Dallas PPA upcoming events

Monthly Meeting: What Makes Joe Baker Photography? Three Methods I Use to Create Dynamic Images and Stand Out Amongst the Crowd with Joe Baker (October 13, 2026)

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

October Meeting

What Makes Joe Baker Photography? Three Methods I Use to

Create Dynamic Images and Stand Out Amongst the Crowd

with Joe Baker

Have you ever wondered why some photographers stand out from other photographers in the field? Is it because they edit better than most, they win the most awards, they have the best equipment, or the prettiest models? But, what about amongst their peers. What makes them stand out when everyone edits great, or has nice equipment or works with pretty models? In this program, I will share with you three methods that I use to create dynamic images using lighting, color and lens choice.

Hi, I’m Joe Baker, a portrait photographer based in Lubbock, Texas. I focus on high school and college graduates, modeling portfolios, professional headshots, and family photos. I love using off‑camera flash and it lets me unleash my creativity and helps my images standout from the crowd. Besides taking photos, I also run workshops, mentor, and educate photographers who want to elevate their craft. My goal is to help everyone be at their best whether they are in front of my camera or if I am teaching another photographer.

Pre-Meeting Event: Headshot Marathon

Is your headshot from before the pandemic or a cell phone photo of you on vacation??? Now is the time to update! Fix your hair, freshen up your make-up, and wear something you look great in. Our pre-meeting event is a Headshot Marathon. Some of our members have graciously agreed to photograph their DPPA family for free! First come first serve!!

The DPPA Connection (ZOOM) (October 14, 2026)

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The DPPA Connection

Get the best value out of Dallas PPA

Some of the topics we will cover:

Dallas PPA's monthly events
Educational resources
Degrees and certifications paths
Navigating the website
Image competition
PPA Community Network structure - PPA, TPPA, DPPA, etc
Making your voice heard
And any questions you might have.

*Even though this program is scheduled to benefit relatively new members,

all members are welcome to attend.

A Zoom meeting link will be emailed after registration.

Register HERE

Member Meet-Up: State Fair of Texas (October 17, 2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 19:30:00 GMT

Member Meet-Up

State Fair of Texas

Saturday, October 17, 2026

Come on out and join us at the State Fair of Texas (SFT) and capture some unique pictures and enjoy good times with your fellow members.

2:30 PM Gather outside the SFT gate at the DART rail station

For those without tickets, they can go past security and get their entry

ticket, but do not enter the park

3:00 PM Go through security together, with tripods and all our gear

3:15 PM Go through ticket validation (entry gate)

3:25 PM Group photo with Big Tex

3:45 PM Meet inside The Old Mill Inn with A/C

4:00 PM Photos: The Texas Woofus, the Midway Barker, Mighty Mike

(strongman), animals, food, the Midway, and more.

6:30 PM Gather for Parade in front of Big Tex or The Hall of State

7:00 PM Parade

7:45 PM Fireworks: Mattress Firm Ilumination Sensation at the

Esplanade Fountain

8:30 PM Photos at the Leonhardt Lagoon with Texas Star Ferris Wheel and

Top o’ Texas Tower. This is the money shot!

You are welcome to stick with the group, or go off on your own as you are inspired. Being a part of the group photo is highly encouraged.

** IMPORTANT**

1. You must purchase your own ticket for entry into the fair.

2. You must take care of your own parking. We suggest parking near

Baylor Hospital and taking the Dart Green Line into the fair.

3. You NEED a Temporary Photographer Pass!!!!! Get your application in

NOW at this link! 2026 Media Request Form - Temporary Photographer Credentials | State Fair of Texas

Location: Outside the State Fair of Texas Gate Dart Station 3600 Parry Ave, Dallas, TX 75210

Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026.

Time: 02:30 PM - Until

(Fair closes at 10:00PM)

Cost: The Meet-Up is Free, but you MUST REGISTER and PURCHASE YOUR TICKET FOR ENTRY INTO THE FAIR.

Disclaimer: “This meetup is organized by Dallas PPA and is not an official State Fair of Texas event or partnership." Photographers may not solicit business, sell photography services/products, or accept payment from Fair guests.

*** This event is for Dallas PPA members ONLY ***

Registration closes on October 17th

IMPORTANT: Registration for this Dallas PPA meetup does not guarantee or provide a State Fair Photographer Credential. Members without an approved credential are still welcome to attend the meetup but must follow the State Fair’s standard camera and equipment restrictions. Professional/extensive photography equipment, tripods, monopods, and lenses longer than 3 inches require prior approval and an appropriate State Fair Photographer Credential.

REGISTER NOW

Member Meet-Up: BWC Printmakers Tour (October 24, 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Member Meet-Up

BWC Printmakers Tour

Saturday, October 24, 2026

Come on out and see how an order goes through the lab and find out about sending files with the correct colorspace. They will also talk about their departments of Photographic, fine art and canvas.

Location: BWC Printmakers, 745 South Sherman Street, Richardson, Texas

Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026.

Time: 10:00 AM - Until

Cost: Free to attend but MUST REGISTER

*** This event is for Dallas PPA members ONLY ***

Registration closes on October 23rd

REGISTER NOW

Monthly Meeting: Master the Light: Create Consistent Portraits Anywhere with Eli Infante (November 10, 2026)

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 01:00:00 GMT

November Meeting

Master the Light: Create Consistent Portraits Anywhere

with Eli Infante

Creating beautiful portraits shouldn't depend on perfect light or ideal locations. Whether you're photographing a senior at sunset, a portrait session in the studio, or an athlete in a gym, the goal is the same: creating portraits that are consistent, professional, and impactful.

In this lecture, you'll learn a practical lighting system that helps you confidently create professional portraits in any environment. We'll begin by breaking down the fundamentals of outdoor flash, including how to balance ambient light with flash, how to use High-Speed Sync, and how camera settings work together to shape the final image. From there, we'll transition into studio lighting, where you'll learn how to build one-light, two-light, and multi-light setups that are easy to understand and adapt to different clients and creative goals.

We'll also explore modifier selection, classic lighting patterns, creative lighting techniques, and the thought process behind every lighting decision so you understand not just how to light a portrait, but why each choice matters.

You'll leave with a clear, repeatable lighting framework that you can confidently apply to seniors, athletes, branding sessions, and creative portraits, whether you're photographing on location or in the studio.

1. Build a Repeatable Portrait Lighting System

2. Master Outdoor Flash with Confidence

3. Create Professional Studio Lighting Setups

4. Shape Light for Different Styles and Clients

5. Understand the "Why" Behind Every Lighting Decision

Eli Infante is a portrait photographer, educator, and content creator specializing in studio and outdoor lighting. Known for simplifying off-camera flash and studio lighting, Eli teaches photographers how to create clean, professional portraits using practical techniques that are easy to understand and apply. His work ranges from high school seniors and sports portraits to editorial and creative photography, all centered around intentional lighting and efficient workflows. With a background in photography education, Eli is passionate about helping photographers build confidence with lighting through simple, repeatable setups that just work. Through workshops, live demonstrations, and online education, he continues to inspire photographers to create better portraits with confidence and creativity.

Pre-Meeting Event: Print Competition 101

Bring your questions about Dallas PPA's image competition. Whether you are new to the competition or have been entering but have questions, this is the time to ask.

If you have never entered Dallas PPA's image competition, this is your chance to learn and get yourself ready for next year’s competition.

DPPA Workshop: Master the Light: Create Consistent Portraits Anywhere with Eli Infante (November 11, 2026)

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Dallas PPA Workshop

Master the Light: Create Consistent Portraits Anywhere

with Eli Infante

In this hands-on full-day workshop, photographer and educator Eli Infante will teach you his complete portrait lighting system that works anywhere. Whether you're photographing clients in the studio, outdoors at sunset, or in challenging midday light, you'll learn a practical workflow that removes the guesswork and helps you consistently create polished, professional portraits. Throughout the day, you'll learn how to build lighting setups from the ground up, understand why each light and modifier is used, and confidently adapt to any location or lighting condition. From clean, natural-looking portraits to bold, dramatic images, every technique is designed to be repeatable for portrait sessions. You'll learn how to evaluate available light, balance flash with ambient light, choose the right modifiers, direct your subjects, and develop a lighting style that is both efficient and uniquely yours. Whether you're just beginning with off-camera flash or looking to refine your portrait lighting skills, you'll leave with the confidence and knowledge to create impactful portraits in virtually any environment.

Build a reliable lighting system for both studio and outdoor portraits.
Understand light placement, modifier selection, and camera settings with confidence.
Balance flash and ambient light for natural or dramatic results.
Create professional portraits that can be repeated with any client.
Develop a consistent workflow that saves time while elevating image quality.

What you will need:

Camera Body (Mirrorless or DSLR)
Portrait Lenses
Extra Batteries
Memory Cards
Notebook and pen for taking notes
Water bottle
Comfortable Shoes (we'll be moving around shooting)