2012 VPP Convention

I joined the Vermont Professional Photographers Association in 1984, one of the best decisions I ever made.  I had been a professional photographer for years, but this was my first "group" and it was eye-opening!  Finally, people in the same boat, so to speak and peers to help with everything from new ideas, sources, advice, education, etc.  I really grew professionally from this association and later PPANE (Professional Photographers Association of New England) and PPA (...of America).  There are some new faces in this group, but quite a few old ones, too, who were there when I joined.  I won't point them out, though.  Like me, they can't be that old!

At our Sunday night awards dinner Lucas DeSousa added to the fun by bringing along a photo booth where we could all indulge our modeling fantasies.  Photographers are SUCH camera hogs!

And on a serious note, VPP was honored to present the PPA National Award to David Cramer our long time Kodak Rep who became part of the family and never hesitated to help out with any endeavor.  He was always finding things out, looking stuff up in answer to members' questions, providing technical help and schlepping props, lights, boxes of junk in and out of programs - whatever was needed.  He's a true friend to photographers throughout New England.

PPA makes the National Award available to state, regional, national, and international affiliates who may present this coveted honor in recognition of outstanding service to professional photography performed by an individual.  WE LOVE YOU, DAVID!

EZ ED worked on the print competition committee on Saturday and got to go off with Peter Sirrico, friend from Plymouth, Mass. on Sunday to shoot up the place - that would be at a shooting range, you understand.  So he was happy.

I've created a monster!

And I mean myself...succumbing to the dark side and playing around with Photoshop® instead of working.  I was thinking about the kids and how they love to play and both seem to have an affinity for science and the natural world.  They used to fight over the magnifying glasses until we got a few more.  So, yes, this image is from two different shots on two different days, but it really portrays the two little brainiacs.  Do I sound like a doting grandmother?  Oh, well!

Fun at ECHO® Center

I'm playing some catch up here.  I haven't had time to post much lately, but don't want to get too far behind!

Anthony, Lucy and I had a really great visit to the ECHO® Lake Aquarium and Science Center a few weeks ago.  Both kids are science-minded and play games that include lots of animal role playing.

Anthony was a baby owl for nearly a year.  So we looked at the lake creatures, played on the hands on exhibits, patted a sea star, got their faces painted, generally had fun and didn't want to leave!

Ballet

I've been taking Lucy to her ballet class at the Vermont Ballet Theater School on Mondays while Mom works.  She is such a coordinated, strong and physically daring kid, PLUS well behaved and listens - it is a joy to watch.

Lucy is  so serious and funny at the same time.  She can get overshadowed by her brother sometimes, so I really glad we can spend alone time every week.  She's definitely related to my family because she loves to eat out!  It's one of our fun treats.  Last week she said she wanted to be a scientist.