Hello everyone! Greetings from the eastern side of the state. I am very excited to be taking over the roll of president for the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association. Through my many years as a member, this group has allowed me to make some wonderful friends, have some great times, and continue my photographic education. It is by far the best thing that I have ever done for my career. Having said that, I hope to continue the tradition this year by concentrating and strengthening the association in those specific areas.
Friendship. It is one of those priceless things that money cannot buy, not true friendship anyway. Some of my most treasured friends are in this group. This year, I would like for our association to strive to make more friends. I would like to encourage everyone to reach out to their fellow photographer and get to know them better. I would like to challenge everyone to bring a new person/photographer to one of our events. Please, take the time to fellowship with each other. In planning our upcoming seminar at Fall Creek Falls State Park and convention in Pigeon Forge, we, as a board, are going to incorporate more social time into the learning time. One can never have too many friends.
Great Times. This effort should lead to those “great times”. One of our planned social events during our convention is entitled “An Afternoon with the masters”. We are planning to break into small groups and for masters of our association to teach casual, informative mini sessions, concentrating on their own niche. This will allow the rest of us to ask those questions we have always been afraid to ask. Afterwards, we are planning a fun event of food, games and social hour at my husband’s farm. I’m sure there will be great stories to be told.
Education. One can never have too much knowledge. Those who think they know it all, really know nothing. An old dog can be taught new tricks. I’m living proof of that. I’ve learned my career twice, once with film and once with digital. This year looks so promising for a learning opportunity. Speakers are contacting us to come to our events. As we make our choices between some impressive talent, I’m really getting excited about our upcoming events.
In closing, I am sure some are wondering about our transition from Director to giving the duties back to the board. I would like everyone to know the transition is going smoothly. My board this year is wonderful and the members are going out of their way to make sure things are getting done. As I said the night Mac Brown turned over the position of president to me, “I may be the one in the hot seat, but this is ‘our year’, not mine”. I truly believe this with all of my heart. I could not do all of this on my own. And for them, I am grateful. So….to friendship, great times, and education.
May God bless you and your family in this upcoming Holiday Season.
Kristi Thomas Flohe
