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• Canva for Photographers

  • When
    22 Mar 2026
  •  
    9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    2224 Auburn Blvd Sacramento CA

  Register

  
  

  
  

  Canva for Photographers

  with Jen Alvi M.Photog, M.Artist, CPP

  Design Smarter. Market Consistently. Save Serious Time.

  Come spend the day learning how photographers can use Canva as a powerful, practical marketing tool—without feeling overwhelmed or “design-challenged.” This hands-on workshop breaks Canva down into simple, repeatable workflows you can use immediately for your business.

  Through guided lessons and short, low-pressure exercises, you’ll learn how to create polished marketing materials that look cohesive, professional, and on brand—even if design isn’t your strong suit.

  A PDF workbook is included so you can revisit the process anytime and continue building long after the workshop ends.

  What We’ll Cover (Time Permitting)

  • Brand Kit - Store logos, brand colors, and fonts to create consistent marketing across every platform.
  • Templates - Customize ready-made layouts for social media, pricing guides, email graphics, and client communication.
  • Photo Editing Tools - Crop, straighten, adjust brightness and contrast, and apply subtle filters to enhance your work.
  • Background Remover (Pro) -  Instantly remove backgrounds for clean portrait cutouts, product features, or promotional graphics.
  • Magic Resize- Repurpose one design across multiple platforms—no starting over.
  • Grids & Frames - Create portfolio collages, album previews, card designs, and storytelling layouts with ease.
  • Folders & Projects - Organize designs by client, session type, or marketing campaign so nothing gets lost.
  • Content Planner (Pro) - Schedule and publish social media posts directly from Canva.
  • Animations & Video Tools - Create animated posts, reels, or slideshow-style sneak peeks to boost engagement.
  • Text Tools & Fonts - Add polished typography for quotes, announcements, and branded messaging.
  • PDF Creation - Design welcome guides, pricing sheets, contracts, or lead magnets as downloadable PDFs.
  • QR Codes - Link directly to galleries, booking pages, or websites—perfect for print and in-person marketing.
  • AI Tools - Use simple prompts to help draft blog posts, captions, or generate design ideas.
  • Presentations - Build and deliver live or recorded presentations with slides, notes, video, and animation.

  You’ll Walk Away With

  • A clear Canva workflow tailored specifically for photographers
  • Branded templates you can reuse again and again
  • Greater confidence creating your own marketing materials
  • Tools to stay visually consistent across all platforms
  • More time focused on shooting—not designing

  If you’ve ever thought “I know I need better marketing, I just don’t know where to start,” this workshop gives you the structure, tools, and confidence to finally make it easy—and sustainable.

  SPEAKER BIO:

  Jen Alvi has been a portrait photographer since 2011, focusing on families, high school seniors, headshots, and fine art. She is currently shifting to commissioned fine art portraits for custom-built homes.

  After many years serving on the board for Professional Photographers of Idaho and also being the CEO of Save the Day Seasonings, Jen has heavily leaned on Canva for saving time creating marketing and printed designs. Jen also creates a weekly newsletter and a quarterly digital magazine.

  Jen has been using Canva for 5 years and has created over 1,500 designs! Now with integrated AI features throughout Canva, the ability to edit photos, videos, and write text will blow your mind! 

  
  

  All-Day Workshop Pricing Information:

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

  

  Show details
• Shaping the Image: Creating Impact, Consistency, and Profit

  • When
    15 Apr 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Holiday Inn 2224 Auburn Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95821

  Register

  
  

  
  

  Shaping the Image:

  Creating Impact, Consistency, and Profit

  With Rick Ferro

  
  

  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:  Speaker Program

  
  

  This fast-paced, insight-rich presentation focuses on how to intentionally build and refine every element of an image—so your work looks more polished, purposeful, and professional.

  You’ll learn how small adjustments in lighting, posing, and design can dramatically elevate your final results, strengthen your visual brand, and increase the perceived value of your work.

  By developing greater control and consistency in your process, you’ll not only create stronger images—you’ll create stronger client experiences that lead to higher bookings and increased revenue.

  In This Class, You’ll Learn:

  • How to shape and design an image for maximum visual impact
  • The study of body language and how it influences expression and connection
  • Effective hand posing techniques that complete the composition
  • Proven methods to help clients relax and feel confident during fine posing
  • How to create beautiful, professional lighting—and enhance it with gels
  • Simple refinements that elevate your work and support premium pricing

  Who This Is For
  
  This presentation is ideal for photographers who want to:
  
  Improve consistency in their results
  

  • Strengthen their signature style
  • Build client trust and comfort
  • Increase the value of every session

  You’ll leave with practical tools you can apply immediately—helping you create images that feel intentional, emotionally engaging, and worthy of top-tier pricing

  Meet Your Instructor:  Rick Ferro

  With more than 40 years of experience shaping the photography industry, Rick Ferro is one of the nation’s most respected wedding, portrait, and commercial photographers—and a passionate educator dedicated to helping photographers elevate their craft.

  Rick’s client list reads like a who’s who of major brands and organizations, including 7-UP, Sprint, Mastercard, Mercedes-Benz, the Miami Dolphins, and Walt Disney World. In fact, Disney selected Rick to build and lead their wedding photography department, where he served as Senior Wedding Photographer and trained their team—setting the standard for excellence still followed today.

  His work has been featured on national television through ABC’s Weddings of a Lifetime and The Regis & Kathie Lee Show, and he continues to influence photographers worldwide through books, workshops, and online education.

  Rick is the author of eight+ internationally published books, including the acclaimed Creative Techniques for Lighting and Posing, and has taught photographers across the United States, Canada, and Europe. His teaching style blends real-world experience, proven systems, and practical techniques you can use immediately.

  He holds both Master Photographer and Craftsman degrees from PPA, is a WPPI Master Photographer, and is a Lifetime Member of WPPI. His images have earned placement in the prestigious PPA Loan and Showcase Collections. In 2006, Rick and his wife were honored with the United Nations Leadership Award for their contributions to photography.

  Today, Rick serves as a Lead Photographer and Trainer for Walt Disney World’s Fine Art Department, where he continues to mentor and inspire photographers at the highest level.

  • Free to PPSV Members
  • $45 Guest Fee for Non-Members

  
  

  Show details
• PPSV 2-Day Workshop - Glamour Unleashed: Master Light, Pose & Style

  • Start
    16 Apr 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    17 Apr 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    TBD -Sacramento

  Register

  
  

  • Glamour Unleashed: Master Light, Pose & Style. (2-Day Workshop)

    Step into the art and craft of high-impact glamour photography and learn how to create images that feel confident, intentional, and undeniably elevated.

    In this hands-on workshop, Rick will guide you through proven techniques that help you sculpt, direct, and style your subjects with ease—so every session feels smooth, creative, and professionally polished.

    Day 1 - You’ll Learn How To: 

    • Sculpt the face and body using purposeful, flattering lighting patterns
    • Pose women with confidence, flow, and elegance—on every body type
    • Direct your subject to create emotion, attitude, and authentic connection
    • Use subtle lighting and posing adjustments for powerful visual impact
    • Retouch glamour portraits cleanly and professionally using Evoto

    Day 2 -Rick Will Also Cover 

    • Studio lighting setups that deliver consistent, high-end results
    • Posing systems that work across experience levels and body shapes
    • LED lighting and how to use flats effectively
    • Off-camera flash techniques for dramatic control
    • How to “fly the dress” for movement and visual storytelling
    • Using smoke to add depth and cinematic impact
    • Refined hand posing for graceful, finished compositions

    Why This Workshop Matters

    Whether your style leans classic, dramatic, or modern, this workshop gives you the tools to create glamour portraits that look polished, intentional, and magazine-worthy.

    You’ll walk away with:

  • ·      Stronger technical confidence
  • ·      Clear posing and directing systems
  • ·      A repeatable creative process
  • ·      And a fresh, elevated approach to glamour sessions

  If you’re ready to transform your lighting, posing, and creative direction—this is where it happens.

  Meet Your Instructor:  Rick Ferro

  With more than 40 years of experience shaping the photography industry, Rick Ferro is one of the nation’s most respected wedding, portrait, and commercial photographers—and a passionate educator dedicated to helping photographers elevate their craft.

  Rick’s client list reads like a who’s who of major brands and organizations, including 7-UP, Sprint, Mastercard, Mercedes-Benz, the Miami Dolphins, and Walt Disney World. In fact, Disney selected Rick to build and lead their wedding photography department, where he served as Senior Wedding Photographer and trained their team—setting the standard for excellence still followed today.

  His work has been featured on national television through ABC’s Weddings of a Lifetime and The Regis & Kathie Lee Show, and he continues to influence photographers worldwide through books, workshops, and online education.

  Rick is the author of eight+ internationally published books, including the acclaimed Creative Techniques for Lighting and Posing, and has taught photographers across the United States, Canada, and Europe. His teaching style blends real-world experience, proven systems, and practical techniques you can use immediately.

  He holds both Master Photographer and Craftsman degrees from PPA, is a WPPI Master Photographer, and is a Lifetime Member of WPPI. His images have earned placement in the prestigious PPA Loan and Showcase Collections. In 2006, Rick and his wife were honored with the United Nations Leadership Award for their contributions to photography.

  Today, Rick serves as a Lead Photographer and Trainer for Walt Disney World’s Fine Art Department, where he continues to mentor and inspire photographers at the highest level.

  All-Day Workshop Pricing Information:

  • 1- Day -    $129 PPSV Members
  • 2 -Days-   $199- PPSV Members
  • 1- Day -    $149 Affiliates (PPWC & PPSCV)
  • 2 - Days - $279 Affiliates (PPWC & PPSCV)
  • 1- Day -    $299 Non-Members
  • 2 - Days - $579 Non-members

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• PPSV Monthly Meeting - The Art of Storytelling - Corey McDonald

  • When
    17 Jun 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    Holiday Inn 2224 Auburn Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95821

  Register

  
  

  • The Art of Storytelling
    with 
    Corey McDonald

    
    Agenda:

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

     Cost:
  

  • • Free to PPSV Members
    • $45 Guest Fee for Non-Members

    
    

    Storytelling is what turns an image into an experience — in this immersive presentation, attendees will see firsthand how powerful visual narrative can be.

    This presentation features a curated collection of approximately 30 original artworks, shown in a cinematic, movie-style format. Rather than viewing images in isolation, attendees experience selected recorded image sequences — strategically excerpted to fit the 90-minute format — that demonstrate how layered visuals can evoke emotion, create tension, and guide the viewer through a story.

    By engaging the audience through strong visual stimulation, this presentation helps attendees retain what they see, understand why it works, and apply those principles to their own creative process.

    What Attendees Will Learn & Why It Matters

  • Visual Storytelling Through Sequenced Artwork
    See how individual images connect to form a larger narrative that captures attention and keeps viewers emotionally engaged.
  • Why Visual Stimulation Improves Learning & Retention
    Understand how storytelling through imagery helps your audience remember your work—and your message.
  • Advanced Photoshop Story-Building Techniques
    Learn how landscapes, architecture, elements, and subjects are composited to support a story rather than distract from it.
  • Creating Epic Scenes with Purpose
    Discover how to design scenes that feel intentional, immersive, and believable—so every element serves the narrative.
  • Translating Inspiration Into Your Own Work
    Walk away with a clearer framework for telling your own stories, not just creating visually impressive images.

  • 
    Why This Presentation Resonates

  • Cinematic, immersive experience—not a slideshow
  • Story-first approach to compositing and digital artistry
  • Inspiration paired with practical insight
  • Designed to spark new creative direction

  
  Who This Presentation Is For

  This presentation is ideal for photographers and digital artists who want to:

  • Move beyond single “wow” images and create deeper meaning
  • Strengthen emotional connection in their work
  • Elevate compositing with intention and narrative
  • Develop a clearer artistic voice

  By the end of this presentation, attendees won’t just see powerful storytelling — they’ll understand how to build it, shape it, and apply it to their own creative journey.

  Speaker Bio:

  Corey is an international award-winning photographer and digital artist from the southeast United States. He’s a writer and is the best at grilling and smoking BBQ. When he’s not doing any of the previous, he’s focused on clients. 
  Corey’s philosophy is portraits are not just pictures, they’re proof that someone mattered, and they deserve to live where you can see them.  He holds the following PPA credentials: Master Photographer, Master Artist, Photographic Craftsman, and Certified Professional Photographer.  Plus, Accredited Professional of Animal Imagery from Animal Image Maker.

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Art of Wildlife: Creating Hand-Painted Digital Masterpieces

  • When
    18 Jun 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    2224 Auburn Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95821

  Register

  
  

  • 
    

    • Art of Wildlife: Creating Hand-Painted Digital Masterpieces
      
       Step into the role of a digital artist and storyteller in this immersive, hands-on workshop designed to help you transform wildlife images into compelling, gallery-worthy works of art—using your skill, creativity, and vision… not artificial intelligence.

      In this class, you’ll learn how to extract a subject and intentionally design a background or scene, then hand-paint and refine the final image using professional techniques. You’ll complete 1–2 finished artworks during class, giving you real portfolio pieces you can be proud to share and sell.

      Every element of this process is done manually, giving you full creative control and a deeper understanding of digital artistry—so your work remains authentic, original, and unmistakably yours.

      What You’ll Learn & Why It Matters

    • Subject Extraction & Scene Creation
      Build believable, emotionally engaging environments that elevate your wildlife images from “nice” to unforgettable.
    • Creative Light Control (Dodging & Burning)
      Shape light and shadow to guide the viewer’s eye and add depth, drama, and realism.
    • Color & Shadow Refinement
      Learn how to harmonize colors and adjust shadows so every element feels naturally connected.
    • Detail Enhancement Techniques
      Bring out fur, feathers, texture, and expression to create striking visual impact.
    • Digital Painting with Professional Brushes
      Master the mixer brush and custom painting tools to blend, soften, and enhance your scenes with confidence.
    • Finishing & Presentation Polish
      Apply final touches that give your artwork a refined, professional, exhibition-ready look.

    • 
      What Makes This Workshop Different

    • No AI. No shortcuts. No filters.
      Every image is created through hands-on editing and painting techniques, ensuring your work reflects your personal artistry and craftsmanship.
    • Real-Time Creation
      You won’t just watch—you’ll actively build 1–2 complete pieces during class.
    • Portfolio & Income Focused
      Walk away with finished artwork you can confidently present, print, enter into competition, or offer to clients.

    Who This Workshop Is For

    This workshop is ideal for photographers and artists who want to:

    • Expand into fine art wildlife imagery
    • Differentiate their work in a crowded market
    • Build higher-value creative offerings
    • Develop true digital painting skills
    • Strengthen their artistic voice

    BIO 
    

    Corey is an international award-winning photographer and digital artist from the southeast United States. He’s a writer and is the best at grilling and smoking BBQ. When he’s not doing any of the previous, he’s focused on clients.  Corey’s philosophy is portraits are not just pictures, they’re proof that someone mattered, and they deserve to live where you can see them.  He holds the following PPA credentials: Master Photographer, Master Artist, Photographic Craftsman, and Certified Professional Photographer.  Plus, Accredited Professional of Animal Imagery from Animal Image Maker.

    All-Day Workshop Pricing Information:

  • 1- Day -    $129 PPSV Members
  • 1- Day -    $149 Affiliates (PPWC & PPSCV)
  • 1- Day -    $299 Non-Members

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• PPSV Monthly Meeting - Color Theory and Creative Lighting using Gels

  • When
    21 Oct 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Holiday Inn 2224 Auburn Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95821

  Register

  
  

  
  

  Color Theory and Creative Lighting using Gels

  with John Gress

  In Person Meeting:
  

  • Free to PPSV Members
  • $45 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: Speaker Program

  Join photographer and educator John Gress for a vibrant 90-minute presentation exploring creative lighting techniques using both flash with colored gells. Whether you’re looking to punch up your portfolio with bold, expressive color or simply gain more control over how mood and tone are shaped through light, this session will equip you with the ideas and technical insight to get there.

  Key Takeaways:

  • Mastering color harmony- to guide mood and emotion, creating portraits that feel authentic, timeless, and memorable.
  • Reduce editing time by getting color right in-camera, resulting in cleaner files and smoother post-production.
  • Create portraits that flatter your clients’ skin tones and clothing choices
  • Choosing the right colors for different creative outcomes
  • Real-world tips for setup and consistency
  • Exploring how color influences emotion and narrative
  • Practical insights to inspire experimentation in your own work

  Perfect for photographers of all experience levels, this session is designed to spark new ideas and help you use color with greater confidence and intention.

  BIO

  For more than 25 years, Chicago photographer John Gress has created striking photography and video content for some of America’s largest companies and leading international publications. His work spans lifestyle, advertising, portraiture, and video for the beauty industry, professional sports leagues, and high-profile campaigns. Named by Professional Photographer Magazine as “one of the nation’s foremost experts on lighting,” Gress is known for his bold, dynamic style both on location and in studio. His clients include Nike, Coors Light, Windex, Glade, the NBA, Hyatt Hotels, Lufthansa, WAHL Clipper Corporation, and Panini trading cards, and his work has appeared in publications such as Time, People, Sports Illustrated, Rolling Stone, US Weekly, and The New York Times. In 2025, Gress helped lead Team USA to victory in the World Photographic Cup, earning Best in the Nation for the highest-scoring U.S. image, and was also honored at the United Nations with a Professional Photographer Achievement Award from the International Photographic Council.

  Gress discovered photography as a teenager in Oregon when he brought his mother’s Vivitar camera to summer camp. By his senior year of high school he was already covering major events for the Associated Press. Today he combines technical mastery with a deep understanding of branding and storytelling to create powerful visual content for clients around the world. A passionate educator and mentor, Gress shares his expertise through Instagram, YouTube, industry publications, conferences, and hands-on workshops across the United States, helping photographers strengthen both their technical skills and creative vision while advancing the craft of photography.

  
  

  Show details
• PPSV Workshop - From Flat to Fantastic: Unlocking the Power of Studio Lighting

  • When
    22 Oct 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    2224 Auburn Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95821

  Register

  
  

  • 
    

    From Flat to Fantastic:

    Unlocking the Power of Studio Lighting

    Go beyond the basics to create depth, drama, and polish in every shot

    Workshop Description

    Join portrait and commercial photographer John Gress for a dynamic, hands-on lighting workshop designed to build confidence and control in the studio. Throughout the day, John demonstrates how he creates his signature looks—starting with clean, precise one- and two-light setups and gradually sculpting light into more dramatic, dimensional, and moody results—while guiding you through a series of thoughtfully designed setups with a professional model.

    This workshop is open to photographers of all experience levels. John’s teaching style meets you where you are, beginning with strong foundations and layering complexity step by step so everyone learns together. Along the way, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how intentional lighting choices shape mood, depth, and story.

    Attendees will have opportunities to photograph throughout the workshop—typically around one-third of the day—while John works with participants individually, answering questions, offering feedback, and helping refine both technique and creative decision-making.

    If you’re ready to elevate your studio lighting in a collaborative, supportive environment, this workshop delivers practical tools you can use immediately—whether your goal is clean, polished imagery or bold, dramatic portraits that command attention.

    What You’ll Learn

    • How to build clean, precise lighting using simple one- and two-light setups
    • When and how to layer light to add depth, contrast, and drama
    • How small lighting adjustments dramatically change mood and impact
    • Strategies for maintaining control and consistency in the studio
    • How to confidently move between light & airy and dark & moody looks
    • A repeatable lighting process you can adapt to portrait or commercial work

    BIO

    For more than 25 years, Chicago photographer John Gress has created striking photography and video content for some of America’s largest companies and leading international publications. His work spans lifestyle, advertising, portraiture, and video for the beauty industry, professional sports leagues, and high-profile campaigns. Named by Professional Photographer Magazine as “one of the nation’s foremost experts on lighting,” Gress is known for his bold, dynamic style both on location and in studio. His clients include Nike, Coors Light, Windex, Glade, the NBA, Hyatt Hotels, Lufthansa, WAHL Clipper Corporation, and Panini trading cards, and his work has appeared in publications such as Time, People, Sports Illustrated, Rolling Stone, US Weekly, and The New York Times. In 2025, Gress helped lead Team USA to victory in the World Photographic Cup, earning Best in the Nation for the highest-scoring U.S. image, and was also honored at the United Nations with a Professional Photographer Achievement Award from the International Photographic Council.

    Gress discovered photography as a teenager in Oregon when he brought his mother’s Vivitar camera to summer camp. By his senior year of high school he was already covering major events for the Associated Press. Today he combines technical mastery with a deep understanding of branding and storytelling to create powerful visual content for clients around the world. A passionate educator and mentor, Gress shares his expertise through Instagram, YouTube, industry publications, conferences, and hands-on workshops across the United States, helping photographers strengthen both their technical skills and creative vision while advancing the craft of photography.
    
    LIMITED  CLASS SIZE 

  All-Day Workshop Pricing Information:

  • 1- Day -    $129 PPSV Members
  • 1- Day -    $149 Affiliates (PPWC & PPSCV)
  • 1- Day -    $299 Non-Members

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details