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PMA Australia offering professional development workshop

May 10, 2012 By Gary Pageau Leave a Comment

PMA Australia is offering a free workshop for sales team members in camera, print-processing, retail framing and other photo/imaging businesses. Skills taught wll include self development, presentation and management, and are open to industry members of all ages. Applicants must have been employed in the photographic Industry for a minimum of 12 months and employers must be PMA members.

Conducted by a professional presenter from the Friedman Group, these one-day workshops will be held in Sydney and Melbourne, subject to a minimum of 10 people attending. All “future leaders” will be issued with certificates of participation and accomplishment.

Topics covered will include understanding others through a better understanding of self, communication strategies, photographic key performance indicators, statistical analysis, behaviours driving key performance indicators, successful sales strategies, and leadership elements.

Workshop dates are, in Sydney, Friday, June 8, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., North Ryde RSL Function Centre, and in Melbourne: Tuesday, June 12, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Arrow on Swanston.

The workshops will focus on refining communication skills, enhancing business development skills and developing world class, best practice strategies.

To download the 2012 Future Leaders registration form click here.

Filed Under: PMA News Tagged With: PMA Australia

School Photo Boot Camp set for June 25-29

May 9, 2012 By Gary Pageau

The 2012 School Photography Boot Camp will be held June 25-29, 2012, at the Alexis Park Resort in Las Vegas, Nev. This program is in it’s seventh season and is the most comprehensive training available for independent photographers and studios who want to enter the lucrative underclass school photo market. A highlight of the week-long program is a simulated classroom photo session using local children as models when attendees get to see a wide range of imaging technologies in action.

The program is taught by Chris Wunder, Cr. Photog. ASP, one of the industry’s most popular instructors. Guest instructors will also be featured. The Deadline for discount advance registration is May 31, 2012. The program sells-out each year, so early registration is recommended.

Filed Under: Pro Photography, PSPA

Top Imaging Researchers Presenting at the 6Sight Future of Imaging Conference

May 7, 2012 By Paul Worthington

6Sight announced their 2012 Future of Imaging Conference will star some of the world’s top imaging researchers.

6Sight is part of 2012 CE Week, a five-day citywide event that includes CEA Line Shows and the Digital Downtown Conference, organized in association with CEA, along with Martin Porter Associates, Photo Industry Reporter, and Consumer Technology Publishing Group/NAPCO, publisher of Dealerscope, Custom Retailer and E-Gear magazines.

“Imaging is experiencing more technology advances than at any other time in its history,” says 6Sight Conferences president Joe Byrd. “That’s great — but there are so many changes that consumers and businesses are having trouble sorting them out, and understanding the value they represent. This is why we have assembled the world’s top imaging research analysts in one place to help executives understand their opportunities.”

The 6Sight conference program includes the following research components:
•       InfoBreakfast – Ed Lee and David Haueter of InfoTrends will provide a breakfast presentation overseeing the key market trends expected to shape both the current and future direction of the photo industry.
•       Top Imaging Trends – 6Sight senior analysts Paul Worthington and Tony Henning will present the most innovative technology shaping the photography business today and tomorrow.
•       Mobile Imaging Market Trends – MobileTrax founder  J. Gerry Purdy, Ph.D. will discuss the challenges and opportunities in mobile imaging devices.
•       Social Imaging Survey – Hans Hartman will present the results of the consumer social imaging behavior and product usage survey he conducted for 6Sight.
•       Analyst Roundtable – Alex Spektar of Strategy Analytics, Liz Cutting of NPD, Marion Knoche of Gfk, Joanna Wright of Futuresource, and Kristy Holch, founder of InfoTrends, will discuss the latest issues facing imaging.
•       Camera Phone Global Trends – Tony Henning provides the most complete overview of the current state of camera-phones and mobile imaging technology around the world.

This 6Sight Future of Imaging Conference is co-hosted by Invest in Skåne, and mobile imaging developer Scalado and supported by CEA and PMA. Visit www.6Sight.com to learn more about this and past 6Sight Conferences.

Contact: Joe Byrd
jbyrd@6sight.com

Filed Under: 6Sight Conference, Industry Notes, PMA News Tagged With: 6Sight Conference, Market Research

IPC announces 2012 leadership award winners

April 27, 2012 By Gary Pageau

The International Photographic Council (IPC), a non-governmental organization (NGO) of the United Nations, announced the recipients of its 2012 IPC Professional Photographer Leadership Awards. The award recipients will be honored at the 14th Annual IPC Pro Award Luncheon, which will be held at the United Nations in New York City Thursday, May 17, at 11:30 a.m.

For the first time, editors-in-chief from Japan and Pakistan will be present to receive IPC Distinguished Service Awards: Michiko Ouchi, Pen News Weekly, of Japan; and Muzammil Izhar Siddiqui, Foto Line Monthly, of Pakistan.

Award Luncheon Chair Andy Marcus, President of Fred Marcus Photography, will deliver the keynote address on “The World of Professional Photography.”

Eight associations have designated honorees for 2012: American Photographic Artists (APA), American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP), Federation of European Photographers (FEP), National Press Photographers Association (NPPA), Professional Photographers of American (PPA), Professional School Photographers Association (PSPA), White House News Photographers Association (WHNPA), and Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI).

The 2012 IPC Professional Photographer Leadership Award recipients are:

American Photographic Artists (APA): Michael Grecco

Michael Grecco has a platinum roster of advertising clients (NBC/Universal, GE, Pfizer, HBO, Kodak, ABC, IBM, Yahoo!) and editorial clients (ESPN, Wired, Time, Premier, Entertainment Weekly, Esquire, Maxim). Featured in photographic magazines, books, and gallery shows, Michael wrote the best-seller Lighting and the Dramatic Portrait: The Art of Celebrity and Editorial Photography. A frequent speaker, he serves as photo expert for KNBC News, and has been honored by International Photography, Photo Design, The AR 100, NY and L.A. Art Directors Clubs. He is APA National Vice President.

American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP): James Cavanaugh

A recognized specialist in architectural, interior and aerial photography, James Cavanaugh serves a broad clientele of architects, engineers, interior designers, real estate developers, contractors, architectural product manufacturers and government agencies. Featured in Architectural Record, World Architecture, Rolling Stone, Business Week, Parents, et al., Jim teaches “Professional Business Practices in Photography” at Villa Maria College, Buffalo. He is a National Director of ASMP and its President.

Federation of European Photographers (FEP): Bernd Gassner

Specializing in advertising images, Master Photographer and Master Qualified European Photographer Bernd Gassner became the Federation of European Photographers’ first double master QEP. Bernd also serves as President of the Westphalian Professional Photographer Association, representative of the Central Association German Professional Photographers in FEP, and an FEP board member.

National Press Photographers Association (NPPA): Yunghi Kim

Photojournalist Yunghi Kim has covered major global conflicts since the 90s. She captured Somalia, Rwandan Genocide, War in Kosovo, Iraq War, Afghanistan, Hurricane Katrina and has documented the lives of former South Korean Comfort Women, post-Katrina reconstruction in New Orleans, children with autism, and Occupy Wall Street. Accolades include World Press Photo, Magazine Photographer of the Year, Olivier Rebbot & John Faber Awards/Overseas Press Club, Visa D’Or for News/Visa Pour L’image Festival, and White House Press Photographers.

Professional Photographers of America (PPA): Louis Tonsmeire

A portrait and wedding photographer in Georgia for 30 years, Louis Tonsmeire earned his Photographic Craftsman and Honorary Master of Photography degrees during his 24 years as a member of PPA. He is an Approved Photographic Instructor, and has served on the organization’s Education and Convention committees, Affiliate School Task Force and Imaging USA Task Force. Through Professional Photographers of Georgia, he has served as a councilor and director of the Georgia School.

Professional School Photographers Association (PSPA): Ralph Romaguera

Since opening his studio with his wife and sons in 1971, Ralph Romaguera has earned his Masters and Craftsman degrees from PPA, won the Kodak Gallery Award 10 times, received Louisiana’s Master of the Year, PPA’s International Award and an ASP Service Award. Ralph lectures in North America, Europe and Asia and teaches at the Winona International School for Professional Photography, Florida School, Mid-America Institute of Professional Photography, et al. He represented portrait photographers on the Today show in a series about the 150 Years of Photography.

White House News Photographers Association (WHNPA): Chip Somodevilla

Chip Somodevilla was a photographer for the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and the Detroit Free Press before moving to Washington, D.C., where he worked as a freelance photographer for newswires and newspapers before bcoming a Getty Images photographer. He was awarded the Political Photo of the Year and Photographer of the Year by WHNPA, University of Missouri’s Pictures of the Year International, and NPPA’s Best of Photojournalism. Chip’s work has been published in the Washington Post, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Time, and Newsweek.

Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI): Jennifer Hudson

A dynamic, soulful wedding and portrait photographer, Jennifer Hudson teaches Portraiture and Photographic Illustration at the Center for Digital Imaging Arts at Boston University. An international lecturer whose programs are sought by public and private photographic organizations, she recently completed “Baptism,” a narrative series exploring a young woman’s spiritual reincarnation, and plans to begin work on “Medic,” a series that will explore human relationships during illness and recovery.

To RSVP or receive more information on the event, contact James Chung at 914.476.1712 or by email at jchung1@prodigy.net.

Filed Under: Pro Photography, PSPA

The March/April issue of PMA magazine is ready for reading

April 25, 2012 By Gary Pageau

The new Paul's Photo is featured in the new PMA magazine

The latest issue of PMA Magazine – Connecting the Imaging Communities is live and online in an all-new interactive version. Top features include the renovation of Paul’s Photo and a look at the new 6Sight Social Imaging Report.

Connections
Newsline – Top news for the industry’s leading information source

Member Advantage – PMA resources save you time and money and help you succeed.

Connections
In Memoriam: Edward C. Ritz
In Memoriam: Michihiro Yamaki

PMA Australia event gets digital makeover — Annual conference provides wide range of education opportunities.
Portraiture in focus – School portrait and sports/event photography conferences spotlights new opportunities for growth and change

Business & Marketing
Laser photo engraving 101 – If it’s flat, you can probably make a laser-etched photo out of it.
Reinventing Paul’s Photo – A conversation with Mark Comon about why now is the time to rethink the photo store.

Trends & Technology
Smart phone apps drive imaging – Discussing the biggest imaging boom, from PMA@CES
6Sight releases the 6Sight Social Imaging Survey Report – New research sheds light on how today’s connected generation of photo takers choose devices and methods for taking, enhancing and sharing photo.

Filed Under: Featured, Mobile imaging, Online imaging, Photo Specialty, PMA Australia Show, PMA News, PSPA, Social Imaging Tagged With: PMA magazine

Fujifilm to sponsors PMA Australia Future Leaders Program

April 25, 2012 By Gary Pageau

Paul Rogers, Fujifilm

Fujifilm Australia announced they are Platinum Sponsor of the PMA Australia Future Leaders Program.

“For over 12 years the PMA Young Achiever Award has been a very successful event and in 2011 the program was expanded making training available to an even larger group of future industry leaders with wider eligibility for entrants,” says Paul Rogers, general manager, Fujifilm Australia Consumer Imaging. “The objective of the program is to expose future leaders to training and techniques that will make them better employees for the entire industry. We see this program as incredibly worthwhile I’m delighted to say that for the 2012 event Fujifilm will be a Platinum Sponsor.”

PMA Australia’s first Future Leaders Program Workshops were successfully run
In Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in late April and May 2011. Fifty-five industry future leaders, from a variety of retail, wholesale, professional photography and picture framing businesses attended the workshops, which were developed and run by The Friedman Group. The workshops focus on refining the future leaders’ communication skills, enhancing business development skills and developing world-class practice strategies.

Filed Under: Photo Specialty, PMA News Tagged With: Fujifilm Australia

Zen and the Art of Business Leadership, on the AIE podcast.

April 24, 2012 By Paul Worthington

For more than 50 years, Tomio Taki has consulted for, financed, or directly managed both private and public companies on nearly every continent. His new book, Zennovation, presents the experiences that shaped his business philosophy, the lessons he learned along the way, his approach to business, and the roots of his success.

On this edition of the AIE Imaging Executive podcast, Taki shares his insights into the complex nuances of global business, and provides management and leadership lessons.

Filed Under: AIE, Business, Retail Tagged With: AIE Imaging Executive podcast

PMA offering payment processing services from Equity Commerce, includes free iPhone card reader

April 24, 2012 By Gary Pageau

PMA – The Worldwide Community of Imaging Associations announced an exclusive alliance with Equity Commerce, L.P., a leader in payment processing. Equity Commerce has provided business payment processing services for more than 7 years. Over the past several months, you may have seen or heard the news on our Preferred Program for PMA members. Equity Commerce is now giving away a free iPhone card reader to any PMA member that signs up for a new merchant account.

An Equity Commerce representative can be reached by email at sales@equitycommerce.com or more immediately by phone at (866) 790-3995, ext. 211.

Filed Under: Business, PMA News

Lawsuit alleges studio invasion of privacy

April 24, 2012 By Gary Pageau

A word to the wise – use of a customer’s image for marketing purposes increases the likelihood of a lawsuit. That fact was demonstrated earlier this month when a law student filed suit against a Michigan photography studio.

The student claims the studio used “before-and-after” photos of him to demonstrate the benefits of image retouching to remove blemishes and fix complexion and other features. The images were allegedly circulated to the entire school graduating class on at least five occasions. According to the student, the studio never obtained his consent to use pictures of him for advertising purposes.

The student alleges he was embarrassed and humiliated by the incident, and the entire school was talking about him. He says he suffered extreme mental and emotional distress due to the studio’s effort to market their services.

The lawsuit claims the studio intentionally inflicted the emotional distress. It states the studio was negligent in circulating the embarrassing photograph, and misappropriated his likeness for the studio’s commercial advantage.

While all of the circumstances and possible defenses are not known at this time, these legal claims can normally be avoided by a studio if it obtains a signed model release from the subject which authorizes use of the photo for advertising purposes.

For more information on the use of releases and proper language, contact PMA.

Filed Under: Pro Photography, PSPA, Regulatory updates Tagged With: copyright

In Memoriam: George Davis

April 23, 2012 By Gary Pageau

George Davis, Davis Studio

George Davis, co-founder of Davis Studio, died at age 90, on April 14, 2012. He was born on Feb. 2, 1922, in Kosice, Czechoslovakia.

At the age of 12 (and speaking no English) Davis made the trip alone across the Atlantic to join his mother in America. At 17, he launched his career as a photographer by accepting the position of barker/photographer on the Revere Beach boardwalk, near Boston.

His photography career was briefly interrupted by World War II. In 1943, he enlisted in the Navy and trained to be a radio operator aboard Grumman-built PBY Catalina airplanes, often used for submarine hunting and shore patrol.

In 1945, Davis was discharged from the Navy and opened a photography studio on Duval Street, in Key West, Fla. He sold his Key West studio a couple of years later and moved to New York City, opening a studio on 56th Street. It was there, in the early 1950s, that he became acquainted with the school photography business. He recognized the income and growth potential of the school portraits business and set his sights in that direction.

One day in 1953 an attractive, fast-talking young woman, Peggy Balish, applied for a job a the studio. A year later, he married Peggy, and she became his partner in business, as well as in life, for more than 58 years.

They moved to Mamaroneck, N.Y., opening Davis Studio in 1954. At first it was just the two of them, with George pounding the pavement as salesman to get new accounts, shooting the portraits and developing black-and-white images in trays in the darkroom, and Peggy handling the business responsibilities, taking orders, being the customer service representative and even learning to retouch prints and negatives. Over the years Davis Studio hired hundreds of staff and photographed more than 10 million children. George’s youngest son, Greg, and Greg’s wife, Roxanne, worked alongside George and Peggy for more than 25 years.

George was always exploring and incorporating the latest technology into Davis Studio’s operations. In the early 1960s he took a big financial risk and purchased color film processors, package printers, automatic cutters and all the necessary equipment to bring color photography to the school portrait market.

Less than 15 years ago digital photography was emerging. High-volume school portrait studios had not switched to digital because there was no camera on the market designed to handle 400 sittings a day with positive IDs linked to every sitting. Added to that the system had to be robust enough to withstand riding in the back of a car and being set up and broken down daily. The captured images also needed to flawlessly interface with the high-volume printing equipment in the lab. Recognizing the need, George contracted with a company that had both software and hardware development experience. That company incorporated the list of more than 100 specific requirements George had outlined and 16 months later delivered and placed the MDS-20 in service as the first high-volume, “long-roll” digital camera.

Davis Studio outgrew its physical facilities on several occasions. The first studio in Mamaroneck was 750 square feet. The last move was to a facility with more than 22,000 square feet for offices, studio and lab.

George is survived by his wife, Peggy, their three sons (Geoffrey, Glen and Gregory), three daughters-in-law (PaoChen, Merrill and Roxanne) and two grandsons (Gabriel and Garrett).