July 2026 Newsletter Print

Announcements

 

2026 Image Competition


 

Volunteers Needed

The Professional Photographers of South Carolina (PPSC) is a volunteer run organization.  Several openings currently exist for all skill levels.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact PPSC President Kim Bryant via email at [email protected] 

 

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President's Message

A Message from the President

As I reflect on the past few months, I’m encouraged by the momentum we’re building together. PPSC is in a season of renewal, and I’m excited about where we’re headed.

Our Board has been working diligently to strengthen our association by expanding educational opportunities, planning an outstanding conference, and exploring new ways to make membership more accessible and valuable. Our vision is to create a community where every photographer—from those just picking up a camera to seasoned professionals—feels welcomed, supported, and inspired to grow.

Photography is more than creating beautiful images; it’s about telling stories, building relationships, and continually challenging ourselves to improve. That’s the kind of community I want PPSC to be—a place where we celebrate one another’s successes, learn from each other, and encourage one another along the way.

I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our volunteers and Board members. Their dedication and countless hours behind the scenes make everything we do possible. We still have opportunities for others to get involved, and I encourage you to consider sharing your talents. Whether you can help with an event, serve on a committee, or simply welcome a new member, every contribution matters.

As we look ahead, you’ll see exciting changes designed to help us grow, strengthen connections across our districts, and provide even more value to our members. I truly believe the best days of PPSC are ahead of us, and I’m grateful to be on this journey with each of you.

Thank you for your continued support, your passion for photography, and your belief in our association. I hope to see you at an upcoming workshop, image competition, or district event. Together, we’ll continue to inspire creativity, foster excellence, and build a thriving community of photographers across South Carolina.

With Appreciation ,

Kimberly Bryant, CPP
President
Professional Photographers of South Carolina

 


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Calendar of Events

Image competition Review

Having a hard time deciding what to enter? Any question about image competition answered.

  • Check your email for the Zoom link after you complete your registration. 
  • Members and Non-members are welcome to attend.

 

About Your HOST

Connie Sanders and Erica Watson

 


2026 PPSC Photographic Competition

 

Thursday, August 6th, 2026

Judging begins at 12:00 noon

Submit Images

Deadline to enter is August 2nd at 11:00 pm at printcompetition.com

Click HERE to read the complete rules. 

Available Categories  

  • First Timers:
    Only for first-time entrants who have not entered a prior professional image competition.  Entries may be of any type that would otherwise fit into the competition categories listed below.

In Photographic Open:  

  • Portrait:  
    • Portraits of People  
    • Portraits of Pets and Domestic Animals  

  • Illustrative:  
    • Nature/Landscape/Wildlife/Zoo  
    • Illustrative General - Images not included in the above category, including Commercial (architecture, real estate, product photography)  

  • Reportage:  
    • General Reportage & Sports  In Wedding:  
    • All Wedding, including albums

  • In Artist:  
    • Artist Open & Restoration  

More Detail



Portrait Workshop: From Headshots to Seniors to Creative Concepts

 

What makes a portrait unforgettable?
What turns a simple image into something powerful, polished, and portfolio-worthy?

This immersive one-day workshop is dedicated entirely to portrait photography — guiding you from clean, professional headshots to personality-driven senior portraits to bold, creative concepts featuring our dramatic Angel Wings set.

We’ll break down what makes each portrait style successful — lighting, direction, expression, composition — and then create them together through guided, hands-on shooting sessions.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Shape light intentionally for different portrait styles

  • Pose with confidence and purpose

  • Direct authentic expressions

  • Make creative decisions that elevate your work

  • Turn strong captures into refined, finished images


Education Sessions

  • Lightroom & Photoshop workflow for portrait photographers

  • Editing for consistency, accurate skin tones, and professional polish

  • Retouching techniques for headshots and seniors

  • Creative enhancements for artistic and conceptual portraits


This is a true shoot-and-learn experience designed for both hobbyists and professional photographers who want to refine their craft, expand their creativity, and walk away with stronger, more intentional portraits.


Investment

Free for Members
$99 for Non-Members & Guests 

Featured Speakers

Kimberly Freeman Bryant, CPP

Doug Rogers

More Details

 


Upstate Social

 

Join us for a family social night at Fr8yrd movie night in Downtown Spartanburg.  In addition to a family friendly movie, there will be half price burgers and hot dogs as well as free popcorn in a great outdoor setting. Weather permitting.

  • FREE for Members and Guests

  

More Details

 


Professional Photographers of South Carolina Annual Conference

 

 

 

More Details

 

 

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Featured Photographer

David Foster

I am an accomplished IT professional, entrepreneur, and passionate photographer.  My career has spanned multiple disciplines, including information technology, business consulting, training, and creative production.  Currently, I specialize in providing tailored IT solutions for small to medium-sized businesses, helping them streamline their technology infrastructure and improve operational efficiency. 

In addition to my technical pursuits, I have formed Castle Spotlight Productions LLC, a creative enterprise focused on Real Estate and Architectural media.  I am a member of the Professional Photographers of America and serve on the Executive Board of Directors as Secretary for the Professional Photographers of South Carolina, showcasing a commitment to excellence in photography.  Furthermore, I hold an FAA certification as a drone pilot, allowing me to explore new perspectives in aerial photography.

Beyond my professional achievements, I am an enthusiastic nature photographer.  I am a member of the Carolina Nature Photographers Association and actively participate in the Columbia Camera Club where I share my passion for capturing captivating images.  

I have a deep dedication to conservation and environmental awareness which is reflected in my memberships with the Columbia Audubon Society and the South Carolina Native Plant Society.

 


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Current PPA Buzz

Fall Photography Workshops!

Registration is now open for PPA’s fall photography workshops from July 24 through August 31, 2026! This is your chance to learn new skills, find business guidance and network with fellow photographers. These intimate, hands-on classes take place twice a year across the United States. From September 1 – 16, dozens of studios will host day-long sessions filled with inspiration and fresh tactics for professional development. 

When you register before August 31st, you’ll also save $21. Sign up now at the $99 rate to ensure your spot in your preferred classes. After the deadline, you can still register on-site for $120. Please contact the instructor first to confirm availability. 

There's more good news–you don’t have to be a PPA member to attend Photography Workshops! Photographers who are already members of PPA receive one service Merit for each workshop they attend. You can find classes covering exciting topics like: 

  • Studio and portrait lighting
  • Dance portraiture
  • Underwater photography
  • Corporate headshots
  • Business and marketing bootcamps
  • Food and product photography
  • Digital painting
  • And so many others!

Classes are led by passionate members and professional photographers within the PPA community who want to share their strategies and techniques to further your success. To see more of the fall course offerings, check out photography classes in your state. True to PPA’s mission, these workshops will help you grow your business, master new techniques, learn marketing and sales strategies, and so much more. 

 


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