Why I Serve: My Work with the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association
In 2024, I was elected to serve as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association (TNPPA) for the 2024–2025 term.
It wasn't my first time serving on the TNPPA Board, and it certainly wasn't my first experience volunteering with a photography organization. Apparently, I have a hard time attending a meeting without eventually finding myself on a committee.
But there's a reason I keep saying yes.
Why Photography Organizations Matter
Photography can be a pretty solitary profession.
Most of us spend a lot of time working by ourselves. We're photographing clients, editing images, handling marketing, answering emails, managing our businesses, and trying to remember what day of the week it is.
And while there's a lot to love about being your own boss, there are also times when having other photographers in your corner makes a difference.
That's one of the things I appreciate most about professional photography organizations.
The Tennessee Professional Photographers Association brings photographers together through educational opportunities, professional development, image competition, and relationships with people who understand what running a photography business actually involves.
Sometimes you learn something that changes how you photograph. Sometimes you get an idea that helps your business. And sometimes you just need to talk to someone who understands why you've spent the last three hours trying to fix something that should have taken ten minutes.
More Than a Title on a Board
Serving on a board isn't just about attending meetings and voting on decisions.
There's a lot of work that goes into keeping a professional organization running, and much of it happens behind the scenes.
From planning educational events to making decisions about programs and member opportunities, board members help shape what an organization offers and how it serves photographers.
When I joined the 2024–2025 board as Secretary, I was looking forward to working with other photographers who cared about making TNPPA a valuable resource for its members.
My involvement with photography organizations has continued to grow since then, but the reason I volunteer hasn't really changed.
I believe photographers benefit when they have access to good education, opportunities to improve their work, and people who are willing to share what they've learned.
And I enjoy being part of making those things happen.
Giving Back to an Industry That's Given Me a Lot
I've learned an enormous amount from other photographers throughout my career.
Some of that education happened in classrooms and workshops. Some came from image competition and critiques. And plenty came from conversations with photographers who were willing to share their experiences, including the things that didn't work.
Those relationships and opportunities have made me a better photographer and business owner.
Serving in leadership positions is one way I can contribute to the same community that has helped me.
It's also given me a greater appreciation for the people who volunteer their time to keep these organizations going. There are a lot of moving parts, and the work isn't always particularly glamorous.
But when an event comes together, a photographer learns something useful, or someone finds a community where they feel welcome, that work matters.
Getting Involved
If you're a photographer in Tennessee and haven't explored TNPPA, I'd encourage you to take a look.
You don't have to know everything, have a wall full of awards, or be at a particular point in your career to benefit from being around other photographers.
You just have to be willing to show up, learn, and get involved.
You can learn more about the organization, its educational opportunities, and membership at TNPPA.com.
And if you're already involved in a photography organization, consider volunteering when you have the opportunity. You might be surprised by how much you get out of helping other photographers.
