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Welcome to the

Since 1941

2026 Great Lakes PhotoMax

  • 07 Mar 2026
  • 9:00 AM
  • 08 Mar 2026
  • 4:00 PM
  • Somerset Inn, 2601 West Big Beaver Road, ​Troy, MI 48084

Registration

  • Get this if you will NOT be attending PhotoMax workshops but want to join the banquet dinner before the Awards Ceremony. Includes multi-course plated dinner. Cash bar will be available. We encourage you to stay for the Ceremony to celebrate excellence in imagery. (Does NOT include conference gift bag/shirt)
  • Available to Everyone, regardless of membership. Limited time only!

    *Award Ceremony banquet additional.
  • Retired and Life Members only. Includes attendance to presentations.
    DOES NOT INCLUDE BANQUET (this is an add on during the registration process).
    Register BEFORE February 2nd to receive gift bag.
  • Join PPofMI and save, plus discounts on Annual Image Competition registration. DOES NOT include banquet ticket, this is an add on during registration.
  • Members of PPA, MAPP, DPPA, PPofOhio are welcome! - Proof of membership required. This does NOT include the banquet, that is an add on during registration.
  • PPM Members only. All Levels. INCLUDES PPA MERITS.
    DOES NOT INCLUDE BANQUET (this is an add on during the registration process). Register BEFORE February 2nd to receive gift bag.
  • Must prove student status to qualify

Register

 

Great Lakes PhotoMax | March 7 - 8, 2026  

Troy, Michigan


 COFFEE HOUR SPEAKERS will make a return to PHOTOMAX!

speakers will be announced soon


LODGING is available at the Somerset Inn. To reserve your room, visit the Somerset Inn website by clicking this link:   BOOK HOTEL HERE Or, call the hotel directly at 248.643.7800 for booking assistance. Be sure to mention PPofMI / Professional Photographers of Michigan and provide the group attendee code 1316 to receive the discounted rate




LEARN & GROW: THE FUN WAY!

PhotoMax offers hands-on photography workshops led by nationally recognized photographers from across the country. Join us for a weekend of insightful education, inspiring conversations, and game-changing networking with fellow photographers and vendors. Elevate your photography business while having fun!

**PreCon Workshop - march 6th**  Kelly & Kalina schneider

From Concept to Capture: A Cinematic Portrait Experience

 Step beyond snapshots and workshop, you’ll learn how to turn a simple portrait into a work of art that evokes, captivates, and moves. Together, we'll guide you through every stage—from visual concept and scene design to lighting, directing, and live post-processing. You'll photograph professional models styled with custom props, wardrobe, and curated lighting setups. Build a storytelling image from scratch, with full creative control.

Expect maximum shooting time, one-on-one mentoring, and pro-level insights you can’t find online.

Learn how to evoke real emotion, use lighting for mood, and pose your subject for powerful, unforgettable imagery.

Whether you’re a portrait, boudoir, fashion, or editorial photographer—this class will fuel your vision and elevate your results.

Bring your camera and creativity and leave with portfolio-ready images and renewed artistic fire. 

This isn’t just another workshop. It’s a launchpad.


Register at the Pre Con event page at 

 Register here for Precon

This is a separate registration from Photomax

 


You are invited to

"A Gatsby Gala“ 

black tie optional for our 

Banquet & Awards Ceremony, March 7th 

Celebrate excellence with cocktails, dinner, and dazzling recognition. 

It will be exciting evening as we open up a  Time Capsule put together by PPM   

25 years ago!!

 

This years Banquet will have an exciting event that you wont want to miss!!  The 2026 Photomax will be the 25th Anniversary of a Time Capsule that was put together 25 years ago by PPM Members! The time capsule will be opened during the Banquet. 

Prior to the Awards Ceremony, cocktails will be available at a cash bar starting at 6:00 PM (open to all). At 6:30 PM, a banquet dinner will be served. Tickets for the dinner are required and can be added during your regular PhotoMax registration ( Photomax attendance is not required to attend the banquet). The doors for the Awards Ceremony will open at 8:00 PM.

When registering, please add YOUR BANQUET DINNER TICKET AND any guest tickets you may need.

**Banquet tickets are not included in the Convention registration fee.

 


 




MEET THE SPEAKERS

Pre-Con:   

Kelly & Kalina Schneider

March 6th - In "From Concept to Capture: A Cinematic Portrait Experience " with Kelly & Kalina Schneider

Step beyond snapshots and into the world of cinematic storytelling. In this all-day immersive workshop, you’ll learn how to turn a simple portrait into a work of art that evokes, captivates, and moves.

Together, we'll guide you through every stage—from visual concept and scene design to lighting, directing, and live post-processing. You'll photograph professional models styled with custom props, wardrobe, and curated lighting setups. Build a storytelling image from scratch, with full

creative control. Expect maximum shooting time, one-on-one mentoring, and pro-level insights you can’t find

online. Learn how to evoke real emotion, use lighting for mood, and pose your subject for powerful, unforgettable imagery. Whether you’re a portrait, boudoir, fashion, or editorial photographer—this class will fuel your vision and elevate your results. Bring your camera and creativity 

Leave with portfolio-ready images and renewed artistic fire

This isn’t just another workshop. It’s a launchpad.


 


Photomax Speakers will be Announced soon!



LODGING

Lodging is available at the Somerset Inn. To reserve your room, visit the Somerset Inn website by clicking this link: BOOK HOTEL ROOM and and enter the group attendee code 928. Or, call the hotel directly at 248.643.7800 for booking assistance. Be sure to mention PPofMI / Professional Photographers of Michigan and provide the group attendee code 928 to receive the discounted rate.



PhotoMax is a PPA Continuing Education merit event!  Working toward a PPA Degree? Attend the Pre-Con March 6th  and the Conference March 6 & 7th and earn TWO Merits in ONE weekend!


THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

                   


   

Special Thanks to our 2025 Sponsors:

 




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