Dallas PPA upcoming events

(New Member Orientation (ZOOM) (August 12, 2026)

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Member Orientation Program

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

M2M Program: Making Waves: An Introduction to Underwater Photography with Beth Graeme (August 15, 2026)

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Most photographers love the look of underwater photos… and then immediately convince themselves it’s too technical, too risky, or too expensive. This class is designed to remove that fear. I’ll walk you through the fundamentals of underwater photography in a controlled, hands-on environment with real models and backdrops. You’ll learn how light, movement, and direction work underwater, how to protect your gear, and how to create images that look intentional instead of accidental. No pressure, no panic, no pretending you already know it all. You’ll leave with real understanding, real images, and the confidence to actually try it.

Beth Graeme is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), Photographic Craftsman (Cr.Photog.), and IPC Silver Award winner with over thirteen years of professional experience. She has taught real estate photography, the business of in-person sales, and, over the past five years, has expanded her own work to include seasonal underwater portrait sessions in controlled pool environments. This class is built from hands-on, real-world experience, focusing on practical techniques and safety. Beth’s teaching approach emphasizes strong fundamentals, clear direction, and creating intentional images in unfamiliar environments.

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

Registration closes on August 14th

REGISTER NOW

Monthly Meeting: The Art of Black & White Photography with David Downs (September 08, 2026)

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

September Meeting

The Art of Black & White Photography with David Downs

One of the most common questions photographers ask is, “How do you learn to see in black and white?” In this one-hour visual presentation, David Downs will explore how photographers can pre-visualize a scene in monochrome before pressing the shutter, rather than relying on an accidental conversion later. Through a wide range of examples, he will show how light, shape, texture, contrast, gesture, and tonal relationships determine whether an image has strong black-and-white potential. The program will also examine why some photographs succeed in monochrome while others lose their impact when color is removed, as well as common problems such as weak separation, flat lighting, distracting backgrounds, and conversions without clear intent. Participants will leave with practical ways to evaluate scenes, recognize stronger subjects, find inspiration, and develop the habit of seeing the world in tones rather than colors.

1. How to pre-visualize a scene in black and white before taking the photograph

2. How to recognize subjects with strong monochrome potential

3. How light, shape, texture, contrast, and tonal separation affect a black-and-white image

4. Why intentional black-and-white captures are typically stronger than afterthought conversions

5. How to study, practice, and find inspiration to develop stronger black-and-white vision

David Downs is a Master Photographer, Photographic Craftsman, and Certified Professional Photographer with over 14 years of professional experience. As the owner of David Downs Photography and the co-owner of Benton Downs Photography, he creates award-winning portraits, commercial imagery, and fine art, while leading national and international travel photography workshops with over 300 alumni. An experienced speaker at state and local guild conferences, David presents on topics ranging from crafting competitive, merit-worthy images and selling fine art to finding the “artist within,” marketing your work, breaking into galleries, publishing photography books, and mastering travel photography. His engaging, practical style inspires photographers to elevate both their craft and their creative voice.

Pre-Meeting Event: TBD

DPPA Workshop: The Art of Black & White Photography with David Downs (September 09, 2026)

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Dallas PPA Workshop

The Art of Black & White Photography with David Downs

1. How to pre-visualize a scene in black and white before taking the photograph

2. How to recognize subjects with strong monochrome potential

3. How light, shape, texture, contrast, and tonal separation affect a black-and-white image

4. Why intentional black-and-white captures are typically stronger than afterthought conversions

5. How to study, practice, and find inspiration to develop stronger black-and-white vision

What you will need:

A camera with a lens or lenses providing a 35-150 focal length range
If you wish to follow along with the editing process, you should bring a laptop and a tablet or mouse.

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: TBD

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: TBD

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)