Mastering the Print: Your Roadmap to the Indiana State Fair Contest

Join us for an exclusive two-hour deep dive into the Indiana State Fair Photography Competition, one of the largest and most prestigious physical print exhibitions in the country, featuring over 800 exhibited works. Whether you are a first-time competitor or a seasoned pro, this session is designed to give you the competitive edge needed to stand out in the 2026 gallery.

Part 1: Navigating the Rules & 2026 Updates

Presented by Kip Shawger, M. Photog.

The Inside Scoop: As a member of the State Fair Rules Committee, Kip provides a firsthand look at the official entry process.

What’s New for 2026: Stay ahead of the curve with a detailed breakdown of this year's rule changes and eligibility requirements.

Beginner Friendly: Demystify the "daunting" entry process. Kip’s goal is to make every photographer feel comfortable, confident, and eager to participate in this Hoosier tradition.

Part 2: The Judge’s Perspective – Tips, Tricks & Success

Presented by Bill Miller, M. Photog., CPP

What Judges Want: Learn the "12 Elements of a Merit Image" and what specifically catches a judge's eye in a sea of hundreds of prints.

Technical Excellence: Bill shares professional guidance on print finishing, presentation, titles, and composition that can turn a "good" image into a "Best of Show" contender.

Interactive Q&A: We encourage questions throughout the program! This is your chance to get direct feedback from two PPA-recognized experts.

Bill Miller, M. Photog., CPP

Bill Miller is a Master Photographer and Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) with a legacy of excellence in competitive photography. A perennial powerhouse at the Indiana State Fair, he has been ranked as a Top 10 Photographer for 11 consecutive years. On the international stage, Bill is a Platinum, Silver, and Bronze Medalist in the PPA International Photographic Competition (IPC) and a recipient of the prestigious Sunset Print Award.

Deeply committed to the photographic community, Bill is the Immediate Past President of the Indianapolis Professional Photographers Guild (IPPG) and has been honored as Photographer of the Year by both IPPG and PhotoVenture. His session provides expert guidance offering the technical and creative insights necessary to succeed in one of the nation's largest print exhibitions.

Kip Shawger Bio

An award-winning theatre scene designer and photographer, Kip Shawger received a bachelor’s degree in Drama from Nebraska Wesleyan University and a master’s degree in Theatre Design from Bradley University. His credits include over 400 designs and 50+ years including Off-Broadway, regional professional theatres, Carnival Cruise Lines, higher education, and television/film. In 2001, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. DC., awarded him the prestigious Kennedy Center Gold Medallion for distinguished work in theatre.

Today, Kip has a set up his own small (and when he says small, he means really small) business specializing in theatre and dance archival shoots, head shot and glamour portraits. He often goes back to his roots in theatrical design and creates backdrops, settings, props, etc., for many of his photo shoots. As a photographer, Kip won numerous ribbons for his prints at various photography competitions and exhibitions including the Indiana State Fair, International Print Competition Image Excellence awards from the Professional Photographers of America, along with other awards for photographic work. And he loves to share his "how-to" techniques with fellow photographers. He is a member of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and the Indianapolis Professional Photographers Guild (PPG), the Daguerre Club of Indiana, the American Theatre Association, the United States Institute for Theatre Technology as well as the International Organization of Scenographers, Theatre Architects and Technicians.

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