PPA Charities Celebration of Smiles Day

Now is the time to start planning your Spring studio promotions. If you haven't yet explored PPA Charities' Celebration of Smiles Day event, you really owe it to yourself to do just that.

For just a $25 donation, you get a complete Marketing Guide along with all the templates, text and instructions you need for mailing pieces, Facebook posts, Twitter updates, press releases . . . whew! The promotion kit makes the entire project a turn-key event for your studio.

Best of all, you're helping save a child's smile with each portrait session you photograph. Each 10 sessions you photograph with a $24 donation to PPA Charities will repair the cleft lip or palate of one child through the efforts of our charitable partner, Operation Smile.

This promotion can open the door as a way to gain new clients or simply give existing ones a reason to come back to your studio.

Besides, charitable marketing is an excellent way to contribute to a great cause and offer your clients the same opportunity.

Check out all the details at www.ppacharities.com. If you're a PPA member, you can sign up right now! If you're not a PPA Member yet, this may be a great excuse to join the world's oldest, strongest and best organization of professional photographers. www.ppa.com

(Don't forget to follow @PPACharities on Twitter and use the hashtag #CelebrationofSmilesDay to find out more about this exciting promotion!)

PPA Charities Photo Idol 2012 - Day 5

We’re over halfway through the PPA Charities Photo Idol 2012 promotion launched on 12/12/12. I truly hope my stories will inspire you to participate; this is not only about recognizing those who helped me along the way, but doing something good for a great cause.

PPA Charities – the charitable arm of the Professional Photographers of America – was established back in 1997 at the urging of then-PPA President Bert Behnke. In 2005, PPA Charities teamed up with Operation Smile as its charitable partner. Since that time, PPA Charities has contributed $500,000 to the organization dedicated to repairing the cleft lips and palates of children in countries where this malady would otherwise go untreated.

At a time of year when gift-giving is appropriate, we invite you to give a gift of your own to help change a child’s life. Not only is this a great cause and excellent way to “pay it forward”, but also an awesome way to honor some of the very important people who helped to shape your photographic careers.

It’s time to add another name to my PPA Charities Photo Idol list. I was probably working print crew at the Northern Light Convention in 2005 when we first became acquainted. However, it was the 1998 NL gathering when this impression was first made. I was sitting in the trade show at one of the empty tables after the show had closed, writing a postcard to my sons. Bert Behnke walked into the room after the print judging and we began to chat. He smiled at the postcards on the table and said “I like to send a card to my son when I’m traveling, too.”

Later that year, when I was on stage receiving my Master and Craftsman Degrees, it was PPA President Bert Behnke who shook my hand after Helen Yancy had placed the ribbon around my neck.

When Bert called me in the fall of 2007 and asked if I would be interested in a position on the PPA Charities board, I was very flattered and humbled. The chance to “pay it forward” in this manner was an opportunity I welcomed. He has introduced me to so many people in the industry that have become good friends.

Bert and his wife Cindy have also spoken across the country helping photographers understand not only lighting and posing techniques, but sales skills and studio procedures.

Bert is also a big Chicago sports fan, which has made for some fun rivalries over the years.

My vote today for PPA Charities Photo Idol 2012 is Bert Behnke. In Bert’s honor, please vote Chicago-style (that means vote early and often!)

Cast your vote at http://www.ppacharities.com/donate_now.html

PPA Charities Photo Idol - Day 4

I hope you’re enjoying the “Photo Idol” stories and thinking about your own mentors throughout your photographic career.

I’m posting these snippets as I make my nominations for the PPA Charities Photo Idol 2012. I truly want to encourage everyone to participate, not only because it’s a great cause and excellent way to “pay it forward”, but also because it’s an awesome way to honor some of the very important people who helped to shape your photographic careers.

So . . . here’s another of my own stories. Watch for them on my Facebook page as well as on my blogs. Of course, all the vote tallies will also be shown on the PPA Charities website and Facebook pages.

Now, it’s time to reveal my fourth PPA Charities Photo Idol.

I first joined the Professional Photographers of America back in 1977, but for a number of years I was what you might call a “checkbook member”. Although I paid my dues regularly, used the logo and told clients I was a member of PPA, I never really rolled up my sleeves and did anything with the association.

Until 1993. That was the year I first ventured onto the internet. I used this new software called “America Online” and after joining, ventured into a chat group called “PPA”. It was in that group where I met Helen Yancy for the first time. Helen was the PPA President and I was just starting to get a feel of what actually getting involved with PPA associations could do for me and my photographic career. Helen encouraged me to stop standing by as a spectator and take a more active role in the groups to which I belonged. It was scary – I didn’t know anyone . . . but I went to a few local meetings and liked what I saw. After one meeting, I swallowed hard and walked up to the President to ask if there was anything I could do to help out. The rest is history.

Helen Yancy is a talented photographic artist. Many of you have taken her classes on Painter and photographic enhancement. While we know of her talents within the industry, she’s also a very giving, caring woman. I’m proud to know her and call her a friend.

When I received my PPA degrees in 1998, I asked Helen to be my “sponsor”; the individual who would hang the medallions around my neck. It was a proud moment for so many reasons . . . (but you’ll have to come back to find out the rest of the story on a different day.)

Thank-you to my dear friend Helen Yancy. Without you, I’d have never enjoyed my PPA membership to the level I have. You put a face on what it means to serve other members in a leadership role and set an example for everyone you touch. I know you already know this, but you are truly one of my “Photo Idols.”

Please vote for your own Photo Idol. Go to http://www.ppacharities.com/donate_now.html

PPA Charities Photo Idol 2012 - Day 3

It’s time to reveal the third of my “Photo Idol” votes. (We’ve got 12 days of voting . . . there are lots more to come!)

By now, you’ve probably seen the PPA Charities Photo Idol 2012 promotion launched on 12/12/12. I want to encourage everyone to participate, not only because it’s a great cause and excellent way to “pay it forward”, but also because it’s an awesome way to honor some of the very important people who helped to shape your photographic careers.

I’m sharing my own stories so that you know where I came from and who’s important to me. Watch for them on my personal Facebook page as well as on the studio page. Of course, all the vote tallies will also be shown on the PPA Charities website and Facebook pages.

Have you ever noticed that there are some speakers you could hear over and over again, and each time you listen you learn something new? Hanson Fong is that individual for me. His classic style of wedding portraiture and ability to flawlessly pose couples is among the best I’ve ever seen. In an age where so many wedding photographers use a “spray and pray” mentality, Hanson Fong’s ability to capture elegant, timeless images is still second to none.

He’s also responsible for a philosophy I use when purchasing equipment. So many photographers go crazy buying every latest gadget only to find them collecting dust on a shelf in a short time. I remember sitting in one of his programs early in my career, agonizing over the thought of spending $125 on an accessory. There came a point in his program when he began talking about what was in his camera case (yes, we used cases rather than bags back in the film days!) and he was talking about buying new “toys”. He seemed to look straight at me in a crowd of over 400 people and said “It’s not expensive as long as you use it. Close your eyes and write the check.” To this day, those words go through my head with nearly every purchase of photographic equipment. “It’s not expensive if you use it.”

He was always approachable and willing to answer questions. I think by now I’ve heard him speak well over a dozen times . . . and I still take something away.

Number 3 on my list of people who influenced my career is Hanson Fong.

It’s time for YOU to vote for your Photo Idol. Do it at http://www.ppacharities.com/donate_now.html

PPA Charities Photo Idol 2012 - Day 2

Yes, it’s David Grupa . . . many of you know me from involvement in PPA and affiliate groups, while others just know me from places like Facebook or networking groups. Perhaps I photographed your wedding or high school senior portraits!

I hope you’ve seen the PPA Charities Photo Idol 2012 promotion launched on 12/12/12, and I want to encourage everyone to participate; not only because it’s a great cause and excellent way to “pay it forward”, but also because it’s an awesome way to honor some of the very important people who helped to shape your photographic careers. As someone who has a special place in my heart for PPA Charities, this is a great opportunity to do something really great for someone else during the holiday season.

So . . . I’d like to keep the coins jingling with my own stories. Watch for them on my personal Facebook page as well as on the Camp David Photo Facebook page and blog (CampDavidPhoto.com). Of course, all the vote tallies will also be shown on the PPA Charities website and Facebook pages.

The second of my “Photo Idol” votes goes to my father, Leo Grupa. He rarely touched a camera and sometimes grumbled about having to stop the car so mom could get out and take pictures during a family vacation. As a man who worked hard to support his family over the years, he really stressed that I go to college and get a great education so I could “get a good job and not have to worry about money.” When I started a photography business in 1976, he thought that was a fairly resourceful way to make a few dollars on the side to pay my college tuition by “snapping pictures”. When I got busier photographing weddings, the auditor side of him came out and he showed me how to keep accurate records so I’d be prepared at tax time. When I quit school 2 years later to open a photography studio, he thought I was crazy to want to own a business. Yet, he supported me through the entire effort. Even though he didn’t place a high value on photographs, there was a part of him that wanted to make sure my expenses and revenues were properly aligned so I would be profitable and successful. (Although he still thought I should get a “regular job.”)

Unfortunately, dad died over 23 years ago and never got to see me receive my degrees from PPA and MNPPA. Still, I like to think he looks down every once in a while and is proud that I’ve “made it” this far.Dad, even though you would have shied away from any public recognition, your support and examples make you one of my “Photo Idols.”

Who is your Photo Idol? Share it with the world and honor them with a donation to PPA Charities. CLICK HERE to vote.

PPA Charities Photo Idol - Vote Today!

Hi Gang, it’s David Grupa . . . many of you know me from involvement in PPA and affiliate groups, while others just know me from places like Facebook.

You’ve probably seen the PPA Charities Photo Idol 2012 promotion launched on 12/12/12, and I want to encourage everyone to participate; not only because it’s a great cause and excellent way to “pay it forward”, but also because it’s an awesome way to honor some of the very important people who helped to shape your photographic careers. 

So . . . I’d like to get the coins jingling with my own stories. Watch for them right here on the Camp David Photo blog, as well as on the Camp David Photo and my person Facebook pages. Of course, all the vote tallies will also be shown on the PPA Charities website and Facebook pages.

My very first “PPA Charities Photo Idol” is my mother, Gloria Grupa. She was an artist and photography hobbyist, and it was because of her that I first wet my fingers in Dektol and “developed” a fondness for the smell of fixer. While she never pushed me to get into photography, when I became interested back in high school she was there to help me dig her darkroom equipment out of storage at my grandmother's house and set it up in our basement. She often provided gentle (and sometimes pointed) critiques of my work; while we all want to hear praise and positive commentary, she was straightforward with me when I needed to hear those words as well. At a point when so many people sugar-coat their words to protect another's feelings, mom was honest without being harsh. She made me realize that I need to be serious about my work and the techniques I employed. Even as a hobbyist, she took pride in the pieces she created and wanted them to be finished properly. Today, it's something I keep in mind with every portrait session.

Mom died the past September 28^th after a long battle with cancer, but through it all she maintained a positive attitude and remained fiercely independent. 

My first vote goes to Gloria Grupa. Thanks, Mom, for all you did for me over the years. You are truly one of my “PPA Charities Photo Idols.”

To vote for your Photo Idol, go to http://www.ppacharities.com/donate_now.html

Don't Destroy Great Locations with "Cute" Graffiti

You've seen the images, perhaps you've even done them yourself. High school seniors want to feature their graduating year, engaged couples want hearts and their date, while expectant couples want to announce their pregnancy.

They do it using colored sidewalk chalk on the walls of old brick buildings. However, while what they're doing is creative, it is certainly unethical, if not illegal. If you as the photographer promote this as a "creative" idea, the responsibility now falls on you to clean up after yourself. The problem, however, is that most people simply walk away, assuming (incorrectly) that the rain will just wash it clean.

Actual photograph taken in an area used regularly by photographers. Note the dates, hearts, etc. on the wall. Thanks to Jeanine Pohl for use of her image.

What is left over are the remnants of a portrait session that end up making buildings look trashy and create extra work for building owners. This also succeeds in spoiling potential backgrounds for other photographers who use the area. It also leaves plenty of people thinking photographers are simply vandals who come and go as they please, destroying property in the process.

We're not vandals. Most of us do our best to treat the places we photograph with great care, knowing that they'll be there for us another day as well. Yet, there are those select few who either don't care what others think of them or the industry as a whole, as long as they can "get their shot."

Harmless as it seems, chalk isn't something that just washes off every surface. As stated on eHow.com, "The surface of brick allows substances such as sidewalk chalk to enter into its tiny pores. Once trapped inside these crevices, the chalk becomes difficult to remove. Wiping the brick with a damp rag does little to remove the chalk stain. The brick requires a cleansing agent along with abrasive action to loosen the chalk and allow it to be released from the brick's surface."

Read more: How to Remove Sidewalk Chalk From Brick | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_7321846_remove-sidewalk-chalk-brick.html#ixzz2AeTbdpdT

When you think of what we can do in Photoshop, why not find a great brick wall background and add your own personal touch later on? You can surprise the couple with your creative talents without defacing private or public property.

Maybe the best way for a fresh start would be to get a bunch of photographers together armed with buckets, brushes and graffiti remover (if not a power washer!) Even if it's not your handiwork, spend some time cleaning up after those who have not only defaced someone else's property, but disrespected our profession in the process. Maybe a group outing to "Pay it Forward" is in order!

We are talents artists, not mercenaries who are simply after a buck or vandalize property.

- David Grupa

(PS Note: As pointed out by a colleague who owns one of these brick buildings, power washers are not the best idea either. The force of the water stream can loosen or damage the old mortar between these aging bricks, causing even more issues. Be smart . . . bring a small chalkboard!)

It's Time for Camp David Readers to Help Right a Wrong.

Sometimes a contest can be just the right thing to boost interest in your business. It gets you noticed by others and often will bring new "Likes" to your Facebook page which, hopefully, you can convert into actual clients.

Of course, all of this can blow up in your face when you handle things in awkward fashion.

Take the recent case of 1-800-Flowers who ran a contest back in March on their website, promising a year's supply of free dog food for the winner of the “There’s a New Bunny in Town Photo Contest.”

The winner had entered with the intent of dedicating her entry to the Lucky Dog Rescue, a 501 (c)3 non-profit operating in Mississippi. When her photo was actually chosen as the grand prize winner, she was elated . . . only to finally cut through miles of red tape to learn that not only would 1-800-Flowers not give her the award (based on a technicality), but they were denying the contest ever existed!

I won't bore you with all of the details, but you can read the whole story here on PetsAdviser.com

Where I'm going with this is two-fold.

First, think about the damage this is going to do to the reputation of this company. While 1-800-Flowers probably won't go out of business because of this, the Facebook community, the Twitterverse and more will ultimately hear this tale and think twice about using their services.

So . . . in YOUR business, what things do you do with good intention that end up backfiring? More importantly, what do you do to make them right once they've happened? (Think about it, because we'll discuss this in a later blog post.)

Now, let's get everyone who reads the Camp David Blog to do a couple of things to help make this right:

1 - Let's NOT bash 1-800-Flowers. That's beneath us. (You know how you would respond to that kind of thing, right? It just won't get us anywhere positive.)

2 - Click the link at the top of this post to share it with your friends. If they own a pet, ever owned a pet . . . heck, even if they're not much of a pet fan (like me) but have everr petted an animal of any kind, send it along.

3 - Get out an envelope and a $1 bill. Put a note on the dollar bil that says "In memory of Angus and Rio, from a Camp David Photographer", then put it all inside the envelope and address it to:

Lucky Dog Rescue
PO Box 3224
Meridian, MS 39303

If you ever learned anything from one of these posts to help make your workflow simpler, save you some time or make more money in your photography business, then pay it forward.

It's only a buck . . . but enough of them will help with that dog food bill.

You guys all rock . . thanks for helping!

- David & Kirsten

(I know, you're wondering who Angus and Rio are . . . Angus, a boxer, belonged to Kirsten. She had to say goodbye to him last July after 14 faithful years. Two weeks ago, she and I celebrated our wedding on the one year anniversary of that date. Rio was a happy-go-lucky pound pooch who belonged to David Jones of Camp David. Rio died Saturday night after a battle with cancer.)

Vote For NILMDTS to receive this generous donation!

Ok friends . . . I need 2 minutes of your time. Please click the link below and cast your vote for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. We are in the running to receive this donation from "The Mommies Network"; it would mean a great deal to our organization and the service we provide . . . hurry, voting ends Saturday, February 5th!

If you'd like more info on Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, please check it their website. I am a volunteer photographer for this very worthwhile organization that provides photographic services to families suffering the loss of a child.

Your vote does count!!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

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

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