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PPOC Blog entries

A LABOR OF LOVE NILMDTS – a witness to newborn loss as a Professional Photographer by Philomena Hughes MPA

Have you heard about ‘Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep’ (NILMDTS)?  It is a non-profit organization that started in the US in 2005 when parents Cheryl and Mike Haggard lost their newborn son Maddux after he survived for only 6 days.  Mike contacted a photographer, Sandy Puc and asked if she would come to the hospital to create images of their newborn before he died.  After this experience, Cheryl and Sandy created NILMDTS to support other bereaved parents.

2026-09-21T11:10:18-05:00April 19th, 2025|Blog|

Discover the Colours of Africa by Mona D’Amours CPA

Africa is a kaleidoscope of colours. It’s a magical place of wildlife, nature, and people. My travels to South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Mozambique for 34 days from September 27 to October 30, 2024, were a time to reflect on the past and future of Africa while appreciating the present, the continent, and photography least understood until you visit for yourself.

2026-09-21T12:54:43-05:00March 4th, 2025|Blog|

Spring Cleaning for Photographers: Refresh Your Studio and Office, by Cheri Kellington MPA

Spring is in the air in some parts of Canada, and that means it’s the perfect time to refresh your workspace! Whether you have a home studio, a dedicated office, or a full-fledged photography studio, a good deep clean can boost creativity, improve efficiency, and create a welcoming environment for your clients. I don’t love to do daily cleaning, but I sure love the results of a deep spring clean. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you tackle your spring cleaning like a pro.

2026-09-21T11:10:12-05:00March 4th, 2025|Blog|

Unlocking the Secrets to WOW-Worthy Nature and Travel Photography by Dee Potter, CPA

“Sunrise at the Louvre” – 2023 PPOC National Image Competition Excellence Award. When it comes to capturing images that stop the scrollers online and make international competition judges stop and stare, nature and travel photographers know that the right combination of skill, subject, and setting is key. This is not just about taking good photographs—it’s about creating visuals that evoke awe, wonder, and emotion in viewers. It’s about transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary by taking deliberate steps to enhance your craft and seek out breathtaking, unique locations. In this article, we’ll explore strategies to improve your photography results, dive into why subject selection is crucial, and discuss the unparalleled benefits of travelling to exotic locations with professional instructors and local guides.

2026-09-21T12:54:39-05:00February 3rd, 2025|Blog|

Finding Motivation for Photography – submitted by Howard D. Whiting

Photography has always been a hobby of mine, but as life gets busier with work and family, it can be challenging to find the motivation to pick up the camera. If you're like me, a “middle-aged” (60 is the new 50) enthusiast who isn't a full-time photographer, staying inspired can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. Here are some tips and ideas to rekindle your passion for photography and get you excited about personal projects.

2026-09-21T11:10:00-05:00September 3rd, 2024|Blog|

How to Safeguard Your Interests While Renting a Photography Studio

Article submitted by our commercial partners at Harvard Western Insurance.   In the world of visual storytelling, securing the right photography studio can transform your creative vision into reality. However, the complexities of studio rentals—navigating lease agreements, ensuring adequate protection against unforeseen mishaps, and mitigating common rental issues—often pose daunting challenges.

2026-09-21T11:10:03-05:00August 22nd, 2024|Blog|

Accidental Entrepreneur – by Jenn Grachow

So, here’s the thing - I wasn’t exactly prepared to be an entrepreneur when I first dove into this whole journey. But, hey, I’ve always been the type to say “yes” first and then figure things out later. And let me tell you, very few photographers are actually ready to take on the entrepreneurial world when they start out. I mean, who knew running a business could be so tough? Sure, you get to take cool photos of people and products and stuff, but it turns out you also need to know a thing or two about accounting, marketing, and networking. And let’s not even get started on the whole mindset work needed to survive in this crazy world.

2026-09-21T12:54:35-05:00August 6th, 2024|Blog|

Giving a Hand – by Vince Kehn

Early in February 2021 my daughter invited me to test some recipes for an upcoming cookbook project for the Quadra Island Children’s Centre. A Taste of Quadra Island: Island Cookery III was going to be the third fundraising cookbook in 30 years for the Quadra Children’s Centre. Recipe testing led to suggestions of taking some photographs of cooked dishes. When I submitted some shots of the food I had cooked and styled, the committee was impressed. They asked me if I would be interested in doing photography for the project. Their idea was to have volunteers cook some recipes, then have them photographed in their houses or outdoor environs. They also wanted any photography to have a strong sense of place, as Quadra Island is special that way. I said I didn’t do food photography. As I thought about it, my early years cooking in the hospitality industry and my life long love of cooking really did make me an ideal candidate for taking on food photography. So I said yes, I would take on some of the photography. This morphed into doing the feature photography and curating and editing of all submitted photographs from other volunteers.

2026-09-21T11:09:55-05:00July 22nd, 2024|Blog|
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