Come to the October meeting prepared to ask questions of our panel! Questions regarding business, photographic technique and print competition are welcome!
Meet Our Panel
Shana Davis - Owasso OK
Shana is a Certified Professional Photographer, artist, and graphic designer that has been in the arts for over 20 years. She graduated from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma with a BFA Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art, Graphic Design and Photography. After graduating, she moved to Tulsa and was a graphic designer and photographer. She later moved into an Art director position before starting her own business. She has been awarded top honors at local and international competition, a member of Professional Photographers of Oklahoma (PPOK), Professional Photographers of America (PPA), and Tulsa Professional Photographers (INPPA). Continuing education and staying on top of the newest and best photographic technology is very important to her. This is an ever changing industry and Shana strongly believes in being involved in local, state and national guilds...It is through these Shana improves her techniques and skills as a photographer and business owner and has made some of her closest friendships! Shana has studied under some of the best photographers in the nation and attends numerous conventions, seminars, workshops, and schools throughout the year.
What does “Certified” mean? Less than 8% of all imaging professionals have successfully completed and maintained the requirements for Certification. A true professional photographer is not only a skilled artisan but also a business person like any other professional you may know. It assures you of a photographer's professional knowledge and experience, while also declaring that photographer as one who has achieved and maintains a higher standard.
Certification requires passing a comprehensive written exam measuring technical expertise, and successfully submitting a body of work to a panel of judges for review and approval. Certification credentials must be renewed through continuing education and submitting work for critical evaluation.
Tracy Provence - Chelsea OK
Tracy Provence, CPP is the owner of a home based portrait business in the small town of Chelsea, OK. With a population of less than 2200, and a median income of $35000, there have been many challenges in the 14 years she's been in business. Having earned her "Certification" in 2013, many opportunities have been "tossed" her way. From business/campaign headshots, physicians, and the most recent, the Chelsea public school contract. "When the administration had read of my recent achievement they asked if I'd be interested in taking on the contract. Of course I said yes!" Now two years in and still running special events, such as Halloween food drive/Santa portraits/Easter-Ducky Days/Bunnytime, and now only averaging around 30-40 seniors a year, 5-10 "Baby Steps" members, and a handful of families, there's no shortage of work. "I wholeheartedly believe in the blessings of God, as many photographers have come and gone in my short time here. Without His blessings, the mentors I've had over the years, and a creative drive to try new things, I probably would've given up long ago. I was constantly busy, but getting nowhere. Raising prices and having that contract fill in the gaps has allowed me to "let go" and "worry less".
Lisa Butler - Tulsa OK
Lisa Butler has been a professional photographer since 2005. She and her husband opened their first studio in Tulsa, 2005 and specialized in High School Senior portraits. In 2012, they decided to move their studio to their home. Since closing the store front studio, Lisa has been focusing on Black and White portraiture and fine art.
Lisa received her PPA Certified Professional Photographer degree in 2012 and her Master of Photography degree in 2014. She has received numerous awards, from local, state, and national competition for her work and have had many images chosen for the prestigious PPA loan book.
For the past 10 years Lisa has dedicated her time advancing professional photography, serving as the 2011 President for INPPA as well as receiving her Grand Fellowship from both Professional Photographers of Oklahoma and INPPA in recognition of her many years of service.
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