Joel Schmidt,
2007-2008
APPA President
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How many times have you heard the expression “do what you love for a living and
you'll never have to work a day in your life”? That surely applies to our industry!
Even though we would do our jobs for free we must, like every other business, pay
the bills and have a little left-over for the owner. To that end, membership in
the Arkansas Professional Photographer's Association has done more to help me and
my staff learn how to create quality images and products and conduct business in
a profitable way than anything we have ever been a part of. It is unbelievable the
amount of helpful information I have received from other photographers who conduct
their businesses right here in my own market. Other industries are not so generous
in helping those who could be perceived as competitors.
What this has taught me is: Our competition is not the other photographers in our
town nearly as much as it is the willingness of moms, dads and classmates with great
cameras (film or digital) to do their own children's or senior's portraits. From
the time that George Eastman introduced his beloved Brownie camera this has been
the case.
Since the portrait photography profession did not cease to exist during the many
advances in camera equipment since Mr. Eastman's Brownie I'm confident it will not
do so now. But, to make the most of your business, I encourage you. Become a member
of APPA. Participate in the opportunities to learn from the great image makers and
business people who populate our organization.
Most of all, love what you do. It is the most rewarding profession we could wish
for. |