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.