So, many, many people don’t see the cost outweighing the reward to national and local organizations.  As all of this adds to COG’s and is incredibly expensive…  A camera is A camera, a photographer is JUST a photographer, right???  NOT it’s about the creation, experience, and knowledge going into the lens… for my business, the reward always trumps cost.  Because if i learn one little piece that will help either my clients or myself, it’s always worth it.  Now if it helps both of us, it’s a true diamond!

The national organization, Professional Photographers of America i have been a member of for about 15 years, mostly.  A few years i passed on the costs, and deeply regret it.   This group is a huge base of professionals supplying education, competitions, forms, insurance, knowledge, business workshops, the list goes on and an.  One benefit that can pay for itself, the ongonig data base of professional photographers  http://www.ppa.com/findaphotographer/   And…I am oh SO excited to go to the national convention next year AND enter print competitions!

Professional Photographers of Oregon…the state organization, much of the same on a smaller level.  I am quite impressed at the level of speakers they are bringing in for the upcoming conference beginning just this weekend.  They’ve got a lot going on that will benefit both my business, myself as an artist and person.  I love meeting new photographers and learning what makes them, their business so special and successful.  One of my favorite, hands down…uber hip husband and wife photography teams is coming to OR this week…http://blog.mcclanahanstudio.com/   Can’t wait to hear and see what they have been up to!

One of the best groups i am a part of is the After Dark Education Family!  That is hands down the most creative, amazing learning experiences one can have.  Working with live models, business guru’s, world class photographers, simply the best!  It’s only offered a few times of year and i have gone the past two years… i am deciding if i can afford (or not to afford) again in September, to the Midwest to attend.

I feel SO strongly that the continued growth for knowledge both creatively and on the business side only increases  time in the business goes on.  Not only learning happening, but so many life long friendships and mentor ships begin from these great learning groups.  Yes, i’m a ‘seasoned’ professional and a photographer, but always learning and growing as a person and artist is exactly how i want it!

“HOLD THE BOAT…. Did  i ACTUALLY forget to mention products?  Oh my.Oh my… this is what is all about people!  This is WHERE all the trade show’s happen and that is how PTP can get such great, cutting edge, new products to sell.   After all, it’s not just about creating beautiful art for clients walls, but displaying it and ‘making it sing!’

I’ll save the volunteer groups for another time… but enjoy a few images of my work at AD Tucson!  Collage Design by Nancy PTP.

Class of 2013 model applications are happening now and will be closing early march!

Apply NOW TO join the fun…come play with PTP to create images that will last a lifetime!  http://www.jotform.net/form/20214105318

http://www.jotform.net/form/20214105318

if you have problems with the form please email Nancy at ptpnancy@comcast.net

A bit of background on the city of Paris, is believed to be founded around 200 BC, talk about aging with beauty… term holds true!  When i was there a week ago, it was the Siberian cold front coming through, and was most likely about -4 or so… so a bit chilly and overcast with fog!

My friend PJ and I took the Euro train from London to Paris, it’s a short 2 hour ride.  Two amazing things, it was her first girls trip outside of family… and I had the honor to experience it with her.  She had been to Paris twice before and again, was the most amazing tour guide one could ask for. Highlights: gargoyles, Eiffel, Cappuccino’s, pain au chocolat, Notre Dame, 3 hour night walk, twinkle lights, Les Invalides-Nepoleon’s Tomb, cathedral’s, wine, little cobblestone streets, more great wine, the Louvre, thousands of LOCKS on the pedestrian bridge, and oh, the French cuisine …   Spectular does not begin to describe and Paris, especially at night comes to life.  One of the memorable moments, was being in the Chapel at Les Invaldes with about 30 French military men… the pride, honor, and respect they had.  It was very emotional, wonderful, and powerful moment.  I loved walking around in the cold, seeing the streets, beauty, culture, people, and yes the tourists!  My only regret was not being able to see the 3 french exchange students we’ve hosted, guess that is for another time!

I hope a bit of the LOVE for Paris shines through….. Have a wonderful Valentines Day!

Apply now… limited amount of models needed in all the surrounding areas….

http://ptpnancy.wordpress.com/ptp-seniors-thirteen/

I had the opportunity I could not pass up to visit friends that are living in Europe (UK and quick Euro-rail to France) for a 2 year stent.  I finally took the leep and got off the ‘whatever’ list and went to visit them… best decision I’ve made in a very long time!

During this time i took the time to photograph, (surprise really?) both for work and pleasure. Words that come to mind that describe both the trip and photographing in Europe….happiness, joy, accomplishment, did i say the word HAPPINESS?

There is something about old world charm….the brick, tones, textures, colors, tones, the Sunday outdoor market, just their way of life.  I had the opportunity to photograph Jennie, who is a ‘senior’ in the USA but right now going to Arts Ed school in London, one of the really great schools in London may i add!  It was such a joy to play with her for an afternoon…Oh ya, it was during the ‘Siberian cold front’ gong through Europe.  We had a warm day of -4 degrees!  Yes, chilly, so we took lots of images with the great jacket on… but she had a wonderful attitude, amazing smiles and better yet….great accessories, so we were all good! ( we did take a bit of shopping detour during the session…  found the gloves to match the great green scarf! )

So, I hope you enjoy some of the images as much as i do.  Jennie, you’re such a beautiful soul, it may be a way overused term…but you really are beautiful both inside and out!  And…Thanks for playing!

Jennie rocken the UK!

Images of London and Paris to come at another time… Loved photographing those old buildings at nighttime…

http://ptpnancy.wordpress.com/ptp-seniors-thirteen/

Winner of the 16×20 frame is Susan Shafer!  Special thanks to Artsy Couture and everyone that participated!  Susan sounds pretty excited, and we are so excited for her!

1. LAST day to enter is TODAY for the drawing for a GREAT frame from Artsy Couture!  Winner announced Monday… we have a lot of entries, but keep entering for more chances to win!

2. Senior Model Program Announced Monday!!!  It’s different from the past, we are  especially looking for models from lots of areas to be represented…

3. Hopping the pond this week for a bit of…. vacation, work, and lots of play!  I will be visiting the UK and Paris!  Be ready for lots of images on the pages when i return… can’t wait to capture Europe….SO lucky to have friends in amazing places!!!

Have a wonderful Sunday, enjoy your family… and enter the frame give.a.way!

How it works…
1. Get one entry by hitting the “Like” button on our Facebook page (Picture This Photography) and becoming a fan Or if you are already  a fan, suggest the page to your friends (just tag us), so they can enter!
https://www.facebook.com/picturethis.westlinn

2. Get one entry by hitting the “Like” button on Artsy Couture’s Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/artsycouture

3.  Get an additional entry by leaving a comment on this blog. (Limit to one per person).

4. Get double your entries by sharing on your blog or Facebook page AND linking back to us.

Artsy Couture, a frame designer decided to pay it forward!  Their gift was to give qualified photographers a frame TO GIVE AWAY!     So, i have an amazing frame for you.

How it works…
1. Get one entry by hitting the “Like” button on our Facebook page (Picture This Photography) and becoming a fan Or if you are already  a fan, suggest the page to your friends (just tag us), so they can enter!
https://www.facebook.com/picturethis.westlinn

2. Get one entry by hitting the “Like” button on Artsy Couture’s Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/artsycouture

3.  Get an additional entry by leaving a comment on this blog. (Limit to one per person).

4. Get double your entries by sharing on your blog or Facebook page AND linking back to us.

Some ideas for this frame besides a beautiful image….a black and white image…dorm room cork-board, and better… new image we will create!

Contest ends on Sunday January 22nd, 2012 at Midnight. The winner will be announced on Monday.

Rules, just enter…. but there is no shipping provided it’s in my office

Like any business, the business side of photography is ever evolving, changing, challenging, and so very exciting…creating what the new year will bring.  Ideas, concepts, and of course PRODUCTS!  The office is busy with the Blog and website updating, working on new tunes from Song-freedom for sideshows, new pricing formats to making life more user-friendly, and the post holiday ordering!  They are Good times for sure.

This year not only will PTP focus on Senior and Family Portraits, business images & community giving… but we are bringing back the BABIES & KIDS…. capturing the joy and excitement of new birth and celebration of the little ages.

So, be looking out for exciting news with those ideas in mind!  In the next week the yearly calendar will be set and posted, so if you have ideas… send them this way in the next week.  Any ideas are welcomed and the ideas we *implement will be rewarded! *

I was thinking about writing  The Art of Business for this blog, but wow, this is so much more fun looking into the new year and all the great things to come, than the boring ‘ol business stuff!

Happy Day!

Such a beauty

Simply joys..nothing quite as precious as a new baby in the arm of the parents.

Baby Brooke is surrounded by laughter and love, what a sweet beginning.  She is such a beauty, precious moments of delight….What an opportunity to hold her and capture her sweetness, just a few weeks old… GOTTA LOVE THAT FEELING!