Part 6
One thing about being a photographer is that once you finish school you have to keep taking classes to help you stay current. This is really big now since photography has changed and is changing so much every year. Back in the 70's and 80's it was important too, so we were very active in the GPPA, Georgia Professional Photographers Association, and other organizations. Every year we would go to conventions and workshops and one year while I was working in Lawrenceville we hosted a workshop by the great Donald Jack at our studio. When I was in photography school, I assisted another great photographer, Tom McDonald from Arkansas. One thing that stands out in my memories of that time was being at the Professional Photographers of America convention in Atlanta and while going up an escalator in the World Congress Center hearing my name being called out. When I looked over on the other escalator I say Tom McDonald and it meant the world to me to have been recognized over a year later by someone of his stature at the time. And then a couple of years later hanging out with Dean Collins at the Marriott in Atlanta to the wee hours of the morning. Sometimes you could learn more spending time with each other after hours than listening to them on the podium.
Now things haven't changed that much. We still have conventions and workshops we go to every year. I go with a group of friends every year to several of these and it is great to get to renew old friendships with photographers from across the country. It is fantastic to get to see these people and have such great friendships with them when you see them maybe once a year! One thing I see more now is that some people think they know everything about photography and choose not to be in associations or do anything to improve their work. By doing that, the photography doesn't get any better and they miss out on a lot of great friendships. Some of these friendships are some of the best friends I have and we always have each others backs. We are ready to help each other anytime we are needed. It's not a competition between us. We are like family to each other in that sense.
January and February are traditionally the convention months for photographers so I will be heading to different ones to learn the latest trends in photography. I 'm looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones. I also enjoy seeing the amazing work that photographer's from all over the country are producing. Professional photography is alive and well and I am so happy to be a part of this profession.