United Way Volunteers

I am privileged to photograph for the local United Way on several occasions; their board members for instance. Recently three ladies, wives of doctors, came with their United Way shirts on for me to photograph for a local fundraising campaign. These ladies are some of many who help to make our community better.

Imaging USA/annual convention

I spent most of last week in Nashville for the annual convention of the Professional Photographers of America. Classes started at 7am Sunday; 4 per day if we wanted, plus a trade show with lots and lots of vendors and opportunities. On the one hand, it was exhausting. On the other hand, it was great. I learned more how I would like to shape my business this year (now I have to get busy and *DO* it!). I made new friends (Hey Tammy from AR and Kim from LA).

We stayed in the Gaylord Opryland hotel where the convention was held so I didn't have to go outside much into the cold; I was prepared for it the couple of times we went out!

Since I am a Certified Professional Photographer, I attended the meeting about Certification to learn what was coming, and to meet newly certified folks. Five people got to have their comments video'taped' about why Certification is important. I was one of those five! I told about the following occurrence:

2 or 3 years ago there was a photographer in Madison and Marshall counties who left her wedding couples high and dry without any photos after the wedding; she tried hard to just disappear. Channel 19 news interviewed me as a 'reputable photographer' - in business for a number of years, having all of the required licenses and sales tax accounts, and by the way being a Certified Professional Photographer. A certified photographer not only has to prove competency in the craft with a test and submitted images, but must adhere to a code of ethics. I suggested that people looking for a photographer check into whether the photographer was operating legally, first thing. Later when I was photographing a 50th Wedding Anniversary party, a number of the folks recognized me and said, "You're the Reputable Photographer!"

WPPI

Melissa from Alaska, Kim from Milwaukee WI, Monica from Guntersville AL

We three are also among the elite ISPWP (International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers. One must show a high level of quality and experience in order to be allowed to join.

Wedding and Portrait Photographers International

I combined a visit with my daughter with attending this photographic convention. I drove to Dallas, then spent a couple of days with my daughter, visited a photographer friend in Abilene, flew to WPPI, flew back to Dallas for another daughter-day, then drove home. I found a trolley operation in uptown Dallas! Fun! And a couple of good restaurants. My daughter is a sweetie and I enjoy time with her. I'm still catching up on sleep....

Going to WPPI was amazing. I got to meet several folks I have known on-line for several years but never met face-t0-face... from Canada, Alaska, Portland OR, San Francisco CA, Lafayette IN, Milwaukee WI, Dallas TX, Atlanta GA, Utah, Ladera Ranch CA, NY NY. Two evenings with the group, and we were all like old friends! The trade show was useful, since I cannot actually get my hands on much here in Guntersville AL before I buy something.

New President of local professional association

Well, I will be the President of the Tennessee Valley Professional Photographers Association for 2009. We currently meet in Huntsville, Alabama. Our membership is all over northern Alabama, and we have one member from Tennessee. Our purpose is to increase professionalism and help each other to keep getting better at not only photography but at doing business.

I have been a member of this TVPPA since about 1993. I have been a professional (including all the necessary business licenses, taxes, and insurance) since 1988. I served as secretary of the organization for several years in the late '90s. It is a privilege to meet with my peers and to be a part of continuing the education and help that the TVPPA has given to many over the years. TVPPA and its member photographers/mentors have been a big influence in my photographic business.

Trip

I decided to drive to NYC for photo plus. Some people thought I was crazy not to fly. But I hate flying. And I enjoy driving. Sooo...

First I headed to New Haven, KY where Diehl and I went about ten years ago. We had stumbled into the KY Railway Museum, and a trip on the steam engine they had just refurbished, and an old hotel with restaurant. Diehl used his 4x5 camera to take photos then. I had a great time reminiscing, as this time I was alone. It was the best day all year since he died last October 2007. Then I visited a fellow photographer in Ashland, KY - Teresa, and her lovely family. Teresa cooks a mighty fine breakfast! Then on to Marysville, OH to see Heather! Two pleasant dogs and she cooks lasagna! Then some history in Dayton, OH. Then some history in Hershey, PA. I visited with another photographer there for a couple of hours, Craig. Then I drove to Royersford near Philadelphia to visit Jen (turns out the World Series was beginning and neither of us really were aware of that...)

Then I drove to the Javits Center and followed two photographers, Dan and Bruce, around the show, looking mostly at albums/books. Bruce helped me drive to his place in Brooklyn and offered me the sofabed in his family's living room. I got a quick walking tour of the city between the Javits and Times Square, the St Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, etc. Went back Friday and then Saturday to ask questions about a certain hardware/software deal, and was able to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art until my feet hurt too much to stand. I took notes on who painted light well, to look up later. Coney Island on the way out, a shadow of its former self, but since I always enjoyed the CA beaches better in January, I went and enjoyed seeing what is still there.

On the way back I stopped in Washington DC which was doubly interesting. That was the date exactly one year after Diehl died, so I ate Thai food which he loved and I had never tried, helped by friends to choose wisely. These friends are Andy and Erin, photographer/artists, and I got to see Erin's art show and another collection of DC artists, several of whom Erin knew. Then on to Jacksonville, NC where I met Elise and her husband and cat, and she arranged for two other photographers to meet for dinner, Bob and Charo. Such fun! (More Thai food, too.) Then on to Lynchburg, VA to meet Allegra and family. We photographed in a beautiful cemetery with the best fall colors of the entire trip! I learned about croquettes and bechamel. After that, two nights with Diehl's cousin Connie. Her son showed me around Greenville, SC with their refurbished beautiful old hotel, and a theatre he sometimes acts in, and his place of work which is an advertising group. There are palm trees inside (planted in the ground in the hallway, skylights for light). They had about 70 trick-or-treaters and we played Upwords which was new to me (she won the first, I won the second). Lastly I stopped for a late lunch to meet Hassel's family. And then home.

Sixteen days. Driving by myself. Singing a lot of the way. Enjoying memories. Learning. Meeting people.

Monday I need to get the cat out of kitty prison...