Congratulations to NHPPA members Pat Corlin and Jeff Dachowski on being named a finalist for the prestigious PPA Grand Imaging Award. Jeff's album "Tuscany" was selected for the Photographic Open Albums category, and Pat's image "ESSSS Curves" was selected for the Illustrative and Commercial category. Good luck to you both!

Each year, Professional Photographers of America announces the top images and albums in 12 categories from its International Photographic Competition. These finalists then compete for the prestigious Grand Imaging Award, announced in January at Imaging USA.

See all 2021 Grand Imaging Award finalists.

After more than a decade of negotiations, the Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement (CASE) Act was finally signed into law last night by President Donald Trump. This victory for creators and artists marks the end of a 14-year push to create a small claims process that makes it easier for photographers, designers, songwriters, and other creatives to protect their work against copyright infringement. The Act was part of a massive omnibus bill that includes more than $900 billion in coronavirus relief and stimulus spending, in addition to another $1.4 trillion to run the government through next September.

Professional Photographers of America has been working with Congress for over ten years to pass this important piece of legislation. During that time, PPA members wrote thousands of letters and made phone calls to their representatives asking for support. “It is exciting to see what our organization and its members can do when we sets our mind to something,” said Gregory Daniel, PPA President.   

For more information, click here.

ATLANTA (November 7, 2019) – Makayla Harris and George Joell joining the board of nation’s longest-standing photography association.

Beginning in 2020, Professional Photographers of America (PPA) will have two new members on its board of directors, photographers Makayla Harris and George Joell. The inclusion of Harris and Joell comes at a time of change for the organization, as it seeks to diversify its board along the lines of age, race, and photographic specialty. The board of directors—all PPA members themselves—will shape the vision for the association until March 2021.

Makayla Harris is an acclaimed wedding photographer from Saratoga Springs, New York. She’s also a print influencer and member of the Printographers Society who will be speaking at Imaging USA 2020 in January.

"I am honored and humbled to be appointed to the Board of Directors for the Professional Photographers of America and eager to bring a fresh perspective to the current board!” Harris says. “I look forward to representing rising photographers in our evolving field, especially in the wedding industry."

Harris is something of an unexpected addition to the board, finishing a term for another member who unexpectedly had to resign due to family reasons. Harris has a similar wedding-photographer background and will finish out the term through next year, helping PPA continue to focus on its new Wedding Photography degree and competition category.

“We are delighted to welcome Makayla Jade Harris as a new Board of Director,” stays Audrey Wancket, PPA President. “Makayla brings a wide range of qualities to the PPA board including a background in business and marketing prior to her 7 years as a professional photographer. Her passion for educating photographers on the importance and value of printed photographic products, branding, and building a successful profitable business will have a meaningful impact as part of our Board.”

George Joell is an acclaimed Photographic Craftsman specializing in wedding and portrait photography in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He’s a retired army first sergeant who brings a wealth of experience to the board, beginning his full two-year term in March 2020.

“We are pleased to welcome George Joell III to the PPA Board,” Wancket says. “As a leader in his area and with his background, not only as an army veteran who served 24 years but as a working, successful photographer for over 18 years, George brings a wide range of relevant experience and expertise. Our PPA Board, PPA Staff and all of our members will benefit from the unique perspectives he offers and the enthusiasm he brings to our association.”

Joell says, "I am excited to be appointed to the Board of Directors of PPA. It is truly an honor to serve the membership of the greatest association for professional photographers. I am looking forward to working with the Board of Directors and committee members to bring a more diverse and inclusive culture to the organization. It is my goal to work with photographers and industry professionals around the country, to make every person feel that the PPA is their organization, and they are valued. I fully embrace this task and am ready to work hard. I am prepared to make tough decisions. Once again, I am excited and happy to be on board."

PPA is a nonprofit association and the board is an essential component of that designation, taking an active role in its legal and financial responsibilities, visioning and policy. Each member of the PPA board is an active, professional photographer and brings a unique set of skills and talents to the table, aiding PPA to carry out its mission. Each board member can serve up to three two-year terms and becomes eligible to run for the executive board after completing their first term.

About PPA:
Professional Photographers of America (PPA) is the largest and longest-standing nonprofit photography trade association. Founded in 1868, PPA currently helps 30,000+ pros elevate their craft and grow their business with resources and education, all under PPA’s core guiding principle of bridging the gap between photographers and consumers.

Ronald H. Covey, Hon.D.C.Ph., was awarded NHPPA’s Lifetime Achievement Award during a recent meeting of the Association held at the Derryfield Country Club on Wednesday, November 6. Covey is the first photographer to receive this honor.

NHPPA's Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to “an individual whose life's work has enriched the Association and the photographic industry and profession as a whole.” This is the most prestigious accolade offered by NHPPA - an affiliate of PPA which is the world's largest non-profit association for professional photographers.

Covey was honored for his outstanding service and integrity to the Association for more than 50 years. Although Covey is currently retired, he continues to support the Association, presently serving as Chair of the Audit Committee.

Ella Carlson was named a finalist for the Grand Imaging Awards in the Illustrative - Commercial category by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) to be awarded at Imaging USA 2020, the annual conference and trade show for photographers. The Grand Imaging Award finalists have been judged to be the very best of the 2019 PPA International Photographic Competition (IPC).

The Grand Imaging Award finalists were selected from 5,245 entries judged by a panel of 36 jurors. At Imaging USA 2020 the top three photographers in each category will receive awards, with one of the 12 first-place images taking the overall Grand Imaging Award and a $1,000 cash prize.

Click here to view the full list of finalists. 
View slideshow of the images from the finalists at https://ppmag.com/2020-gia-finalists.

ATLANTA (July 18, 2019) - The fight for copyright protection has progressed on Capitol Hill as the CASE Act gained approval from the Senate Judiciary Committee. U.S. Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) announced that the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to advance the long-sought legislation.

The Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement (CASE) Act, S. 1273, establishes a small-claims process for photographers and other small-business owners/content creators who find their work infringed on by another party. S. 1273 follows the introduction of companion legislation earlier this year in the House by Reps. Doug Collins (R-Ga.), ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, and Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), chairman of the House Democratic Caucus.

Support for The CASE Act is pouring in from creators all over the country, including photographers like Anne Geddes, who traveled with PPA Members, the PPA Government Advocacy team, and other concerned groups to discuss copyright small-claims with the Senate Judiciary Committee ahead of the mark-up of the bill.

The groups consisted of creators and other representatives of the Copyright Alliance, American Continental Group (representing songwriters and authors), National Press Photographers Association, Graphic Artists Guild, American Society of Media Photographers, American Bar Association – Intellectual Property Section, American Intellectual Property Law Association, Authors Guild, Songwriters Guild of America, the US Chamber of Commerce, the Recording Academy, and Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America.

“Money and complexity of the court system should not be barriers for small business entrepreneurs and artists to sue copyright infringers, who are very obviously breaking the law,” said Sen. Kennedy. “The CASE Act will ensure that Americans’ creative spirit is preserved and protected.”

The CASE Act now has 57 co-sponsors in the House and 15 in the Senate, making it the rare, bipartisan bill everyone can support. Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Chris Coons (D-Del.) joined as cosponsors of the legislation this week.

“Today the Senate Judiciary Committee passed the CASE Act…the first of four key votes before the legislation becomes reality,” PPA CEO David Trust relayed to his staff, waiting for the news back at headquarters in Atlanta. “It took us 13 years to get to this point,” Trust continued. “It was a big, big day on Capitol Hill...Today was a big day for PPA members and all American creators.”

PPA encourages everyone to continue learning more about the issue of copyright small claims at www.ppa.com/smallclaims

This year – on June 23, 2019 – PPAM (Professional Photographers Association of Massachusetts) along with members of NHPPA and others marked PPA’s 150th anniversary by recreating a photo of the first professional photography conference. The 1869 conference, held at the Horticultural Society of Boston on Tremont Street, culminated in all the participants gathering on the footbridge at the Boston Public Garden for a photo.

In the recreation, photographers were posed in the same location as the 1869 group. The 2019 photo was taken by NHPPA and PPA member Scott Levine.

PPAM President Melvin Guante gave his thoughts on the event. “This is what our photo community is all about. We are a family of imaging professionals and 150 years is a significant achievement for any organization,” said Melvin Guante. “Marking this date with our group photo pays homage to photo pioneers who paved the way for today’s professional photographers.”

“Understanding and recognizing our journey as a photo community is the key to ensuring success for all photographers,” added Guante. “Our events, programs and members are the pillars that hold our great community together, as shown by this amazing and historic event.”

NHPPA prides itself in promoting the importance of continuing education to help its members achieve their personal and professional artistic goals. To further that spirit of learning, each year the NHPPA awards scholarship monies to its members. This year a total of 14 scholarships were presented at the meeting held on June 5.

The Francis Sullivan and Bob Raiche Memorial scholarship in the amount of $800.00 is intended for use to attend a PPA affiliate school. This year there were two recipients of this scholarship.

The General scholarship in the amount of $525.00 may be used to attend courses related to photography or the business of photography or for the purchase of books or other educational material related to photography. This year there were 12 general scholarships awarded.

Jay Goldsmith of Portsmouth, N.H. was presented with the National Award at the recent Awards Banquet held as part of the Annual Convention on April 27, 2019 at the Margate Resort in Laconia, N.H. The National Award is a special honor which recognizes outstanding services in professional photography.

Since joining NHPPA in the early 1980s, Jay has continually given back to the photography industry in New Hampshire by sharing his knowledge and expertise speaking at various meetings, seminars, and conventions as well as conducting personal workshops. During the time Jay served on the Board of NHPPA, he was responsible for many innovative changes, most notable of which was establishing the library which served as a valuable learning resource for members. 

Jay is perenially curious and never stops learning about and sharing photography techniques. In the spirit of bringing photography into the community, Jay had what was intended to be a one-year holiday exhibit in the seacoast area that was met with such enthusiasm, it turned into a four-year journey demonstrating how a 19th century platinum/palladium printmaking technique can be combined with modern digital photography.

To learn more about Jay and his work, visit www.jaygoldsmith.com.

How would YOU like to win a 2019 NHPPA Conference Banquet/Awards Ceremony ticket?

It's as easy as one...two...three!

  1.  Register for Conference by March 25

  2.  Reserve your room at the Margate by March 25   

   3. Send in your Friday night Game Questionnaire answers by March 25