Upcoming Events

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• PPI Shootout: Photography Meetups for Creative Practice, Networking, and Community

  • When
    Monday, June 22, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    PBJ Studio, Oxford, Iowa
  • Spaces left
    5
  • Registered
    5 registrants

  Register

  PPI Shootouts are where creativity meets community. These casual, non-instructional photography meetups give photographers the opportunity to practice new skills, experiment with creative techniques, and connect with fellow photographers in a fun, supportive environment. No presentations. No pressure. Just cameras, creativity, hands-on experience, and meaningful connections with photographers who share your passion.

  
  

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• PPI Shootout: Photography Meetups for Creative Practice, Networking, and Community

  • When
    Monday, August 10, 2026
  •  
    5:30 PM
  • Location
    Arnolds Park, IA
  • Spaces left
    11

  Register

  PPI Shootouts are where creativity meets community. These casual, non-instructional photography meetups give photographers the opportunity to practice new skills, experiment with creative techniques, and connect with fellow photographers in a fun, supportive environment. No presentations. No pressure. Just cameras, creativity, hands-on experience, and meaningful connections with photographers who share your passion.

  
  

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• Fast Forward: PPI's Fall Event

  • When
    Sunday, November 08, 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
  • Location
    The District Venue 1350 SW Vintage Pkwy, Ankeny, IA 50023

  Register

  Fast Forward is PPI’s one-day photography conference designed to help photographers accelerate their creativity, sharpen their skills, and build meaningful industry connections. Whether you're a professional photographer, aspiring photographer, content creator, or creative entrepreneur, Fast Forward delivers hands-on learning, inspiring speakers, networking opportunities, and real-world business insights in a high-energy, community-focused environment.

  From photography education and live demonstrations to creative inspiration and peer connection, Fast Forward is the perfect opportunity to invest in your craft, grow your business, and connect with photographers who understand your journey. Join us for a day of learning, collaboration, and fresh ideas that will move your photography and business forward...fast.

  More details coming soon. This event is paired with a hands-on workshop the following day, you can attend one or both. If both, you will need to register for each day separately. 

  
  

  
  
  

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• Fast Forward Part 2: Hands-On Workshop

  • When
    Monday, November 09, 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    The District Venue, Ankeny, Iowa
  • Registered
    1 registrant

  Register

  This will be an intense, full-day workshop with hands-on education, lives demos and time for more in-depth coaching with our Speaker whi will be announced soon! 

  Check back for more information.

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• Focus Forward - Annual Convention

  • Start
    Friday, March 05, 2027
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • End
    Monday, March 08, 2027
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • Location
    Amana, Iowa

  SAVE $150! Registration opens August, 1st, 2026 with an Early Bird Price of $299 for PPI members and $399 for non-members.

  Professional Photographers of Iowa (PPI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering professional and aspiring photographers and creative entrepreneurs across Iowa and the Midwest. Through hands-on workshops, inspiring events, and a welcoming community, we help photographers grow their skills, build meaningful connections, and thrive in the industry.

  Focus Forward, PPI's Annual Convention | March 5-8, 2027 | Iowa

  Inspiration. Education. Connection.

  Focus Forward is for professional and aspiring photographers, creative entrepreneurs, and small business owners who crave more than just education—they want connection, inspiration, and growth. Whether you're refining your craft, building your business, or simply looking for your people, Focus Forward is your place to learn, recharge, and belong. From seasoned pros to fresh faces, if you believe in the power of photography and community, you’re one of us.

  Join us for a high-energy, hands-on convention designed to elevate your craft and recharge your passion. Over the course of four unforgettable days, you'll experience:

  • Dynamic speakers from both photography and small business industries covering topics like SEO, email marketing, content creation, and motivation.

  • Live demos and hands-on workshops covering everything from lighting and posing to marketing and mindset

  • Meaningful networking with photographers and creative entrepreneurs from across the Midwest

  • An awards brunch to celebrate industry excellence

  • And a themed party (Pajama Jam, anyone?) to cap it all off with connection and fun

  • Vendor Meet and Greet (trade show) to stay up to date on all the current products and tech.

  Why Attend?
  Because you’re not just a photographer, you’re a creative entrepreneur. And this is your space to grow. At Focus Forward, you’ll walk away with:

  ✅ Fresh ideas and skills to implement immediately
  ✅ New friends and mentors who get it
  ✅ A renewed sense of confidence and creative purpose

  Let’s move your business, and your artistry, forward together!

  A digital print competition will be hosted prior to the convention on March 9th. You must be a PPI member to win awards. Be sure to join or renew your membership!

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