Detroit Professional Photographers Association upcoming events

Competition Prep Night: Image Review & Critique Party (September 23, 2026)

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Competition Prep Night: Image Review & Critique Party

Getting ready for competition? Bring your laptop and your images—yes, even the ones you’re unsure about.

Join us for an interactive image review session where a panel of PPA Master Photographers will help you evaluate, refine, and strengthen your competition entries. Whether you're selecting your final images or deciding which photographs have the most potential, you'll receive valuable feedback and insights from experienced competitors and judges.

Together, we'll explore the key elements that create an award-worthy image, including:

Impact & storytelling
Composition & design
Lighting & presentation
Technical excellence
Print and digital competition considerations
The 12 Elements of a Merit Image

This is a supportive, educational environment designed to help you gain confidence, improve your work, and submit your strongest images possible.

Bring your questions, your creativity, and your best images—we can't wait to see what you've been working on!

Forgotten Spaces: Storytelling & Long Exposure Photography Workshop (October 09, 2026)

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

On Location:

Forgotten Spaces: Storytelling & Long Exposure Photography Workshop

Step beyond the public tour and into the hidden corners of history during this exclusive 5-hour photography workshop and private tripod tour.

Hosted within the historic buildings of The Village (formerly the Traverse City State Hospital), this semi-guided experience gives photographers rare access to unrestored spaces that are seldom open to the public—including basements, attics, and the remarkable 1883 underground steam tunnel.

Working in small groups, you'll have plenty of time to explore, compose, and photograph the architectural details, textures, and atmosphere that make these forgotten spaces so captivating.

What You'll Learn
Throughout the workshop, you'll discover techniques for creating more compelling and atmospheric images, including:

Long exposure photography for creating ghostly figures and dramatic effects
Storytelling through imagery and scene creation
Composition techniques for historic and architectural environments
Using smoke and other environmental elements to enhance mood and visual impact
Tripod techniques for low-light and creative photography (tripods are highly recommended)

Whether you're passionate about architectural photography, historic preservation, fine art imagery, or simply enjoy exploring places few people ever get to see, this workshop offers a truly unique opportunity to photograph hidden spaces while expanding your creative skills.

Workshop Details
Date: October 9, 2026
Duration: 5-Hour Workshop & Private Tripod Tour
Location: The Village (Formerly the Traverse City State Hospital), Traverse City, Michigan

DPPA Member Registration
Exclusive Member Registration (Register by July 28): $100
Early Bird (July 29 – August 28): $100
Regular Registration (August 29 – September 18): $115

Non-Member Registration
Early Bird (July 29 – August 28): $140
Regular Registration (August 29 – September 18): $155

Space is Limited.

To provide a comfortable shooting environment and plenty of opportunities for hands-on instruction, attendance is limited.

A minimum enrollment is required for this workshop. If the minimum number of participants is not reached by September 18, 2026, all registered participants will receive a full refund.

Competition Prep Night: Image Review & Critique Party (October 14, 2026)

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Competition Prep Night: Image Review & Critique Party

Getting ready for competition? Bring your laptop and your images—yes, even the ones you’re unsure about.

Together, we'll explore the key elements that create an award-worthy image, including:

Impact & storytelling
Composition & design
Lighting & presentation
Technical excellence
Print and digital competition considerations
The 12 Elements of a Merit Image

This is a supportive, educational environment designed to help you gain confidence, improve your work, and submit your strongest images possible.

Bring your questions, your creativity, and your best images—we can't wait to see what you've been working on!

DPPA 2026 Holiday Party (December 08, 2026)

Tue, 08 Dec 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Celebrate Another Incredible Year of Photography, Friendship, and Creativity—Save the Date for the DPPA 2026 Annual Holiday Party!