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Be Our Guest.
If you are a full- or part-time professional photographer, videographer, assistant, Photoshop expert, full-time photography student or educator, you are welcome to attend your first PPLAC monthly program free of charge.  Members of businesses and organizations that support professional photographers are also welcome. After your first meeting, we ask that you become a PPLAC member or pay $20 per meeting to attend our monthly programs.

PPLAC Member Benefits

Professional Photographers of Los Angeles County (PPLAC) is committed to advancing photographic excellence while maintaining the highest standards of ethical practices and conduct.  To that end, each and every one of our events offers an opportunity for networking and informal interaction among members.  Where else can you receive cutting-edge education and information, re-charge your creative juices, network with other photographers and pick the brains of instructors – all in the same event?  When it comes to establishing relationships and partnerships with your industry peers, it doesn’t get any better than this!

PPLAC members are full- or part-time studio photographers, independent fine art photographers, portrait, wedding, or commercial photographers, videographers, assistants, Photoshop experts, students, educators and individuals or firms serving the professional photography industry. Founded in 1952, PPLAC is the local affiliate of Professional Photographers of California (PPC) and Professional Photographers of America (PPA).  As your local affiliate, PPLAC provides the educational tools, networking, information and resources to help you accelerate the growth of your professional photography business.

•Monthly Programs

PPLAC is privileged to present nationally- and internationally-acclaimed speakers who will motivate your creativity and business skills, help you advance the quality of your images and generate momentum in your professional career.  These programs are presented free to members, providing the basis for a major educational experience while establishing valuable relationships with peers in the industry.

 We meet on the fourth Thursday of each month in Culver City, CA.  Our January meeting is devoted to an open house and exhibition where members are encouraged to bring their prints and albums to show off their wares and share with other members. Every year, seven of our regularly-scheduled monthly meetings are devoted to speaker programs and panels designed to educate you and help grow your business, and three meetings are devoted to print competition.  Educational topics include wedding photography, portraiture, fine art, commercial photography, lighting, posing techniques, Photoshop, Lightroom, business, marketing and sales.  Click on our Events tab to see upcoming speakers. 

•Workshops, Seminars and Studio Shares

In addition to our Monthly Programs, we also offer workshops, seminars, studio shares and photo safaris to  provide continuing education, marketing and sales information, and informal interaction among members.  Designed to cover a maximum amount of material in a minimum amount of time, these programs provide cost-effective information for the working professional without the fluff!  They are offered periodically throughout the year and may involve an additional fee.  Your PPLAC membership entitles you to substantial discounts on these programs.

•Information Networks

As part of our Studio Share series, PPLAC members have the opportunity to visit host studios and labs for candid discussions about day-to-day operations and the "nuts and bolts" of successful studios.

•Print Competition

The key to improving your work is to participate in PPLAC’s Print Competition. Three of our monthly meetings each year are devoted to print competition.  Your images will be judged and critiqued by experienced judges, many of whom are qualified by Professional Photographers of America.  Award possibilities include Best of Category, Best of Show and PPLAC Photographer of the Year.  PPLAC print competition provides an unparalleled learning opportunity for our members. (You must read PPLAC print comp rules prior to submitting)

•Exclusive Video and Tutorial Library

PPLAC maintains a DVD library of professionally-produced instructional videos and interactive tutorials for members who wish to review programs in the privacy of their own homes or studios.  For a nominal fee, these programs allow members ample time to review information and then put it to immediate use in their own business.  This valuable service is available to members only.

•Find-a-Photographer Referral Program

PPLAC members can upload their profile to take advantage of our Find-a-Photographer search engine for Client connections and lead generation.  When prospective Clients use the Find-a-Photographer search engine, they receive referrals to PPLAC members in their area with assurance that they will be dealing with a business committed to integrity, professionalism, ethical practices, creativity and the passion to produce quality images.

What’s the difference between PPLAC, PPC and PPA?

PPLAC is the local chapter of Professional Photographers of California (PPC), which is the state chapter of Professional Photographers of America (PPA).  You don’t have to be a member of either PPC or PPA to join PPLAC.  However, these state and national organizations provide a network of thousands of professional photographers to meet, exchange ideas and get information about our growing profession.  PPLAC, PPC and PPA offer numerous educational and certification programs, insurance and legal services, and other services to benefit your photographic business.

•PPLAC
As mentioned above, your PPLAC membership entitles you to participate in local monthly meetings, workshops, seminars, studio shares and print competition, along with incredible networking opportunities.  

•PPC
PPC’s West Coast School and California Sunday education programs provide opportunities for in-depth training and education each year, and the annual PPC state-wide convention and trade show in Pasadena provides educational programs, networking opportunities and a trade show that complements PPLAC’s offerings.  PPC’s annual state–wide print competition offers the opportunity to compete for the title of California’s Photographer of the Year. 

•PPA
Many PPLAC members also belong to PPA, allowing them to take advantage of vendor discounts, participate in PPA’s Master Photographer and Certified Photographer programs, enter PPA’s international print competition, participate in the online forum and leverage PPA insurance programs at group rates for malpractice protection, business and health insurance.   

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