The Finger Lakes Section of PPSNYS, Inc. will hold it's monthly meeting on
Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at Nonna's Trattoria in Geneva, NY.
The business meeting will begin at 2:00pm
Elections for New Officers will be held at this meeting. See the minutes of the October Meeting for the Nominees.
Program 3:00PM by Paul Wicka
Paul Wicka from Creative Photography in Hamburg, NY will give his program called "Pricing for Profit". Paul is a member of Buffalo/Niagara,PPSNYS, Inc, and his work can be seen at www.thecreativephotography.com
Presentation 4:30PM by Art Leather
Presentation by the new Art Leather representatives Rob Langdon and John Hernandez from Rochester.
They will give us a short update on new products and the new web based album design software that will be available soon. They have also mentioned that they
will be bringing some albums to raffle. Don't miss this!
Dinner will follow. Please plan to stay for dinner to support our organization.
Notice: This is the last meeting scheduled for the afternoon. In December we
will hold our Annual Holiday Gathering and then, beginning in January, we will
change our meeting time to 5:00 Business, 5:30 Dinner, 7:00 Program.
Message from the Editor
I like reading and the knowledge I gain from doing it, but like most photographers now, I'm spending a lot of time at the computer instead of snuggling up with a good book. I find I am much more likely to pick up a magazine where I can absorb a page or two of useful information instead of trying to finish a book only reading two pages a day.
I recently received an iTunes gift card in the mail. I bought a few things I wanted to get but still had about $10 left over so I am trying an audio book. I bought the book "Think and Grow Rich" by Napolean Hill, which is an age old classic on the power of thinking positively. I figured if I can't use my eyes since they are already occupied at the computer, then I will use my ears to read a book. If this goes well, I have huge list of books I want to listen to in the future.
There a quite a few business and self-help books that I have found on photographer's blogs and forums that are really good. Some of the books I have read or have and intend to read are:
- Fast Track Wedding Photographer - by Dane Sanders
- The Secret - by Rhonda Byrne
- Rich Dad, Poor Dad - by Robert Kivosaki
- All Marketer's Are Liars - by Seth Godin
- Zag - by Marty Neumeier
- Beyond Buzz - by Lois Kelly
- Citizen Marketers and Creating Customer Evangelists - by Ben McConnell and Jackie Huba
- The Starbucks Experience - by Joseph Michelli
Happy reading (or listening).
- Steve
Steve Chesler
Chesler Photography
Membership News
"If everyone took the time to personally invite one member..."
Its the obligation of everyone in the organization to work on membership!
-Herb Jones, Membership Chairperson
Minutes of the October 2008 Meeting:
Minutes of the October 2008 Finger Lakes Meeting at Nonna's Trattoria.
Attendance: Neil Sjoblom, Nancy and Dan Runfola, Monroe Payne, Lynn and Vince Aiosa, Kevin Carlson, Ameka Cooper, Honey DeLapa, Mark Griffin, Steve Chesler, Herb Jones, Lois Miller, Clarence and Nancy Williams, Honey DeLapa, Bonnie Saunders, Steve Chesler, Russ Graham, Craig and Linda Hutchings, Steve Schwars, and MMarlene Morris-Marne, and it looks like Dan Denney? sorry, I can't make out the last name.
Guest: Steve Sherwood.
Call to order @ 2:20 by Chairman Vince.
Minutes: Approved on a motion by Herb, second by Mark G.
Treasurer's Report: Approved on a motion by Monroe, second by Lyn.
2009 TEP: Honey announced possible speaker Bob Hancock owner of a family owned studio in Pa. His possible topics are "how to make a family operated studio work",
or he could present a program on high school seniors, or nature and landscape photography. Honey mentioned he may be sponsored by Miller's. It was suggested by Craig
to pursue Bob Hancock as TEP speaker. Kevin said he will publish brochure in time for the next Council meeting.
Workshop: July 19 - 24th. Brochures will be out shortly. Linda reminds us that all Finger Lakes members are eligible for scholarship.
Nominating Committee Report: Officers for 2009:
- Angelo Runfola -- Chairman
- Monroe Payne -- 1st Vice
- Steve Schwarz -- 2nd Vice
- Bonnie Saunders Treasurer
- Neil Sjoblom -- Secretary
Delegates to Council: .Roger, Monroe, Honey, Vince, and Herb for backup. Craig stressed that participation is crucial.
Programs:
December -- Finger Lakes Holiday party will be Sunday, December 28, at Abigail's Restaurant in Waterloo. 3:00 Chinese auction, 5:00 dinner. Linda said she will call the restaurant and reserve the back room.
- January --
- February -- TEP
- March -- Dana Nordlund sponsored by American Color Imaging.
- July -- Workshop
- August -- Picnic
Monroe said he will fill in the rest of the year.
Convention 2009: The 2009 convention will be held March 28 - 31 at the Desmond Hotel in Albany. Room cost $134 per day -up to four people per room. Banquet $40.00.
Rave reviews from Craig and Linda "food is excellent". Craig reminds us to register online. 37 of 45 vender booths are filled. Attendance 171 as of last council meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 3:00.
Respectfully submitted,
Neil Sjoblom, Secretary.
Photography by Sjoblom
30 Linden St.
Geneva, NY 14456
(315)789-1082
website: www.neilsjoblom.com
TIP OF THE MONTH:
If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours.
News and Notes:
This is a new section of the newsletter for anyone who wants to share something of interest. It could be a birthday, a milestone, something new you're doing that you want to share, the sky is the limit. Send your News and Notes items to Steve@Cheslerphoto.com.
Submitted by Monroe Payne:
I was approached by e-mail by a high school student, asking about photography as a career. The interview had the effect of crystalizing my thoughts, and might be an effective exercise for our members.
Below is the interview with her...
Hello, I am Courtney and I am a sophmore in High School. In english we are writing a paper on a career that we may be interested in. We also must interview someone who knows about this field. I have chosen photography and was wondering if I could ask you a few questions.
How did you become interested in photography?
My Dad was a photographer, taking photos for Cornell University's Natural Resources department. We had a darkroom in the house, and if I ever wanted to spend time with Dad, it seemed like it was always in the darkroom. That was - gosh - 48 years ago.... ouch...
I was always good at photography because of the learning I did with Dad, but since I formally went into business and was able to practice all the time, I got really good. It's funny how the more you practice the better you get... And the better you get, the more you enjoy it.
What are some positive aspects of your job?
First, it's not a "job". There is no boss, except the one in the mirror. (He's a real booger...) I think the best part is that I can choose my clients. I can't imagine working in retail and having to deal with every person who happens to come in the door.
Second, I learn something from every client, every wedding and every event. I'm always stretching the limits of what I know and can do, and it is more exciting every day.
What are some negitive aspects of your job?
Feast and famine. During the summer and fall, I have more work than I can handle. Winter and early spring, work seems to dry up. It is more of a budgeting issue than a "negative aspect". Planning ahead and pricing products to account for the lean times takes care of this issue.
What kinds of skills are needed to succeed in the field of photography?
Marketing, marketing, marketing and a little photography. Many, many photographers who are excellent craftsmen fail because they don't market their products effectively, but many average photographers do well because of their marketing work.
Where did you go to college? Positives, Negitives?
SUNY Cortland, where I majored in Recreation Education. I've never used the degree. I allowed someone to talk me in to a field of study I had no passion for. It took me 30 years of flailing about to find the career I always had the aptitude for. If one adult I respected had told me "Hey kid, you could make a living doing photography...", I would have saved 30 years.
Would you suggest others to persue in this field?
Only if they have passion for the craft.
Do you think there is going to be a positive outlook in photography?
Oh my God, YES! Cheap digital cameras can make anyone take good snapshots, but there will always be a healthy spot for professionals with a vision for the emotion and perspective that the "average guy" doesn't capture.
Is there Any room for advancement?
The sky is the limit for inventive, creative entrepreneurs. I can't speak to people who do a "job", because they are sheep. I'm not a sheep. I'm an individual who can't abide being held back by a boss and a job.
Any other comments would be greatly appreciated.
Ok, maybe this isn't what you expected, but I hope it helps. Education helps. Upbringing and support helps, but if you want to succeed, you need a few things.
First, passion for your craft. You cannot excel if you are just plodding along doing what you are told.
Second, education, but not necessarily formal education. Degrees are ok if you want to go to work for a boss, but in my life, the degree has had a minimal effect. It has been my passion for the art, my willingness to seek out mentors in both the craft and the business end, and my intentional effort to surround myself with positive, like minded individuals that has made the difference.
And last, the knowledge that you have only scratched the surface of your craft, and that there is more to learn than you possibly can absorb. I am a sponge, soaking up every bit of knowledge I can, whether it is placed before me or I've had to seek it out.
Thank you for contacting me. I wish you the greatest success in your school and your life.
Monroe Payne
PPSNYS PHOTO WORKSHOP 2009
PPSNYS PHOTO WORKSHOP 2009
July 19-24, 2009
Hobart/William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York
Teachers will be:
- Fay Sirkis - "Impressions of Art" A Photo Painting Workshop
- John Woodward -- All I Know, Mastering the Light
- Ken Sklute - Wedding Program
- Craig Hutchings - Photography 101
- Suzette Allen - Doing a Photoshop Class
- Gary Meek -- Photography - A Comprehensive Study
PPSNYS has a Scholarship Program that gives each section that buys one $100 scholarship a free $100 Scholarship. Each section is free to buy as many more $100 scholarships as they desire. This is an incentive to help with the cost of the school for members of PPSNYS.
WORKSHOP TESTIMONIALS: 2008
- Very pleased. Beautiful Facility, no politics, super educational opportunity.
- This is the best year of six. Value far exceeds minimal cost.
- Wonderful experience.
- Wonderful!! Relations formed are life long. Cannot thank you enough.
TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT IN THE COURSE OF YOUR CHOICE, SEND YOUR DEPOSIT
($100 or $200 for Fay Sirkis and Suzette Allen) to:
Linda Hutchings/Registrar,
Box 403,
Elmira, NY 14902
Early registration means that $100 is deducted from your tuition. Every member of PPSNYS, PPA or another state's photographic organization (PPA affiliated) is entitled to another $100 deducted from tuition. Your tuition includes the instructor of your choice, air-conditioned classrooms, a CD master set of images from your class (except for digital classes), dorm facilities, breakfast, lunch and dinner, wine and cheese party, Thursday night awards ceremony (with dinner), degree merits for PPA members, class photograph, all school photograph, diploma for your wall, workshop shirt and central parking facility. Deposits are non-refundable.
PPSNY Forum:
The new PPSNY Forum is off to a running start. Don't to forget to sign up at www.ppsnysforum.com. This is one of your new member benefits, so take advantage of it and share ideas and inspiration with friends and colleagues across the state.
FINGER LAKES FORUM:
If you haven't signed up for the Finger Lakes Forum, now it the time. By signing up with an e-mail, automatic reminders of upcoming events will be sent to you. There is also a calendar listing all events. Sign on and see what's happening. There are listings for jobs and equipment also. If you have something you would like to sell please feel free to post it there. Several members have uploaded photos for you to look at. There are also a few photos from Conference.
Thank you Steve Chesler for getting this started. I hope it will become a place where our members will get together to share information.
CONTACT INFO:
Finger Lakes Officers
| Name |
Title |
Phone |
Email |
| Vincent Aiosa |
Section Chair |
(607) 564-3560 |
valleyviewphoto@juno.com |
| Dan Runfola |
1st Vice President |
(585) 669-9621 |
drunfola@aol.com |
| Hank Yasses |
2nd Vice President |
(585) 820-5971 |
hyasses@rochester.rr.com |
| Sjoblom , Neil |
Secretary |
(315) 789-1082 |
nsjoblom@aol.com |
| Saunders, Bonnie |
Treasurer |
(585) 243-3601 |
alphaandomega@att.net |
Delegates to PPSNYS:
- Honey DeLapa
- Roger Smith
- Monroe Payne
PPSNYS Business Service:
Karen K. Dyer
PPSNYS Business Manager
121 State Street
Albany, NY 12207
Phone: 518-434-9500
Toll Free: 877-907-7769 (877-90PPSNY)
Fax: 518-436-4751
E-mail: headquarters@ppsnys.com
PPA (404) 522-8600
The Finger Lakes Section is a section of the Professional Photographers' Society of New York State, Inc. (PPSNYS) which is an affiliate of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA).
The PPSNYS is a not for profit association formed in 1905 solely to instruct its members and the general public in photography; and to create, foster, promote and encourage the exchange of information among its members and the public.
The PPA is a worldwide association that exists to assist its members in achieving their professional, artistic and fraternal goals; promote public awareness of the profession; and to advance the making of images in all of its disciplines as an art, a science and a visual recorder of history.
PPSNYS (518) 434-8830
PPA (404) 522-8600
E-letter contact info:
Honey DeLapa
thelakehouse@mac.com
(585) 392-3886
Steve Chesler
steve@cheslerphoto.com
(585) 393-9242
