TPPA Workshops are taught by volunteer TPPA Members who are willing to share and promote the success of all photographers throughout Texas (and beyond). These one-day workshops are offered locally to photographers of all skill levels. You do not have to be a member of TPPA to register for Texas PPA Photo Workshops.
Because many of the workshops are hosted in the photographer’s own studio, most of the workshops have a very limited capacity which also ensures everyone has an opportunity to work with the instructor and to ask questions. Take one workshop or take them all! Secure your spot today in any of the TPPA workshops. For more details, go to: tppa.org/events
Colt Melrose
February 11 Houston, TX
9:00 am – 4:30 pm
“Colt”-ivating Great Clients
In this workshop Colt will coach you on how to build a business where you love to go to work… one that is built around your uniqueness and personality. By tapping into that uniqueness, your business will become an extension of who you are. Everyone will do some self-assessment and discuss how to adapt your business to become an extension of you. From the first inquiry to the last portrait delivered or installed, you will discuss how to create a client experience you will love to put your name on.
As Houston’s luxury portrait photographer for professionals and their families, Colt is approachable and relatable. For almost a decade, he has enjoyed capturing images that celebrate and preserve his clients.
Cornell McGhee
February 18 Richmond, TX
8:30 am – 3:30 pm
Low Key Lighting
What is Low Key? Quite simply put, it is a description of an image, which contains a higher proportion of dark tones than light tones. It is best suited for images that are artistic and atmospheric. Examples of these are black-and-white images, studio portraits, and artistic nudes. Given this structure, lighting equipment such as studio strobes is ideal. This workshop is structured to illuminate photographers on the use of low-key lighting to flatter a subject or to convey an intended message.
Lieutenant Colonel (US Army, Retired) Cornell T. McGhee has numerous degrees and serves as Director of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps programs for Houston ISD as well as Secretary of TPPA.
Brenda Kieso
March 4 Tomball, TX
9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Here Comes Santa Claus!
Join Brenda Kieso for a captivating workshop and learn how to give your clients a magical Santa experience… with an emphasis on MAGIC! During the workshop, Brenda’s home studio will be transformed into Santa’s Toy Shop, something you can replicate in your own studio while creating incredible images and lasting memories. Brenda will share the promotion and tools necessary for booking and follow with “tricks of the trade” she’s learned over the past nine years.
Brenda is a Certified Professional Photographer who, for over 20 years, has specialized in capturing all of life’s milestones. She is a retired educator who is excited about teaching photography to others.
Kathy Drake
March 11 Lubbock, TX
9:00 am – 4:30 pm
1,000 Ways NOT To Do Business
It is a daunting task to start a new business or to improve an existing business while keeping bill collectors off your front porch! Kathy has experienced financial failure and has turned that experience into wonderful lessons. In this workshop, she shares what will prevent failures and keep you in business for many years to come. She will cover what equipment you really need and don’t need. Learn what jobs make you money and what jobs don’t. Other topics include studio vs. location, employees, time management and money management.
Kathy is a very positive and happy person who is anxious to share her experiences in this business we call photography.
Steve Kozak
March 11 Grapevine, TX
9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Quit Using Your Camera on Program!
Quit Using Your Camera on Program is Steve’s all-time, most popular class as it has helped thousands of photographers gain the upper hand in operating their camera. Once you learn to master your camera, you can create your vision and develop your own style. This is why Steve begins with teaching the fundamentals – F-stops and Shutter Speeds, much like learning the names of the white keys and the black keys on the piano. Knowing which ones to use is how you are able to play your favorite song – or in this case, take a great photo.
Steve Kozak has been teaching photography for over 22 years and is the Executive Director of TPPA as well as a qualified instructor for PPA Certification prep classes.
Steve Kozak
March 12 Grapevine, TX
9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Fundamentals of Flash Photography
If your idea of controlling your flash is to use TTL, then you are simply not in control of your exposure. Imagine stepping into any location and knowing exactly how to set your flash for a proper exposure. No chimping, no guessing…only confidence! By controlling your flash and camera in manual mode, you are able to place the perfect amount of light on the subject and get complete control of the background!
Steve Kozak has been teaching photography for over 22 years and has recorded over a dozen videos for the PPA EDU program. He is the Executive Director of TPPA as well as a qualified instructor for PPA Certification prep classes.
