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Founded in 1950, the Professional Photographers Guild of Houston has grown to become one of the largest guilds in the United States. The Houston Chapter of the Professional Photographers of America is one of the most active guilds in the country. With over 200 members its purpose is to create an atmosphere in which professional photographers may associate and learn from one another and stay current with trends in the industry. Serious full time professional photographers realize the importance of being an active part of the association. It is by being active that the greatest learning experience begins. The Houston organization strives to place all members based upon the level of achievement in their areas of particular interest. PPGH comprises professional portrait, wedding, videographers, corporate, industrial, advertising, and commercial photographers as well as electronic image makers and photographic artists, students, and individual firms servicing the photographic industry. Members are assessed annual dues according to the specific membership category in which they belong. All members are required to subscribe to our code of ethics and standards. Education is the central theme of the Guild which hosts monthly meetings featuring the highest caliber speaking talent from across the country. Topics include the art and science of photography as well as business and marketing strategies in professional photography. PPGH offers an unparalleled opportunity for networking with fellow professionals to sharpen one's photographic business skills.
The PPGH hosts dozens of
local seminars and workshops
annually , presented by nationally acclaimed talent.
Monthly print competition provides an excellent
opportunity to have one's work judged by a panel of master photographers
and also to study work of fellow Houston photographers. Many PPGH
members have earned prestigious state and national awards including
Master and Photographic Craftsman degrees
and national
Certification status from the
Professional Photographers of America,
an international association. Four distinguished members- Frank
Cricchio, Paul Gittings, Harper Leiper, and Ross Sanddal have served as
Presidents of PPA. Perhaps the greatest educational opportunity afforded
PPGH members lies in the making of new friends sharing a common interest
and freely exchanging ideas.
All PPGH members are allowed free access to a video tape library of most of these fine programs, as well as other quality videos made for the exclusive use of members that cover a vast range of topics.
The PPGH is a melting pot of talent; from student and aspiring photographers beginning their careers, to some of the finest photographic artists and in the country. Prospective active members submit samples of their work for review and must be active members in good standing of our parent organization, the Professional Photographers of America. Achieving active member status requires a minimum of two years professional photographic experience and submission of personal and business references. Other membership classifications are available including student, artist, aspiring, electronic imaging & video, and photographic service. All members must abide by the PPGH Code of Ethics, your assurance that the photographers you associate with will adhere to strict ethical and business standards.
PPGH maintains an online exhibit comprising prints featuring the best work by active members. This is an excellent venue for members to have their photographs viewed by hundreds of thousands of Houstonians each year.
This official PPGH monthly publication has ranked consistently in the top three in its class nationally for five years running. Informative illustrated articles serve to keep members on the leading edge of photography. Other special features such as "Member Profile" and the "Sponsor Spotlight" introduces people in the organization to all of the other members. Additionally, it covers updates on meetings and other Guild activities. In 2001 the Viewfinder went online with it's very own website.
This Degree program recognizes an individual's contributions towards the advancement of professional photography in Houston by conferring Fellowship status upon that individual. This is the highest accolade a member of PPGH can receive. Points are earned toward the fellowship degree by entering and winning monthly print competition, writing or contributing articles for The Viewfinder, teaching seminars, attendance at full-day seminars sponsored by PPGH, and working on the Board or committees.
An elegant formal dinner held at the end of each year showcases an exhibit of the highest scoring entries in print competition from throughout the year. The incoming Board of Directors are inducted, Fellowship Degrees presented, and the much anticipated Annual Trophies are given for the best of the best entries in competition. Trophies are awarded to the Best Overall entry of the Year in each of 9 categories. In addition, Photographer of the Year, Master of the Year, and Best Aspiring member trophies are presented to those individuals who achieve the highest combined scores from competition. The best form of recognition by peers, these awards also provide an excellent marketing and public relations platform for members earning such high honors.
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