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Serving the Photographic Community

Three TNPPA Members Elected to serve on PPA Council

Angela Seats, Colby McLemore, and Betsy Bird were recently elected to serve a three-year term as PPA Councilors.  Professional Photographers of America (PPA) is the largest and longest-standing nonprofit photography trade association.

Founded in 1868, PPA helps over 35,000 professionals elevate their craft and grow their businesses with resources and education, all under PPA's core guiding principle of bridging the gap between photographers and their consumers. An international nonprofit association with more than 35,000 members, PPA is ultimately governed by its members through such council representatives.

PPA Councilors are professional photographers who volunteer their time and service to guide and act as the voice for their state's PPA members. Duties include discussing and voting on changes to the bylaws and the association's leadership (via the election of the Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors). They also play a crucial role in sharing the PPA message to existing, new, and prospective PPA members in their state.

Angela Seats

Angela Seats has been a member of PPA since 2007.  Several years ago she earned her CPP.  Then, after moving to Tennessee in 2017, she became active in her local affiliate, PPMT, and has served the last three years on their board.  She is currently serving her second year as President.

She has found that connecting with other photographers and being active serving and learning has helped her become a profitable photographer.  The last 3 years here in Tennessee have proved to be her most successful yet.  PPA along with its state and local affiliates have so much to offer.  Being a photographer can be a lonely job when you work for yourself and she believes finding these connections can be a great tool in helping you not feel alone and there are so many resources to help take your photography AND business to the next level.

What was Angela’s response to her new role on the Council? “I’m looking forward to representing the state of Tennessee during this 3-year term as a councilor.  It’s an honor to be elected by my TN peers and I will do my best to look out for their best interests.”

Angela Seats has been a member of PPA since 2007.  Several years ago she earned her CPP.  Then, after moving to Tennessee in 2017, she became active in her local affiliate, PPMT, and has served the last three years on their board.  She is currently serving her second year as President.

 

Colby McLemore

This will be Colby's third term as a Tennessee representative which he is very honored to have the support of the professional photographic community. He has earned his Master, Craftsman, CPP, and a few other designations throughout his career. He focuses on commercial, corporate, and advertising photography and videography in his downtown Knoxville studio or on-location at his client's locations.

He is often a mentor for aspiring professionals who are trying to get into the business. Through this process, he promotes the numerous benefits of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). There are so many facets of the organization that can help photographers at any level within their career path. Furthermore, he spreads the words of the various initiatives PPA is pursuing to support the industry and helps active TN photographers to create legislative change in the state and nation. Furthermore, he listens to the needs of TN photographers to make sure that their voice is heard at the national level.

 If you ever come through Knoxville, TN, please reach out to him. He'd love to show off his studio or get a coffee or lunch. Feel free to reach out to him anytime at (865) 924-1455 or colby@colbysphotosvideos.com

 

Betsy Bird PPA Councilor

Betsy Bird

Betsy has been a member of the Professional Photographers of America since 2017. This is her first term as a Tennessee representative. She has earned her Photographic Craftsman degree and is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) with the Professional Photographers of America (PPA).

Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Professional Photographers of East Tennessee (PPETN) and as a Board Member at Large of the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association (TNPPA).

Betsy focuses on horse photography, equestrian seniors, equestrian brand photography, and pet photography. Her award-winning work is found throughout homes and stables in the United States. She is also the co-author of the book, Equine & Equestrian Photography Poses that Sell.

She can also be found mentoring and coaching aspiring and established photographers. She frequently promotes the benefits of PPA membership and education as she has benefited from PPA herself.

Betsy is based in the Chattanooga, Tennessee area. Feel free to reach out to her at any time at betsy@ridetheskyequine.com or (423)834-5765. 

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