It’s been an exceptional year for me and my family as I’ve represented the Board of Directors and the membership of PPA. I’m grateful for the hospitality that’s been extended to me during my travels and love the questions I get, many of which focus on three topics.
- What’s been your favorite experience while traveling for PPA? Because I’m an extrovert, meeting people and learning about their path is rewarding. I enjoy seeing how other business owners handle issues that arise and how they pivoted during the pandemic.
- What’s happening with IPC? Staff and the Board of Directors have long lauded the benefits of the International Photographic Competition, but most members haven’t made use of this resource. We believe that many more photographers could benefit from the learning that comes from earning exhibition merits. Increased technical ability and artistic excellence nearly always lead to more confidence in the camera and sales rooms, which are essential to having a sustainable studio. The PPA Board worked on a reboot of this member benefit to meet more photographers where they are and to remove some of the process-driven barriers to earning exhibition merits. PPA continues to uphold the high standards of the merit in the new Merit Image Review process, and entries are still judged against the 12 Elements of a Merit Image. But timing and quantity constraints have been addressed. A member can submit one to four images at a time throughout the year and have them evaluated during one of 10 review periods. They can enter on their own schedule and gain the benefits of evaluation throughout the year. It’s a more member-friendly process for people to work toward their PPA degrees. As for what’s ahead with the new International Photographic Competition, you’ll have to wait for the announcement, but I’m very excited and think you will be, too.
- How do you have time to be PPA president? I spoke to my family about this opportunity to serve our industry. It would be a time commitment that might affect our ability to make a living. Being on the Board has been one of the most rewarding professional endeavors I’ve ever undertaken. I have learned to be part of a team. As entrepreneurs, we are often robbed of outside input that might improve our decision making. On the Board, there are 13 opinions on any given topic, and I’ve learned to seek differing thoughts. This is important not only for PPA but will also help my studio grow and become more effective.
As entrepreneurs, we are often robbed of outside input that might improve our decision making. On the Board, there are 13 opinions on any given topic, and I’ve learned to seek differing thoughts.
Jeffrey Dachowski
And now, a few notes of appreciation.
- Thanks to my wife, Carolle Dachowski, M.Photog.Cr., who helps hold me, our studio, and the household together. My daughters, Audra and Lauren, have also been constant supporters on this journey and made sacrifices to enable my service to PPA.
- Thank you PPA members, Council, and the Board of Directors. Without your support, I would not have all these wonderful experiences to reflect on.
- Thank you PPA leadership and staff. You make PPA work and thrive even in uncertain times.
- Congratulations PPA Chairman of the Board Mary Fisk-Taylor, M.Photog.Hon.M.Photog.M.Wed.Photog.Cr., CPP, ABI, API, EA-ASP, on a successful tenure. Thank you for your years of service to our profession.
- My hope for incoming president Kira Derryberry, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, is that you have a million great moments during your term.
One final thought: What we do as photographers is meaningful. You are important to the legacy of family life. You are a historian. Enjoy what you do, and never shy away from feeling valuable. You are.
Jeffrey Dachowski operates a photography studio in Bedford, New Hampshire, with his wife, Carolle.
