Scott Detweiler, M.Photog.Cr.

My penchant for the technical, a souvenir from my days as a Physics major, plays a starring role in my photography. It's the nuts and bolts — camera settings, the science of angles, the dance of light and shadow — that fascinate me. This isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about crafting a scene, understanding its bones, and then bringing it to life.

In our studio, we’re a band of photographic adventurers. We set up scenes as if they’re puzzles, challenging ourselves to nail that perfect shot without the safety net of test shots. It’s a practice that sharpens our skills, particularly when we’re out in the wild, shooting on location or wrangling group shoots where precision planning is a luxury.

These days, my camera and I wander through the realms of commercial photography, retouching, boudoir, fine art, and 3D modeling. Sure, I do the corporate headshots and the catalog gigs, but it’s the artistic commissions, the ones that let me paint with my camera, that really get my heart racing.

Sharing what I’ve learned, that’s another part of this journey I treasure. Through workshops, speaking gigs, and travels, I get to pass on the tricks of the trade. My studio near Milwaukee is a bit of a creative hub, buzzing with themed shoots, lighting workshops, and post-production masterclasses.

And now, there’s a new twist in my artistic journey — AI art. It’s like stumbling into a new dimension where art, technology, and imagination fuse into something extraordinary. This isn’t just another tool; it’s a whole new canvas, rich with possibilities that blend the precision I love in photography with boundless creative freedom. Diving into AI art feels like coming home to a place I never knew existed. In fact, I was so captivated by this revolutionary art form that I joined forces with Stability.ai, the company pioneering this incredible technology. Being part of the team that's pushing the boundaries of creativity and AI is not just a job; it's a continuation of my artistic odyssey, a chance to be at the forefront of an evolution that's redefining art as we know it.

AI + PHOTOSHOP

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is all the rage lately, and it is here to stay! The sooner you embrace it, the better equipped you'll be to use it to your advantage. AI isn't going to destroy your business, but your AI-enabled competition sure can put a dent in your revenue.

We'll cover ChatGPT and how to use it like a pro. I'll show you how to use this amazing tool to help with different aspects of your business, from marketing to social media to product development. You're going to love it!

AI has already been used to create art for a while now, and it's only getting better. These AI engines are now available to everyone, and they can be used to create amazing things. I want to show you what a few of these different systems can do, and how you can use them to open new doors. You can use AI to create new products to sell to your clients, or you can use it to learn how to create your own art.

Scott Detweiler, M.Photog.Cr.

My penchant for the technical, a souvenir from my days as a Physics major, plays a starring role in my photography. It's the nuts and bolts — camera settings, the science of angles, the dance of light and shadow — that fascinate me. This isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about crafting a scene, understanding its bones, and then bringing it to life.

In our studio, we’re a band of photographic adventurers. We set up scenes as if they’re puzzles, challenging ourselves to nail that perfect shot without the safety net of test shots. It’s a practice that sharpens our skills, particularly when we’re out in the wild, shooting on location or wrangling group shoots where precision planning is a luxury.

These days, my camera and I wander through the realms of commercial photography, retouching, boudoir, fine art, and 3D modeling. Sure, I do the corporate headshots and the catalog gigs, but it’s the artistic commissions, the ones that let me paint with my camera, that really get my heart racing.

Sharing what I’ve learned, that’s another part of this journey I treasure. Through workshops, speaking gigs, and travels, I get to pass on the tricks of the trade. My studio near Milwaukee is a bit of a creative hub, buzzing with themed shoots, lighting workshops, and post-production masterclasses.

And now, there’s a new twist in my artistic journey — AI art. It’s like stumbling into a new dimension where art, technology, and imagination fuse into something extraordinary. This isn’t just another tool; it’s a whole new canvas, rich with possibilities that blend the precision I love in photography with boundless creative freedom. Diving into AI art feels like coming home to a place I never knew existed. In fact, I was so captivated by this revolutionary art form that I joined forces with Stability.ai, the company pioneering this incredible technology. Being part of the team that's pushing the boundaries of creativity and AI is not just a job; it's a continuation of my artistic odyssey, a chance to be at the forefront of an evolution that's redefining art as we know it.

PHOTOSHOP COMPOSITES & AI - USE THEM TO YOUR ADVANTAGE

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is all the rage lately, and it is here to stay! The sooner you embrace it, the better equipped you'll be to use it to your advantage. AI isn't going to destroy your business, but your AI-enabled competition sure can put a dent in your revenue.

We'll cover ChatGPT and how to use it like a pro. I'll show you how to use this amazing tool to help with different aspects of your business, from marketing to social media to product development. You're going to love it!

AI has already been used to create art for a while now, and it's only getting better. These AI engines are now available to everyone, and they can be used to create amazing things. I want to show you what a few of these different systems can do, and how you can use them to open new doors. You can use AI to create new products to sell to your clients, or you can use it to learn how to create your own art.

During this class, we'll use several AI-driven tools and I'll show you how to use and combine them to level up your photography and Photoshop composite skills. This is a hands-on class, please bring a computer that you know works well and has the latest version of Photoshop installed. You should know Photoshop at a level where things like layers and masks are familiar to you, even if you're not an expert yet.

info or question - hello@metroppa.com

Chicken N Pickle

Photograpy + Social Media: Strategies to blend the art of photography with the power of social media marketing.

Join us for an empowering workshop designed specifically for photographers looking to elevate their presence on social media. This one-hour session is a deep dive into effective strategies that blend the art of photography with the power of social media marketing. From setting ambitious goals to understanding the nuances of different platforms, and crafting a compelling brand identity to mastering sales funnels, this workshop covers it all. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, this workshop offers valuable insights to enhance your social media impact and reach your business goals.

Learning Objectives:

1. Platform Proficiency: Gain a clear understanding of how different social media platforms can benefit your photography.

2. Brand Identity: Discover how to define and communicate your unique photography style and brand.

3. Content Mastery: Learn strategies for creating consistent, engaging content that resonates with your audience.

4. Engagement Tactics: Uncover methods to build a community, engage with followers, and collaborate effectively.

5. Sales Funnel Navigation: Understand the importance of leading potential clients beyond social media to deepen engagement.

Freebie for Attendees:

Every participant will receive "50 Social Media Post Challenges for Photographers" - a specially designed resource to inspire creativity and keep your social media content fresh and engaging.

Where to find Crystal

Bricktown Brewery

March Theme: Portraits (Illustrative/Natural)

The 12 Elements a Merit Image: an Introduction to Image Competition

The 12 Elements a Merit Image: an Introduction to Image Competition

Join Metro PPA for an introduction to the challenging (and slightly addictive) world of International Print Competition. Nancy Emmerich will introduce the IPC process, the 12 Elements of a Merit Image and participate in a panel of image competition veterans, master photographers, artists, and judges. The panel will share why they feel image competiton has made them better photographers

and explore whether there's more to it than just the competitive aspect.

Who knows, they may even share an image or two.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn about image competition and why every photographer should embrace this experience. There will be time for questions, so bring them with you and join us early for a social hour.

Sunday with the Pros - Hands on Learning with Julie Gayler

She currently resides in Little Rock, Arkansas, but regularly travels across the United States for commissions and seminars. Currently she has been teaching off camera lighting to other photographers with the Speedlight Fundamentals team, with over 50 seminars to date.

You can find her at home in the country most days as a full-time homeschool mom to her four children (ages 14, 12, 10 and 7), and chasing their myriad of chickens.

Whether you're a beginner looking to grasp the fundamentals or an experienced photographer seeking to refine your off-camera lighting skills, Sunday promises an enriching, hands-on learning experience under the guidance of a passionate and dedicated instructor. With over 50 seminars conducted and hundreds of students taught, Julie does not focus on a prescribed shooting style but meets students at their level and strives to help them unleash their creative potential and desired lighting effects anytime, anywhere. Julie will demystify the basics of exposure and provide practical insights into controlling light and the versatility of off camera flash.

This is a free class to ALL Metro PPA members and class size is limited. Don't miss this unique opportunity to elevate your skills with this hands on lighting seminar.

*Non Members - $49 or join Metro PPA and come for free.

DETAILS COMING SOON….

Single-Light Black and White Portraits

Jake Durham, CPP.

I am a commercial photographer, composite artist, author, and journalist based in Oklahoma. My creative journey has been featured prominently by esteemed institutions such as the Professional Photographers of America, Professional Photographer Magazine, 405 Magazine, Oklahoma Today Magazine, The Oklahoma Gazette, and various other publications. Additionally, I contribute as a freelance writer and photographer to several prominent magazines in Oklahoma City.

From the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, my early career path took me on a journey around the world as a pilot. However, the call to education beckoned me to a new chapter. Embarking on a transformative journey, I returned to school, dedicating myself to pursuing knowledge and earning a doctorate in education. Nowadays, my role as an educator takes center stage, except when I'm engrossed in the art of photography and writing.

Among my achievements are professional certifications such as a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) and a Certified FAA Part 107 Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) operator. These credentials underscore my commitment to excellence and innovation in my fields of expertise.

I am deeply committed to education and thrive on guiding others. Through an array of workshops and personal or virtual classes, I delve into subjects ranging from introductory to advanced photography techniques, lighting, and more.

My Work & Interests as a Photographer…

-Commercial Photography

-Fine Art

-Advertorial & Editorial

-Photojournalism

-Portraits and Headshots

-Cityscape & Landscape

-Drone Photography

-Macro

Photographers Choice: Your Best of 2023

*Images should have no watermark, makers name, or logo on image.

*Images must be name and be renamed with the image title and makers name as a jpeg.  (Example: old-red-Dorothy-Lang.jpeg)

*Images should be sized to 3000 pixels on the longest side and cropped to an 8x10.

*Images will be printed on-site using a DNP-DS 8020 dye-sublimation photo printer

* Outstanding Image, Distinguished Image and Honorable Mention will be chose by the guest speaker.

*The members in attendance will vote on the Member’s Choice.

*Participation at the monthly competition can earn points toward your fellowship degrees.

We hope you will join us for our end-of-the-year jingle Metro PPA Holiday Party! Join us for a night of festive fun and fellowship.

Members are free with a side for the potluck and $10 without. Non-Members are $15.

Everyone is encouraged to bring a piece of their artwork to donate to the Art Auction. Metro PPA is filled with incredible talent within our membership and we look forward to seeing and celebrating it.

Anatomy of a Composite Portrait

With Curtis Sprague, M. Photog.

Location update: New Meeting Location Land Rover Oklahoma City

Stories

With Corey McDonald, M.Artist,Cr., CPP, APAI

Corey McDonald, M.Photog., M.Artist, Cr., CPP, APAI is an award-winning photographic artist from Alabama. Specializing in high school seniors, families, children, and business portraits, McDonald uses his artwork to continue raising the bar for his clients as well as his stories. He lives at home with his dog, Starbuck.

The Santa Experience

With Leslie Kitten, M. CR., CPP

In June, 2002, Leslie Ann Kitten was asked to do a wedding for $100. Thus, was the birth of Savant Photography. Since that time, she has grown the business into two companies managing both through the pandemic at full capacity and retaining the largest studio in the Lubbock Area..

Leslie graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in Interior Design and Architecture and a Master’s in Agricultural Communications, specializing in photography. In 2004, she won Outstanding Master’s Thesis, meaning it was voted best thesis in the nation for the year. She regards this as her highest accomplishment.

Believing in the value of a strong community, Leslie dedicates countless hours to help others. She photographs children pro-bono for the Heart Gallery, a national organization dedicated to finding families for children who have struggled to be adopted. She also photographs for countless local non-profit organizations.

Mrs. Kitten has run through the chairs of her local guild, served on the state level and is currently the Chairman of the Board for American Society of Photographers. Leslie also participates and is a member of Lubbock Women’s Club, PPA, Lion’s Club, and serves as a member of the board for many organizations.

Her pride and joy lies in raising her three children, Georgia June, Ethan Lawrence and Clara Ann with her husband Nicholas. They currently reside as cotton farmers in the South Plains of Texas.

“Success in the Print on Demand Marketplace”

“Success in the Print on Demand Marketplace”

Print-on-Demand (POD) companies offer artists the possibility of online revenue streams with the ease of outsourced production, distribution, and customer service. Artists face a plethora of POD provider and product choices. Finding the right fit for one’s studio is essential to a positive online POD experience. This seminar offers a primer on entering the POD marketplace and charting a path toward online sales success.

Stephen Stookey wandered into the POD marketplace in June 2013 with a handful of images to list and plenty of curiosity. It took a bit of exploration to discover the right mix of product, pricing, and promotion for POD success. Working with POD sites like Fine Art America, Stephen discovered a pathway to a profitable POD presence. Additionally, his POD presence opened the door to image use in Hollywood productions, hotel and business installations, and private commissions. Stephen’s POD annual income supports his work & travel with global ministry organizations, funds family activities, and pays for equipment upgrades–all of which make his CPA (wife Beverly) very happy.

Check out how much fun we had last year!

One light - 10 portraits

Cris is a Certified Professional Photographer and holds the Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman degrees. Since turning pro in 2002, he has photographed Presidents, Vice Presidents, dignitaries and countless others. He has worked for such companies as Frito-Lay and Bayer CropScience and has been honored to photograph numerous weddings, portraits and commercial assignments for great people all over this land. Cris and Deanna were also selected by the design team of Extreme Makeover:Home Edition to provide portraits of one of their deserving families.  Cris was a PPA Photographer of the Year and is also the recipient of several awards and honors. For example, his acclaimed work, “The Carpenter’s Masterpiece,” was awarded a perfect 100 as well as Album of the Year, two Judges Choice awards, a distinguished ribbon and acceptance in the exclusive PPA Loan Collection.

Today, Cris is a highly sought-after photographer and educator. He is the founder of “Find your Focus” photographic education experiences.

One light - 10 portraits

Add diversity to your portfolio and skills to your repertoire by harnessing the power of light. Cris will do a live demo creating ten unique images using only one light source and a 1x4 strip box. This presentation will empower you to see the creativity, flexibility, and quality that a single source can create.

Living In A Volume World, Start to FINISH

Living In A Volume World, Start to FINISH

details to follow, check back soon.

The contest is open to anyone.

• Designs should be single-sided. Design size can be as small as across the chest, to as large as a full panel print (12×17).

• By submitting a design for consideration, you confirm that to the best of your knowledge, the design you are submitting is your own original work and that no other persons or parties can claim ownership.

• Any pre-existing logos used must be from Metro PPA only. Metro logos will be provided upon request.

• Up to three designs may be submitted per person.

• Original design files should be labeled with your first and last name. If you are submitting more than one design please add a 1, 2 or 3 to your file name.
  (Ex. LastName_FirstName_2)

• Submissions must be emailed and received to hello@metroppa.com by the end of day, Sunday May 28th.

• Metro PPA post all entrees to the Metro PPA Facebook and Instagram social media pages by Monday May 29th.

• Voting will begin immediately and will continue through the end of day on Sunday June 4th.

• The image with the most engagements (likes, shares and comments) during the voting period wins. (Metro PPA members win $100 plus a free t-shirt, non-members win a free year membership and $25 plus a free t-shirt )

• Winner will be notified via Metro PPA Social Media and email on Monday June 5th.

The Art of Flower Photography

The lens allows her to explore the nuances of shapes, patterns, colors and textures and to discover subtler stories within the broader narrative. Each observation offers an ephemeral glimpse into the essence of the subject in that moment. She hopes her photographs illuminate these intricate perspectives and capture stories that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Leslie is a Certified Professional Photographer and holds Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman degrees from Professional Photographers of America. She received an Imaging Excellence award and has been a finalist in the Grand Imaging Awards twice.

The Art of Flower Photography

Flowers are a wonderful photography subject!  You can find them lots of places (even the grocery store!), and they offer a wide range of colors, textures, and shapes to explore. Plus they pretty much stay where you put them!

Leslie will be talking about what she looks for in her flower subjects, plus considerations whether you are photographing in a garden or your studio.  She will demonstrate her most common method of photographing flowers, which utilizes macro lenses, but will talk about using other lenses as well. Last, she will give some quick tips on editing your floral subjects.