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    • 21 May 2025
    • 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM
    • Online
    Register

    Join us for our next PPSV Image Competition on May 21st!

    Submissions Open: 
    Monday, April 21, 2024 - 
    Monday, May 19 5:00am (local time)

    Why enter?

    • You will receive professional feedback in a positive environment
    • It's an excellent way to learn and grow your artistic skills
    • There's an opportunity for PPSV members to win fabulous prizes
    • PPSV Members qualify for annual awards, such as Category Winners and Photographer of the Year

    When:  May 21st at 6:30pm via Zoom & printcompetition.com

    Categories:

    • Portraits
    • Weddings & Events
    • Landscape
    • Nature/Wildlife
    • Photojournalism
    • Open Illustrative
    • Artist

    Each image is judged against PPA’s 12 Criteria for Merit Image
    Competition rules can be viewed here Rules & Info

    Start time (pacific time zone)

            6:30 pm PPSV announcements, Q&A, judge introductions
          ~6:45 pm competition starts, ends approximately 9:30 pm

    Deadline for image submissions:  Monday, May 19 5:00am

    You will be sent a zoom link once you register & again the day before the competition. It will also be available in the GameDay app audio tab on the printcompetition.com website. 

    Fee: 
        $10 per image for PPSV, PPWC, and PPSCV members
        $15 per image for non-members/guests
        $  5 per image for critiques (additional option)

    Note: You will need to register with printcompetition.com and minimally pay for the BASIC membership to ENTER images for competition.
    You can use the website free account to just watch the competition.
    The Print Competition website basic membership is $15 yearly. Premium membership is $19 Quarterly or $71 annually.

    Sponsored by: 

    • 18 Jun 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Holiday Inn 2224 Auburn Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95821
    Register

    MONTHLY MEETING

    The Headshot Side-Hustle with Gary Hughes

    June 18, 2025

    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

    LOCATION: Holiday Inn
    2224 Auburn Blvd
    Sacramento, CA 95821

    In Person Meeting

    • Free to PPSV Members
    • $35 Guest Fee for Non-Members

    Agenda:

    • 6:00-6:30 pm: Networking (with a simple/light dinner provided)
    • 6:30-7:00 pm: New Member Intros/Announcements/Business
    • ~7:00-9:00 pm: Program

    The Headshot Side- Hustle

    Portrait and wedding photographers, even really successful ones, often have the same problem: the slow season. 

    What if you could build another source of income that could keep your studio busy all year? 

    What if you could take advantage of the high demand for headshots without hurting your boutique studio brand? 

    In this program, you will learn:

    • How to craft a headshot brand and make it grow
    • The different types of headshot jobs and how to price them
    • How to communicate with B2B clients and speak their language
    • Simple and effective marketing strategies

    Whether you plan to grow an existing headshot brand or start something new, this class is a perfect primer to get you on the right path. 


    Gary Hughes Bio

    As the child of photographer parents, it is ironic that Gary Hughes's professional life included everything but photography until life led him back to the path for which he was ultimately destined, photographer. In 2008, he and his wife, Julie, founded Hughes Fioretti Photography, and, in the years since, have grown their business by making a name for themselves as THE place to get headshots in Central Florida.

    Aside from running a studio in Winter Park, FL, Gary is also in demand as a photography educator and travels often, teaching his methods to photographers all over the world. His main focus as an instructor is to empower photographers to create the type of business that sets them free to live the kind of life they want.

    Gary’s work has been featured in publications like Forbes, Rolling Stone, and Guitar World, while his educational articles have appeared in Professional Photographer, PetaPixel, Huffington Post, and Canon Learning.


    • 19 Jun 2025
    • 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
    • Action Camera, 4415 Granite Dr. #200, Rocklin, CA, 95677
    • 15
    Register


    VOLUME HEADSHOT MASTER CLASS

    LOCATION AT:

    ACTION CAMERA

    4415 GRANITE DR.  #200

    ROCKLIN, CA 95677

    PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

    Do you ever notice the photographers posting all those big headshot jobs on social media and wonder, how do they get that kind of work? How do they pull it off? Or maybe you’ve done some team and event headshots, and you want to book more of it and refine your process. This is a workshop you do NOT want to miss.

    Gary Hughes and his team shoot 7,000 headshots a year, and he is going to spend a full day telling you exactly how he pulls it off.

    In this full day workshop you’ll learn:

    • Creating a B2B brand that businesses will respond to
    • Crafting a website that will convert big leads into clients
    • Marketing methods to bring in big clients
    • How to bid for, book, and onboard corporate clients
    • Shooting, organizing, and delivering team and event headshots (LIVE SHOOT)
    • How to KEEP your clients once you have them

    This is an incredible opportunity to learn from a photographer who is booking and shooting this work on a daily basis. You will get real answers to the important questions and zero fluff. Find out how to get organized, make more money, thrill your clients, and grow your business in a single day of education.

    GARY HUGHES BIO:

    As the child of photographer parents, it is ironic that Gary Hughes's professional life included everything but photography until life led him back to the path for which he was ultimately destined, photographer. In 2008, he and his wife, Julie, founded Hughes Fioretti Photography, and, in the years since, have grown their business by making a name for themselves as THE place to get headshots in Central Florida.

    Aside from running a studio in Winter Park, FL, Gary is also in demand as a photography educator and travels often, teaching his methods to photographers all over the world. His main focus as an instructor is to empower photographers to create the type of business that sets them free to live the kind of life they want.

    Gary’s work has been featured in publications like Forbes, Rolling Stone, and Guitar World, while his educational articles have appeared in Professional Photographer, PetaPixel, Huffington Post, and Canon Learning.

    All-Day Workshop Pricing Information:

    • $99 PPSV Members
    • $129 Affiliates (PPWC & PPSCV)
    • $199 Non-Members



      • 16 Jul 2025
      • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
      • Holiday Inn 2224 Auburn Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95821
      Register


      MONTHLY MEETING
      July 16, 2025
      6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

      LOCATION: Holiday Inn
      2224 Auburn Blvd
      Sacramento, CA 95821

      In Person Meeting

      • Free to PPSV Members
      • $35 Guest Fee for Non-Members

      Agenda:

      • 6:00-6:30 pm: Networking (with a simple/light dinner provided)
      • 6:30-7:00 pm: New Member Intros/Announcements/Business
      • ~7:00-9:00 pm: George Joell, III (Lighting on the Go - Small Light, Big Results)

      George Joell, III (Lighting on the Go - Small Light, Big Results)

      The class is designed to teach the attendees creative ways to use one light to produce multiple looks.  Whether photographing a family outdoors, a high school senior or a large group at a wedding, one light is all you need.  George often starts a wedding with a single 100ws strobe on a small light-weight nano stand.  This light covers 1/3rd of the event.  George will demonstrate how adding a pocket flash, reflector and gels can make a big difference.  This class will be hands-on.

      George Joell III Bio

      George P. Joell III has been a professional photographer for 20+ years and owns George Joell 3 Photography. He specializes in Weddings, Headshots, branding, Portraits, and Special Events.

      George has taught 25 Workshops for the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), Professional Photographers of North Carolina (PPNC), Virginia Professional Photography Association, The Professional Photographers of Michigan, Professional Photographers of Tennessee, Professional Photographers of South Carolina, The Photographic Society of the Triangle (PST), the Professional Imaging Group of Eastern North Carolina, & other local Photography Groups.

      George served on the PPA Board of Directors and is currently a PPA Councilor. He is a member of the PPNC and has served as Director, Secretary, Treasurer, President, and Chairman of the Board.

      He has earned his Master of Photography, and Craftsman Degree from the PPA.  He is a Certified Professional Photographer.  George has earned an Associate Fellow of Photography Degree (A.F.P.) & Fellow of Photography Degree (F.Ph.), with the PPNC.  George is an award-winning photographer.  He is a recipient of the PPA’s National Award & the PPA’s Director Award. 

      George is married to the lovely Millie Joell.  They have 2 kids and 5 grandkids.

      He is a Retired Army Veteran with 24 years of service.

      George P Joell III, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, F-PH

      Facebook: (5) Facebook

      IG: George Joell 3 M.Photog., Cr., CPP., F-PH (@gpjoell3) • Instagram photos and videos



      • 17 Jul 2025
      • 18 Jul 2025
      • 2 sessions
      • Greater Sacramento Area
      Register


      PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

      Day 1: Mastering a Wedding Like a Pro

      Mastering the wedding day like a pro requires the skillsets, knowledge, and stamina to handle every aspect of the wedding and reception.  It requires a delicate balance between documenting the wedding day and creating impactful images. You will learn to visualize the wedding day like a blank canvas while sticking to a predetermined timeline.  You will learn to balance the couple’s needs with your desire to create art. Your job is to create memorable experiences and document them on visual media. Your images will ultimately become a part of the artistic design of the wedding album and wall portraits. You will learn how to master a range of lighting techniques using speed lights, strobes, and LEDs, while also harnessing natural light to enhance the ambiance and emotion of the day. You’ll get practical tips for using both artificial and natural light.  You’ll be guided through posing individuals, couples, and larger groups such as families and bridal parties. The goal is to create natural, flattering, and emotional portraits that capture the essence of each moment.  You will be guided through the processes used to strategically and systematically photograph each aspect of the wedding, including the bridal prep, details, wedding, formals, bride and groom alone, receptions, and exits.  Understand the importance of setting expectations with your clients. Your communication, before and during the wedding day, will ensure you capture the images needed for a stunning final product. This is a hands-on class and you will have the opportunity to put into action what you have learned. So, bring your cameras, your smile, and an open mind, and let's tackle this professionally!

      Day 2: Off Camera Lighting for Creatives

      Off-camera flash (OCF) is a powerful tool for creative photographers.  It allows you to control and shape light more effectively than using on-camera flash.  This enables you to create dramatic, dynamic, and artistic images.  Here are some of the OCF techniques I will teach you to take your photography to the next level:

      1. High-Speed Sync (HSS)

      2. Soft Lighting with Umbrella or Softbox

      3. Using a Flash Gel (Color Temperature & Creative Color Effects)

      4. Backlighting & Rim Lighting

      5. Using Multiple Flashes (Multiple Light Sources)

      6. Lighting the Background

      7. Use of Snoot (Focused Light)

      8. Drag the Shutter (Slow Sync)

      9. Off-Camera Flash for Product Photography

      10. Using Flash for Dramatic Shadows

      11. Flash in Combination with Ambient Light

      12. Creating Light Direction

      Off-camera flash gives you control over light in a way that on-camera flash or natural light can't. Whether you're creating portraits, capturing action shots, or adding mood to your photos, these techniques will help you get creative and take your images to the next level. I will demonstrate the different combinations of these techniques to discover what works best for your style and the story you're trying to tell!  This is a hands-on workshop, so don't forget to bring your camera and Godox trigger.

      SPEAKER BIO:

      George P. Joell III has been a professional photographer for 20+ years and owns George Joell 3 Photography. He specializes in Weddings, Headshots, branding, Portraits, and Special Events.

      George has taught 25 Workshops for the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), Professional Photographers of North Carolina (PPNC), Virginia Professional Photography Association, The Professional Photographers of Michigan, Professional Photographers of Tennessee, Professional Photographers of South Carolina, The Photographic Society of the Triangle (PST), the Professional Imaging Group of Eastern North Carolina, & other local Photography Groups.

      George served on the PPA Board of Directors and is currently a PPA Councilor. He is a member of the PPNC and has served as Director, Secretary, Treasurer, President, and Chairman of the Board.

      He has earned his Master of Photography, and Craftsman Degree from the PPA.  He is a Certified Professional Photographer.  George has earned an Associate Fellow of Photography Degree (A.F.P.) & Fellow of Photography Degree (F.Ph.), with the PPNC.  George is an award-winning photographer.  He is a recipient of the PPA’s National Award & the PPA’s Director Award. 

      George is married to the lovely Millie Joell.  They have 2 kids and 5 grandkids.

      He is a Retired Army Veteran with 24 years of service.

      George P Joell III, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, F-PH

      Facebook: (5) Facebook

      IG: George Joell 3 M.Photog., Cr., CPP., F-PH (@gpjoell3) • Instagram photos and videos


      All-Day Workshop Pricing Information:

      • $99 PPSV Members
      • $129 Affiliates (PPWC & PPSCV)
      • $199 Non-Members



        • 10 Sep 2025
        • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
        • TBD
        Register

        MONTHLY MEETING
        September 10, 2025
        6:00 PM - 9:00 PM


        Real-World AI for Photographers Edit smarter.
        Create faster. Do the impossible.
        Is AI something to fear, or the greatest creative breakthrough photographers have ever had? In this high-impact 2-hour session, youʼll discover how real-world photographers, retouchers, and digital creatives can use AI inside Photoshop to accelerate their workflow, enhance creativity, and achieve results that once seemed out of reach. This isnʼt about letting AI take over. Itʼs about knowing how to use it with intention, to do more, in less time, with greater control.

        What Youʼll Learn:


        ✅ AI-Powered Retouching Polish portraits in minutes: clean up skin, remove blemishes, enhance eyes, and smooth details—without plastic-looking results.
        ✅ Removal & Cleanup Say goodbye to cables, wires, signs, and clutter. Learn how to clean up any photo in seconds with precision and ease.
        ✅ Creative Scene Rebuilds Replace skies, change backgrounds, alter outfits, or extend your composition using generative tools—perfect for portraits, composites, or storytelling.
        ✅ Smarter, Faster Selections and Compositing Select hair, subjects, objects, or skies with one click, and refine with ease—no tedious outlining or lasso tricks needed.
        ✅ AI for Ideation & Visual Experimentation Explore alternate styles, moods, and compositions quickly. Use AI as your creative partner to test new ideas without starting from scratch.
        ✅ Real-World Workflow Integration Youʼll learn where AI fits into your current process, without disrupting your style or sacrificing creative control.

        Whether youʼre a photographer looking to speed up post-processing, a retoucher tired of repetitive tasks, or a digital artist ready to explore the next frontier, this session is your invitation to work smarter and explore infinite possibilities.

        No fluff. No gimmicks. Just real-world tools that help you edit better, create faster, and do what used to be impossible.

        In Person Meeting

        • Free to PPSV Members
        • $35 Guest Fee for Non-Members

        Agenda:

        • 6:00-6:30 pm: Networking (with a simple/light dinner provided)
        • 6:30-7:00 pm: New Member Intros/Announcements/Business
        • 7:00-9:00 pm: Unmesh Dinda -Real AI for Photographers


        Unmesh Dinda Bio

        Unmesh Dinda is the founder of PiXimperfect, one of the world's leading platforms for mastering Photoshop. With over 5 million followers and over 600 million views on YouTube, Unmesh has helped creatives worldwide master the art of photo editing through 1,000+ in-depth classes.

        His journey began at the age of eight when his dad introduced him to the mysterious world

        of Photoshop. What started as a curious kid clicking every button and experimenting with family photos quickly became a lifelong passion and, eventually, a mission: to make Photoshop fun, practical, and unintimidating for everyone!

        Unmesh is known for his clear, engaging, and hands-on teaching style, which has made him a sought-after speaker at global events like Adobe MAX, Photoshop World, and numerous international workshops. His work has been recognized by major brands including Nvidia, Adobe, Logitech, and Wacom. Whether on stage or online, his sessions are interactive, high-energy, and packed with real-world techniques that creatives can use right away.

        In this workshop, attendees will work on practical projects, develop skills they can apply instantly, and turn Photoshop from an overwhelming interface into a creative ally, one that works with you, not against you. You'll walk away with tools, techniques, and creations you're proud of.

        Unmesh's goal is simple: to help you master the concepts so you never have to memorize the steps. You'll create your own steps according to your vision because you are the artist, and Photoshop is simply the tool that helps bring that vision to life.


        • 12 Sep 2025
        • 13 Sep 2025
        • 2 sessions
        • Sierra College
        Register


        PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

        Master Photoshop once and for all with this immersive, hands-on 2-day workshop designed to take you from beginner to confident Photoshop master. Day 1 focuses on building rock-solid foundations: understanding the interface, mastering essential tools, layers, selections, masks, and more, all through real-time, guided projects. On Day 2, we move into intermediate and advanced techniques in retouching, color grading, compositing, and even AI tools, helping you elevate your work to a professional level. Whether youʼre brand new to Photoshop or have dabbled before, this workshop will finally make every dot connect. You wonʼt just watch... youʼll do, create, and walk away with skills, confidence, and edits youʼre proud of!

        LEARN HOW TO:

        By the End of Day 1, Youʼll Be Able To...

        • Confidently navigate Photoshop without feeling overwhelmed
        • Edit your own photos from start to finish with fundamental adjustments
        • Use the essential tools the right way (and skip the rest)
        • Create real projects and edits youʼre proud of
        • Finally feel in control of your images, creative process, and workflow.

        By the End of Day 2, Youʼll Be Able To...

        • Color grade and correct like a pro, no guesswork
        • Retouch portraits professionally with natural, polished results
        • Seamlessly blend images and create stunning composites
        • Use AI tools to speed up edits and create what was once impossible
        • Edit faster, smarter, and bring your creative vision to life with confidence
        SPEAKER BIO:

        Unmesh Dinda is the founder of PiXimperfect, one of the world's leading platforms for mastering Photoshop. With over 5 million followers and over 600 million views on YouTube, Unmesh has helped creatives worldwide master the art of photo editing through 1,000+ in-depth classes.

        His journey began at the age of eight when his dad introduced him to the mysterious world

        of Photoshop. What started as a curious kid clicking every button and experimenting with family photos quickly became a lifelong passion and, eventually, a mission: to make Photoshop fun, practical, and unintimidating for everyone!

        Unmesh is known for his clear, engaging, and hands-on teaching style, which has made him a sought-after speaker at global events like Adobe MAX, Photoshop World, and numerous international workshops. His work has been recognized by major brands including Nvidia, Adobe, Logitech, and Wacom. Whether on stage or online, his sessions are interactive, high-energy, and packed with real-world techniques that creatives can use right away.

        In this workshop, attendees will work on practical projects, develop skills they can apply instantly, and turn Photoshop from an overwhelming interface into a creative ally, one that works with you, not against you. You'll walk away with tools, techniques, and creations you're proud of.

        Unmesh's goal is simple: to help you master the concepts so you never have to memorize the steps. You'll create your own steps according to your vision because you are the artist, and Photoshop is simply the tool that helps bring that vision to life.


        Workshop Pricing Information:

         Audience 1 Day 2 Days
        PPSV Members* $129 $199
        CA PPC Affiliates $179 $249
        Non Members $399 $549
        *PPSV Members have priority registration until May 1, 2025


      Past events

      7 May 2025 PPSV Members-only Bonus Zoom - May 2025: Cheri Hammon (Presentation - The Final Touch)
      26 Apr 2025 PPSV Social (April) - Photo Walk at The Flower Farm
      24 Apr 2025 PPSV Workshop - April 2025: Mark Campbell (Real Estate Deep Dive + Drones Workshop)
      23 Apr 2025 PPSV Monthly Meeting - April 2025: Mark Campbell (Real Estate from the Ground Up), Powered by Aftershoot
      19 Mar 2025 PPSV Image Competition - March 19, 2025
      7 Mar 2025 PPSV Social
      19 Feb 2025 PORTRAITS & LIGHTING: Mastering Light with Confidence
      15 Jan 2025 PPSV Open House: Photography, Travel, Friendship, and Adventure - The World Awaits Your Lens.
      13 Dec 2024 PPSV Gallery - Winter Party
      17 Nov 2024 Fall Studio Tour
      13 Nov 2024 PPSV Image Competition - November 2024
      17 Oct 2024 Working With Pin-Up Models And Learning Old Hollywood Lighting
      16 Oct 2024 Perfecting Your Price List with Chris Wooley
      18 Sep 2024 How To Hire And Be The Ultimate Second Photographer
      18 Sep 2024 KEH CAMERA BUY BACK
      25 Aug 2024 PPSV Pool Party
      21 Aug 2024 PPSV Image Competition - August 2024
      18 Jul 2024 PPSV Workshop - July 2024: Cris Duncan (Lighting for Sales Workshop)
      17 Jul 2024 PPSV Monthly Meeting - July 2024: Cris Duncan (One Light: 10 Portraits)
      27 Jun 2024 PPSV Special Event - Studio Tour
      20 Jun 2024 Mark Campbell - Underwater🧜‍♀️Photography Workshop
      19 Jun 2024 Mark Campbell, PPA President - Where Are You Supposed to Be?
      21 May 2024 Gold Rush Image Competition - May 2024 (PPSV, PPSCV, PPWC)
      17 Apr 2024 PPSV Monthly Meeting - April 2024: Jim Trapp (Fitness Photography – Lighting with Impact)
      27 Mar 2024 PPSV Image Competition - Boot Camp
      20 Mar 2024 PPSV Monthly Meeting - March 2024: Kathy Triolo (Generative AI - Harnessing Creativity through Artificial Intelligence)
      21 Feb 2024 PPSV Image Competition - February 2024
      8 Feb 2024 PHOTOSHOP - ZERO TO SIXTY... with Michael Collins
      17 Jan 2024 PPSV Open House: Hanson Fong Posing & Lighting Anywhere
      13 Dec 2023 PPSV Winter Gallery Party
      17 Nov 2023 PPSV November Workshop: Josh Hanna - Senior Composites: Simplified Workshop
      16 Nov 2023 PPSV November Workshop: Josh Hanna - Unconventional Senior Portraits Workshop
      15 Nov 2023 PPSV November Meeting: Josh Hanna - Unconventional Senior Portraits Market
      1 Nov 2023 PPSV November 2023 Image Competition
      20 Oct 2023 Shannon Squires Toews - Fine Art Composite Workshop
      19 Oct 2023 Shannon Squires Toews - Fine Art Portraiture Workshop
      18 Oct 2023 KEH - Turn Your Gear Into CASH!
      24 Sep 2023 PPSV California Capital Airshow Event
      20 Sep 2023 PPSV September Meeting: Jeff Galinovsky - Being Profitable in High Volume Sports
      16 Aug 2023 PPSV August 2023 Image Competition
      19 Jul 2023 PPSV July Meeting: PPA President Kira Derryberry - Everyone Needs a Headshot
      19 Jul 2023 PPSV July Workshop: Wine, Lunch, and Open Q&A with PPA President Kira Derryberry
      14 Jun 2023 Landscape Photography: Achieving Technical Excellence and Crafting Artistically Expressive Images
      21 May 2023 Open Studio for PPSV Members & Guests
      17 May 2023 PPSV May 2023 Image Competition
      20 Apr 2023 High Impact Personal Branding & Headshots
      19 Apr 2023 Master Your DIGITAL Marketing with Chris Wooley
      2 Apr 2023 Mural Photo Op!
      15 Mar 2023 PPSV March 2023 Image Competition
      1 Feb 2023 2023 PPSV In-Person Kick Off Party
      18 Jan 2023 Lightroom – What’s New and Amazing?
      16 Nov 2022 PPSV November Image Competition
      25 Oct 2022 Shooting and Selling for Success, a 1-day workshop with PPA President Jeff Dachowski
      19 Oct 2022 October Meeting - Weddings from Camera to Client in Four Hours
      28 Sep 2022 September Meeting - Secrets to High-Impact Headshots
      28 Sep 2022 September KEH
      17 Aug 2022 PPSV August Image Competition
      20 Jul 2022 July Meeting - Josh Hanna: Unconventional Senior Portraits Evening Meeting
      20 Jul 2022 July Meeting - Image & Gear Talk: BIG Changes in Lightroom! Masking & More
      15 Jun 2022 PPSV June Image Competition
      19 May 2022 Arica Dorff - Pet Photography Workshop
      18 May 2022 Arica Dorff - The Traveling Pet Photographer


      Professional Photographers of Sacramento Valley
      Est. 1953

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