Chicken N’ Pickle

Brent Fuchs

Brent received his first real camera at the age of thirteen, a Pentax K1000, sparking his lifelong passion for photography. He pursued his interest by graduating from Northern Oklahoma College with an associate degree in photography, followed by obtaining a bachelor's degree in photojournalism with a minor in history from the University of Central Oklahoma. Over the past two decades, Brent has made significant contributions to both local and national publications, garnering recognition and awards for his exceptional work.

Navigating Your Photography Workflow: From Camera to Computer

Once you’ve captured and saved your photos on a memory card, the following steps are crucial for maintaining and enhancing your work. In this comprehensive class, we'll delve into the entire image workflow, ensuring you develop a seamless and professional process. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Understanding the Computer: Get to grips with digital storage and organization basics.

• Types of Storage & Terminology: Learn about different storage solutions, including RAID, NAS, and servers.

• Storage Strategies: We’ll discuss short-term and long-term storage options, backups, and how to create a robust storage plan.
  

Mastering Adobe Lightroom:

1. RAW Workflow: Understand the foundations of working with RAW files in Lightroom.

2. Importing:

   • Storage locations for your images

   • Renaming conventions

   • Adding metadata

3. Editing:

   • Managing color profiles

   • Basic and smart corrections

   • Using saved corrections and editing in external software

4. Exporting:

   • Choosing the right file formats

   • Streamlining your workflow with saved presets

   • Export options and best practices

This class is designed to eliminate the guesswork from your post-processing workflow. It will help you manage your files efficiently and ensure your images are backed up and secure. Join us to build your skills and confidence in managing your photography from the moment it leaves your camera to the final output.

Reserve your spot today!

• Members - $15

• Nonmembers - $49

Brent Fuchs

Brent received his first real camera at the age of thirteen, a Pentax K1000, sparking his lifelong passion for photography. He pursued his interest by graduating from Northern Oklahoma College with an associate degree in photography, followed by obtaining a bachelor's degree in photojournalism with a minor in history from the University of Central Oklahoma. Over the past two decades, Brent has made significant contributions to both local and national publications, garnering recognition and awards for his exceptional work.

Very Basic Photography

This introductory class is designed to demystify the fundamentals of photography for beginners. We'll cover essential questions such as:

• What do photography terms mean?

• What are the functions of various buttons on my camera?

• How can I achieve proper exposure?

• How do I manage lighting to enhance my photos?
  

Dive into the essentials of photography with this comprehensive class designed for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Learn to master your camera, control light effectively, and more.

1. Camera Basics

   • Types of Cameras: Explore different models and their purposes.

   • Similarities and Differences: Understand what sets cameras apart.

   • Understanding Terminology: Get comfortable with the jargon.

   • Functions and Features: Learn how to use your camera’s key functions.

2. Controlling the Camera

   • Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO: Master the exposure triangle.

   • Image Capture Format: RAW vs. JPEG and when to use each.

   • Metering Techniques: How to measure light for perfect exposure.

   • Focusing Basics: Achieve sharp, well-defined images.

   • Q&A: Address specific questions and clarify doubts.

3. Light & Lighting

   • Light Sources: Differentiate between natural and artificial lighting.

   • Light Quality: Discuss the characteristics of light and its effects.

   • Strobe and Hotlights: Introduction to studio lighting.

   • Color Temperature: How to adjust for varying lighting conditions.

   • Light Ratios: Techniques to balance light for visual impact.

   • Light Modifiers: Tools to shape and control light.

   • Indoor Lighting Demo: Hands-on practice with indoor setups.

   • Outdoor Lighting Demo: Apply your skills in an outdoor setting.

4. Getting Started & Wrap Up

   • Essential Camera Gear: What you need to begin your photography journey.

   • Necessary Lighting Gear: Identifying the basic lighting equipment required.

   • Gear Q&A: Resolve any queries about photography gear.

   • Open Q&A: Final chance to ask questions and get tips.

Please bring a notebook and a camera. We'll guide you through the basics, ensuring you gain a foundational understanding of photography. By the end of this session, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to ask insightful questions and further your photographic skills. Join us and start your journey into the captivating world of photography!

Reserve your spot today!

• Members - $15

• Nonmembers - $49

Angela Hughes - M.Photogr.Cr

Failing Your Way To Success

In this empowering program, we will explore the often overlooked yet invaluable aspect of failure in the journey of becoming successful as photographers. We constantly strive for perfection in our craft, yet failure is inevitable and more importantly necessary for growth.

Instead of fearing failure, let’s learn to embrace it as a vital stepping stone towards achieving our creative goals.

Chick N’ Pickle

May Theme: Composition

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.