GLIP School: What it is, and Why You Should Go.

If you don’t know what GLIP is, you’re definitely missing out. The Great Lakes Institute of Photography (GLIP) is a yearly opportunity for continuing education and a chance to “escape” from the grind of business for a week. The classes are great, and it’s fun to be around other photographers who share a common love of learning.

Even if you have your studio running smoothly, you will come away with great ideas to improve your business. The instructors are a great selection, for 2009, ranging from “Great Lakes Greats” to nationally renowned photographer Hanson Fong and marketing guru Michael Redford. Everyone has something unique to bring to the table, and it’s always great to see the instructors’ unique business approaches, and how they work on a normal basis.

You get to pick one class for the week. Topics vary, as does the degree of difficulty, but there are classes for everyone, whether you are at a beginning, intermediate, or advanced skill level. Some wonderful business/marketing courses are now being offered, in addition to the standard fare of lighting, posing, Photoshop, and specialty courses.

GLIP is held up north, in Traverse City, but the entire experience is worth the trek. Besides, there are photographers who travel much further to attend GLIP (this year I had classmates from California and Tennessee). As an additional incentive, if you’re a member of PPA, you’ll receive two education merits just for attending GLIP!

This was my second year attending GLIP, and I’m already signed up for next year. I took André Constantini’s course on Location Lighting this year (2008). It was amazing. André’s creative yet highly technical approach to working with light allows him to turn ordinary, “uninteresting” settings into something spectacular. While we, as photographers, are constantly training our eyes to “see the light,” I came away from André’s class with a newfound appreciation for the skill of lighting things to appear as though lit naturally.

GLIP is more than just a great learning environment, though, it’s an experience. The ice cream social, tradeshow, and “theme party” are always good reasons to take a break and socialize with the other photographers attending GLIP. Yes, you’re there to learn from your instructor, but there are many opportunities to learn from colleagues as well.

If you like what you’ve heard about GLIP, but just aren’t sure about giving up a week of your busy life; let me tell you. It is worth it. So, mark your calendars for June 14th-19th, 2009! You will come away rejuvenated “creatively,” tired, and inspired. You will gain invaluable friendships and knowledge. And you will probably wait (impatiently) for the next year of classes to begin!

Ready to learn more about GLIP? Great! Make sure to inquire about the special discounts that are available. You’ll want to sign up soon, because I’ve heard rumors that classes are over half full. Instructors for GLIP 2009 include the following (more may be added!):

• Al Auldeman (Photoshop)
• André Constantini (Lighting)
• Michael & Tina Timmons (Fine Art)
• James Churchilll & David Deutsch
• Kalen Henderson
• Cheri MacCullum (Painter/PS)
• Ellie Vayo (Seniors)
• Michael Redford (Business)
• Great Lakes Greats – Jackie Palmer, Rod Gleason, + 2 others
• Hanson Fong (Weddings)

For more information about GLIP, contact newly appointed Director of GLIP, Greg Ockerman (GJOdigital@aol.com or 313-318-4327). You can also visit www.glip.org (new and improved design to be unveiled soon!).