PPA degree ribbons and medallions.

As a professional in the photography business who isn't a photographer, the world of the Professional Photographers of America is one of mysteries- namely, degrees and merits. If I were to accompany Jeff and Carolle to a PPA convention, the ribbons and medallions decorating photographers would spell a litany of awards and years of hard work to a trained eye . . . but not to me.

According to Jeff, I'm not the only one out there wondering. Shortly after returning from the PPA National Convention in San Antonio a few months ago, Jeff set out to complete a project that described the degrees to folks like myself and photographers new to the world of PPA.

Jeff's work can be found on the PPA website (where I snagged all these images) . . . we encourage you to check it out and read into the award world of professional photographers.

~Abby

Hats off to Jeff!

It's been all over Facebook, but I thought we should take the time to post how excited we are that Jeff took away NH Photographer of the Year at NHPPA Conference this weekend!

He also earned the CPP (Certified Professional Photographer) Award, the ASP (American Society of Photographers) State Award, two court of honors, a Kodak Gallery Award, the Lustre Color Highest Scoring Print Award and Best of Show- phew!

Many thanks to all the judges, speakers and participants in this year's NHPPA conference. Jeff and Carolle thought this year was really successful, despite the unwelcome snow that showed up.

I'd like to say that Jeff and Carolle are resting soundly after so much hard work, but it's quite the opposite. More exciting projects on the way, so stay tuned!

~Abby

On the go!

Things have been oh-so-crazy here at the studio over the last few weeks.

Just when we thought Jeff and Carolle had settled back in from travelling, off they went to Illinois as featured speakers at the states Professional Photographers Association convention. As if that wasn't enough, as soon as they returned, the entire studio dove right into Table Talks, a fundraiser for the Palace Theatre. Dachowski Photography sponsored and decorated a "Winter Blossoms" themed table (which, in my unbiased opinion, was quite lovely . . . you can see our handiwork below) and Jeff spent the afternoon and evening photographing the event. Phew!

Jeff, Carolle and I were so happy to contribute to the fundraiser- we love how the Palace enriches the Manchester community and were delighted to see so many people supporting the event!

Now that we're through with all of that, Jeff and Carolle are looking forward to getting back into the swing of things at the studio . . . just in time for Wedding Season!

~Abby

We like San Antonio!

Well, Jeff and Carolle are back from Imaging USA, the annual convention for the Professional Photographers of America in San Antonio, TX. We've been shouting from the rooftops about Carolle's Master degree and there are quite a few more highlights worth mentioning:

Jeff and Carolle both were awarded Photographer of the Year (second year in a row for both . . . this is Jeff's fourth).


(Carolle and Jeff- pictured bottom left and top right- pose with the other Photographer of the Year honorees.)

Jeff mentored other photographers and studio owners at the PPA Studio Management Services (SMS) booth at the Imaging trade show.


(Jeff shows off at the SMS booth . . .never short on enthusiasm, that one.)

Meeting up with friends and colleagues!


(L-R: Jeff, Carolle, Holly and Keith Howe)

And one beautiful view of the city!



Oh, and . . .

DID WE MENTION CAROLLE GOT HER MASTER'S?

(Image 2 courtesy of Heather Smith.)

Jeff and Carolle make state photography history!

We are proud to announce that Carolle has earned her Master of Photography degree from Professional Photographers of America! Carolle was awarded her degree Tuesday at the Imaging USA Conference in San Antonio, Texas. Jeff was overjoyed with the honor of presenting Carolle with her Master's in a formal ceremony during the conference.


(L-R, Louis Tonsmeire, PPA President, Jeff Dachowski, Carolle Dachowski)

If that's not exciting enough, Jeff and Carolle are the first married couple in New Hampshire to earn individual Master of Photography degrees (Jeff earned his in 2009)--- less than 3% of national PPA members hold the Master's distinction (and now we have two at the studio!).

The degree is awarded only to photographers who have achieved "superior competence" as demonstrated through advanced education in the art of photography, work submitted to competition and service to the profession. Recipients must qualify for this degree through a series of merit earnings and art submissions.


(Carolle and Jeff looking very glamorous)

Please join us in congratulating Carolle- we're so proud of her!

(Images courtesy of 1. Heather Smith and 2. Dave and Ally McKay)

This post is intended to embarrass Jeff.

("A Night to Remember" by Jeff Dachowski)

Jeff usually likes to keep things quiet. Luckily, I (Abby) write the blog and can spill the beans every now and then.

Jeff received news last week that he has been selected to be a PPA (Professional Photographers of America) Affiliate Juror (it can take photographers years to earn this honor . . . Jeff took just 6 months!). As there are only about 100 jurors in the world qualified to earn this honor, it is a huge honor for Jeff to earn it so quickly. We're so proud!


("I Smell Bacon" by Jeff Dachowski)

To earn this honor, Jeff took a week-long course in Nashville and achieved his Masters degree from PPA (which he earned in 2009). Jeff had to earn additional merits in print competitions and undergo reviews from affiliate jurors . . . plus an final approval from PPA (whew!).

Jeff enjoys judging print competitions because it exposes him to great work by other artists. He says this helps him hone his craft and create better work for his clients. Print competition judging takes Jeff all over the country.


(Here is Jeff in action teaching an outdoor lighting class a few months back in Bloomington, Illinois . . . photograph courtesy of John Metcalf.)

If you really want to make Jeff blush, be sure to call the studio (603.626.7300) to tell him congrats!