It's Actually More Expensive to NOT Join PPA Groups.

So . . . I'm back after an awesome weekend at the Northern Light Regional Convention.

Not only do I love the learning opportunities presented at these events, I love the camaraderie and fellowship that I get to share with my colleagues from the 3 state area. That experience is second only to serving on the board of directors; planning and putting on awesome events such as this really get my blood flowing.

Since this is a place for photographic education, I would be remiss if I didn't seriously suggest that you take the next few minutes of your life to check out your state's PPA affiliate associations and inquire about membership.

I know, you're thinking "dues are too expensive."

PPA pays the premium on $15,000 in equipment insurance as a part of my membership dues. MNPPA will pay for the hosting of my Wordpress website on their server and offers special member events that are included in my membership. TCPPA has monthly gatherings and even picks up the tab for dinner.

What benefits does your Facebook group offer? (I mean, other than sucking the life out of your productive time . . . )

You don't need another toy for your camera. You need education. Invest that money in yourself.

What are you waiting for?

You can find your nearest affiliate group at the link here:
http://www.ppa.com/community/affiliates/affiliate-directory.php

Let me know if you have any questions; I'm happy to help!

- David Grupa

Get Involved in Your PPA Affiliate Groups; You Won't Be Sorry!

If you're a regular reader, you're already aware of my belief in what professional associations do for your business. My active membership and continued participation in these groups has also enhanced my personal life as well, creating some amazing relationships and friendships.

Every year, the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) takes time to honor those who volunteer their services and efforts in the name of bettering the organization. In 1958, PPA created the National Award to recognize and thank these individuals whose support for photography goes far beyond normal expectations or contributions.

Last week during the 2011 Northern Light Convention awards, I was honored with the PPA National Award from the Northern Light Association. (That's PPA President don Dickson and Northern Light President Mike Aulie presenting the award to me.) It is a very humbling experience to be publicly presented with such an award simply for doing what you love. To stand with those who have received the award before me - people who I respect for what they do and have meant to me - is an unforgettable experience.

I truly encourage each of you to dig a bit deeper and get involved in your own PPA Affiliate group. If you're not a member, join today! (CLICK HERE for a list of PPA Affiliate Groups in your area.)

If you are already a member, I'm going to share 4 simple words that will open doors and get you a bit more involved without making any huge commitments. Arrive a bit early to help set up, stay a few minutes afterwards to help clean up or any little job along the way and I can almost guarantee you'll be hooked.

It worked for me.

- David Grupa

Attend Camp David at the NorthernLightPP Convention PLUS more for just $129!!

Not going to Vegas? 

I realize that this is the time of year where people sit back and wait for the "busy season" and use excuses for not attending events such as these like "I have no money." How will you get what you need to better yourself when all of your competition is learning lighting, posing, sales and marketing from the Camp David Gang and other top people in the industry?

Here's your chance. You can attend programming at the 2011 Northern Light Convention on Saturday, February 26th and Sunday, February 27th for just $129. That's it. $129! 

Learn from David Jones, David Johnson, Kirsten Holscher and David Grupa when you take in Camp David. (But wait, there's more!) Experience a live shoot with Martin Grahame-Dunn, hear Canon Explorer of Light Michele Celentano tell us how she converts her children clients into family portrait buyers. Watch "The Lightroom Dudes" Kerry Garrison and Jason Anderson demystify Adobe's newest software.

And there's still more. A FREE Backstage Pass gives you access to even more programming, print competition and a Trade Show with some of the top vendors in the region. Socialize, network, learn, party and play at Breezy Point Resort for just $129! Really, it doesn't get any better than this.

This is a $260 value and the offer is not available online. You must call 763.390.6272 or 877.397.3241 to take register for this special rate; do it right now!

Don't forget to check out the Northern Light PPA Website and follow Northern Light PPA on Facebook or Twitter.

An Open Letter To Photographers From Northern Light President, Mike Aulie

Feb. 2, 2011

Greetings!   As your Northern Light President, I hope to see all of you at the convention Feb. 26-Mar. 1 at Breezy Point.

However, I have another event I would like you to consider.

An Appeal to Do Something for Our Troops

Sometime later this spring, some 750 troops from the Midwest are scheduled to be deployed for overseas duty.  They will be at Cragun's on Gull Lake with their families for workshops and some fun on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 26 and 27. (Yes, that is the first two days of the convention.)

Last summer, we made a contact with people involved in planning and suggested that we might be able to provide several stations manned by professional photographers to take family portraits and provide them with a free 5x7.  At that time, no date had been set...until now.

Cragun's is located on Gull Lake, about a half hour drive from the convention site at Breezy Point on Pelican Lake.

Basically, it would work like this:  We will have four shooting bays with lights and backgrounds already setup. Photos would be taken between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day. It would flow sort of like prom pictures - taking an ID image using  a whiteboard and then 3-4 shots of each family - no breakdowns or extras.

We would like to have a number of photographers involved that would be willing to work shifts of 2-3 hours.  They would need to bring their own camera and flash cards which would be returned to them as soon as the images are downloaded. It would be good for each station to have one or two assistants to help register and pose the families.

If you're coming to the convention (or even if you're not) and would be interested in helping out with this project, please email me at sothers@integra.net by this Friday, Feb. 4th. We need to know if we will have enough photographers to make it work, or we will have to cancel out.

Because several people will be busy getting the convention going, I am also looking for a project manager that could coordinate and oversee this event.  Let me know if anyone is willing to take this on.

As I mentioned, it looks like we have the lights we will need (dual umbrellas for each station). However, it has been suggested that we use some sort of backgrounds with flags or patriotic themes.  If you have such a background that could be used for the weekend, please let me know that as well.

I know that it is inconvenient for this to fall on the same weekend as the convention, but it is one way for us to give back to our troops for the all that they give and do for us.  And, while it may be inconvenient for us, it is much more inconvenient for them to be separated from their families for a year or more including the holidays.

Please let me know if you are willing to help.

Mike Aulie
Northern Light President
218-829-6249
sothers@integra.net

Register for Convention

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Odds are you're as geared in to Social Media as the rest of the photographic community. You love your Facebook status, sharing photos online and tweeting your status to your loyal followers.

Since it's #FollowFriday (in Twitterspeak), why not give your favorite people some extra love by following them on Twitter? Add us to your Twitter feed and stay updated on all things new and exciting in the industry. You may even learn a few new tips and tricks to make your workflow (and life) go more smoothly!
Camp David Photo
Facebook www.Facebook.com/CampDavidPhoto 
Twitter @DavidGrupa

Kirsten Holscher - First Things First
Facebook www.Facebook.com/FirstThingsFirstCoach 
Twitter @FTF_Coach

NPC Lab (Northwest Professional Color)
Facebook www.Facebook.com/NPCLab 
Twitter @NPCLab

Professional Photographers of America 
Facebook www.Facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=2265674235 
Twitter@OurPPA

ImagingUSA 
Facebook www.facebook.com/ImagingUSA 
Twitter @ImagingUSA 

Northern Light Professional Photographers Assn 
Facebook www.Facebook.com/NorthernLightPPA 
Twitter@NorthernLightPP

All the links below are clickable . . . so take a minute to follow and like!

- David

Make your resolutions for the New Year, both personal and professional.

We all make New Year's resolutions. Some of them seem simple enough, while others are a bit more long-term and will require some dedication and effort.

Personally, I have stopped making resolutions unless they are realistic, measurable and attainable. This applies to both personal and professional goals!

For example, I'd like to drop 10 pounds. In order to do this, I know that I have to watch what I put in my body. Avoiding fast-food, soda and other convenience foods will help me attain this goal. For me, 10 pounds is both realistic and measurable. Simply saying "lose weight" isn't enough; I need to draw a line and know the boundary.

A number of my professional "must accomplish" items include educating new photographers, not only in photographic skills, but in the business arena as well. There are lots of newer shooters who won't make it out of 2011 because they do not charge appropriately for their product and will not be able to sustain a viable and successful business.

I am also a huge believer in Professional Associations (PPA, MNPPA, TCPPA). While there are loads of places to gain info in books or online, there is nothing that beats what one can learn in a seminar or by networking personally with other photographers. Promoting membership in these associations is another "must accomplish" item for me.

Last year was the first for Camp David; our first effort was a great success. This year we have more things planned, beginning with opening-day programs at the 2011 Northern Light Convention. We hope you'll join us in the coming year (check out Camp David Photo on FB.)

It's become somewhat of a soapbox thing for me, but we're all in this industry together. We've chosen to make a living doing something we love, so I will continue to invest more time educating photographers on doing a better job in their business, pricing and marketing skills so that all of us may continue to enjoy photography as a rewarding profession!


- David Grupa

Jerry Ghionis Live - December 30th - 3pm CST

If you've ever seen the work of Jerry Ghionis, you already know of his incredible imagery. If you've ever had the opportunity to spend time with him, you know how inspirational he is.

Last year, Jerry Ghionis was the keynote speaker at the Northern Light Regional Convention. Being a member of the NL Board and closely involved with this event, I had the opportunity to chat with him after his program . . . this man has more creative thought in 30 seconds than I will have all next week.

Click the link below to hear him live - today, December 30th at 3pm CST. 

This is an investment of time you will not regret.

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/jerry-ghionis-live---free-episode


- David Grupa

Welcome to the all-new Camp David Photo Information Site!

We are excited about the things that 2011 will bring, including more opportunities for educational events.

You'll be able to work with the entire Camp David crew at the 2011 Northern Light Convention in Breezy Point, MN on February 26th. As long as you're there, you might just as well stay for the entire event; the lineup of talent is incredible! 

Also, watch for helpful tips and Q&A sessions right here as well as on our Facebook page. If you haven't "liked" us yet, make sure to do it now. We will have some fun giveaways periodically!

Finally, make sure to "follow" this site so you always know about the latest events and happenings.

We look forward to an amazing, fun and profitable 2011!

- David Grupa