The Annual Image Competition will be held online. Rules, deadlines and more PPofMI Image Comp Rules-2025-11-24.pdf. Merited images will count towards the PPofMI Michigan Imaging Award (MIA)
Registration MUST be complete for entries by 11:59 pm EST, Wednesday, February 18th, 2026. No late entries can be accepted.
Photographic Open and Master Artist are separate categories. You may enter in one or both. Fees are $20.00 per image for PPofMI member or non-member. Entrant can enter UNLIMITED entries in any category.
Next Generation (Students) is for ages 17 and younger. Fee is $10.00 per entry.
You must designate which for entries (if entering over 4) you want chosen for the "4 for 4 Award" This award does not automatically take your for highest entry scores.
Entries in the Workshop category are ONLY eligible for the "Best of Show Workshop" award.
Digital entries qualify for PPofMI awards.
Image Critiques are available for $10.00 each
New to PPofMI Image Competition? David Boyce Scholarship to Great Lakes Institute of Photography. $100.00 awarded to the highest scoring first time entry.
The Annual Image Competition is open to all photographers. PPofMI Members receive additional discounts on entry fees and are eligible for awards. Membership must be up to date to qualify for Awards. Please login to your ppofmi.com account to confirm your membership status.
Awards will be presented at the Annual Banquet March 7th at the Somerset Inn, Troy, MI (during PhotoMax 2026). Get your tickets for the black-tie optional Banquet Dinner (prior to the Awards Ceremony) via the PhotoMax Registry Page.
To celebrate your art, a Print Exhibit will be at Great Lakes PhotoMax 2026, showing all the art submitted to the competition.
The Annual Image Competition will be February 21, 2026, a couple of weeks prior to Great Lakes PhotoMax. The competition will be held completely online, via PrintCompetition.com.
Watch parties will be hosted across the state on February 21st!
FEEL FREE TO ORGANIZE YOUR OWN WATCH PARTY AND JOIN US FOR ALL THE FUN!
Scheduled Watch Party Locations:
Enjoy a multi-course meal and classy cocktails with members and their partners at this black tie optional event. A beautiful evening celebrating excellence in imagery. Visit PhotoMax 2026 Event Registration to purchase Banquet tickets. A separate registration option is available for Banquet Only Tickets.
Enjoy a multi-course meal and classy cocktails with members and their partners at this black tie optional event. A beautiful evening celebrating excellence in imagery.
Visit PhotoMax 2026 Event Registration to purchase Banquet tickets. A separate registration option is available for Banquet Only Tickets.
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!
Register at the Pre Con event page at Register here for Precon PHOTOMAX Kelly & Kalina Schneider (2nd day lecture): Stylized Storytelling:Building Emotion through Creative Design Class Description Storytelling in photography doesn’t start with the click of the shutter—it begins with intention, design, and the bond between photographer and subject. In this focused workshop, you’ll learn how to build compelling scenes that carry narrative weight without relying on heavy gear or post-production tricks. We’ll explore how to design a scene that feels intentional, use color and styling to set mood, and communicate with subjects to bring out authentic emotion. The last 30 minutes will be a hands-on session where participants will apply the concepts, practicing subject direction and emotional storytelling in real time. This is the workshop for photographers who want their images to move beyond posed portraits and into memorable visual experiences. Learning Objectives
Register at the Pre Con event page at
Register here for Precon
PHOTOMAX
Kelly & Kalina Schneider (2nd day lecture): Stylized Storytelling:Building Emotion through Creative Design
Class Description
Learning Objectives
Develop Story-Driven Concepts: Build a visual scene that begins with narrative, not equipment. Design with Intention: Use wardrobe, props, and environment to strengthen story impact. Harness Color for Mood: Apply color theory to infuse emotional undertones into storytelling. Guide Subject Emotionally: Direct subjects in ways that unlock expression, authenticity, and vulnerability. Communicate Effectively: Build trust and connection so the subject feels safe to give honest emotion. Apply in Practice: Use hands-on exercises to translate scene-building and communication into real portraits. Kip Shawger: Drops, Props, and Stuff: A How to for Studio Photographers Have you ever gone to the Theatre and seen a play or musical, looked at all of the beautiful scenery and wondered, "How'd they do that?" This is a look at and demonstration of how the magic of theatre is made. Did you know that what you see on stage isn't real? It's all an illusion... It's all fake. The presentation will explain how scenery is made and embellished mostly with paint. You'd be surprised at how much theatre scenery technology can actually apply to the photography business. Learn how backdrops are made. the simple way. You might want to save your hard-earned dollars and make your own studio backdrops. Learn how a stone wall can be made out of simple Styrofoam. See how faux textures can enhance your photographic backgrounds. Learn how to find, or make, or repair "props" you can use for photo shoots in your studio. All you have to do is to use your imagination... grab some paint... and have fun! Heather McGlone: Marketing That Clicks: How to Build a Brand That Books Itself Program Description: You didn’t become a photographer to spend hours figuring out what to post, what to say, and how to stand out. In this hands-on session, you’ll learn how to build a magnetic brand and marketing strategy that attracts your dream clients—without burning out. We’ll cover how to clarify your message, show up with consistency, and streamline your content using tools (like AI) that work with your creativity, not against it. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to level up, you’ll leave with a content plan, confidence, and inspiration to grow your business your way. You’ll Learn How To: Create a brand that speaks to your ideal clients build a marketing system you can stick with Design content that converts (not just gets likes) Use AI tools to save time and repurpose with ease Show up online without losing your mindWorkshop Format Includes:Workshop Format Includes: Katrina Cross-Daniels: Boudoir Unveiled Workshop Description:
Kip Shawger: Drops, Props, and Stuff: A How to for Studio Photographers
Have you ever gone to the Theatre and seen a play or musical, looked at all of the beautiful scenery and wondered, "How'd they do that?" This is a look at and demonstration of how the magic of theatre is made. Did you know that what you see on stage isn't real? It's all an illusion... It's all fake. The presentation will explain how scenery is made and embellished mostly with paint. You'd be surprised at how much theatre scenery technology can actually apply to the photography business. Learn how backdrops are made. the simple way. You might want to save your hard-earned dollars and make your own studio backdrops. Learn how a stone wall can be made out of simple Styrofoam. See how faux textures can enhance your photographic backgrounds. Learn how to find, or make, or repair "props" you can use for photo shoots in your studio. All you have to do is to use your imagination... grab some paint... and have fun!
Heather McGlone: Marketing That Clicks: How to Build a Brand That Books Itself Program Description:
Heather McGlone: Marketing That Clicks: How to Build a Brand That Books Itself
Program Description:
your creativity, not against it. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to level up, you’ll leave with a content plan, confidence, and inspiration to grow your business your way.
You’ll Learn How To:
Create a brand that speaks to your ideal clients
build a marketing system you can stick with
Design content that converts (not just gets likes) Use AI tools to save time and repurpose with ease Show up online without losing your mindWorkshop Format Includes:Workshop Format Includes:
Katrina Cross-Daniels: Boudoir Unveiled
Workshop Description:
Participants will experience a combination of guided education and real-time learning, leaving with practical tools and inspiration to confidently begin offering boudoir sessions in their own businesses.
Professional presentation on the foundations of boudoir photography, Live shooting demonstration with model(s) Posing techniques for all body types and comfort levels Option to include a segment on post-session workflow (editing, gallery delivery, and client experience) Katrina Cross is an educator, boudoir and wedding photographer based in Detroit, Michigan, known for creating transformative portrait experiences that celebrate confidence, healing, and self-love. Through her signature “I Am Worthy” campaign and educational programs, she empowers women to see themselves differently and equips photographers to do the same for their clients. As a speaker, mentor, and studio owner, Katrina blends artistry with business insight, helping creatives elevate both their craft and client relationships. She has presented at national conferences, partnered with leading industry brands, and continues to inspire through storytelling, education, and community impact.
(editing, gallery delivery, and client experience)
Katrina Cross is an educator, boudoir and wedding photographer based in Detroit, Michigan, known for creating transformative portrait experiences that celebrate confidence, healing, and self-love. Through her signature “I Am Worthy” campaign and educational programs, she empowers women to see themselves differently and equips photographers to do the same for their clients. As a speaker, mentor, and studio owner, Katrina blends artistry with business insight, helping creatives elevate both their craft and client relationships. She has presented at national conferences, partnered with leading industry brands, and continues to inspire through storytelling, education, and community impact.
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!! 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 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!!
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 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 President.ppofmi@gmail.com
