Kenny Kim On Destination Weddings

Kenny Kim has always been fascinated by the visual arts, especially the connection between art and photography. Combined with his love of travel and *culture, he has become one of the most respected and sought after destination wedding photographers of his industry.

“Go out there and meet as many people as possible.”

1:57 What’s it feel like to be transitioning in a transitioning industry?
3:53 How important is it to go to conventions?
6:24 Destination Weddings Defined
8:24 Marketing Efforts
11:09 Arriving Early
12:04 Determining where you’re going to go
15:05 Booking your first destination wedding
16:10 Social Media
20:53 Getting work published
23:13 Dos and Don’ts
26:45 Travel Tips
28:33 Where can people find Kenny Kim online?

“(Your clients) don’t know what life is like without social media.”

Since 2006, Kenny Kim Photography has quickly grown into a nationally recognized studio and Kenny’s work, which spans the globe in over 200 weddings and destination events, has been featured in the most respected photography periodicals such as: Destination Weddings & Honeymoon, The Knot, Chicago Social Bride, Shutterbug, The RangeFinder Magazine and various online publications including Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, Junebug Weddings, Style Me Pretty & more. 

Kenny has made TV appearances sharing his expertise about photography on: ABC’s Windy City Live, WCIU’s You & Me Talk Show, Chicago CBS Morning News, and even photographed an event inside The White House. He is also an approved speaker for Kodak Alaris.

Kenny is the author of two books: Wedding Photographer’s Planner & Digital Wedding Photography Photo Workshop – both of which are comprehensive must-reads for any photographer looking to successfully execute a memorable wedding day shoot.

(Published by Wiley Press and available online & in all bookstores.)

“Where is the afterparty? It’s on social media.”

Cliff Mautner On the Past, Present, Future, and Golf

Cliff Mautner has been a wedding photographer for over 20 years. He’s a “been there, done that” kind of guy and he’s still going strong. Listen in as Cliff talks about where he’s been and where he wants to go. Don’t miss his words of wisdom. They come fast and furious.

“Good enough is the new good.”

:56 Cliff’s history with WPPI and Nikon
2:00 “A Funny Story with No Names” and a tribute to the late Bill Hurter
4:30 Back in the film days
5:57 How has the industry changed in the last 20 years?
8:27 What’s the future hold?
9:56 Does Cliff photograph portraits?
12:28 What needs to happen in the industry to turn things around?
14:21 What have you learned from the younger generation?
16:42 "A very somber story" - a tribute to the late Frank Donnino
20:52 What do you want personally?
22:59 Some experimenting…
25:06 What is the next thing you want to accomplish?
27:17 What is photojournalism?
29:10 What is one thing you want people to know? 
30:50 On golf

“My experience is not seen on a spreadsheet.”

Cliff Mautner’s career in photography spans 35 years. After shooting for 15 years and 6000 assignments as a photojournalist with the Philadelphia Inquirer, as well as shooting for an eclectic array of commercial clients ranging from Comcast to Subaru, Cliff launched his wedding photography career. After about 1100 weddings or so, he still brings the same passion and intensity with him to each event. He’s perhaps known for his overall skill set, and his ability to produce quality images some of the most difficult lighting imaginable, and for his diligence in capturing beautiful, timeless moments. 

Cliff is a very proud Nikon Ambassador to the United States, was named one of the top ten wedding photographers in the world by American PHOTO magazine, received the 2012 WPPI Photographer of the Year award, honored in 2013 with the International Photographic Council Leadership medal at the United Nations, presented with the WPPI Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015, and won the Grand Award for photojournalism for the second time at WPPI in 2015. His dedication to his clients is paramount, and he continues to shoot 40 or so weddings per year out of his Haddonfield, NJ studio. 

Cliff is also the founder of the highly acclaimed Lighting and Skill set Bootcamp - a workshop that has drawn students from over 40 countries over the past 11 years. This workshop is dedicated to empowering photographers with the skills needed to acquire a style of their own. He’s married to his beautiful wife Susan Stripling Mautner, and he’s the proud father of Samantha and Alison, and stepfather to Emma and Olivia.

“If you can make simplicity look fantastic, then you’ve created something special.”

Katie Cannon Off the Beaten Path

Katie Cannon is a freelance photographer focusing on families, farms and food. She has taken a scenic path to a career in photography, starting as a human resources professional with a stop in food writing along the way. She is a mother, wife, friend, eater and adventurer and loves photographing it all.

Jen Rozenbaum - The Healing Power of Photography

Jen Rozenbaum embraces her femininity while allowing women to embrace their own.  By daring her clients to shed their clothes, they begin to shed their inhibitions.  In the last nine years, Jen has found a burgeoning audience in the intimate photography market and is now sharing her shamelessly feminine movement with women worldwide. She proves that you can own your world if you live fearlessly, think audaciously and act spontaneously.

jenrozenbaum.com

Steve and Jane Pilkerton on Wedding Shows

In just four short years Steve and Jane Pilkerton have built their wedding and portrait business from zero profits to six figures while becoming one of the most popular photography teams in Washington, D.C., and Virginia. By applying the right marketing methods for each stage of their work, they started off with a bang by participating in regional bridal shows and working intelligently to convert those opportunities into bookings and referrals. Now that their studio is constantly booked, they still use select events to promote their brand, along with a host of other savvy marketing techniques that keep them both busy and highly sought-after.

Upbeat and energetic, with an entirely no-nonsense approach, it’s no wonder that Steve and Jane are now on the rise as experts in what it takes to build a successful photography business.

Tomayia Colvin on Purpose

Tomayia Colvin is a nationally published High School Senior Portrait Photographer in Houston that specializes in carefree, funky, and real portrait sessions that bring out the best in her clients – both inside and out. She hand-selects all of her products to ensure that they will be taking home museum quality pieces and sharing thoughtful keepsakes with friends and family. You can find her in the Humble, Kingwood, Atascocita, and Greater Houston area – having fun and taking care of her clients. She loves to travel and explore the world.

Six Things about Tomayia: (1) I love, love, love photographing people that enjoy life to the fullest (2) I have two very energetic little ones that keep me on my toes (3) I am a full time mompreneur (4) I have a Bachelor of Science from the University of Houston-Downtown and a Master’s of Education from Houston Baptist University (5) Love all things pink and green – Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (6) I know I’m not alone in my love for shopping and a great pair of shoes!

Jack and Sarah Petty on Entrepreneurship

The creative mind behind Jack and the Box Photography is John "Jack" Petty—a 17-year-old entrepreneur from Rochester High School. Jack comes from an entire family of entrepreneurs and small business owners. Jack’s mother, Sarah Petty, is the founder of Sarah Petty Photography and the Joy of Marketing. His father, Joe Petty, is the founder of an architectural firm, JH Petty and Associates. Jack is a Boy Scout and currently working toward becoming an Eagle Scout. He is in the Rochester drumline, has helped out as an intern at WFMB-AM, and loves capturing video footage with his drone. He is incredibly tech-savvy and has a new interest in cinematography. When not taking part in his many activities, Jack can be found filming YouTube videos. Jack hopes to take part in the Sangamon CEO, a student entrepreneurial program during his senior year of high school. You will love his fun personality and dedicated work ethic.

Sarah Petty is a New York Times best-selling author, highly-acclaimed speaker, author, MBA and coach who started her own boutique photography studio after working for Coca Cola for 20 years and then meeting the marketing goals of a top regional advertising agency’s clients. It was at this ad agency where she taught small businesses the value of a strong foundation and how they would grow with a strong brand. She attributes the rapid growth of her boutique photography studio, which was named one of the most profitable in the country within just five years in business by PPA, to the creation of her own strong brand.

Carl Dylan - Order vs. Balance

Carl is a South African born speaker, teacher, & singer-songwriter who lives in Atlanta Ga. Husband to the love of his life, Kathryn, for the past 10 yrs. Dad to 4yr old Charlie and 2yr old Kaitlyn. Conversation & community are his two main passions. Oh....and Manchester United. He currently co-hosts a podcast called Thrive NeuroTheology with his brother Dr. Jerome Lubbe about the intersection of science and spirituality.

Gary Hughes - Leaving Portraits and Weddings Behind: The Commercial Portrait Studio

As the child of photographer parents, it would have been natural for Gary to step right in to the family business, but he had to go out and try pretty much everything else before finding his way back to photography. In the 13 years since picking up a camera he has earned local and national awards including 3 Gold Medals and an Imaging Excellence Award from the International Photographic Competition. His work has been featured in Professional Photographer Magazine, Shutter Magazine, Professional Image Maker and he has published multiple articles on photography for the Huffington Post as well as an educational book, Photographing Headshots. He holds the designations of Master Photographer and Affiliate Juror with the Professional Photographers of America and most recently had an image selected in the top ten for the Grand Imaging Awards. He lives and works in Orlando, FL with his wife and two daughters.

Jeremy Cowart Sits for a Chat

Named the “Most Influential Photographer on the Internet” by Huffington Post, Forbes and Yahoo in 2014, Jeremy Cowart is an award-winning photographer, artist, and entrepreneur whose goal in life is to use his creative platform to inspire and help others. Jeremy has published four books and is a sought-after speaker, having presented at TEDx, the United Nations, and creative conferences across the country. His latest endeavor is The Purpose Hotel, a planned global for-profit hotel chain designed to fuel the work of not-for-profit organizations. He’s the founder of a global photography movement, Help-Portrait, a mobile social networking app called OKDOTHIS, and an online teaching platform, See University. He lives in Franklin, TN with his wife and four children.

Jared Platt - Why It All Matters

Jared Platt is an international wedding, portrait and lifestyle photographer and photographic lecturer.  You can see him online at creativeLIVE teaching Lightroom and Photography, on youTube for Profoto's light shaping series "What's the Difference" and catch him at International photo conferences around the globe.  Jared has been teaching photography for 20 years and has been a working photographer for the last quarter century.  Jared will change your understanding of photography and put you on the path to your very best work.  Don't miss the opportunity to learn from him whenever you get the chance.

Also, here is the image he references at the end. And, a blog post from the wedding.

Teri Fode - How to Keep a Client for Life

Teri Fode is an award-winning photographer specializing in fashion-inspired teen and senior portraits that also grow into family portraits, boudoir and headshot opportunities. She has created a successful luxury brand in her market, having started 13 years ago by growing from a small in-home production studio using the client's home for sales and consults into a boutique-style brand. She is passionate about offering an unforgettable experience and has grown her business with a high client-return base. Teri is also the creator of VoiceYourBrand.com, teaching photographers how to market their own brands on purpose and with intention using actionable systems and strategies.

Kira Derryberry - Leveling Up

Kira Derryberry is a portrait photographer based in Tallahassee, FL. She’s a Master Photographer, Photographic Craftsman, Certified Professional Photographer, and a Director for the Professional Photographers of America board. Kira is an active competitor in both the state and International Print Competitions and earned silver medals in 2014 and 2015 and a Platinum medal in 2016 at IPC. Her Loan Collection Image, “The Skeptic” was featured on the March 2016 Cover of Professional Photographer Magazine along with a feature article on her work. Alongside her heavy participation in her local and state association, Kira proudly serves as a member of the board of directors for the Professional Photographers of America. Kira also shares her knowledge with her fellow photographers as a Spider Holster Ambassador and a Tether Tools Pro. 

Kira got her start in photography in high school then graduated with a BA from the University of Alabama with photography as her focus. Knowing how to shoot, but not necessarily how to start a business, Kira leaned on her experience as a web designer for work, taking a job at a Tallahassee based advertising agency for 5 years before opening her studio in 2010. Since her studio opening, Kira has developed a strong client base in portraits ranging from children and families, to headshots, commercial work, and boudoir. Kira and her husband Kevin have been together since 2002, and together they have a seven year old daughter, Lucy. When not slinging a camera, she spends much of the remainder of her free time playing video games and watching bad science fiction. 

Bry Cox - The Psychology of Pricing and Sales

Bry Cox is a Gold Medalist out of 25,000 international photographers. He speaks for Adobe, WHCC, is a PPA Master/Craftsman many times over, and is Certified. Bry’s owned a studio in Utah for over 20 years, he’s been teaching workshops throughout the US and Canada for over a decade, and has created many videos, plugins, and books for photographers to rave reviews.

Bry’s work has been featured in magazines and covers even in other countries. They're used by record companies, VIPs, filmmakers, TV anchors, and musicians. (Capitol Records, CMT, Billboard Magazine, TV Guide, American Girl Magazine, American Photo Magazine, and Professional Photographer Magazine to name a few.)

He photographs prominent people such as LeAnne Rimes, Olivia Newton-John, David Archuleta, Natalie Cole, Kenny Loggins, Linda Ronstadt, Steve Forbes, Mitt Romney, and the last four Utah Governors.

Kristen Kaiser - Catching Up with Kristen and Eric Kaiser

We’re Eric and Kristen, a husband and wife wedding and elopement photography team based in Illinois. We’ve been married for four years and have been together for almost nine, a miracle considering I (Kristen) sent Eric a rejection message via Facebook messenger nine years ago! But his suave persistence and sarcastic charm finally won me over. We prefer to spend as much of our time as possible outdoors and enjoy mountain biking, traveling, trying weird food and exploring new places. Although to be perfectly honest, there’s many nights we end up binge watching The Office while eating frozen pizza on the couch.

Relationships are the heart and soul of our business. We place a huge emphasis on getting to know our couples during their engagement because we believe that strong relationships lead to even more beautiful, meaningful images. We work with many couples but those who approach their day with a non-traditional mindset are our bread and butter. Free spirited couples who are passionate about each other and choose to put their own unique spin on their wedding for a day that truly reflects them as a couple is why we love what we do. When it comes down to it, the moments are what matters most on wedding days. We approach every wedding with a documentary approach to capture as many of those moments as possible for our couples. 

While our business is still in its infancy at three years, we’ve been enormously blessed to have many opportunities in this industry, not to mention the incredible couples we’ve had the honor of serving. Photography has taken us all over the world to document couples in love and we’ve also had opportunities to host and teach at workshops, mentor photographers, have our work published in wedding publications such as Junebug Weddings and Brides as well as receive awards such as Best of Weddings from The Knot.

To see more of our work, check out mentoring information, or just say hey, look us up at www.kristenkaiser.com and www.instagram.com/kristenkaiser.

Kia Bondurant - How Women Are Ruining the Photography Industry and How They're Saving It

Many people feel the portrait photography business is struggling, and both experienced and new photographers see their struggles as unique. Kia Bondurant spent the first 15 years of her photography career as a co-owner of a well-established portrait studio. For the last 5 years, she has built up a small-scale photography business in the new economy. Because of her successful experiences on both ends of the spectrum, Kia believes that professional portrait photography has a bright future. During her career, Kia has been featured on the cover of Professional Photographer magazine twice, named the Kansas Photographer of the Year, the national Senior Photographer of the Year and has both her Masters and Craftsmen for PPA. She was awarded Icon Status with the Hot 100 for Senior Style Guide and was named one of the top 100 Portrait Studios in the Country by Arnold Clark.

Carrie Wildes Word of the Year

In 2008, Carrie stepped down off the corporate ladder and began building a business of her own. Her team of Tampa-based photographers quickly took the wedding market by storm, and Carrie has never looked back. She has created her success through consistent branding, building strong relationships and a talent for capturing her clients’ stories. Carrie is as passionate about her industry as she is about business and is devoted to helping other photographers succeed. Since 2013, she’s been a mentor and instructor with PPA, and earned her Craftsman degree and CPP.

Jamie Hayes - Using Products to Set Yourself Apart and Increase Your Bottom Line

Jamie attributes the success of their studio, along with business partner Mary Fisk-Taylor, to
their sound management and business skills combined with their love and passion for photography. His commitment to creating priceless portraits, wedding albums and commercial imagery has earned him an extremely loyal clientele as well as a sterling reputation in the state of Virginia. Their business savvy and creative marketing concepts have enabled them to establish an extremely profitable and fulfilling portrait and wedding gallery. As a PPA Approved Business Instructor and PPA Approved Photographic Instructor, Jamie offers informative and motivational programs to working photographers.

Jamie has participated in several state, regional, national and international conferences giving both full-day and week long classes. As an affiliate PPA juror, he has the pleasure to judge several international print competitions throughout the US. He is a proud member of several professional photography organizations, including: Professional Photographers of America (PPA), Virginia Professional Photographers Association (VPPA), The Society of XXV and the International Society of Portrait Artists.

Jamie has been honored with many awards on both state and national levels. His achievements include the Kodak Gallery Elite Award of Excellence, numerous Kodak Gallery Awards of Excellence, PPA Loan collections, multiple ASP Regional Medallion Awards, SEPPA Distinguished Awards, Best Wedding Albums VPPA, Best of Category, Fuji Masterpiece Awards and the VPPA Photographer (Highest Print Case) several times as well as one of the Top Ten Photographers for the entire state of Virginia. Jamie earned the distinguished honor of ASP Fellow in January of 2018 as the 122nd photographer in the world to earn this degree. Jamie shares his simple lighting concept applying a down to earth and easy formula for lighting any subject indoors or outdoors.

Accomplishments:

Photographic Craftsmen Degree Master of Photography Degree Imaging Excellence Degree Approved Photographic Instructor Approved Business Instructor Member of The Society of XXV
Scored a perfect 100 in SEPPA competition using film
4 for 4 in PPA Loan Collection (2 wedding albums and 2 prints using film ) Kodak Gallery Elite

Award 1st place
16 Kodak Gallery Awards 14 Fuji Masterpiece Awards
4 VPPA Photographer of the Year Awards 4 ASP State Awards 2 ASP Regional Awards
2 Top 10 PPA Wedding Photographer of the Year Awards 8 PPA Charities Legacy Award PPA Affiliate Juror
PPA Directors Award Recipient
Certification Committee Member
Speaker Selection Committee Member
PPA Charities Dream Studio Giveaway Committee Member PEC Committee Member
VPPA Print Salon Chair

Julia Kelleher On Sales

Portrait Photographer, Julia Kelleher, M. Photog., M.Artist., Cr. CPP, specializes in newborn, child and family portraits out of her boutique, Bend OR, studio. She offers her clients a photographic style that is organic, textural and artistic, and specializes in creating multidimensional art. From her start up studio in Portland, OR 11 years ago, to relocating to the small town of Bend, OR in 2009, she has grown into an almost half-million dollar annual business with 3 employees. Unique marketing efforts, a consistent branding message, and persistent relationship building tripled her client base in just 2 short years, and earned her studio the reputation for being the “newborn & family” photographer in Central Oregon; her successful marketing efforts also defining her as a business expert among other professional artists.

            A 2x PPA Diamond Photographer of the Year, International Platinum, Gold & Silver Medalist, Julia has had 18 prints accepted into the International Loan Collection. Along with marketing, Julia is a master sales and business systems expert. A 13-time Creative Live instructor, WPPI instructor and 7x Imaging USA Platform speaker, she helps photographers world-wide, break into in-person sales, master their “soft-selling” technique, market their art, and create systematized efficiency in their businesses.

            Julia picked up her first Nikon 35mm SLR film camera at age 14. Putting it down after college to pursue her masters degree in broadcast journalism at the esteemed Syracuse University-Newhouse School of Public Communications, she spent over a decade traveling the country covering general assignment stories and anchoring for all three television networks. After working Portland, OR’s (top 25 U.S market) ABC affiliate as an on-air anchor/reporter, she left television news to pursue photography full-time. Her experience with the news industry, and expertise in media relations and public communications have given her techniques to help other photographers understand their clients, and improve their businesses.

Julia Kelleher, M.Photog., M.Artist., Cr., CPP

www.jewel-images.com     www.jewel-education.com     www.jewel-tv.com

Dixie Dixon On Exploding, Meditation, Intentional Positivity, and the Power of Procrastination

Dixie Dixon has always been inspired by the allure, magic and unique challenge of creating fashion photography. As one of the sixteen original Nikon Ambassadors in the United States, Dixie has spent the last decade bringing creative visions to life and educating others about the latest cutting-edge photography techniques and technology.

Texas born-and-bred, she has followed her passion around the world, shooting in locations such as such as Cannes, Toronto, Vancouver, New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Brazil, Ibiza and Barcelona. Most recently, she released her new book "Fashion and Lifestyle Photography”.  From finding your vision to building your dream team, this book will provide you with the essential gear and know-how to capture the looks of the media world that leap off the page or screen. 

Dixie brings a wildly positive energy to the set that creates a one-of-a-kind experience for her clients, inspires her dream team of colleagues, and earns the business of some of the most exclusive brands in the world.

Her fresh vision has attracted clients such as Disney, Virgin, Advanced Beauty, Florsheim Shoes, Ultherapy, Woodland Worldwide, Inside Edition, Gaylord Hotels, Spencer Fine Jewelry, G-Technology, Profoto, Eprouvage, MAC Group, Magpul, Billy Jealousy, Nha Khanh, Pipers Perfumery, and Macadamia Professional. Her work has been published in publications such as Rangefinder, PDN, Professional Photographers Magazine, Dapper Magazine, Living Magazine, Beverly Drive Magazine, Nikon World and others. 

Julieanne Kost On The Role of Personal Photography Projects for Professionals

Named one of Fast Company’s “100 Most Creative People in Business,” Julieanne Kost is the Product Evangelist Director at Adobe Systems, responsible for fostering relationships with customers through meaningful and inspirational Photoshop and Lightroom instruction. As a highly sought-after speaker for the industry-standard Digital Imaging franchise, she devises and presents motivating and educational training sessions, sharing original techniques and tutorials worldwide — via live events, Adobe.com, and blog (blogs.adobe.com/jkost). She is also the author of “Passenger Seat—Creating a Photographic Project from Conception Through Execution in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom” and “Window Seat — The Art of Digital Photography and Creative Thinking”, an accomplished photographer and fine artist, and creator and host of the popular Photoshop CC Essential Training, Lightroom & Photoshop Workflows, Photoshop Automation Techniques, and the Art of Photoshop Compositing for LinkedIn Learning | Lynda.com.

Kost is well-known for her unique approach to instruction, infusing practical tips and tricks with an equal amount of humor and creativity that keeps audiences entertained and engaged. She often serves as a guest lecturer at distinguished photography workshops, industry events, and leading educational institutions around the world. She’s a contributing columnist and author for a variety of print and online publications and has created over 500 instructional videos as the host of Adobe’s “The Complete Picture” featuring Lightroom and Photoshop, serves as producer and instructor of the “Lightroom Getting Started” and “What’s New in Lightroom,” training courses, as well as the “Revitalize your Workflow with Lightroom” seminar on CreativeLive.

Tim and Bev Walden - Images That Speak

Tim Walden, along with his wife, Beverly, have been professional photographers and educators in the photography industry for over three decades. Their motto is "Do less. Do it better than anyone else."

Years ago, the Waldens created one of the best known styles of black and white portraiture that is now recognized around the world. Named "Relationships" with the tagline "Images That Speak" for the stories their portraits told, it is still at the core of their active portrait studio and in great demand from their clientele.

Get to know Tim and Bev better at waldensphotography.com and visit timwalden.com for mentorships, private coaching, and education.

Kim Hartz - How to Build a Business as a Pet Photographer

Kim Hartz is a photographer, entrepreneur, consultant, mentor, speaker, and loving mother to two humans and two fur babies. She is an intimate photographer foe babies, both with and without fur, and she works diligently to capture her clients’ little ones as seen through their eyes. Having successfully been in business since 2010, Kim spends her time behind the camera as well as in front of other photographers, helping them find their niche. She is a sought-after speaker and offers one-on-one business coaching, photography mentoring, workshops and online programs.

Mary Fisk-Taylor - The Importance of Printing

Mary Fisk-Taylor has been a member of the Professional Photographers of America since 1998. Along with her business partner, Jamie Hayes, they operate a high-end portrait and wedding business in Richmond, Virginia. Hayes & Fisk Photography is a home-based studio located on almost one acre of beautiful gardens and they have successfully created one of the most sought after Portrait and Wedding studios in their area.

In 2009 Mary developed the concept of a fresh and fun new studio in the Richmond area. With the help of her family, most importantly her mom and sister, Real Life Studios was opened in Midlothian, Virginia. Real Life Studios is best known for their high school senior portraits. Real Life also has an entire Event and School division which gives the studio constant and steady revenue of new clients and income year round.

Mary was very pleased and honored to have received her Master of Photography, Craftsmen of Photography and Certification of Professional Photography in just three short years. This was quite an accomplishment for her both personally and professionally. Mary was named Photographer of the Year in 2007 and has won Best Wedding Album of the Year in Virginia several times. Nationally she has had her albums in the top five. She has won numerous Best in Show awards, Kodak Gallery Awards, Fuji Masterpiece Awards, Loan Collection prints and album and a Grand Imaging Award finalist. Mary is also a recipient of the prestigious Virginia Award, which honors photographers for their commitment and dedication to their state association, and the business of professional photography. And, in 2012 she was awarded the PPA Charities Legacy Award for her work and dedication to the philanthropic arm of PPA. In

2014 Mary was awarded the Charles H. (Bud) Haynes Award for her distinguished service to PPA and its members and for encouraging business awareness and practices in the field of professional image-making. And in 2015 Mary was honored to receive the National Award from the Southeastern Professional Photographers Association for her commitment and dedication to Professional Photography.

Mary’s pursuit for knowledge, learning and education has always been a priority. From the time she was nominated the “Kindergarten Valedictorian” she has excelled academically. Always at the top of her class through High School, College and Graduate School she has excelled and loved learning. She has degrees from both University of Virginia and Virginia Commonwealth University. It was only natural for her to pursue educating others as part of her career. Mary joined the PPA Business Instructor program back in 1999 when it began. She has enjoyed lecturing all over the world and sharing with other photographers as well as serving as a PPA Studio Management Services Mentor as well as an International Juror for PPA.

Mary is of course most proud of her two beautiful children, Alexandra and Jackson. Her husband, Daryl, and she enjoys the flexibility and joy that owning a profitable photography studio has allowed their family. Mary currently serves on the PPA Board of Directors, is a proud member of the Society of XXV, and is a past President of the PPA Board of Charities. She is extremely active with Operation Smile International and has served as a staff photographer for several events and missions. In 2006 Mary was named one of Virginia’s Top 40 under 40 for her leadership in the community, volunteer and charity work and her business savvy.