Pete Rezac Speaker Packet 2019

2019 Speaker Information
Pete Rezac, M.Photog.Cr, CPP
peterezacphotography.com
pete@peterezacphotography.com
775-247-5890
Based in Reno, NV

Pete Rezac, M.Photog.Cr, CPP
peterezacphotography.com
pete@peterezacphotography.com
775-247-5890
facebook: facebook.com/pete.rezac
Instagram: prezac
Based in Reno, NV
PPA Number 5172089
My goal is to provide your affiliate membership a quality program that affords them an opportunity to ask
questions, work hands on, and leave with an understanding of the value of in person education and the benefit
of being a member of the affiliate.
I will make you the promise of not selling from the platform or using it as a vehicle to promote my business or
indicate that there are some kind of “secrets” that participants need to invest in to get “the rest of the story”.
I’ve sat in those seats and been cheated by those speakers. I am not that kind of teacher and vow to never
be.
I am involved with my state organization, The Professional Photographers of California, and I understand the
challenges organizations face with providing quality education experiences as a member benefit to the
organization. I have witnessed first hand the change in the type of education members are seeking, which is
HANDS ON, working with their cameras and equipment making pictures. I am pleased to let you that is my
preferred method of Instruction - HANDS ON. I have found that is the best way I learn and its my preferred
method of teaching. I can adapt to teach whatever way the organization would think is best for it’s members,
but the hands on approach seems to be the most enjoyable for everyone involved.
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About Pete
Pete is a Professional Photographers of
America (PPA) Master Photographer,
Photographic Craftsman, and a Certified
Professional Photographer. He is also a
member of the American Society of
Photographers (ASP) and a proud member of
the Professional Photographers of California
(PPC) on which he currently sits on the board
as President. Pete has also earned the PPC
Master Photographer Medallion as well as the
PPC Service Medallion.
Pete started his business in 2003 as a part time
venture primarily photographing babies
through their first year, although nothing like
what is being produced today. Then in 2010 he
moved into business full time and now the
primary focus of his business is children of all
ages, families, and business portraits. Pete is
currently a PPA Councilor for the state of
Nevada and has been involved with this role
since 2015. He is also a International
Photographic Competition (IPC) Approved
Juror, and welcomes the opportunity to Judge
for your organization and provide critique of
images for your members. Pete is also an PPA
Approved Certified Professional Photographer
(CPP) Preparation Class Instructor and has
been actively mentoring CPP candidates since
2010. He also serves as a CPP image Review
Judge. Pete is also a supporter of PPA
Charities and together with his orthodontist
partners have provided funds to pay for 75 life
changing surgeries since 2013 and been top
donors in the country the past 3 years
Pete still produces a large majority of his work
with film and is excited to see a resurgence in
the medium. He has recently obtained an 8x10
large format camera where he hopes to start
producing work and contact printing from the
negative as a unique presentation for his
clients. He has been working with the 4x5
view camera for past 4 years and enjoys the
experience it brings him as a photographer as
well as the experience if provides his clients.
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Accomplishments

International Photographic Competition
• 2 Time Platinum Medalist
• 2 Time Gold Medalist
• 1 Time Silver Medalist
• Top 10 Grand Imaging Children’s Category 2015
• Western District First Place Children’s Portrait 2017
• Western District Certified Professional Photographer 2017
• Western District Third Place Children’s Portrait 2015
Professional Photographers of California
PPA Charities
• Studio Portrait Photographer of the Year 2018
• Childrens Portrait Photographer of the Year 2017 & 2015
• Certified Professional Photographer of the Year 2017 & 2015
• California Top 10 Photographers 2018, 2017, & 2015
• California Master Photographer Degree #13 - 2018
• California Service Medallion - 2018
• Celebration of Smiles Day Top Donor - 2017, 2016, 2015
• Celebration of Smiles Day Best of Show Portrait - 2015
• PPA Charities Image Impact Award - 2016
• 75 Operation Smile Surgeries funded since 2013
• Giving Tuesday Program Instructor 2017 & 2016
Professional Photographer Magazine
• “Childhood Authenticity” December 2017
• “Charitable Marketing” March 2017
• “Unexpected Education “ November 2015
PPA Imaging USA
• Invited to be platform speaker for 2019 - Childrens Portraits
• Pre-Convention Hands On Class - B&W Childrens 2018
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Photographs

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Programs
Black &White Children’s Character Portraits
This program covers how I consult with clients prior to our Children’s Character Portrait Session.
What I’m after and the “Authenticity” that we need in order to make these type of pictures really
shine. The clothing, the dirt, the sweat, the expression, and the props.
I’ll then go into how e produce the portraits including how I light them, what I’ve found to be
good working exposures, the poses that work well, and how many shots I try to make. These
portraits are about efficiency
Finally, I’ll go into the post production that I do to finish these images along with the sizes that I
offer to clients. These are commissioned portrait sessions rather than volume mini sessions.
Questions - It is my goal to students prepared to start producing these types of sessions right
away. The great thing about in person education is the ability to ask questions. So please don’t
be afraid to ask - it’s the best way we can all learn!
This program can be a 2 hour demonstration or a full day hands on workshop.
This is alway a fun hands on class as EVERYONE get’s dirty! Who doesn’t like to get dirty and
relive their childhood! This being said it is highly encouraged to let students know to not wear
anything they don’t mind getting a little dirty throughout the program..
I bring props, background, and wardrobe for kids to wear with me. Along with the items we need
to get the kids dirty.
What I ask from the organization to provide if possible are the follow pieces of equipment
Background Stand Kit
Main Light with medium modifier I.e. 2x3 soft box and light stand
Fill light with medium umbrella and light stand
Accent light with strip box and grid if possible and light stand
A light stand that I can mount a background light
A full or 1/2 sized posing “apple box” or Hanson Fong type blocks for a child to stand on
Projector with HDMI input
That’s it and a willingness to learn
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Programs
Film - What’s Old Is New Again
This program covers how I have been steadily reintroducing film into my everyday work flow
over the past few years. Many photographers will tell you that the experience with portrait
studio is one of the main ways to separate yourself from the competition. I too believe in that
school of thought, and working with the 4x5 and soon 8x10 view cameras provide that unique
experience along with the various medium format cameras I use to create my work as well.
“Imagine having your picture created with the same camera that once photographed Marilyn
Monroe?” Now that’s an experience and a story to think about.
I will discuss the various equipment I used to create my film based images from the types of
cameras (that can still be had for very little investment) to how I process my film at home and
then scan for retouching and sending to the lab for printing..
I answer the questions about cost, blinks, how to establish exposure, and all questions regarding
silver based photography. I explain how working with film has made me a better photographer,
show results of competition images that were shot on film and ultimately landed in the PPA Loan
Collection.
There is a renewed interest in working with analog amongst many creative disciplines and we are
seeing a resurgence in the craft of photography as well. This is a lecture type program aimed to
answer questions and inspire organization members who may be interested in adding silver based
photography back into their tool kit and looking for a different experience to provide their
clients as well as themselves as a photographer.
Each time I’ve offered this class it has been completely filled seating.
This lecture class is roughly a 2 hour program, and I am in the works in developing a multi day
workshop where we shoot one day, then process, scan, and digitally print the follow day.
Equipment required
Projector with HDMI Input
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Programs
Enjoying Moments with Electricity
This is a short program that I was asked to present during IUSA in the Print for Success Theater
at the 2018 Imaging USA in Nashville TN. The goal of this program is to inspire members to print
their work and how printed work does not require electricity to enjoy it.
I cover three examples of the power of printed work and tell a story about each of them. One
being a personal one after the passing of my father in law, One on finding a treasured tin type of
my mother in laws Grand Father and his brothers, and one from a recent client who does not wish
to have electronic means to enjoy her family - that’s right she does not want to deal with a
computer or a cell phone to enjoy her loved ones.
These stories are meant to be anchors of reality in the work we do as photographers and how
taking it all the way to a print is the best way to ensure we preserve a visual legacy for the future
generations and also to see our vision completed in the form of a print.
This is a short program designed to inspire and start a conversation. This program could be part
of collection of short programs during a dinner presentation at a state awards convention dinner,
a short program that could be given after judging, or even something that could be done via a
webinar.
This is a short but powerful program as to the power of printed photography and the importance
it has to preserve a visual legacy.
Equipment required
Projector with HDMI Input
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Programs
Family Portraits A Plan for Success
During this workshop/presentation, Pete will discuss his proven plan for successful family
portraits that will allow you to work more efficiently, provide a better experience for the
client, and most importantly remove the post session let down of minimal sales.
Pete will go into why the pre-session consultation is key to successful portrait sales
families or otherwise. He will teach how he uses a consultative approach to family
portraits, what questions he asks clients, how he listens to the answers the clients
provide to him. How to find out what a client’s budget is and to work with it and stretch
it a bit. Discussing wardrobe, locations, and a photography plan. Imagine selling the wall
portrait before making a single frame!
Next Pete will discuss locations on what he looks for, how he reinforces to the clients
what could be important factors in choosing a location for their portrait and most
importantly how the focus of a location is still secondary to the most important element
of the family portrait – THE FAMILY
Pete will demonstrate proven lighting and posing techniques that will flatter a wide range
of subjects and show relationship and connection amongst all members of the family. He
will cover what lenses work well and the compositions that lend themselves to wall
portraiture. He’ll show you tools he’s built to aid him as the sole photographer on his
family assignments and how other photographers have utilized these same tools to help
their one-man operations as well.
Pete will show how using tools like Pro-Select help clients to visualize the portrait they’ve
selected on their walls and how it can also provide opportunities for additional portraits
in other areas of the home or office.
Finally, Pete will explain why working with other businesses, like a frame shop, will increase
your sales numbers along with adding additional marketing people in your court
promoting your brand.
This can be either an affiliate meeting type program or a day long workshop program or
combination of both.
Projector with HDMI Input required - Pete will bring other equipment
A group of everyday type people to act as models will be required too
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Endorsements
Occasionally, you come across a professional who not only talks the talk but walks the walk.
Pete Rezac is not only wonderfully knowledgeable in Photography especially film and large format
cameras, but also a fun, enthusiastic speaker. When someone speaks with passion about taking
your craft to a new level but also does it in a simple, easy to understand process that anyone can
step up and hit a home run with his teaching and speaking ability.
Pete makes it easy to understand and put the information immediately to use in any genre of
photographic work. His sense of humor and ability to put people at ease, make it easy to take
what he is speaking about seem more like a Saturday evening at a friends home rather than a
speaking engagement.
Gena Tussey, MPhotog.,Cr.,CPP - Professional Photographers of Eastern Tennessee
Pete Rezac is passionate about photography! And he shares that passion in his classes and in his
competition judging. He is a film evangelist and has built a solid business on printed film-based
portraits. Now he’s on a mission to share his knowledge with the world. Pete delivers his class
material with his characteristic self-deprecating style that is both refreshing and relatable. His
students love him! I have attended more than one of his classes and have judged with him on
multiple occasions and I’d recommend him in a heartbeat.
Lisa Dillon, M. Photog, Cr. CPP, FP-OR - Oregon Professional Photographers Association
I can’t give enough accolades about Pete Rezac.
He was an integral part of our Annual Professional Photographers of Michigan annual
spring convention.
His approach to his craft and techniques left even the most experienced photographer
with some great new ideas and motivation to step outside the box. His creative style
with the most basic of props showed us all how easy it would be to add quality and
uniqueness to our product line.
I’m not much of a children’s photographer as he is, they scare me, but sports is a big
percentage of my sales. The way he was able to integrate gritty authentic sports photo
with kids, made it seem not to be as scary as I thought.
Pete is a very personable and knowledge guy. He’s easy to talk to and to learn from. I
would highly recommend him for any group if they want to have some fun and learn
some new creative portrait techniques.
Rick Dupler, CPP -
Professional Photographers of Michigan President Elect 2018, Detroit Professional
Photographers Association President 2015-2016
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Endorsements
I wish to provide you with my most heartfelt and sincere endorsement for Pete Rezac as a
speaker at your upcoming photography event or convention.
Pete recently spoke at our annual state affiliate educational conference here in Washington. All I
can say is WOW! I have been involved in many local, state, and national educational events for
Professional Photographers of America and its affiliates. I have rarely been as impressed as I was
with his one day presentation.
The greatest impact that I found with Mr. Rezac was his ability to speak to so many different
levels of skill and experience at the same time. He was able to talk about his love of film and view
cameras which excited the more seasoned photographers, and yet able to communicate on the
digital level with those who have known only that world. Add in his high-spirited style, and a
willingness to give the class a hands-on opportunity to learn made it a really great experience for
all involved.
I really hope that you will consider my friend Pete as a speaker in the near future of your event.
Richard Breshears, M.Photog., CPP Professional Photographers of Washington
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Sponsorships