Menu
Log in


PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS OF IOWA

Log in

 If you are a PPI Member or PPI Life Member you must log in to see member only events. Click the  icon in the upper right corner of the webpage to log in.

Upcoming events

    • Monday, June 02, 2025
    • 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • The Photician 803 1/2 Main St., Adel, IA 50003
    • 10
    Register


    Step into a day of creative exploration and image-making with fine art photographer Stacy McDonald. This hands-on workshop invites photographers of all levels to step beyond traditional portraiture and into the world of conceptual and self-expressive photography. You'll gain insight into Stacy’s creative process—how she builds stories through symbolism, emotion, and personal connection—and watch as she demonstrates both a client-directed conceptual shoot and one of her signature self-portraits.

    Whether you’re looking to develop a personal project, add storytelling to your client work, or simply reconnect with your artistic voice, this experience offers a space to experiment, connect, and grow. Through collaborative brainstorming, and guided practice, each group will get the chance to design and plan a concept before photographing it together in Stacy’s studio. You’ll leave with fresh inspiration, practical tools for building a conceptual piece, and images you’ve helped create alongside others.

    Bring your curiosity, camera, and any objects that spark your imagination—dresses, fabrics, florals, books, bones, buckets...nothing is too strange! Let’s see what happens when we bring our stories to life together.

    Spots are limited, sign up today! Find more sample images and bio information on Instagram or Facebook.


    • Monday, September 08, 2025
    • 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • Eastern Iowa

    Details coming soon!

    • Monday, October 27, 2025
    • 10:00 AM
    • Virtual

    Details coming soon!

    Enter panels to win Iowa's Child and/or Senior Photographer of the Year Award!

    • Monday, November 03, 2025
    • 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • Central Iowa

    Join PPI for an afternoon course with Dan McClanahan. Registration will open in June. Mark your calendar now so you don't miss out. Stick around after Dan's class for networking and the presentation of awards from our fall print competition.  More details coming soon!

    Check out more information on a full day with Dan at his studio for a hands-on workshop HERE.

    • Tuesday, November 04, 2025
    • 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • McClanahan Studio, 208 5th St Suite 302, Ames, IA 50010
    • 25

    More Details coming soon!

    This is truly an event you wont want to miss.  Dan McClanahan is welcoming a limited number of attendees to his studio in downtown Ames, Iowa for a full day of inspiration, hands-on education and community connection. Registration will open in June and is limited to 25 attendees.

    Don't miss the chance to dive deep into lighting and client interaction with Dan in the very location where he makes all his magic happen.

    Join more creatives the night before for awards and networking, more details coming soon.

    • Monday, January 05, 2026
    • 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • Oxford, Iowa + Virtual
    Register


    • Monday, March 09, 2026
    • 10:00 AM
    • Virtual

    Details coming soon!

    Must be a PPI member to be eligible for awards.

    • Friday, April 10, 2026
    • 12:00 PM
    • Monday, April 13, 2026
    • 12:00 PM
    • Iowa

    Professional Photographers of Iowa (PPI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering professional and aspiring photographers across Iowa and the Midwest. Through hands-on workshops, inspiring events, and a welcoming community, we help photographers grow their skills, build meaningful connections, and thrive in the industry.

    Focus Forward, PPI's Annual Convention | April 10–13, 2026 | Iowa

    Inspiration. Education. Connection.

    Whether you're a seasoned pro or building your photography business from the ground up, Focus Forward is where creative momentum meets community.

    Join us for a high-energy, hands-on convention designed to elevate your craft and recharge your passion. Over the course of four unforgettable days, you'll experience:

    • Dynamic speakers from both photography and small business industries

    • Live demos and hands-on workshops covering everything from lighting and posing to marketing and mindset

    • Meaningful networking with photographers and creative entrepreneurs from across the Midwest

    • An awards brunch to celebrate industry excellence

    • And a themed party (Pajama Jam, anyone?) to cap it all off with connection and fun

    Why Attend?
    Because you’re not just a photographer—you’re a creative entrepreneur. And this is your space to grow. At Focus Forward, you’ll walk away with:

    ✅ Fresh ideas and skills to implement immediately
    ✅ New friends and mentors who get it
    ✅ A renewed sense of confidence and creative purpose

    Let’s move your business—and your artistry—forward, together.
    Registration opens July 25, 2025. Don’t miss the one-day $100-off launch sale!

    A digital print competition will be hosted prior to the convention on March 9th. You must be a PPI member to win awards. Be sure to join or renew your membership!

Past events

Saturday, February 15, 2025 Winter Convention 2025
Monday, January 06, 2025 Competition College 2025
Tuesday, December 17, 2024 Lunch and Learn - Print Comp - Zoom - Members Only
Monday, April 22, 2024 Focus on Family
Saturday, March 23, 2024 Pre-Con Business Course
Saturday, March 23, 2024 Winter Convention 2024
Monday, February 05, 2024 Competition College 2024
Tuesday, December 19, 2023 Lunch and Learn - Zoom - Members Only
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 Lunch and Learn - Zoom - Members Only
Tuesday, November 14, 2023 Lunch and Learn - Zoom - Michael Mowbray MoLight
Sunday, November 05, 2023 Fall Event 2023
Tuesday, October 10, 2023 Lunch and Learn - Zoom
Tuesday, August 08, 2023 Cameras and Cocktails
Monday, July 31, 2023 Focus on Editing
Tuesday, July 11, 2023 Cameras and Cocktails - Sticky Marketing
Tuesday, June 13, 2023 Cameras and Cocktails
Tuesday, June 06, 2023 FOCUS on Lighting with John Gress
Tuesday, May 09, 2023 Cameras and Cocktails - Client Education
Tuesday, April 18, 2023 FOCUS on Weddings
Tuesday, April 11, 2023 Cameras and Cocktails
Tuesday, March 14, 2023 Cameras and Cocktails
Friday, February 03, 2023 Winter Convention 2023
Monday, January 09, 2023 Competition College
Monday, September 12, 2022 Virtual Q&A on Business
Monday, July 18, 2022 Capture and Create: Wildlife Safari and Photoshop Combo
Sunday, June 12, 2022 Nathan Loker - Sport Seniors Day Course
Monday, May 02, 2022 Ann O'Neill Deal- Pet Photography
Friday, March 18, 2022 Winter Convention 2022
Sunday, January 09, 2022 Competition College
Monday, November 29, 2021 November Board Workshop
Monday, November 15, 2021 Dana Rose: Creating A World of Your Own Virtual Class for PPI Non Members
Sunday, November 14, 2021 PPI Fall Event
Monday, August 30, 2021 Behind the Scenes: The Magic of Santa
Monday, June 28, 2021 Wanna Treat?
Sunday, April 11, 2021 Focus on Seniors
Sunday, February 21, 2021 PPI Annual Meeting
Sunday, February 21, 2021 RSVP to Attend WC21 in Person on Feb 21
Thursday, February 18, 2021 Iowa CPP Meeting
Thursday, February 18, 2021 WC21 Pre-Con with Judy Reinford
Monday, February 15, 2021 Winter Convention Print Entry Deadline
Sunday, November 08, 2020 PPI Fall Event
Tuesday, September 22, 2020 Focus on Newborns
© Copyright Professional Photographers of Iowa (PPI) and its members  | Professional Photographers of Iowa is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization. All PPI financial statements are available to its members upon request.
Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software