Current Board Members
Group Photo of the Current Board Members
Pam Bredenkamp - Chairman of the Board
A professional photographer since 1987, member of PPAGSL since 1997, and serving on the board since 1999. This St. Louis native received her formal education in California but returned to St. Louis in 1995 when her husband retired from the US Navy. For more information visit her website at www.signaturestudio.com.
Don Love - President
As a child growing up in a portrait studio, Don learned the family business helping his Dad with darkroom work, framing, and his favorite “playing around.” At the age of 14, he photographed his first wedding launching his photography career. He was then hired to provide photography work at local college dances, athletic events, and other college events. He continued working in the family business through high school and college, graduated with a degree in Industrial Technology and Education, then broadened his scope of experiences teaching photography and graphic design at Lindbergh High School. Continuing a family tradition, Love’s Photography began in 1979, and grew until he was able to open a full service studio in 1989.
Don’s studio has flourished in its original location since its inception in 1989 because he and his staff consistently deliver unique quality products and exemplary service to its South County Residents as well as the surrounding communities.
“As an avid outdoorsman, my involvement in activities besides photography have nurtured and broadened my perspective enabling me to creatively and professionally Capture the Circles of Life for you.” For more information visit his website at www.lovesphotography.com.
Sheila Henderson - 1st Vice-President
Graduating from SEMO State with a Bachelors in Advertising and a minor in Photographic Technology, Sheila's first job out of college was with Creve Coeur Camera and Video. Of course, to sell equipment you had to know how to use it. After being a "photographer in training" there for five years, she landed her first photographers job in the St Louis area. Managing two studios and honing her art led to seven years and loads of experience. Sheila has owned Portrait Gallery Inc. since 1989. Membership includes the National Professional Photographers of America, Associated Professional Photographers of Illinois, Professional Photographers Accociation of Greater St. Louis, Wedding Portrait Photographers International and the International Professional Photographers Guild. She has had work judged through PPA at the local, state and national level and has hung in the Professional Photographers Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City. "Keeping abreast with current changes in the field is one of the biggest challenges. Education through membership and fellowship is of ultimate importance". For more information visit her website at www.goportraitgallery.com.
Ken Meade, M.Photog.Cr., CPP - 2nd Vice-President
Ken Meade began his career in photography in high school as the editor of the school newspaper. Attending a 5 week University of Kansas summer camp for creative writing the summer of his junior year in high school, Ken signed up for 4 classes. When he arrived he found they had placed him by accident in a photo class… go figure. Accepted at Brooks Institute, majoring in Color Technology and Commercial Illustration, Ken graduated in 1975 as Outstanding Student of the Year. Returning to Illinois, Ken opened “Ken Meade Photography” in July of 1976. Earning his Masters Degree, Craftsman Degree, and Certification from the PPA. Ken also became an instructor for PPA’s Winona School of Photography for over 15 years, teaching one week training courses in view camera techniques and Commercial table top lighting. Ken has served the photography profession as an affiliate print judge since 1994, and as a member of the board of directors for the Professional Photographers of Illinois from 1982 to 1991 serving as President in 1991. Ken was recently re-elected to the board and presently serves as the Affiliate Print Chairman for Illinois. Very involved in teaching, he was a founding Director of the Illinois Affiliate school “Illinois Workshops”.
Past President of Southern Illinois Art League
PPA Councilman 1983 to 1993
Currently Board of Directors of PPGSL
For more information visit his website at www.kenmeade.com.
Coby Maxiener - Treasurer
Coby Maxeiner opened CMAX Photography in 1999 with his wife, Diane. Coby attended Columbia College in Chicago and graduated with honors with a degree in Professional Photography and Art and Design in 1995. After freelancing in Chicago for several years, he and Diane moved back to the St. Louis Area where he grew up. Working for other sutdios made him realize he wanted to move his work in a different direction with a fresh approach. CMAX Photography specializes in contemporary wedding photography, which allows the couple creative expression to capture every couple's day uniquely. Coby has been honored with numerous print awards on both state and national levels. Coby is a member of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI), and Associated Professional Photographers of Illinois (APPI). For more information visit his website at www.cmaxphoto.com.
Lori Massey - Secretary
Lori Massey entered into black and white photography while attending college in 1984. She studied B&W journalism working for the PR department of the college and learned print manipulations and hand coloring while working for the graphic arts departnent. Lori also applied her skills during college at a portrait studio as both a photographer and a darkroom technician.
In 1999, she joined “Missouri’s Professional Photographers Association” and then the National Organization, pursuing their certification program from which she was awarded a degree in 2001. She is committed to staying current with technology and trends in the photography arena and regularly serves on the print crew at PPA Regional Judgings. For more information visit her website at www.photosbylori.biz.
Cindy Tiefenbrunn CPP, M. Artist - Membership
Cindy Tiefenbrunn began in the field of photography while in high school working in a professional lab as a proof printer. It was not long after she decided that she wanted to get married and have a family. She was able to meet her goal to be a stay at home mom and still operated a retouching service that aided many studios and labs in and out of the St. Louis area. The ultimate goal to become a photographer was met a few years back as she realized that her children were growing up and doing more on their own which allowed the time for her to become an on location photographer. It is now Cindy's goal at Cindy's Photo to create art with her photography. For more information visit her website at www.cindysphoto.com.
Rachel Ravetta - Print Chair
As part of the family business, Ravetta Photography, Rachel has been involved in photography her whole life. She acquired her finer photographic skills from her father, Louis Ravetta, and learned how to manage the business from her mother, Karen. Now, having learned both ends of the family business and with a business degree from Fontbonne University, Rachel joins her parents as a top photographer. For more information visit her website at www.ravettaphotography.com.
Gary Luttrell - P.R. Chair
Gary Luttrell’s artistic eye has been creating portraits and photographing weddings for over 30 years. Gary was born in St. Louis and started his full-time studio in 1975 in Fairview Heights, Illinois. In 2000, he moved his studio to its current location in Belleville, Illinois.
Gary has a seemingly unending energy and passion for his work and life, resounding in his photographic creativity. As a member of Professional Photographers of America and one of the World’s Greatest Storytellers, Gary’s continuing professional photographic education has a high priority on his “goals” list. He is also a member of the Associated Professional Photographers of Illinois, Professional Photographers of Greater St. Louis and Southern Illinois Art League. Gary is also a Rotarian and a member of Business Network International.
Gary married his wife, Lila, in 1983 and their marriage has constantly thrived with their common interests and excitement in portraiture, weddings and the business of professional photography. Creating photographic art for home and office décor is another passion Gary shares with his wife.
Over the years, Gary Luttrell has earned numerous awards and merits, but more importantly, he has earned the respect and admiration of his clients and peers. For more information visit him website at www.garyluttrell.com.
Nancy Lebbing - Hospitality
Nancy has been a professional photographer for over ten years. Whether she’s photographing newborns, families or weddings, her artistic eye and natural relaxed style allows her to capture her subject’s personality and beauty. Nancy has a true passion for photography and art that is evident in her fine art, hand-painted portraits. Nancy is a published photographer. Her portraits in the book “Stories of Hope” document the success stories of St. Louis women. Nancy is a member of the Professional Photographers Associations of Missouri and Greater St. Louis. www.nancylebbingphoto.com