Twice a year Professional Photographers of America hosts a learning opportunity for any photographer, whether they are a PPA member of not. PPA calls these Super One Days and they are available throughout the country and held by local photographers that give their time and expertise to a diversified set of subjects in many local communities. The options for classes range from different aspects of the business of photography, to shooting many different types of imagery, to post-processing, and even creating with prints and products in mind. The diversity of options available and that it’s many times a local photographer offering a class makes these educational opportunities worthwhile.
Yesterday, I was able to have a complete day with a photographer that also works in a lab here in Dallas, Texas. He went through the complete breakdown on scheduling, pricing, pitching, and shooting for a volume business and took me on a tour of the lab that’s working with hundreds of photographers with this business model. The best part was that he was an open book about any question I asked and responded honestly with over 45 years of experience behind each answer. Many of the Super One Day classes are like this with a multitude of classes being offered by photographers that are making money in the photography business.
Image by Tero Vesalainen
This year’s fall Super One Day classes are from October 2–16 and classes are normally $99 during the pre-sale time period, which is usually about two months before the classes begin until a week before the first day of classes. If you miss the registration period for a Super One Day session, you can still take a class that’s available by paying for the class on the day of, which is $120. The PPA, who just so happens to have been the driving force behind the newest legislation bill going before lawmakers in the U.S.A. to help photographers protect their copyrights, is a worldwide trade organization that has a history spanning over 148 years and is a unifying force for it’s 29,000 members.
I personally think becoming involved in local, regional, and national organizations helps photographers develop their artistic mastery and business acumen quicker. You get to connect with others who are on a similar path as you or who are generating a great income from what they love to do. Whether you are creating art for the simple love of creating or want to become an entrepreneur there is a Super One Day Class that will fit you and what you want to accomplish.
I joined PPA once. It never did a thing for me but take my money.
Yes, I think that the classes are tremendously subject to what town you are in and who's teaching. In my area, the people I've seen giving PPA classes, I don't feel are really qualified to be teaching.
I've been a member for years and it's been a great asset to me and my business. There is tons of great information available to its members, ranging in everything from accounting, marketing, business practice, and of course, photography.
Lots of free instructional videos, too.
The benefits are there, you just have to make an effort to look for it.
Attended a 1 day session yesterday with Jason Anderson in Dallas on lighting - worth the fee plus PPA membership for the year! Great guidance, great attitude. I would be very happy to do it again!.
I think it greatly depends on the city you are in. I have seen some PPA Super One Day Classes being put on by folks who should be classed as "beginner" at best. It really depends on your area, and who the people giving the class are.
Yep, and that's why when I do one I'll travel to a major area.