Professional Photographers Guild of Houston

Tuesday January 15, 2008

Holiday Inn Select - Greenway
2712 Southwest Freeway
Houston, Texas 77098
www.houston-greenwayplaza.hiselect.com
Take Hwy 59s, exit Kirby.
Get into the right lane.
Go through the Kirby light. Drive slowly.
About 1 block down is the hotel.
Turn right into the hotel drive, but immediately turn right
again to get into the parking garage.
The garage is attached to the hotel. You do not have to walk outside in the weather.
Schedule:
Dinner Served: 6:30 PM SHARP!
Print competition submissions no later then 6:00 PM

Price: PPGH Members Dinner & Meeting $40.00 
PPGH Members Meeting Only $25.00
(First time visitors may pay at the regular members rates.)
Click here to download the Membership Application
Non Members Dinner & Meeting $55.00
Non Members Meeting Only $45.00
Student Dinner & Meeting $40.00
Student Meeting Only $25.00

Register Online Now


Michael Cate, CPP

Michael and his wife Melinda currently have a private garden studio at their home in Port Neches near Beaumont. Their business is exclusively by referral but supported by targeted exchange advertising and networking. Michael began his career as a photojournalist in the 1970s during his high school and college years. He was soon invited to become a partner with a media corporation and published a community newspaper for 8 years before establishing his own publishing and printing company.
	He has since published hundreds of books for clients across North America including numerous coffee table pictorial volumes in soft and hard covers. Throughout his career, he has continually developed his skills as a photographer. Growing use of the internet and big retail control of book distribution drastically altered the independent publishing industry which forced Michael to re-evaluate the future of his career. In 2001, Michael decided to return to his favored career of Photography on a full-time basis. Using the hard- learned lessons from the publishing industry he realized he needed to first brush up on photography as a business and sought out every business course offered by the Professional Photographers of America including the business instructors course. He joined the PPGH in 2004 and became certified in 2005. He now serves on our guild board.
Survive and Thrive! No other profession offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on individuals like photography. That is our legacy and busy people are willing to pay well for our services. Fact is, there is far more potential business now than ever. Michael will explain how the current technology rush is actually creating a new level of artistic opportunity for those willing to step up and answer the demand. Michael will also share his time-tested marketing techniques that are inexpensive and competition-proof. He'll also discuss the pitfalls of poor pricing and bad service practices.
	Economic and personal challenges can drain us of the creative energy we need to overcome obstacles and maintain the unique professional identity we must have in a fast changing business environment. There's NEVER been a better time to be a professional photographer and Michael will prove it! Whether you are a part time or full time photographer; experienced or inexperienced, you'll relate to Michael's program.
This program is designed to inspire, enlighten and encourage the artist within you to press forward. Michael will share his successes as well as mistakes he want you to avoid through economic trends, natural, personal and technical challenges. He'll discuss goal setting, financial tracking, budgeting and customer service. Start your new year with growth and success. This presentation is generously illustrated with image ideas and marketing techniques to enhance the desire and energy you have for photography.