Great Lakes PhotoMax  |  March 4-5, 2023  | Troy, Michigan

MORE Education. More FUN.
More leveling up.

PhotoMax is a collection of hands on photography workshops led by nationally recognized photographers from all over the country.  Join with us for a weekend of enlightening education, inspiring conversations, and game changing networking with photographers and vendors. Have fun as you take your photography business to the next level!

ANNUAL IMAGE COMPETITION WAS HELD FEBRUARY 11

Congratulations to everyone who entered and thank you to our jury panel. The awards are now being compiled and will be presented at the Awards Ceremony March 4th, 8PM. Consider joining us for a lovely banquet dinner before the ceremony, dressed to the nines and ready to celebrate.  

Banquet and Awards Ceremony - March 4th

Join us for a Starry Night Affair, black tie optional. Enjoy a multi-course meal and classy cocktails with members and their partners. A beautiful evening celebrating excellence in imagery. 

Prior to the Awards Ceremony, Cocktails will be available at a cash bar at 6PM (open to all). At 6:30PM a Banquet Dinner will be served. Tickets are required for the dinner and can be added on during your regular PhotoMax registration (PhotoMax attendance not required).  Doors will open for the Awards Ceremony at 8PM.

When registering, please add YOUR banquet  dinner ticket AND any guest you may have. Banquet tickets are not included in the Convention registration fee.

Visiting Vendors

The following will be available to visit with on Saturday. ACI Lab will also be with us on Sunday. 

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Camera Exchange will be buying gear on-site. Dust off your un-used items and bring them with you. 

Midwest Camera Repair will be providing special rates for Camera Cleanings and Micro-Adjustments. Bring your camera gear with your to give it a "spit" shine. 

No Admission required to visit Camera Exchange and Midwest Camera Repair. 

Schedule

Friday, March 3 - PreCon!

9AM REGISTRATION
10AM-5PM  FASHION POSING AND LIGHTING WITH SENIORS with David Beckham -  Registration for this workshop is separate from PhotoMax. Register today!
5-7PM Dinner On Own
7-9PM Take What You Learned and Apply It! Shoot-Out with models across the hotel. Optional Bonus Round!

Saturday, March 4 - PHOTOMAX (Day 1)

9AM REGISTRATION
10AM-3PM CAMERA CLEANING & CALIBRATION by MidWest Camera Repair (discounted rate paid directly to vendor) 
10AM- Noon  FROM FIRST CONTACT THRU SALES with David Beckham
Noon - LUNCH ON OWN
1:30PM-4:30PM PHOTOGRAPHING PEOPLE OF VARIOUS SKIN TONES AND COLOR with George P. Joell, III
6PM ANNUAL BANQUET DINNER

6PM-6:30PM Cocktails (Cash Bar)
6:30PM- 8PM Banquet Dinner - Black Tie Optional (Additional ticket required and can be added on during PhotoMax registration process. Includes multi-course dinner.)

8PM AWARDS CEREMONY - no ticket required, Cash Bar will be open
11PM (approx.) HOSPITALITY SUITE OPEN 

Sunday, March 5 - PHOTOMAX (Day 2)

9:30AM-12:30PM(noon) MEDIOCRE TO MARVELOUS with Fuzzy Duenkel
12:30PM PPofMI GENERAL MEETING with PPofMI Board of Directors
12:45PM LUNCH ON OWN
2PM-4PM PHOTO RESTORATION with Karen Walker 

Meet the Speakers

FROM FIRST CONTACT THRU SALES with David Beckham

March 4 we will look at David's client process in a step-by-step approach that begins with getting the client to notice him thru the thank you’s sent in the spring of each year. We will look at the whole sales process and products as well.

PLUS Pre-Con: FASHION POSING AND LIGHTING WITH SENIORS*

March 3 will be a full day Pre-Con Workshop (PPA Merit) where we will be looking at multiple types of lighting: Studios Strobes, OCF, LED Studio and outside. We will be using multiple modifiers for different effects and results. This will be HANDS-ON class you bring your cameras and Godox Triggers. Throughout each of the lighting set-ups, we will be learning the Elements of Posing. By breaking down posing into simple steps we can learn how to pose any body type in any situation. We will be using HS models so that we can get great photos as well.

*Separate Registration Required

PHOTOGRAPHING PEOPLE OF VARIOUS SKIN TONES AND COLOR with George P. Joell, III  

Getting exposure and color balance is extremely important to the end result of your images. Whether its a bridal party, family or group of friends, everyone one wants (and needs) to look good. George will share his techniques and tips for getting the perfect exposure regardless of the texture and color of skin. We will discuss how to light and pose people to avoid over and under exposure, and how to expose for the environment, clothing, and the skin tones.

PHOTO RESTORATION - PRESERVING MEMORIES with Karen Walker 

As professional photographers, we have the honor of preserving family memories for future generations. But we can also use our skills to help clients preserve their family history from past generations. In this class, we'll cover everything from handling fragile old photos and making a good digital file to helping clients organize their family photo archive. Karen will demonstrate some simple Photoshop methods for improving damaged photos, then take a deep dive into more advanced techniques for fixing severely damaged photos. We'll also explore how restoring your clients old photos can boost your existing portrait or wedding business. Karen will also share some thoughts on the print competition restoration category.

MEDIOCRE TO MARVELOUS with Fuzzy Duenkel 

In this fun, highly helpful, and inspiring program, Fuzzy shares insights and examples of how he arrives at homes he’s never been to before, then finds unexpected and unusual locations to make magic happen. He’ll help you see with new eyes and gain confidence to trust yourself that you too can perform this photographic alchemy.

Lodging 

Lodging is available at the Somerset Inn. Go directly to somersetinn.com or call 248-643-7800 for booking assistance.

PhotoMax is a PPA Continuing Education merit event!  Working toward a PPA Degree? Attend the Pre-Con March 3 AND the Conference March 4-5 and earn TWO Merits in ONE weekend!

Thank you to our sponsor