2025 Wrap UP of PPSDC Events

A Year of Excellence, Education, and Community

What PPSDC did in 2025

As we reflect on the 2025 year of programs for the Professional Photographers of San Diego County, one word rises above the rest: gratitude. This year beautifully demonstrated what is possible when high-level education, generosity, and community come together to serve photographers at every stage of their journey.

We were honored to welcome an outstanding lineup of speakers and experiences—each thoughtfully curated to challenge, equip, and inspire our members.

We began the year with Dan McClanahan, whose edgy five-light portrait program pushed attendees to think more intentionally about lighting, control, and creating a bold commercial look. This event was held at the iconic Hotel del Coronado and made possible with the support of Bill Sandke of Crown City Photo, whose generosity helped set the tone for an exceptional year of education.

A cornerstone of our success throughout the year was the unwavering sponsorship of Charles at Cheetah Stands. Charles didn’t simply sponsor our programs—he actively supported them. He provided lighting and stands for every speaker, assisted presenters on site, and offered equipment at special pricing exclusively for PPSDC members. His generosity extended even further when he donated equipment to a studio we rented, cutting our rental costs in half. Charles, your consistent support and heart for the photographic community made a meaningful and lasting impact on PPSDC.

Next, we welcomed Allison Tyler Jones (ATJ) from Arizona, a multi-million-dollar studio owner who delivered a powerful program focused on systems, clarity, and sustainable business growth. Hosted at the beautiful Skylight Studios in Mission Valley, Allison walked members through her proven processes, emphasizing pricing based on business equations—not emotion—and asked a question that resonated deeply with everyone in the room: “What do you want?” We are proud to share that Skylight Studios is now a PPSDC member-benefit studio, offering exclusive discounts to our members.

Our third major program featured Joe Glyda, a master photographer with more than 45 years of experience specializing in food, product, architecture, and aviation photography. His one-day workshop was held at clean, well designed and efficient, The Saltbox Studio in the La Mesa area—a commercial studio owned by a working food and product photographer and ideally suited for this level of instruction. As an organization, we believe that San Diego deserves to learn from the best, and Joe’s workshop exemplified that philosophy. The Saltbox Studio is also now a member-benefit studio, expanding valuable resources for our members.

This year, PPSDC was also proud to represent professional photographers at the San Diego County Fair, participating alongside camera clubs from across the region. Among all the organizations present, PPSDC stood as the only professional photography association, offering a clear voice for education, craftsmanship, and professional standards. Our booth was generously staffed by Michelle Pennings, Melanie Robertson, Otto Kruse, Alexis Heisa, and Cindie Wolf, who engaged with fairgoers, answered questions, and represented PPSDC with professionalism, warmth, and enthusiasm. It was a meaningful opportunity to connect with the broader photographic community, advocate for the value of professional photography, and showcase the depth of expertise our members bring to the industry.

Mid-year, we gathered for an important town hall meeting focused on the future of PPSDC—an open, collaborative conversation centered on growth, direction, and continued service to our photographic community.

Immediately following the town hall, members had the opportunity to deepen their technical skills through an exclusive, hands-on workshop led by Michelle Pennings, CPP, Mst. Photog. Titled “Building Your Lights: From One Light to Five—Elevate Your Lighting for a Commercial Look,” this intensive program was limited to just four participants. Designed to reinforce the lighting concepts introduced earlier by Dan McClanahan, the workshop allowed attendees to gain confidence and mastery in building professional, repeatable lighting setups.

Community and connection continued with a La Jolla photowalk, led by Otto Kruse, offering members a relaxed and inspiring environment to create, collaborate, and strengthen relationships.

We then shifted gears to celebrate creativity and play with Dennis Miller, who presented a show-and-tell program highlighting the imagination and storytelling behind toy photography. This program reminded us that joy, curiosity, and experimentation remain essential parts of artistic growth.

We concluded our speaker series with Scott B. Davis, Head of Public Art Projects for the Port of San Diego and founder of Medium Photo. A film photographer and large-format artist, Scott presented “A World of Liquid Images,” a thought-provoking and inspiring exploration of how and why we are photographers. His perspective encouraged us to look beyond technique and reconnect with photography as both an art form and a way of seeing.

In addition to our educational programs, PPSDC proudly hosted our Annual Image Competition Awards, celebrating excellence, growth, and achievement among our members. These awards honor photographers who committed to refining their craft, competing throughout the year, and striving for the highest standards of professional imagery.

The year culminated with our holiday party, a joyful gathering that brought members together to celebrate accomplishments, friendships, and the shared passion that unites our community.

This year of programs would not have been possible without the generosity, time, and heart of so many. Once again, our deepest thanks to Charles owner of Cheetah Stands for sponsoring our one-day workshops, supporting our speakers, offering member discounts, and continually giving back to PPSDC. Your generosity truly embodies the spirit of our organization.

Here’s to a year that educated, inspired, celebrated excellence, and strengthened community—and to the people who make PPSDC thrive.

With gratitude,
Professional Photographers of San Diego County (PPSDC)