Professional Photographers Association of Northern Illinois upcoming events

Kristin Jones - Posing + Improving Client Communications (9 Sep 2026)

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 14:30:00 GMT

From Panic to Pro Poser

If you’ve ever frozen mid-session or run out of posing ideas, this class is your posing reset button. I’ll show you my go-to “posing cheat codes”—simple memory devices that keep the flow going so you never blank again. We’ll dive into how to capture the candid, carefree energy while still creating polished, professional images. You will also learn how small tweaks with my “Heads, Shoulders, Knees & Toes” method can take any pose from good to great.

You’ll learn how to:

•Use quick memory tricks (posing cheat codes) to confidently guide clients through an entire session without freezing.

•Pose iin ways that feel natural, and fun

•Fine-tune every shot with subtle adjustments that elevate the final image.

•Watch it all come to life with live demos so you know exactly how to implement it in your next shoot.

Takeaways:

Walk away with a posing system that sticks, a fresh understanding of how to connect with your clients, and the confidence to never freeze mid-session again.

Who should take this class:

Anyone who want to build posing confidence and level up their client experience.

What to bring:

No gear needed—this is a live demo with models.

Client Communication Fix-It Lab:

Take the Audit, Get the Answers

Think your client experience is solid? Let’s find out. In this interactive lab, you’ll take my Client Communication Audit—a quick quiz that grades how strong you are in each stage of the client journey. Once you see where you’re rocking it (and where you’re dropping the ball), we’ll dive into live Q&A coaching so you can fix those weak spots on the spot.

You’ll walk away with:

•A personal communication grade + a clear roadmap of your strengths and weaknesses

•Live answers and solutions tailored to your biggest challenges

•Actionable strategies to turn clients into your best cheerleaders.

Bring your real questions, your problem emails, and your “I don’t know what to say here” moments—we’ll tackle them together so you leave with confidence and a plan.

Kristin's Bio:

Kristin Jones is a high school senior photographer and photography educator based in Salt Lake City, Utah, specializing in modern, story-driven senior portraits. She holds a Master of Photography degree through Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and is a 2026 IPC Bronze Medalist. Kristin has taught at SYNC and ShutterFest and teaches photographers how to create confident posing, stronger expression, and an elevated client experience that leads to better images—and better sales.

https://anyanglephotography.com/

Quarterly Meetup - Website Review (23 Sep 2026)

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Website Review

Wednesday, September 23, 11:00am - 1:00pm

Quarterly Meetup via Zoom to review and critique each other's websites. This is a great opportunity to receive helpful feedback on your website from your fellow professional photographers. We'll discuss everything from your design to more technical issues such as SEO, metadata, responsiveness, etc. This free event is open only to PPANI members but registration is required.

Zoom INFO here:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85777663971?pwd=ARIzWQcjFVdbaNtF8QzL3eK3Mbf4RC.1

Dan McClanahan (8 Nov 2026)

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Shooting with Purpose

Dan will be giving an updated version of his most recent Imaging USA platform, Shoot With Purpose. It will cover philosophy, creativity, Dan’s digital business model (created after 10 years of IPS), and a ton of image breakdowns with lighting diagrams and BTS. The throughline is defining your unique purpose and using that as a guidepost in all of your decision making and image creation. He hopes to leave you pumped up and motivated to keep pressing forward in your photographic journey! Q&A will be open to anything attendees want to ask Dan about, so bring your questions and share your struggles. The community building this night will be awesome.

Dan's Bio:

McClanahan Studio is the creative collaboration of husband/wife duo Dan and Alex McClanahan. Their studio is headquartered in historic downtown Ames, Iowa – the town where Dan grew up and where he and Alex met as students at Iowa State University. The couple founded McClanahan Studio in March of 2009 and quickly established themselves as a fresh and innovative alternative to traditional photography. Their work quickly made waves in the photo industry with multiple Grand Imaging Awards, WPPI 1st place awards, and magazine features.

Dan's background as a journalist is the driving force behind McClanahan Studio's storytelling imagery. He is the studio's lead photographer and technical perfectionist. Outside of the office he is a drummer, snowboarder, Harry Potter geek, spicy–food–connoisseur and collector of bright shoes. Dan has dressed up as a Ninja Turtle for halloween six different times since the age of 5 and his psyche is heavily influenced by Dr. Suess. BA in Journalism, Iowa State. Master of Photography, Master Craftsman and Master Artist, Professional Photographers of America. Also a member of the Society of XXV, an international group made up of some of the finest photographers in the world.

https://www.danmcclanahan.com/

Hands on workshop with Dan McClanahan (9 Nov 2026)

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 15:30:00 GMT

This workshop is limited seating and open to all inclusive members first. Regular member seating will be open at a later date.

Hands on workshop with Dan McClanahan

Dan will guide you through a hands-on demo of how he constructs his favorite studio lighting formulas. You will get some opportunities to shoot if you want, bring a camera! A mid-range zoom like a 28-70mm will be best lens choice.

As the day progresses, we’ll grow in complexity and get into gels / atmosphere / filters. During this day, Dan will be an open book so bring your questions and don’t be afraid to ask them!

Bio

Dan McClanahan is a photographer in love with the thrill of crafting images! His HQ is Ames, IA but he travels wherever the work takes him – often in this orange Honda. Dan is obsessed with light and its power as a communication tool. He’s also a sucker for a good velvet jacket. He revels in the craftsmanship required to bring a client’s vision to life and is perpetually honing new techniques for better storytelling. A perfect day for Dan involves good espresso, playing drums, and engaging in imaginative play with his kids. Preferably in the woods.

Clients include: Dunkin’, Red Bull, Minnesota Vikings, Chevron, Hy-Vee, Iowa State University, Bankers Trust, Holmes Murphy, Danfoss, Remax, Iowa State Fair, INVISION Architecture, Kum & Go, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Workiva, Mpix, Talon X, Underground Magnetics, Ultimate Guitar Magazine, Mary Greeley Medical Center, Physician’s Clinic of Iowa

6x member of Team USA for the Photographic World Cup
2x 1st Place WPPI Print Competition.
4x 1st Place Grand Imaging Award in the International Photographic Competition.
5x 1st place photography in the Art Directors of Iowa Association exhibition
BA in Journalism and Mass Communication, Iowa State University.
Master of Photography, Master Craftsman and Master Artist degrees from Professional Photographers of America.
Member of the Society of XXV, an international group made up of some of the finest photographers in the world.
Photoshop / Lightroom instructor for Adobe.

https://www.danmcclanahan.com/