We are THRILLED to offer you an in-person workshop with one of our favorites, Michael Van Auken. Together we will be immersed his years of experience photographing families with fun and professional results. Just in time for fall-family-minis, this meeting will be perfect for photographers of all experience levels.

Date + Details:

Tuesday, September 19th at 5:30
Harvey Henningsen's Studio in Sebastopol

Free for Members (PPWC, PPSCV, PPSV)
$35 for Guests (purchase your pass here)

Michael Van Auken: Artist Statement

Remember that guy in high school who always had a camera in his hands? That was me. I’ve loved photography for as long as I can remember. It was never a mystery that I would pursue a career in photography.

As a professional photographer I have been recording the history of people’s lives for close to four decades. Family portraits are more than keepsakes, they are a tangible history of our lives that will be passed down through generations.

“Grandma has a collection of photographs of her parents and her brothers and sisters when they were little. She also has photographs of her aunts and uncles, grandparents, and great grandparents. When we get together we all love looking through the family albums to look for facial similarities (Who do I take after?). But we also look for clues about personality (Was mom happy when she was a little girl?), interests (I didn’t know grampa played trombone in a band!), and family relationships (Look, dad didn’t like his sister even they were little!). And don’t even get me started about those outfits and hairstyles!”

Whether it’s a family portrait, a wedding, or a corporate event, it’s all about photographing people.That’s my specialty: photographing people.With a little magic I can bring out the best in even the most camera-shy individual. (If you ask me how I do it, I don’t mind telling you. It’s magic!)

The camera is magic. It stops time: a teasing look, a loving touch, a playful expression captured in a fraction of a second. It’s these little moments that become the big picture.

** The links to register and buy tickets for both events will be available shortly.  Thank you for your patience! :)

July 19th
10:00am-1:00pm
@ Beringer Winery
2000 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574

$75 per person, with an optional $35 boxed lunch add-on

Guests welcome.
Must RSVP and purchase tickets ahead of time.

Join PPA President Kira Derryberry as we visit Beringer Winery in St. Helena on July 19th where you'll be treated to an exquisite Backyard Social experience amidst the stunning vineyards.  

We'll sip incredible wines, snack on a charcuterie board or two, engage in a friendly game of Bocce Ball, and have a whole lot of fun together.

We will also have the opportunity to delve into the rich history of Beringer Winery with none other than resident Sommelier Michael Gan, a former PPA Board of Director. Michael Gan has his Masters of Photography, Photographic Craftsman, CPP, and many other designations in his Photographic Career and is a past member of PPWC.  He will guide us through their historic wine caves, sharing captivating stories and insights about the winery's legacy. 

Throughout the event, you'll have the unique opportunity to connect with PPA President Kira Derryberry, a passionate advocate for photography and the industry as a whole.

**Wine, and a charcuterie board snack is included in the $75 ticket.  An additional boxed lunch is available for $35 and must be bought ahead of time.  There is a "snack shack" available on site with chips, sodas, and more snacks, but if you would like to eat something more substantial, please consider the boxed lunch option.  (There is no outside food or drink allowed on the Beringer property.)

Part 2 of our day with PPA President Kira Derryberry:

"Everyone Needs a Headshot"

6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
2003 Howe Ave, Sacramento, CA 95825

Must Register to attend.  PPWC members are free to attend.

Join PPA President Kira Derryberry for an engaging and informative evening presentation at the PPSV July meeting in Sacramento. As a highly sought-after photographer, Kira knows the ins and outs of running a bustling studio that specializes in headshots.

In her program titled "Everyone Needs a Headshot," Kira will share her streamlined and efficient system for booking, shooting, and selling headshots, which has contributed to her studio's year-round success. Whether you're a business professional, entrepreneur, or creative, Kira's insights and techniques will be invaluable to you.

During the presentation, Kira will take you through her process and philosophy behind creating compelling headshots. She will delve into her in-person selection and sales strategies, as well as her Zoom session process, ensuring that you are equipped with the best practices for thriving in today's headshot market.

Kira will also share her expertise in crafting corporate composites that leave a lasting impression. Discover her tried-and-true techniques that generate repeat business, allowing you to expand your offerings and attract a wider client base.

If you're seeking to shake things up in your photography business or add the highly valuable service of headshots to your repertoire, this is a program you simply cannot miss. 

Come join PPWC in a fun weekend up the coast at Ft. Bragg and the surrounding areas.  This is a free weekend as in there is no ticket to buy, but you will need to find your own lodging for your stay.  Contact Emily (email below) for more information on housing.  

Please RSVP to attend to answer the pertinent questions to make this weekend a success!  :)

As of 6/19/2023 Here is the Brainstorm for the Weekend Itinerary in Ft Bragg:

Everything is subject to change, and groups of people may want to do things differently than the rest. Feel free to email Emily for information about recommended lodging. She has a friend with a two bedroom house a few blocks from the other house where some of us will be staying. (emily@purelightphotography.net)

Friday

Arrival anytime. Get skunk train tickets if you want, it's a block from the house

Walk the beach loop, 2 miles flat

Dinner (North Coast Brewing Co?)

Sunset from house (7:30-8:30) or Glass Beach

Relaxation

Saturday

Breakfast 

Trip to lighthouse Point Cabrillo

Mendocino town walk around

Lunch picnic at the Headlands- (stop at Harvest Market FB in the AM for lunch buying)

Sunset at 10 mile beach at the end of Ward Ave. Maybe with a horse model or two!

Dinner at ? (maybe Mayan Fusion?)

Processing party

Sunday

Sunrise shooting (6:45-7:30am) at Glass Beach

Breakfast out together? Eggheads? (cash only!)

Beach (and camera)  play with sand and lens ball and driftwood

Redwood grove in town

Lunch picnic wherever we are or tacos at Cafe Jaavy

Leave by 3pm or so, recommend to drive the long way home through Point Arena!

Subject to changes, Neil and Susan are doing some research.