Why Become a Member?

Congratulations! You have chosen to become a member of one of the most progressive photographic organizations in professional photography. The Professional Photographers of Iowa has always been emulated for its organizational qualities and ability to accomplish goals that other organizations only talk about. Are we bragging a little? We don’t think so. We take our association very seriously. Many of our members credit their membership in the PP of Iowa as the primary reason for their success in the business of professional photography.

Our president and board of directors are elected from the membership and rely on the great support team supplied by the membership at large. One of the main assets of our association is the fact that everyone, whether a new member or a seasoned past president, is welcome to be an active part of all our activities.

Fred Smith, our first president (1946-47), stated, "I am sure you understand that no one should get the idea that the association owes its success to any single group. A good many people have given a lot of time and effort." Back that up with over 50 years of PPI experience, and you have an association of which you can be proud to be a member. The PP of Iowa is not just for photographers but for all persons connected to the photography business. Our members include retouchers and artists, studio receptionists, office managers and sales personnel. Also included are our many suppliers to the photographic industry such as color labs, frame and album companies, equipment suppliers, prop and background companies to name a few.

Education and fellowship are the primary goals of the PPI. Seminars and conferences keep our members current with the latest trends and technologies in our business, and also provide the opportunity for enjoyable activities that "getting together" is all about! Some of the best education is simply rubbing shoulders with other members, discussing problems and solutions as well as exchanging new ideas during leisure time at a seminar. All our members have always been generous in sharing their experience and knowledge. The following pages will provide you with detailed information about the Professional Photographers of Iowa.

Read on! Scheduled Activities

I. Winter Seminar

Our year usually begins with this 3-4 day event. Usually scheduled about the end of January, after the rush of Christmas business, it gives you the chance to "get away" for a sort of mini-vacation. It’s a time to renew old friendships and make new ones while attending programs taught by the best in our industry from all over the country. The small fee to attend is one of the best educational bargains around! Activities included at this seminar are:

A. Scheduled programs, lectures and demonstrations that may include:

1. Photography - posing, lighting, composition, style, etc.

2. Business - sales, promotions, organizational methods, etc.

3. Art/Retouching - print enhancement, etc

4. Technology - the latest in digital capture, workflow, equipment, etc.

B. "Don Lohnes" classes, Level I and II

Level I, designed for the beginning photographer, emphasizes basic posing and lighting techniques in a "hands-on" small group environment.

The Level II course explores more advanced lighting techniques and is taught by Master Photographers from our state. This series is offered free of charge to attendees. See the special section in this book detailing this unique learning opportunity.

C. "Mr. And Ms. Photogenic" and "Li’l Mr. And Miss. Photogenic" Print Competitions

This competition provides an opportunity for all members to compete on a level field whether you are a beginner or a Master Photographer. Each member may enter (3) 8x10 portraits of men, women, little boys and little girls free of any entry fee. Judged on the subject, photography being secondary, this is always a popular contest with many entries.

D. Iowa Marketing Awards

The Iowa Marketing Awards are held annually at the winter seminar. Show off your best marketing pieces in multiple categories. You could be named the Iowa Marketer of the Year or win the Bootstrapper Award.

E. Print and Folio Competitions (This year the folio competition will be held during the fall seminar)

On alternate years photographers enter either (4) 16x20 finished competition prints or (4) portfolios of 8 images in several categories to compete for Iowa awards. The finished print competition provides an educational opportunity like no classroom can. National as well as local judges give Iowa photographers the chance to begin their journey towards earning their Masters and Craftsman degrees. The Folio competition is a low-cost way to begin trying print competition.

F. Trade Show

Many of our industry suppliers attend this seminar to showcase their products and services. The show at this seminar is always large. It gives our members an opportunity to shop for and have demonstrated the latest in photographic equipment and supplies. Various camera stores, color labs, frame and album suppliers, background painters and digital equipment companies always attend.

G. Parties, parties, parties!

Many social events are planned which may include –

Awards Banquet

Print competition ribbons and trophies as well as fellowship awards are presented at this evening affair, followed by a social gathering in the

Hospitality Suite for congratulations and fellowship.

Hospitality Room

This is the place to be at the end of a day of learning! In a warm atmosphere of food, refreshments and the company of good friends and conversation, it’s an opportunity to network with other members.

Theme Party & Dance

We have begun a tradition of a Saturday night theme party with prizes for best costumes. It’s always a great time, and the Iowa members pull out all the stops – they are a competitive bunch! There’s a dance with snacks and beverages.

II. Fall Event

We are now offering our members another opportunity to get together for educational programs, visit with our vendors and share our

hospitality. This event will be a day and a half in length over a Sunday afternoon/ evening and a Monday afternoon. The Fall Event will feature our own Iowa photographers sharing their expertise as well as a top national speaker.

III. Heart of America

Iowa is one of four state members of the Heart of America Region, affiliated with the Professional Photographers of America. We, with Nebraska, Missouri and Kansas, form one of the strongest Regional organizations in the PPI, and together we conduct perhaps the finest convention in the country. Usually held alternately in Kansas City and Omaha in the spring of the year, it is an event well worth the trip.

A. Educational Programs

Top speakers from across the country bring us programs covering the entire spectrum of our industry including photography, equipment, business, artistic enhancement - you name it. Programming also includes members from our own state speaking on a more expanded scale than our state seminars. Heart of America also conducts hands-on classes similar to

Iowa’s Don Lohnes Seminars at the beginning and advanced levels - HOA Workshop I and II as well as photographic safaris where small groups work with Master photographers on location.

B. National Affiliated Print Competition

This is your chance to compete against your peers on a Regional level for awards that bring prestige and publicity for the advancement of your photographic career. This is the one where you strive to produce your finest work. PPA standards and National judges are employed for the judging which is open to the membership as a wonderful learning tool. This is the best method of getting a candid assessment of your work from other professionals and to begin the process of earning your advanced degrees from the Professional Photographers of America. After the judging is completed, the prints are exhibited to the public. As you wander among the print racks, taking note of different styles, composition and subjects, talking with the makers as well as the judges, you have a great opportunity to expand your own expertise.

C. Trade Show

The HOA trade show is surpassed only by the one held at the National PPA convention itself. Over 100 vendors from all over the country attend, and the opportunity to see equipment and supplies of all types makes the trip to this Convention worthwhile.

D. Social Functions

The Heart of America Awards Banquet is always a great event. Service and Print Awards are given, and it is the culmination of the year for the current Heart President. The banquet is usually followed by a dance or entertainment. The Heart of America Hospitality Suite is open to provide you an opportunity to meet and get to know photographers from our neighboring states. There is always a buzz of conversation as old friends get the chance to see each other again. There are usually other Social activities planned as well. There is a Presidents’ Reception to honor the heads of the four states’ organizations and celebrate our partnership. All attendees are welcome to participate in all these functions.

IV. Area Seminars

These are summer seminars held at host studios around the state. There may be up to 4 of these held in different locations. The instructor will be a photographer from Iowa, and will give a day-long program on a topic mutually decided upon. The class size is usually small, so it is a good opportunity for hands-on learning. Any member studio may host one of these.

V. Don Lohnes Series

This is a two-part series of mini-seminars named after Don Lohnes, M. Photog., Cr., PP of Iowa Past President and found of Mid-America Institute of Professional Photographers (MAIPP). The Don Lohnes lighting and posing classes will be offered one time a year at our winter seminar. Don Lohnes I teaches basic lighting patterns and posing for portraiture. This is a good class for beginners. Don Lohnes II consists of advanced lighting and posing with Iowa Master Photographers being the instructors. These classes are FREE if you are already registered to attend the winter seminar, but the class size is limited. Look for the box on the registration form and mark it appropriately if you are wanting to be a part of these classes.

Other Member Benefits

Publicity photographs and press releases are provided free of charge by the PPI to all persons receiving awards and ribbons at all our events. Let your hometown know about your accomplishments! Some of Iowa’s most prestigious awards are: Photographer of the Year and Top Ten Iowa Photographers, Top Master Photographer, The Medlar Award for best portrait and perhaps our most coveted award, The National Service Award.

Fellowship Program

As a PPI member, you are eligible to earn recognition from your peers for service to the association as well as accomplishments in print competition. Service points are earned by serving on various committees assisting with conducting our seminars and workshops. There are many facets involved in putting together a seminar, and this is your opportunity to join in the fun and make it happen! Print points are earned by being awarded a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place ribbon in competition. The first level of the program is "Associate Fellow of Photography" degree which is earned by accumulating 25 fellowship points. This degree is presented as a certificate that you may frame and hang proudly in your studio, signifying your accomplishment. The next level is the "Fellow of Photography"degree, conferred when you earn 50 points. The award is a gold medallion with the PPI insignia, hung on a ribbon to be worn around the neck at all PPI functions signifying your commitment and involvement to our association. Additional points, after receiving these degrees are indicated by adding a ruby to your medallion for each additional 25 points earned and a diamond when you reach 200 points. If you are not a photographer and don’t participate in print competition, the PPI has a special degree for those who serve the association as well. It is the "Iowa Service Award", and is conferred on those who earn 25 points strictly through service to the association. A very special medallion is awarded, hung upon a red ribbon which can be worn just like the "Fellows". For information on how to get started, contact any board member or the Executive Secretary. When you help on a committee, that committee head submits your points earned to the Fellowship Committee Chair who keeps a permanent record for you.

PPA Certified Program

A program designed by the PP of America and internally implemented by each state, Iowa was one of the first participants in this program and our success in it has been modeled by many other states. In fact, our CPP’s participate in some very unusual trips and learning opportunities. To become certified, you must pass a written exam on several aspects of photography as well as submitting a set of 8x10 images which will be judged for quality and "salability". The CPP must also abide by a written code of ethical business and professional conduct. This program was designed to promote public awareness of photographers who exhibit a high level of skill and ethics - the public’s assurance of quality in the marketplace. The Iowa CPP’s are governed by a Board of Directors who answer to the Iowa Board.

Action Newsletter

"The Action" is a quarterly newsletter published by the PPI. This is delivered free of charge to all members, and it is full of information concerning the association, news about members and scheduled upcoming events. This publication includes classified ads, general advertising from suppliers as well as how-to articles submitted by members. Professional Photographers of Iowa Seal and Logo Your membership in the association gives you the privilege of using the PPI Logo and Seal on your stationery, checks, advertising and other printed material. Tell the world that you are a proud member of your professional organization!

Mid-America Institute of Professional Photography

Though not an actual part of PPI, the birth of this school was first funded by the PPI. MAIPP is the result of a vision that Don Lohnes, M. Photog. Cr had for developing a Winona type school located here in Iowa. The classes are one week long in June, and are held on the campus of the University of Northern Iowa. It is one of the best educational bargains around, with classes, housing and meals provided for one reasonable fee. Only our profession’s best instructors make up the faculty, and anyone who has attended will attest to the value and great experience MAIPP provides.

PPI Government

Board of Directors

The PP of Iowa (a non-profit corporation) is governed by an 11 member Board of Directors elected by the membership, with an Executive Secretary employed by the association to handle routine office procedures. Usually attending the Board meetings are also the “Action” Editor, our councilmen to the PP of America, and CPP Commissioner. Board meetings are open to the membership, but voting on business is limited to the directors only. Persons elected to the board are nominated by the Nominating Committee (Past Presidents), and voted on by the membership at the Annual Meeting which is usually held at the Heart of America Convention.

Committees

Our board members chair various commitees which complete the work necessary to conduct our seminars and workshops. These include "Hospitality", "Banquet", "Trade Show", "Programming", "Print Competition" to name a few. Members are always encouraged to get involved and volunteer their assistance. You will have fun in the process! Ask any board member, they will be glad to get you started.