Wade Ponthier, Cr.Photog, CPP, ABI, CBM
Certified Professional Photographer

Wade began his photography career in 1976 as a traveling portrait photographer for Photo Corporation of America, International. After receiving the company's top performance award in 1977, he was quickly promoted to management and served five years as the Regional Photography Manager for the Southeast United States. In this position he managed 35 photographers generating multi-millions in annual sales revenue.

In 1983, Wade and his wife Yvette, fulfilled their mutual goal and opened their first portrait studio in the New Orleans area. By 1989 they had expanded to six studio locations in Southern Louisiana serving the children and family portrait market. After selling the studios as a chain, Wade and his wife still operate one studio in the New Orleans area specializing in corporate events and conventions. In 1999 they were awarded the honor of “The Best of the West” for outstanding contributions to the citizens and economy of Jefferson Parish.

As a member of PPA since 1987 Wade has always enjoyed the “business” side of photography. He has earned the Craftsman degree (Cr.Photog) and Certificate of Business Management (CBM). He is also an Approved Business Instructor (ABI) and Certified Professional Photographer (CPP).

Wade serves on the Executive Board of the Professional Photographers of Louisiana, he is a member of the Greater New Orleans Professional Photographers Guild, Society of Sport & Event Photographers, American Society of Photographers and has served as president and current board member of several civic, professional and church organizations in the New Orleans area.

Yvette Ponthier, Cr.Photog, CPP, ABI,
Certified Professional Photographer

Yvette began her photography career in 1979 as a traveling portrait photographer for PCA International. She excelled in photography, marketing, and sales and quickly developed the skills necessary to manage a photography business with multi millions in annual sales.

In 1983, she and her husband Wade, fulfilled their mutual goal and opened their first portrait studio in the New Orleans area. By 1989 they had expanded to six studio locations in Southern Louisiana serving the children and family portrait market. After selling their chain of studios, Yvette and Wade opened a new studio in the New Orleans area specializing in corporate events and convention photography. In 1999 they were awarded the honor of “The Best of the West” for outstanding contributions to the citizens and economy of Jefferson Parish.

Yvette’s membership in Professional Photographers of America has spanned over 20 years and she is also a current member of the Society of Sport & Event Photographers, American Society of Photographers, and Professional Photographers of Louisiana among others. She now serves concurrently on the board of several school, civic, and professional organizations in the New Orleans area.

Her greatest reward is her two children she shares with her husband Wade; a son in High School and a daughter in Middle School who is destined to be an enhancement specialist.