Member of the Month
Peggy Dyer:
The Chameleon Eye

By CharMaine Beleele

Californian storyteller Linda King Pruitt once said, "Storytelling has become much more to me than just telling stories from history. It is a path I've chosen that takes me daily on a journey that I share with children and adults as I reach, teach and touch through the magic of story." The same is true for Peggy Dyer's storytelling images. Colorado-based photographer Peggy Dyer blends in whether she is at an East Indian wedding, on a Hawaiian cliff, atop a Rocky Mountain or in a family's home. She is a chameleon, donning the appropriate personality to blend into her clients' worlds, observing them as real people, in their truest moments with her unique style. Her images have taken her on a journey, a lifelong voyage in which each photograph reaches, teaches and touches the viewer, communicating not only the event but the emotion of the moment.
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Studio of the Month

Laura Novak:
Tips on Moving a Studio Operation

By Linda L. May

Anyone who has ever moved a household knows how much stress and sore muscles are involved. However, relocating an entire studio operation presents additional problems, challenges and issues beyond moving a house. Last year, professional photographer Laura Novak of Wilmington, DE, had the pleasure of experiencing the pros and cons of relocating her business, Laura Novak Photography, as well as designing and remodeling the studio space from the rotted floors up.

"The key to whether or not to move your studio depends on how relocating will serve you," says Laura. "Having a beautiful studio is wonderful, if it's allowing you to generate more revenues. If not, stay where you are. Make sure you have valid reasons and are not moving just to own a trendy, fancy studio space. If the larger space has room for extra office areas, or a camera room that you didn't have in your smaller space, then moving is a good idea. I moved because my business outgrew the former space. It was too small to have a camera room, which I have here, and my presentation room is much larger now."
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In Studio & On Screen
The Phenomenal Value of Becoming Part of the Wedding

By Ethan G. Salwen

"Why don't you take a stroll over there alone and enjoy being married," I suggested to a bride and groom shortly after their wedding ceremony. We were making our way to the reception, surrounded by a gaggle of family members and friends. They both smiled at me and quietly slipped away. As the couple walked off, I turned my attention to running interference for them by photographing candids of the wedding party, helping the newlyweds enjoy a moment of peace.

A Wedding Photography Service Unlike Any Other
My impromptu suggestion was born from the simple fact that in our friendly pre-planning meetings and after photographing practically every one of their movements since eight that morning, I had come to feel a genuine closeness to these people. I knew their hectic day would go long into the night and I wanted them to have a chance to quietly relish being married. After the honeymoon, the bride thanked me for what she said was one of the most special moments of the day.
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Business Landscape
Cash Management: Protecting Your Money in Changing Times

By Phillip M. Perry

Most of us think of our banks as rock solid repositories for our working capital. And for good reason: Since the federal oversight reforms that followed the Great Depression, these financial institutions have proven themselves worthy trusties of the funds we need to buy supplies, disburse wages and pay the utility bills.

The recent turmoil in the credit markets, though, has cast a new light on the need for prudent cash management. Losses from soured mortgages have eroded the fortunes of financial bulwarks such as Citibank and Bank of America. Hundreds of other institutions are also affected. Any prudent businessperson is bound to wonder: How safe is the bank that holds my money?
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Member News
Important News for WPPI Members

• Doxa Coates of A Picture in Time studio in Ontario, Canada, was featured in the Oakville Today for winning nine Accolades of Excellence at this year's WPPI 16x20 Print Competition. The article chronicles Doxa's experience at WPPI as well as her reactions when listening to the judging of her prints.
  
  
• Boston photographer Carol Lundeen appeared on The Learning Channel (TLC) premiere of "Running of the Brides" last Sunday, June 1st. The show followed three Boston-area couples as they prepared for their weddings and participated in the annual Filene's Basement Sale. Carol appeared with couple Mandie Fox and Jason Fine during their initial meeting and at the couple's wedding, which she photographed. The show is also scheduled to air on June 18th at 8 and 11 p.m.
  
  
• Les Howard of Les Howard Productions in Monroe, NY, had an interesting experience while shooting a bridal couple at a wedding at West Point military academy. This is what Les had to say about the shoot:
  
  "I am frequently at the Cadet or the Catholic Chapels at West Point. Last weekend I was able to get a series of unique images. With most of the Chapel in a state of construction maintenance there were very few areas in which to photograph. First this little squirrel made his approach to me and actually went up the outside of my trousers and around my knee. The bride and groom were laughing loudly at this. A few minutes later it returned and decided to make it's way up the bride's gown. Funny is when something happens to someone else. Note the expression on the bride's face. As you can see, the baby squirrel won."
  
  
• Member Jonathan Penney hosts an informative blog about digital imaging and printmaking. On the site, you will find tips and tutorials about distressing images in Photoshop, preparing images for competition submission, and building visual impact in your photography. Go to jonathanpenney.blogspot.com for more.
  
  
• Spend three days with Photolux Studio's award-winning team--Anthony Cava, Frank Cava and Christian Lalonde--who took WPPI by storm in 2005 and have been winning ever since. They will discuss the nuts and bolts of running a successful studio in today's market.
  
  
• The Nikon Take Your Best Shot! contest concludes this month, so get your portrait entries in now. The deadline is June 10th and entry is free! Nikon and Rangefinder magazine are looking for the best portrait to be featured on the cover of the July issue of Rangefinder. The winner will also receive the new Nikon D300. Go to www.rangefindermag.com/nikoncomp for more information on contest rules and entry.
  
  
• Moab by Legion Paper and WPPI announce the 2008 "JUST PRINT IT" contest. Click on the image to the left for more information on contest registration and other rules. Visit the "JUST PRINT IT" contest site at www.moabpaper.com/justprintit.
  
  
• AsukaBook announces the Show Us Your Best! contest, in which entrants design a book of photographic images that meet the specifications of any AsukaBook. Winners will receive a myriad of prizes from AsukaBook and other sponsors. Registration opened on June 1st and will continue until August 1st. Go to asukabook.com/contest_2008.html.
  
  
• June is our first-ever event photography issue of Rangefinder. In it you'll see the word "event" redefined over and over in profiles about risky-business sports shooters, families at dinner tables around the world, covering the red carpet of Hollywood, life on the 2008 election trail and more. See www.rangefindermag.com for more.
  
  
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