Leading the Way: Betsy Bird Elected President of Professional Photographers of East Tennessee

Because apparently running a photography business and serving on a few boards wasn't enough to keep me occupied...

I'm excited to share that I've been elected President of the Professional Photographers of East Tennessee (PPETN). This will be my third year serving on the PPETN Board of Directors, and I'm honored to have the opportunity to lead an organization that has become such an important part of my photography community.

Why Organizations Like PPETN Matter

Photography can be a lonely business, but it doesn't have to be.

A lot of our work happens by ourselves. We're behind the camera, behind the computer, answering emails, editing images, working on marketing, trying to figure out pricing, and occasionally wondering why the piece of equipment that worked perfectly yesterday has suddenly decided it has never met us before.

Having a community of photographers who understand all of that matters.

PPETN gives photographers opportunities to learn, connect, compete, ask questions, try new things, and spend time with other people who understand this slightly crazy career we've chosen.

There are educational programs, hands-on opportunities, image competition, networking, and, just as importantly, relationships with other photographers.

Stepping Into Leadership

My involvement in professional photography extends beyond PPETN. I also serve on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association (TNPPA) and as one of Tennessee's representatives on the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) Council.

Why take on all of these roles?

Because I believe our local, state, and national photography organizations each have something different to offer photographers, and we're stronger when those organizations work together.

I also believe photographers need both sides of the equation.

You can create beautiful photographs and still struggle to run a profitable business. And you can have fantastic systems, marketing, and spreadsheets galore, but you still need to know what you're doing with the camera.

Turns out, the photography and the business part both count. Who knew?

That's also a big part of why I created Unbridled Business. I want photographers to have access to the education, resources, and support that help them become better photographers and better business owners.

I'm looking forward to serving PPETN, learning alongside our members, and seeing what we can accomplish together this year.

And apparently finding out exactly how many things I can fit on my calendar at once.