ArtisanHD at AZPPA Convention 2020

ArtisanHD was a proud supporter of the annual AZPPA Convention 2020. This annual conference helps to build membership and community support for photographers, offering an opportunity for networking, critiquing, professional development, and getting feedback from industry experts. ArtisanHD was there to support our local talent pool with a big array of free product samples, special member discount offers, and a $300 raffle prize to help raise funds.

Please note: This post is to share the highlights of our most recently attended event. This event was held in early February before the COVID-19 virus began affecting events in Arizona. Due to current restrictions, most upcoming events are cancelled until further notice or are being done remotely via Zoom. We look forward to returning to normal when these restrictions are lifted. However, we are still open for business – learn more here.

AZPPA Convention 2020

The 2020 Arizona Professional Photographers Association Convention was a 3-day educational photography event where members enjoyed learning, growing, and having fun with industry-minded peers. Best of all, Artisan got to show off some new products, and chat with local photographers about what they’re working on.

AZPPA Convention 2020 kicked off on Friday with a happy hour and some fun photoplay. Attendees got into lots of activities, such as shooting in numerous lighting bays with continuous lighting, models, makeup, instructors, and various photographic styles.

Saturday was the much-anticipated image competition and judging – and the rest of the day was packed too! Speakers included JB Sallee with Be the Tip of the Iceberg and Roben Bellomo with A World Without Color – Black & white portrait photography, from concept to print. The day ended with one-on-one image mentoring with judges, and a Meet the Judge’s dinner. ArtisanHD’s Mike Goldner was on-hand throughout the day to hand out photo print samples and expert advice.

Sunday included Mark McCall with There’s Gold in Volume Photography, Tim Meyer with Portrait Lighting Through the Lens of History (including a live demo with a model), and Thom Rouse with Art and Photoshop – Techniques, demonstrations, and inspiration used in creating fine art.

ChromaLuxe raffle winner Rex Madden

By lunch, the raffle was in full swing! Congrats to Rex Madden for winning a brand new 20″ x 30″ ChromaLuxe print! This could not have happened to a nicer guy, with an even better cause. Madden is working on a special project to honor our brave service community, be it fire, police or rescue! These everyday heroes deserve our attention, respect, and appreciation, and Rex is doing his part.

Awards were handed out over a banquet luncheon, and the event concluded with a photo shootout, where two photo masters competed in a crowd-voted photo competition.

If you’re able to attend this event next year, we’d highly recommend it!

Winner Highlights

Paul and Eileen with their awards

A few highlights from ArtisanHD’s very own award-winner Paul, who was AzPPA’s 2020 Photographer of the Year:

“I enter image competitions to receive feedback on my images. The panel of judges at all PPA Image Competitions are highly skilled, accomplished image makers and always provide constructive feedback and receiving comments from a panel of image professionals is one of the best ways to learn and elevate image creating skills.”

Thanks for your dedication and skill, Paul!

Another AzPPA member and ArtisanHD colleague is Eileen Ball, who landed a Top 10 Award for herself!

“I loved the opportunity to get together with fellow creatives in an event where you learn so much. There was a great set of speakers teaching classes on everything from lighting and posing, post production, and business. Plus, we got to see some beautiful work from the image competition. It was a fabulous weekend and I will definitely be attending again in 2021!”

Congrats, Eileen!

So why should I enter image competitions?

Image competitions are a challenging but rewarding experience. In addition to being an excellent educational experience by entering and watching image competitions, the scores and occasional comments made by the distinguished panel of experienced and PPA approved judges will help prepare you for submitting your images to district and international (PPA’s IPC) competitions. Your images will receive a score (80 and above is a merited image).

Become A Better Photographer

This is where your hard work as a photographer really shines and prepares you to improve your images, which puts you on a path to achieving a Master of Photography degree with the Professional Photographers of America. This milestone is one of the highest levels of photographic excellence in the industry.

Earn Awards

AZPPA Members are also eligible for awards including the prestigious AZPPA Top Photographer Of The Year Award. Additional awards include Top 10 Photographer, CPP Award, ASP Award, Highest First Time Entrant Case Score, and First/Second/Third Place in categories such as Portrait, Landscape/Illustrative, Wedding, Commercial and Album. These awards also help studios garner attention from the media with your press releases as well as with potential clients.

Expand Your Network

So, if you haven’t yet joined your Local PPA chapter, go check them out! Learn, compete, network and most of all, have FUN with your photography!

To start, get involved with your local chapters – click here to find the one closest to you!

Don’t forget to print your masterpiece…

And once you have a few stunning shots ready, go get a print and hang it with pride! ArtisanHD will be there to guide you every step of the way, even if you’ve never printed your work before. Check out our full range of fine art printing here. If you need help choosing what medium to print on and can’t arrange for a visit, request one of our sample packs.