Are you a creative ready to work smarter, sell confidently, and build a thriving business—with strategy, not guesswork?
Then this is the bootcamp for you!
Hotel Booking Info listed
after the description
Over two immersive days, you'll…
What’s Included:
Event Details:
Date: November 5–6, 2025 Location Day 1: River Bend Estates, Otsego, MI (Styled Shoot) Location Day 2: Courtyard by Marriott Downtown, Grand Rapids, MI (Marketing Education)
Date: November 5–6, 2025
Location Day 1: River Bend Estates, Otsego, MI (Styled Shoot)
Location Day 2: Courtyard by Marriott Downtown, Grand Rapids, MI (Marketing Education)
Who is this for?
Bonus:
Get access to our post-event resource bundle and more.
Investment:
PPofMI Members: $249 for both days
Non-Members: $299 for both days
PPofMI Members Education Day only (Nov. 6): $149
PPofMI Non- Members Education Day only (Nov. 6): $199
To preview the website, please click the following link:
Professional Photographers of Michigan - Start your reservation
If you prefer to call the hotel you can contact them here:
Reservations Toll Free: 1-888-236-2427
Limited seats available for hands-on experience.
Meet the speaker: Meredith Ryncarz
Meredith Ryncarz is a former college art professor turned destination wedding photographer with Meredith Ryncarz Photography. Recently named one of the top photographers in the south by South Magazine, her work can be seen in Forbes, The New York Times, and Southern Living. As a military spouse, Meredith has crafted a business that is not situated in one regional market but rather is mobile to suit the lifestyle of her family, allowing her to restart her business multiple times over the past decade. She has pioneered a system for relocation and geographical growth through her company, The Restart Specialist.
Thank you to our Sponsors,
LODGING is available at the Somerset Inn. To reserve your room, visit the Somerset Inn website by clicking this link: BOOK HOTEL HERE Or, call the hotel directly at 248.643.7800 for booking assistance. Be sure to mention PPofMI / Professional Photographers of Michigan and provide the group attendee code 1316 to receive the discounted rate
From Concept to Capture: A Cinematic Portrait Experience
with Kelly & Kalina Schneider
PRECON WORKSHOP - March 6th, 10AM to 5PM*
Step beyond snapshots and into the world of cinematic storytelling. In this all-day immersive workshop, you’ll learn how to turn a simple portrait into a work of art that evokes, captivates, and moves. Together, we'll guide you through every stage—from visual concept and scene design to lighting, directing, and live post-processing. You'll photograph professional models styled with custom props, wardrobe, and curated lighting setups. Build a storytelling image from scratch, with full creative control. Expect maximum shooting time, one-on-one mentoring, and pro-level insights you can’t find online. Learn how to evoke real emotion, use lighting for mood, and pose your subject for powerful, unforgettable imagery. Whether you’re a portrait, boudoir, fashion, or editorial photographer—this class will fuel your vision and elevate your results. Bring your camera and creativity and leave with portfolio-ready images and renewed artistic fire! This isn’t just another workshop. It’s a launchpad. * Bonus Opportunity at 7PM! Shootout time! Let’s put what we’ve learned into practice. We’ll set up multiple bays around the hotel, break into smaller groups, and photograph models using techniques taught by Kelly & Kalina Schneider. (This is an optional bonus round)
Step beyond snapshots and into the world of cinematic storytelling. In this all-day immersive workshop, you’ll learn how to turn a simple portrait into a work of art that evokes, captivates, and moves. Together, we'll guide you through every stage—from visual concept and scene design to lighting, directing, and live post-processing. You'll photograph professional models styled with custom props, wardrobe, and curated lighting setups. Build a storytelling image from scratch, with full creative control. Expect maximum shooting time, one-on-one mentoring, and pro-level insights you can’t find online.
Learn how to evoke real emotion, use lighting for mood, and pose your subject for powerful, unforgettable imagery.
Whether you’re a portrait, boudoir, fashion, or editorial photographer—this class will fuel your
vision and elevate your results.
Bring your camera and creativity and leave with portfolio-ready images and renewed artistic fire!
This isn’t just another workshop. It’s a launchpad.
* Bonus Opportunity at 7PM! Shootout time! Let’s put what we’ve learned into practice. We’ll set up multiple bays around the hotel, break into smaller groups, and photograph models using techniques taught by Kelly & Kalina Schneider. (This is an optional bonus round)
Friday, March 6th. - Register for PreCon
9:00 AM - Registration Open
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM - From Concept to Capture: A Cinematic Portrait Experience with Kelly & Kalina Schneider
5:00 - 7:00 PM - Enjoy DINNER at Your Leisure!
7:00 - 9:00 PM - Shootout time! Let’s put what we’ve learned into practice. We’ll set up multiple bays around the hotel, break into smaller groups, and photograph models using techniques taught by Kelly & Kalina Schneider
. (This is an optional bonus round)
*Schedule subject to change.
Ready for a full weekend of amazing speakers?
Register here for Photomax
Kelly Schneider is a nationally acclaimed portrait artist, educator, and mentor who began his photography journey in 2012 alongside his wife, Kalina. Together, they founded a successful photography business specializing in weddings, portraiture, and boudoir, which evolved into a mission to educate aspiring photographers globally.
With advanced degrees and leadership certifications—including a Master’s in Human Systems Integration and executive training from UC Berkeley and Duke—Kelly combines technical expertise with artistic talent. His extensive background includes 25+ years in high-level training, notably as Director of Training for a major U.S. Navy program.
Kelly and Kalina have mentored over 500 students through immersive workshops in the U.S. and Europe, with appearances at top photography schools and international photography tours. He holds prestigious titles such as PPA Master of Photography, Master Craftsman, and is a Certified Professional Photographer. His work has won numerous awards, including:
Multiple Photographer of the Year honors (Maryland, Florida)
WPE Top 100 Photographers internationally
Finalist images at PPA’s International Photographic Competition (2024)
Top 10 award at the Icon Awards (2024)
Kelly is also a published author and photography judge, known for his thought leadership in lighting and photography education. He was recently honored with MPI’s Mentorship Award for his contributions to the photography community.
PhotoMax offers hands-on photography workshops led by nationally recognized photographers from across the country. Join us for a weekend of insightful education, inspiring conversations, and game-changing networking with fellow photographers and vendors. Elevate your photography business while having fun!
From Concept to Capture: A Cinematic Portrait Experience Step beyond snapshots and workshop, you’ll learn how to turn a simple portrait into a work of art that evokes, captivates, and moves. Together, we'll guide you through every stage—from visual concept and scene design to lighting, directing, and live post-processing. You'll photograph professional models styled with custom props, wardrobe, and curated lighting setups. Build a storytelling image from scratch, with full creative control. Expect maximum shooting time, one-on-one mentoring, and pro-level insights you can’t find online. Learn how to evoke real emotion, use lighting for mood, and pose your subject for powerful, unforgettable imagery. Whether you’re a portrait, boudoir, fashion, or editorial photographer—this class will fuel your vision and elevate your results. Bring your camera and creativity and leave with portfolio-ready images and renewed artistic fire. This isn’t just another workshop. It’s a launchpad. Register at the Pre Con event page at Register here for Precon This is a separate registration from Photomax
Step beyond snapshots and workshop, you’ll learn how to turn a simple portrait into a work of art that evokes, captivates, and moves. Together, we'll guide you through every stage—from visual concept and scene design to lighting, directing, and live post-processing. You'll photograph professional models styled with custom props, wardrobe, and curated lighting setups. Build a storytelling image from scratch, with full creative control.
Expect maximum shooting time, one-on-one mentoring, and pro-level insights you can’t find online.
Whether you’re a portrait, boudoir, fashion, or editorial photographer—this class will fuel your vision and elevate your results.
Bring your camera and creativity and leave with portfolio-ready images and renewed artistic fire.
Register at the Pre Con event page at
Register here for Precon
This is a separate registration from Photomax
You are invited to "A Gatsby Gala“ black tie optional for our Banquet & Awards Ceremony, March 7th . Celebrate excellence with cocktails, dinner, and dazzling recognition. It will be exciting evening as we open up a Time Capsule put together by PPM 25 years ago!! This years Banquet will have an exciting event that you wont want to miss!! The 2026 Photomax will be the 25th Anniversary of a Time Capsule that was put together 25 years ago by PPM Members! The time capsule will be opened during the Banquet. Prior to the Awards Ceremony, cocktails will be available at a cash bar starting at 6:00 PM (open to all). At 6:30 PM, a banquet dinner will be served. Tickets for the dinner are required and can be added during your regular PhotoMax registration ( Photomax attendance is not required to attend the banquet). The doors for the Awards Ceremony will open at 8:00 PM. When registering, please add YOUR BANQUET DINNER TICKET AND any guest tickets you may need. **Banquet tickets are not included in the Convention registration fee. MEET THE SPEAKERS Pre-Con: Kelly & Kalina Schneider March 6th - In "From Concept to Capture: A Cinematic Portrait Experience " with Kelly & Kalina Schneider, Step beyond snapshots and into the world of cinematic storytelling. In this all-day immersive workshop, you’ll learn how to turn a simple portrait into a work of art that evokes, captivates, and moves. Together, we'll guide you through every stage—from visual concept and scene design to lighting, directing, and live post-processing. You'll photograph professional models styled with custom props, wardrobe, and curated lighting setups. Build a storytelling image from scratch, with full creative control. Expect maximum shooting time, one-on-one mentoring, and pro-level insights you can’t find online. Learn how to evoke real emotion, use lighting for mood, and pose your subject for powerful, unforgettable imagery. Whether you’re a portrait, boudoir, fashion, or editorial photographer—this class will fuel your vision and elevate your results. Bring your camera and creativity Leave with portfolio-ready images and renewed artistic fire This isn’t just another workshop. It’s a launchpad. Photomax Speakers will be Announced soon! LODGING Lodging is available at the Somerset Inn. To reserve your room, visit the Somerset Inn website by clicking this link: BOOK HOTEL ROOM and and enter the group attendee code 928. Or, call the hotel directly at 248.643.7800 for booking assistance. Be sure to mention PPofMI / Professional Photographers of Michigan and provide the group attendee code 928 to receive the discounted rate. PhotoMax is a PPA Continuing Education merit event! Working toward a PPA Degree? Attend the Pre-Con March 6th and the Conference March 6 & 7th and earn TWO Merits in ONE weekend! THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
You are invited to
"A Gatsby Gala“
black tie optional for our
Banquet & Awards Ceremony, March 7th .
Celebrate excellence with cocktails, dinner, and dazzling recognition.
It will be exciting evening as we open up a Time Capsule put together by PPM
25 years ago!!
This years Banquet will have an exciting event that you wont want to miss!! The 2026 Photomax will be the 25th Anniversary of a Time Capsule that was put together 25 years ago by PPM Members! The time capsule will be opened during the Banquet.
Prior to the Awards Ceremony, cocktails will be available at a cash bar starting at 6:00 PM (open to all). At 6:30 PM, a banquet dinner will be served. Tickets for the dinner are required and can be added during your regular PhotoMax registration ( Photomax attendance is not required to attend the banquet). The doors for the Awards Ceremony will open at 8:00 PM.
When registering, please add YOUR BANQUET DINNER TICKET AND any guest tickets you may need.
**Banquet tickets are not included in the Convention registration fee.
MEET THE SPEAKERS
Pre-Con:
Kelly & Kalina Schneider
March 6th - In "From Concept to Capture: A Cinematic Portrait Experience " with Kelly & Kalina Schneider,
Step beyond snapshots and into the world of cinematic storytelling. In this all-day immersive workshop, you’ll learn how to turn a simple portrait into a work of art that evokes, captivates, and moves.
Together, we'll guide you through every stage—from visual concept and scene design to lighting, directing, and live post-processing. You'll photograph professional models styled with custom props, wardrobe, and curated lighting setups. Build a storytelling image from scratch, with full
creative control. Expect maximum shooting time, one-on-one mentoring, and pro-level insights you can’t find
online. Learn how to evoke real emotion, use lighting for mood, and pose your subject for powerful, unforgettable imagery. Whether you’re a portrait, boudoir, fashion, or editorial photographer—this class will fuel your vision and elevate your results. Bring your camera and creativity
Leave with portfolio-ready images and renewed artistic fire
Photomax Speakers will be Announced soon!
LODGING
Lodging is available at the Somerset Inn. To reserve your room, visit the Somerset Inn website by clicking this link: BOOK HOTEL ROOM and and enter the group attendee code 928. Or, call the hotel directly at 248.643.7800 for booking assistance. Be sure to mention PPofMI / Professional Photographers of Michigan and provide the group attendee code 928 to receive the discounted rate.
PhotoMax is a PPA Continuing Education merit event! Working toward a PPA Degree? Attend the Pre-Con March 6th and the Conference March 6 & 7th and earn TWO Merits in ONE weekend!
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Contact us at info@ppofmi.com
