PPAM upcoming events

Waterworks Museum Lighting Safari (Monday, September 28, 2026)

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Waterworks Museum Lighting Safari

Jeff Dachowski, M.Photog.Hon.M.Photog.M.Wed.Photog.Cr., CPP

Monday, September 28, 2026

Waterworks Museum- 2450 Beacon St. Chestnut Hill, MA

Join Jeff Dachowski for an exciting and educational experience at the Waterworks Museum in Chestnut Hill, MA. Models will be provided, and Jeff will demonstrate and guide while members create their own images of the models- Bring your Camera! Also, bring one light, one stand, and one modifier (space will be limited so no more than one please)

Note- The images you create may not be used for image competition. You understand that the images are made under the supervision of an instructor and as such are not eligible for entry.

Photos should be provided to the models by participants, in exchange for a model release from each one photographed.

This is a PPA Merit event, participants will receive one merit.

Cost for the event is $129 if bringing your own lunch; $149 including lunch.

This is a great hands-on program that you don't want to miss out on.

Biography

In high school Jeff quickly fell in love with photography. After pursuing any class related to photography, Jeff attended the Hallmark Institute of Photography.

In 2003 Jeff and his wife Carolle opened their studio in Manchester, NH. They enjoy a loyal following of children, senior, family and commercial commissions.

Jeff has photographed events throughout North America, The Caribbean and Europe since 1992. His work has been featured on covers of over a hundred publications.

Jeff is a PPA International Approved Juror, a Vatican Approved Photographer and the Past President of the Society of XXV. In March of 2024, Jeff completed his 9-year commitment to serving PPA and finished his term as the PPA Chair.

Jeff has been awarded the Honorary Master of Photography, Master of Photography Degree, Master of Wedding Photography Degree, Photographic Craftsman Degree and is a Certified Professional Photographer. In 2018 he was awarded the Imaging Excellence award from PPA. He has been awarded the PPA National Award and earned his Distinguished Colleague of Photography and Silver star from the NH Professional Photographers Association.

In 2012 Jeff and Carolle purchased a building with a storybook past in the small village of Bedford, NH. Their studio was featured in Professional Photographer Magazine in 2008, 2013 and 2019.

Jeff coaches many studios all over the country helping them to get the most out of their businesses so that the studios serve the owner, not the other way around.

Jeff and Carolle are the authors of two titles for Amherst Media. “Lighting on Location” and “Profit building for the professional photographer”.

Jeff has two wonderful daughters age 23 and 25 and has been married to his wife Carolle for over 30 years.

Distracted by Beauty: The Art of Seeing (and Capturing) Hidden Beauty (Sunday, October 18, 2026)

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Distracted by Beauty:The Art of Seeing (and Capturing) Hidden Beauty

PPAM QUARTERLY SEMINAR

DATE: Sunday, October 18th, 10am - 4:30pm

Courtyard by Marriott Boston Woburn/Boston North 700 Unicorn Park Dr, Woburn, MA 01801

As photographers, it is dangerously easy to fall onto visual autopilot. We get caught up in the daily grind, rely on places and subjects we've "seen a million times before," and lose touch with our creative spark.

In this one-day experiential workshop, award-winning photographer Kimberly helps you hit the reset button. Moving past technical perfectionism, this program challenges you to strip away preconceptions and look at the world again with childlike wonder. Through a blend of inspiring concepts, live hands-on image-making breakouts (yes, even in places as ordinary as a hotel lobby or parking lot!), and collaborative group reviews, you will retrain your eyes to spot the extraordinary hiding in plain sight.

Whether you work with a professional camera system or simply your smartphone, Kimberly will guide you to transform how you interact with your environment, elevate your visual storytelling, and reignite your passion for creating images.

Key Takeaways for Attendees

Break Visual Autopilot: Learn practical techniques to quiet the "noise" of daily life and retrain your brain to actively notice subtle details, light, and texture.
Find Beauty Anywhere: Discover how to uncover compelling visual stories in mundane or overlooked environments (like parking lots, hallways, and everyday spaces).
Hands-On Application: Participate in live, on-the-spot image-making breakout sessions designed to push you out of your comfort zone immediately.
Collaborative Learning: Share your discoveries in real-time via a class Google Drive, seeing the same spaces through the diverse perspectives of your peers.
Bring It Home to Your Business: Translate your renewed sense of wonder into fresh artistic vision, enhancing both your personal creative fulfillment and your professional portfolio.

Students should bring:

note-taking materials, a camera with their favorite lens (or 2) - may even consider creative lenses, an open mind and creative attitude :)

Biography

Kimberly Olker | Master Photographer & 2026 Grand Imaging Award Winner bridges the gap between technical precision and artistic vision. Originally trained as a software engineer, Kimberly transitioned to professional photography in 2005, blending her analytical roots with a lifelong passion for the arts. Today, she is one of the industry's most distinguished creators, holding the title of Master Photographer, Craftsman and Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) through the PPA. Her commitment to excellence was cemented in 2026 when she was awarded the prestigious IPC Grand Imaging Award for Landscape and earned the coveted Diamond Photographer designation. Beyond the camera, Kimberly is a dedicated educator and advocate for the photographic community. Since 2015, she has mentored photographers through national and local organizations and currently serves as an Adjunct Professor of Photography. Kimberly is a frequent speaker known for her heart for service and her ability to help others master the delicate balance of technical skill and creative expression.

PPAM Holiday Social 2026 (Sunday, December 06, 2026)

Sun, 06 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

PPAM Holiday Social

Sunday, December 6th, 2026

Location: Lucozzi Portraits
71 Faulkner Street, Suite 215
North Billerica, MA 01862

Time: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

‘Tis the Season’ of giving and celebrating together!
Join in the festivities, food and fun in a casual environment at PPAM’s Holiday Social!
(Spouses, significant others and friends are welcome)

More details to follow!!!!

In the spirit of the season...

Please bring a new, unwrapped gift to
benefit the Toys for Tots program.

Please be sure to register in advance, so we know how many to expect!

EVOLVE 2027 - Photo Convention (Friday, March 05, 2027)

Fri, 05 Mar 2027 17:00:00 GMT

EVOLVE 2027

PPAM's Annual Photography Convention

Friday, March 5th - Sunday, March 7th, 2027

Join us for education and fun as we Evolve!

at the Hilton Boston/Woburn

2 Forbes Rd, Woburn, MA 01801

More to come on the Speakers and Events. Stay tuned!!!

Navigate The Light & Evolve The Portrait (Monday, March 08, 2027)

Mon, 08 Mar 2027 15:00:00 GMT

Navigate The Light & Evolve The Portrait

with Seth Miranda

Monday, 3/8/27

Registration starts at 9 AM

Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Hilton Boston/Woburn 2 Forbes Road, Woburn, MA 01801

Lighting is a feel as much as it’s a science. The technical aspect is one thing but what about the approach? Light is predictable so let’s get to a place where we aren’t guessing anymore. If you’ve seen photographer Seth Miranda you have probably only seen one hour at a time. What if he had all day to run through lighting set ups, why/when to use them and evolve the setups based on collaborating with you in attendance. No chat rooms. No comment sections. Just those in the room for a full day studio session.

Biography:

Seth Miranda's career in photography has been as unique as his images. Having publications under his belt at age 15, he sculpted his lighting technique day and night in the fast-action world of BMX and skateboarding. With experience running the spectrum of all formats of film, experimental/older forgotten processes all the way to today's digital medium, his versatile style has been featured in DigBMX, RideBMX, Juxtapoz, MakeUp Artist magainze and Transworld media publications as well as billboard and print ads for agencies like Deustch. He has assisted legend photographers like Joe McNally on set and also been featured in galleries covering subjects such as punk and alternative lifestyles.

Seth has brought his skill set and experience to the studio to masterfully capture every vision and concept thrown at his lens by the Special Effects MakeUp artists in attendance having worked for MUD MakeUp Designory, MakeUp For Ever, MakeUp Artist Magazine, IMATS, and many more facets of the industry. In his quest for mastery, Seth has also pushed his cinema still style docudrama images outside the realm of photography and into other mediums as stenciling, resin cast, and screen printing. Today Seth Miranda is a content producer, host, edcuator and tech for Adorama and their various platforms

This is a PPA Merit event. Provide your PPA number in the registration to earn.