Menu
Log in
Log in

Welcome to the

Since 1941

Event Registration

Access the finest in photographic education!
We'll see you there!

If you are an active PPofMI member, please be sure to to register using your active PPofMI Member email address. (note: this is same email address used with your active "Find A Photographer" account).

Upcoming events

    • 08 Feb 2025
    • 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
    • Online or Find a Watch Party Near You!
    Register

    Submit Images Online by 12PM February 6 via PrintCompetition.com

    Annual State Image COmpetition

    The Annual Image Competition will be held online. Rules, deadlines and more are available now.

    Submissions are now being accepted. Deadline is 45hrs before competition begins. No late entries can be accepted. 

    The Annual Image Competition is open to all photographers. PPofMI Members receive additional discounts on entry fees and are eligible for awards. Membership must be up to date to qualify for Awards. Please login to your ppofmi.com account to confirm your membership status.

    Awards will be presented at the Annual Banquet February 22nd at the Somerset Inn, Troy, MI (during PhotoMax 2025). Get your tickets for the black-tie optional Banquet Dinner (prior to the Awards Ceremony) via the PhotoMax Registry Page.

    To celebrate your art, a Print Exhibit will be at Great Lakes PhotoMax 2025, showing all the art submitted to the competition.

    Watch parties across Michigan

    The Annual Image Competition will be February 8, 2025, a couple of weeks prior to Great Lakes PhotoMax. The competition will be held completely online, via PrintCompetition.com.

    Watch parties will be hosted across the state on February 8:

    • Locations to be determined!

    Banquet and Awards Ceremony - FEBRUARY 22nd.

    Enjoy a multi-course meal and classy cocktails with members and their partners at this black tie optional event. A beautiful evening celebrating excellence in imagery. 

    Visit PhotoMax 2025 Event Registration to purchase Banquet tickets. A separate registration option is available for Banquet Only Tickets.


    • 21 Feb 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • Somerset Inn, 2601 West Big Beaver Road, ​Troy, MI 48084
    • 22
    Register



    DYNAMIC PORTRAIT TECHNIQUES with Scott Robert Lim

    PRECON WORKSHOP - February 21ST, 10AM to 5PM*

    In this workshop, you'll explore how to create compelling portraits using dynamic lighting, posing, and composition techniques to make your subjects stand out. During the PreCon session, you'll dive into the art of cinematic color grading, learning how to achieve rich, film-like tones, and experiment with vintage film-inspired post-processing to give your images a timeless, artistic feel. You'll leave with practical skills to elevate your portrait work and create a distinctive visual style.

    * Bonus Opportunity at 7PM! Shootout time! Let’s put what we’ve learned into practice. We’ll set up multiple bays around the hotel, break into smaller groups, and photograph models using techniques taught by Scott Robert Lim. (This is an optional bonus round)

    Registration is separate from full PhotoMax Conference.



    Schedule

    Friday, February 21st. - PreCon

    9:00 AM - Registration Open

    10:00 AM - 5:00 PM - DYNAMIC PORTRAIT TECHNIQUES with Scott Robert Lim - Registration for this workshop is separate from PhotoMax Register Today!

    5:00 - 7:00 PM - Enjoy DINNER at Your Leisure!

    7:00 - 9:00 PMShootout time! Let’s put what we’ve learned into practice. We’ll set up multiple bays around the hotel, break into smaller groups, and photograph models using techniques taught by Scott Robert Lim. (This is an optional bonus round)

    *Schedule subject to change.


    Ready for a full weekend of amazing speakers? 

    Register for Great Lakes PhotoMax Feb 22-23, 2025



    WORKSHOP SUMMARY

    In Scott Robert Lim’s "Dynamic Portrait Techniques" workshop, you will discover the secrets to creating captivating and powerful portraits that stand out. Scott will guide you through advanced lighting setups, posing strategies, and composition techniques to bring your portraits to life. Learn how to make your subjects feel confident and connected to the camera while using creative techniques to enhance mood and storytelling in your images.

    This hands-on workshop is designed to push your creativity and elevate your portrait photography, whether you're working in natural light or a controlled studio environment. By the end, you’ll have the skills to transform ordinary portraits into dynamic, compelling works of art. Perfect for photographers looking to refine their portrait skills and develop a signature style that leaves a lasting impact.


    Speaker Bio

    Scott Robert Lim is an internationally acclaimed, master photographer and educator with over 70 international awards, including the prestigious Kodak Award and WPPI accolades. A Sony Artisan of Imagery, Scott’s career spans decades, during which he has established himself as a global leader in cinematic lighting, color grading, and portraiture. His work has been featured in major publications, and his ability to combine artistry with technical mastery has made him a highly sought-after speaker and mentor worldwide.

    Known for his engaging and energetic teaching style, Scott has educated thousands of photographers, helping them refine their craft and build successful photography careers. His workshops offer not only hands-on experience but also a deep dive into creative thinking, workflow optimization, and business strategies for photographers. Scott is passionate about inspiring others to push creative boundaries and believes that every photographer can develop a unique style that makes their work stand out.

    With a wealth of knowledge in both photography and post-production, Scott is dedicated to equipping photographers with the tools and techniques they need to elevate their skills, enhance their creativity, and achieve professional success. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned photographer, Scott’s instruction promises to challenge and inspire you.


    Lodging 

    Lodging is available at the Somerset Inn. Go directly to somersetinn.com or call 248-643-7800 for booking assistance.

    • 22 Feb 2025
    • 9:00 AM
    • 23 Feb 2025
    • 4:00 PM
    • Somerset Inn, 2601 West Big Beaver Road, ​Troy, MI 48084
    Register



    Great Lakes PhotoMax | February 22-23, 2025  

    Troy, Michigan


    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 - FEB. 21ST** DYNAMIC PORTRAIT TECHNIQUES

    PreCon Workshop - Separate Registration!

    Get ready to elevate your portrait photography in this PreCon class with internationally acclaimed photographer Scott Robert Lim!  "Dynamic Portrait Techniques" is designed to push your creative limits and enhance your ability to create impactful portraits. In this session, Scott will dive deep into advanced lighting, posing, and composition techniques that transform standard portraits into stunning, dynamic images.

    Whether you're shooting in natural light or a controlled environment, this hands-on class will teach you how to bring out the best in your subjects and create visually compelling images with confidence. Perfect for photographers of all levels, this PreCon class will equip you with the tools and techniques to develop your own signature style and take your portraiture to new heights. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business!

     Register at the PreCon Event Page. 


    BANQUET AND AWARDS CEREMONY FEBRUARY 22nd.

    Join us for "An Evening of Radiance, “black tie optional. Celebrate excellence with cocktails, dinner, and dazzling recognition.

    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 (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.


    SCHEDULE

    Friday, February 21st. - PreCon

    9:00 AM - Registration Open

    10:00 AM - 5:00 PM - DYNAMIC PORTRAIT TECHNIQUES with Scott Robert Lim - Registration for this workshop is separate from PhotoMax Register Today! 

    5:00 - 7:00 PM - Enjoy DINNER at Your Leisure!

    7:00 - 9:00 PMShootout time! Let’s put what we’ve learned into practice. We’ll set up multiple bays around the hotel, break into smaller groups, and photograph models using techniques taught by Scott Robert Lim. (This is an optional bonus round)



    Saturday, Feb. 22nd. PhotoMax 2025 (Day 1)

    9:00 AM - Registration Opens

    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - CINEMATIC COLOR GRADING AND VINTAGE FILM POST PROCESSING with Scott Robert Lim

    Noon - LUNCH at Your Leisure!

    1:30PM - 4:30PM - STREAMLINED SUCCESS: AUTOMATION, EMAIL & SMS MARKETING SYSTEMS with Jakievious Phillips


    6:00 PM -  AWARDS BANQUET DINNER

               6:00 PM - 6:30 PM - Cocktails (Cash Bar)

              6:30 PM - 8:00 PM - Banquet Dinner - Formal Attire

    (Additional ticket required and can be added on during PhotoMax registration process. Includes Multi-course dinner)

    8:00 PM - AWARDS CEREMONY - no ticket required, Cash Bar will be open until 11:00 PM (approx.)



    Sunday, Feb. 23rd. PhotoMax 2025 (Day 2)

    9:30AM - 12:00 PM - CREATIVE PHOTO ARTISTRY & PHOTOSHOP FOR BUSINESS GROWTH with Stephen Nowotarski

    12:00 PM - PPofMI GENERAL MEETING with PPofMI Board of Directors

    12:15 PM - LUNCH at Your Leisure!

    1:30 PM - 4:00 PM - PHOTOGRAPHIC WORLD JOURNEY: TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY with Ron Conigliaro




    MEET THE SPEAKERS

    Pre-Con: Dynamic Portrait Techniques with Scott Robert Lim

    February 21st. - In "Dynamic Portrait Techniques" with Scott Robert Lim, students will explore advanced methods for creating striking and impactful portraits. The course focuses on dynamic lighting, innovative posing, and composition techniques to enhance the visual appeal of portraits. Participants will learn how to bring out the best in their subjects through creative and technical approaches, resulting in compelling and memorable images. Through hands-on practice and expert guidance, students will refine their portrait skills and develop a unique style that stands out. Separate Registration Required!

    Cinematic Color Grading and Vintage Film Post Processing with Scott Robert Lim


    February 22nd. - In "Cinematic Color Grading and Vintage Film Post Processing" with Scott Robert Lim, students will master the art of enhancing their images with cinematic color grading and vintage film effects. The course will cover techniques for achieving rich, dynamic color tones and creating a timeless, film-like aesthetic in post-processing. Participants will learn how to apply these styles to elevate their visual storytelling and achieve a unique look in their photography. Through practical exercises and expert guidance, students will refine their skills and elevate their image quality with sophisticated color grading and post-processing techniques.


    Streamlined Success: Automation, Email & SMS Marketing Systems with Jakievious Phillips

    In "Streamlined Success: Automation, Email & SMS Marketing Systems" with Jakievious Phillips, students will delve into the strategies for optimizing business operations through automation. The course covers the integration of email and SMS marketing systems to enhance customer engagement and drive business growth. Participants will learn how to set up and manage automated workflows, craft effective email and SMS campaigns, and analyze performance metrics to refine their strategies. By applying these tools, students will streamline their processes and boost their marketing effectiveness.


    Creative Photo Artistry & Photoshop for Business Growth with Stephen Nowotarski

    In "Creative Photo Artistry & Photoshop for Business Growth" with Stephen Nowotarski, students will explore advanced techniques in photo artistry and the strategic use of Photoshop to enhance their business. The course will cover creative approaches to image editing, including artistic effects and visual storytelling. Participants will learn how to use Photoshop to streamline workflows, elevate their visual brand, and implement effective marketing strategies. 


    Photographic World Journey: Travel Photography with Ron Conigliaro

    In this class with Ron Conigliaro, students will focus on travel photography, learning how to effectively capture diverse landscapes, cultures, and the essence of different destinations. While wildlife photography will be touched upon, the primary emphasis will be on techniques for documenting travel experiences. The course will cover camera settings, gear selection, natural light usage, composition, and post-processing tips. Students will engage in hands-on practice, applying these skills in real-world settings to create captivating and memorable travel images.



    LODGING

    Lodging is available at the Somerset Inn. Go directly to somersetinn.com or call 248-643-7800 for booking assistance. Mention PPofMI/Professional Photographers of Michigan for group discount. 



    PhotoMax is a PPA Continuing Education merit event!  Working toward a PPA Degree? Attend the Pre-Con February 21st. AND the Conference February 22 - 23 and earn TWO Merits in ONE weekend!


    Thank you to our sponsor

                                     

   

Special Thanks to our 2024 Sponsors:

 




Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software