Pre Convention PPA Merited All-Day Class at Cherry Valley Hotel. Saturday, July 18th, 2026
Part One: The Beauty Dish Reimagined - Create Intentional, Inspiring Portraits
In this workshop, I will show you how I use a beauty dish to create portraits that are dramatic, inspiring, and intentional. The beauty dish is extremely versatile, and I will show you practical techniques that anyone can implement, even if they never used a beauty dish before, or are relatively new to portrait photography. Our emphasis will be on lighting the face, how to shape light in a flattering way, using face and camera angles that empower, and coaching subjects to emote captivating expressions. I will show you why the beauty dish is the ultimate portrait modifier.
We will also explore creating portraits with intent. With simple tips for styling, wardrobe, background choice, and layering elements in your scene, you can bring your portraits to a new level of artistic refinement. This will be an interactive workshop, so bring your camera! You will have the opportunity to practice using the light setups and photograph others implementing the concepts we learn during the class.
Part 2: Building a Successful Portrait Business with Individual Sessions and Location Headshots
Learning how to create beautiful, unique portraits is only half the battle. Finding clients and building a successful portrait studio is a very different challenge, and many photographers fail on the business side, even though their work may be excellent. In this class, I will detail how I’ve build a six figure portrait business with two simple concepts - the individual portrait session and the location headshot session. These are very different kinds of sessions, and need to be marketed differently, using various creative as well as technical and business muscles. We will talk marketing, strategies for success, and I will help you grow your business by learning from my successes and failures.
This is a PPA continuing education class. All PPA members in good standing will receive a merit for attending.
From Inspiring Portraits to a Successful Portrait Business
PPA Merited Class
July 18th | 9.30 – 4.30
Cherry Valley Hotel
Part One: The Beauty Dish Reimagined - Create Intentional, Inspiring Portraits
In this workshop, I will show you how I use a beauty dish to create portraits that are dramatic, inspiring, and intentional. The beauty dish is extremely versatile, and I will show you practical techniques that anyone can implement, even if they never used a beauty dish before, or are relatively new to portrait photography. Our emphasis will be on lighting the face, how to shape light in a flattering way, using face and camera angles that empower, and coaching subjects to emote captivating expressions. I will show you why the beauty dish is the ultimate portrait modifier.
We will also explore creating portraits with intent. With simple tips for styling, wardrobe, background choice, and layering elements in your scene, you can bring your portraits to a new level of artistic refinement. This will be an interactive workshop, so bring your camera! You will have the opportunity to practice using the light setups and photograph others implementing the concepts we learn during the class.
Part 2: Building a Successful Portrait Business with Individual Sessions and Location Headshots
Learning how to create beautiful, unique portraits is only half the battle. Finding clients and building a successful portrait studio is a very different challenge, and many photographers fail on the business side, even though their work may be excellent. In this class, I will detail how I’ve build a six figure portrait business with two simple concepts - the individual portrait session and the location headshot session. These are very different kinds of sessions, and need to be marketed differently, using various creative as well as technical and business muscles. We will talk marketing, strategies for success, and I will help you grow your business by learning from my successes and failures.
This is a PPA continuing education class. All PPA members in good standing will receive a merit for attending.
