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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

    • 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


    EXCITING AND NEW: COFFEE HOUR SPEAKERS DEBUT AT PHOTOMAX!



    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!


    PRECON SCHEDULE

    Friday, February 21st. - PreCon

    9:00 AM - 10:00 AM - Registration / Check-In

    10:00 AM - Welcome to PhotoMax (PreCon)

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

    12:30 PM - 1:00 PM - LUNCH

    1:00 PM - 5:00 PM - DYNAMIC PORTRAIT TECHNIQUES with Scott Robert Lim

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

    7:00 PM - 9:00 PMOPTIONAL: Take What You Learned and Apply It! 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.


      Register at the PhotoMax Event Page

    PHOTOMAX SCHEDULE


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

    8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Registration / Check-In (BREAKFAST IS INCLUDED)!

    9:20 AM - Welcome & Announcements

    9:30 AM - 11:45 AM - CINEMATIC COLOR GRADING AND VINTAGE FILM POST PROCESSING with Scott Robert Lim

    11:45 AM - 1:30 PM - VISIT OUR VENDORS

    12:00 PM - 1:30 PM - LUNCH IS INCLUDED (This is your chance to attend one of our engaging Coffee Hour speaker sessions)

    12:30 PM - 1:30 PM - Coffee Hour Session: Get Your Camera Off It's "A" - Demystifying the Exposure Triangle with Chris Jones

    12:30 PM - 1:30 PM - Embrace The Blurry Photo Trend with Erik Holladay - McCann

    1:30 PM - 4:30 PM - PHOTOGRAPHIC WORLD JOURNEY: Travel Photography with Ron Conigliaro

    4:30 PM - 6:00 PM - Leisure time! 


    PREPARE FOR THE AWARDS BANQUET DINNER 


    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.

    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)

    8:30 AM - 9:30 AM - Coffee Hour Session: Adding Volume to Your Portrait Business with Adam & Lori Carroll

    8:30 AM - 9:30 AM - Coffee Hour Session: Deliver Joy - The Importance of Packaging with Sarah Fulmer

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

    12:00 PM - 12:15 PM - PPofMI GENERAL MEETING with PPofMI Board of Directors and PPM Members

    12:15 PM - LUNCH / VISIT VENDORS (Lunch On Your Own)

    1:15 PM - 1:30 PM - Raffle

    1:30 PM - 4:00 PM - STREAMLINED SUCCESS: Automation, Email & SMS Marketing Systems with Jakievious Phillips



    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 practical exercises and expert guidance, students will enhance their portrait skills and develop a distinctive style that sets them apart. 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 be taught how to apply these skills in real-world settings to create captivating and memorable travel images.



    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 February 21st. AND the Conference February 22 - 23 and earn TWO Merits in ONE weekend!


    THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

                       

    BRING YOUR OLD GEAR TO PHOTOMAX!

    Camera Exchange will offer a Buy Back!

    OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 

    • 05 Mar 2025
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    "An Artistic Photographer Lies in All of Us"

    Presented in Collaboration with "The Greater Detroit Camera Club Council & Professional Photographers of Michigan"


    Class Description:

    We as photographers often want to be more innovative and creative, but our own mental barriers can “prevent” the creative process from happening. One of the biggest mental blocks is simply believing, “I’m not a very creative person.” I hear this most often from engineers, accountants, and those in technical fields who have struggled to discover the creative style they desire.

    This session breaks down creative barriers in a really fun and logical way! I take an interactive, “myth-busters-style approach!”


    In this class, you will learn:

      You’ll learn how to apply the creative process and develop patterns that will bring more joy, innovation, success, creativity, and happiness to your photography! You will learn:

      • How even those who feel they “are not artistic” can actually become artistic and creative
      • How to understand “imaginative skill” and how it develops
      • About my “Mash-up” formula for producing creativity
      • How to debunk your own myths about artistic and creative ability
      • How to exercise your creativity through real-world examples and activities during the session
      • Inspirations to take with you


      Cost:

      FREE FOR EVERYONE!

      SPACE IS LIMITED!

      Must register by March 5th. by 5:00 PM


      Lisa Langell’s Bio:

      Hosted by Lisa Langell
      Tamron Image Master & Award-Winning Photographer

      Lisa loves creating nature photography and art inspired by her background in psychology and design. When Lisa isn’t having fun making photographs, she thrives on teaching photography—most often in Alaska! Her humility and passion for both shine through in how she provides memorable, fun, and educational experiences that enrich, invigorate, and expand photographers’ minds in wonderful ways.

      • 28 Apr 2025
      • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
      • Zoom
      Register

      SEO Essentials for Photographers

      Get Found, Get Booked


      Class Description:

      Want more potential clients to find your photography business online? SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a powerful tool that helps photographers rank higher in search results, attract the right audience, and grow their business.


      In this class, you will learn:

        • SEO Basics – What SEO is, why it matters, and how search engines work.
        • Website Optimization – Key strategies to make your site faster, more visible, and search-friendly.
        •  Keyword Research – How to find and use the right keywords to attract potential clients.
        • Local SEO & Google My Business – How to get found by clients in your area and boost your local presence.

        Whether you're new to SEO or looking to refine your strategy, this class will give you practical steps to improve your online visibility and attract more bookings.

        Ready to make SEO work for your photography business? Join us and take the first step toward getting found online


        About the Presenter:

        Richard Waine, Commercial Headshot Photographer

        Richard Waine is a distinguished headshot photographer based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, known for his expertise in commercial headshots and personal branding. With over a decade of experience, he has helped individuals elevate their online presence through compelling imagery and strategic SEO practices. As a firm believer in the power of search engine optimization, Richard has applied SEO techniques to grow his own photography business and increase visibility in a competitive market. His deep understanding of website optimization, keyword strategy, and local SEO makes him an invaluable resource for photographers looking to improve their search rankings and attract more clients.

        Cost:

        FREE FOR EVERYONE!

        We are looking forward to you joining us: Click on the link to register TODAY!

        https://ppofmi.com/event-6070145

        Must register by April 28th. by 5:00 PM

        Zoom information will be sent to registrants.

         

      Special Thanks to our 2025 Sponsors:

       




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