July 2006

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President's Message

What Is It Really All About?

Last Training Session I once again learned what PPGF meetings are really all about. Although it is a rather simple lesson, still it is a lesson that escapes the hearts and minds of fellow members and guest photographers. What is the lesson? If you are faithful and committed to attending the meetings (regardless of the subject or speaker) you will walk away from the session with at least one idea that will improve your photography skills, reduce your workflow, save you time, or make your bankroll fat.

Peter Hughes' program on designing slide presentations using ProShow Gold & Producer once again drove home those points. Not only did I learn a better way of preparing my images to be processed by the software, I saw masterful examples of how Peter uses the program to actually evoke tears to your eyes. And, he does it all without using every bell and whistle that comes with the software. Admittedly, any software will have a "learning curve" to overcome.However, after mastering the basics then comes the opportunity to infuse your own creativity as to how it performs for you. Peter's ingenuous use of the software has caused me to go back to the drawing board and redesign my presentations, raise the price I offer for the product, and redefine the marketing power of the presentations. Was a training session on DVD presentation worthwhile for me to attend the meeting? You betcha!

Here's another spin off from "What is it really all about?" I presume that several of the attendees who were present have never seen a presentation such as Peter, or were not aware of the ProGold software, or have no intention of purchasing it in the future. But, if nothing else was gained from attending the training session, just looking at the "awe inspiring" photography of Peter & Julie's was breathtaking. You could hear a pin drop during each of Peter's presentations and equally long applauds after they'd ended. Peter claims that his program is not polished to his satisfaction, but his solid information with great visual samples was a gold mine of ideas for me. Thanks, Peter, for reminding me again "what it is really all about".

For those of you reading this month's Prez's article, the July training session will once again give you the opportunity to experience "what it's really all about". A new feature of the sessions is that we're taking 10-15 minutes before the speaker begins to answer any technical questions members/guests might have or to share any hot tips/info that you might have run across. So, arrive with a chance to solve a problem you're experiencing or to give the solution.

Enjoy!

Willie L. Hill, Jr., President

The July training session will take place on Wednesday, July 19th and feature Krystal & Matt Radlinski. Their program is entitled "Black Socks and Big Smiles: How to Get the Images You Want and the Raves You Deserve." Join award-winning wedding photographers Krystal and Matt Radlinski as they explain how to coax out your bride and groom's personalities and turn them into your best salespeople.

Arrive by 7:30 pm to get a good seat and to network. The program starts promptly at 8:00 pm.

June Program: Pro Show Gold & Producer with Peter Hughes

Photoshop Tutorial

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