PPA Craftsman Degree in New Orleans

Ever wonder what a 5'10" penguin looks like?

Last week I returned from the city of New Orleans after taking in the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) national convention.  I spent four glorious days in The Big Easy with several other photographers from Upstate NY taking in the warm temperatures, friendly people, outrageous food…and some inspiring classes and awesome trade show.

The reason I was there was two-fold.  I was also there to receive the Photographic Craftsman degree.  PPA members achieve the degree of Photographic Craftsman (Cr.Photog.) through their commitment of service to the profession as an orator, author, or mentor.  By giving back to the industry, these PPA members share their knowledge and expertise with those who wish to improve their skills and stay successful in business.  For me, it was a nice end to a whirlwind of speaking engagements that started less than 2 years ago.  But the thing that I like most is that it indicates that I am an ambassador of photography.  It was also a nice occasion to put on a tuxedo and look like a 5’10” penguin.

All in all, it was a great four days, made even better by the fact that we could sit on a balcony…In January…at 7pm drinking adult beverages while it was 12 degrees here at home.  My wife was “not” happy about that.  And after four days of eating alligator, catfish, crawfish, gumbo and jumbalaya…the cold cereal I had on my first morning back was…..pitiful.

Good friend and mentor Deb Woodard also received her
Photographic Craftsman degree in New Orleans