    • Destination Management Companies (DMCs)

    • Hotel Event Staff

    • Marketing Directors

    • Web Designers

    • Corporate Event Planners

    • Recruiters

    • Company Events Managers

    • BNI & Chambers

    • Co-working Spaces

    • Referrals & Networking Strategies

  5. Leveraging LinkedIn

  • P-E-C Framework

  • Strategies for Engagement & Connection

  • Profile Optimization & Endorsements

  6. When to Work for Cheap or Free

  • Rare Circumstances & Project Belief

  • Networking & Business Growth Considerations

  • Sponsorship Opportunities

  • Terms & Contracts

  7. Relationship Building

  • Making Connections & Nurturing Relationships

  • Importance of Time & Patience

  8. Essential Business Documents

  • COI, W9, NDAs & Other Standard Documents

  9. Winning Business & RFPs

  • Strategies to Stand Out

  • Building a Memorable Presence

  10. Getting Rehired: Common Sense Tips

  • Professionalism & Punctuality

  • Effective Communication

  • Exceeding Client Expectations

  11. Mini Practice: Event Photography

  • Capturing live moments in a dynamic setting

  • Adjusting camera settings on the fly

  • Working with different lighting conditions

  • Engaging with event attendees for candid shots

  12. Mindset & Motivation

  • Setting & Focusing on Big Goals

  • Practice Goal Setting & Visualization

  • Overcoming Barriers (Imposter Syndrome, Fear, etc.)

  13. Resources & Tools

  • Useful Links & Business Tools

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  Laura's Bio:

  I’m Laura Kinser, a professional photographer based in Salt Lake City with a studio in Murray, Utah. I specialize in corporate headshots, personal branding, headshot booths, and event photography, helping local businesses and individuals connect with their audiences and attract their ideal clients. I also help other photographers grow in their business and have more confidence. If I’m not traveling for work, I love spending quality time with my family and creating memories that inspire my work.

  
  

  https://kinserstudios.com/

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• 2025 PPANI - Annual Awards Banquets

  • When
    7 Dec 2025

  More info to come

  
  

  
  

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