When something amazing happens, you have to tell someone. I just had a amazing experience at the Professional Photographers of North Carolina (PPNC) 2013 convention. My brain is on overload from the classes, practice opportunities, hallway and meal conversations, and amazing people! I’ll admit, I was hesitant to join PPNC. I am a member of PPA and felt like belonging to 2 organizations was unnecessary. I thought PPNC was just a group of “old school” photographers who looked down on the newbies. I thought the members would be greedy, competitive, and snobby. I thought the investment was not worth the return based on the benefits. I. WAS. WRONG.
In Durham, I found a very diverse group of professionals who were very welcoming, even to the part-timers. I found a group of new friends who were not only willing, but eager to share their knowledge to help me and others like me improve and survive in a very competitive market. I found an organization I am proud to be a member of and to recommend to all photographers in North Carolina. Many thanks to Angela Blankenship for inviting me to join and pestering me until I did. 😉
There were some truly inspiring and informative classes, but the ultimate experience was having Master Photographers critique my work. Let me tell you, that is a terrifying experience, but it was also the most professionally rewarding thing I have done. Thanks to Carol Medlin and Fuller Royal for your honesty, affirmation, and advice. The most fun I had (aside from Club 79 and the personal conversations) was spent practicing in the Light Pro Studio Lab. Many thanks to Larson Enterprises, Larry Hersberger, Karen Goforth, Adrian Henson, Kevin Jordan and many others for staying up until the wee hours of the morning to help and inspire. You guys rock! Here are a few samples of the images I took while playing in the Light Pro Studio. (Disclaimer… some were taken with available light while I didn’t have the flash trigger.)
If you are a professional photographer who is serious about your work, I highly recommend that you consider PPNC. It is a great group of people and the learning experiences are well worth every penny. I will be happy to answer any questions I can or refer you to the experts in the association if you have questions.
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