We made it!  It is 2023!  Hopefully, you have emerged from the holiday season with much joy and minimal distress. I’ve been contemplating and planning for what I want to accomplish this year as a spouse, a parent, a daughter, a business owner and a creative, and as a human that resides on planet earth.  I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one with these thoughts in my head. I’m also grateful that TPPA makes it easier for me on the “business owner and creative” front.  With TPPA offerings such as Texas School, TPPA Photo Workshops, What’s New in Lightroom with Guy T, and TPPA 365, there is no reason why all of us shouldn’t be better informed and more enriched by the time 2023 draws to a close!

Speaking of Texas School, our last issue of The Photographer Magazine was the Texas School Edition.  I have always loved sitting down and circling all of the classes that are of interest to me.  Over time, I ponder my choices, visit the instructor websites, and question my photography friends before arriving at my perfect first, second, and third choices.  By now, many of you have registered and are eagerly awaiting the news of your instructor for Texas School 2023.  If you haven’t registered and are on the fence about attending, why not climb on over and join us?  Yes, you will receive a great educational experience. Yes, there is free food and beverages. But, in addition to that, there is an opportunity to connect with and develop friendships with people who share your passion and that is priceless.

Another great TPPA opportunity is our TPPA Photo Workshops.  These spring workshops offer our members around the state a chance to share their expertise in small group settings.  It’s another great way to learn and to get to know one another.  You can find the 2023 Texas PPA Photo Workshop lineup in this issue.

You owe it to yourself to take advantage of the many great things that TPPA has to offer, things that will benefit you in 2023 and beyond.  Thank you so much for allowing me to serve as the 2023 TPPA President.  I am privileged and excited to serve with the great team you elected to the board this year and to work with the dedicated TPPA staff. I look forward to journeying with you through 2023.

Best Regards,

Teri Whittaker, TPPA President

Well, not really, but my year as TPPA President is coming to an end and this is my final message to you. Of course, there are still a couple of months left and then I’ll still be around another year as Chairman of the Board.

Looking back over the past year, the TPPA board has worked really hard on improving our association to benefit its members and make our association stronger moving forward. We have brought changes to TPPA’s physical structure, bylaws, and to our incredible website. The one accomplishment I am most pleased with is the steps taken to make it easier for some of our members to earn their Full Fellowship degree from their service to TPPA.

It is quite a feeling coming out of a global pandemic to not only see that we have survived but continue to thrive. It is a true testimony to the commitment and perseverance of our entire membership that we can all say loud and proud…
“We are BACK!!!”

In September, Don Dickson had a revealing of the 2023 Texas School instructors list, and what a list it is! Also, as exciting as last year’s pre-con program was, this year we’re in for another treat as Texas School Charities brings us none other than Brian Williams, a popular coach to CEOs of Fortune 500 Companies and one of the highest rated speakers ever at Imaging USA. Brian brings a new perspective to the old business of creating sales messages and presentations that work.

If you attended the recent iHeart Photo Conference & Expo, perhaps you noticed the addition of more social activities, including a golf outing. In addition to the pre-con programs, photo walks, expo, and the incredible list of instructors, attendees were able to gather and hang out at night at the convention hotel. Honestly, that is something I feel was missing from years past, so thank you for suggesting we do this.

As for 2023, I have no doubt that our new Executive Board, along with incoming President, Teri Whittaker, will do amazing things. If you don’t know Teri, she is beautiful inside and out, as well as being very talented and smart…
basically completely opposite of me… which is certainly a plus!

Finally while many of my predecessors have expressed disbelief their year has come and gone. I personally have an overwhelming feeling of regret. It is as if I didn’t do enough for TPPA and its members. We all start this journey with great intentions but then work and life seems to get in the way. Fortunately this feeling of regret will only further motivate me in keeping with my journey of giving back and I would hope I might inspire you to follow that same path.

Thank you again for allowing me this incredible opportunity as it’s been my honor to serve as your 2022 TPPA President.

Best regards,

Robin Janson, TPPA President

The 2012 Texas School Cruise was a who’s who of professional photographers and it was there that Jennifer and I truly got to know Charlcey and Don Dickson. They were so personable, kind, and made us feel so welcome. It seemed to us “nobodies” that they went out of their way to make sure we were included in all unplanned activities before the majority of folks arrived. That included one special night at one of Sweden’s most acclaimed restaurants.

The room itself looked eerily similar to that of a WWII bunker. I could tell, once folks started to arrive, the space was going to fill up and it was going to be a challenge for anyone to attempt to move around. So, who happened in and ended up at the end of the room with us? None other than Cindy and Ralph Romaguera. After we introduced ourselves, I informed them that we were not the cool kids (being volume photographers) and if they wanted to move away from us before it was too late, we wouldn’t be offended. Not only did they sit by us that evening, but they became our mentors and made it a point to always include us.

So why is this story so important? I’m attempting to illustrate the importance of being active within TPPA and attending events like Texas School and the iHeart Photo Expo. Jennifer and I hadn’t planned for this trip to be life-changing. We just wanted to see the world while earning a few merits. But we ended up with something far greater that would put us on a completely different path while unknowingly making lifetime friendships. It’s my hope that, by sharing our experience, others will find motivation to take the next step of getting involved.

Speaking of getting more involved, what better way than making plans on attending iHeart Photo Expo, October 14 – 16 in Grapevine, Texas? That’s three days and two evenings of education and fellowship. Plus, everyone receives one merit for attending. Notice I said “evenings” because this year we will make it a point to have more social events. I believe that is something that has been missing in the past. Details on evening social events will be announced later.

Before I forget, the sponsors of this event have really stepped it up. Let’s start off with a free 16×20 canvas wrap courtesy of ProPrints, 50% off a new website from PhotoBiz, and of course everyone’s favorite camera store, Arlington Camera, will be there along with other industry vendors. Our experience on the “Almost” Russia cruise can only be experienced in person. You aren’t going to find these types of experiences or opportunities online, so get involved. For more information please visit iheartphotography.org.

Another opportunity, and taking it up another notch in getting active, is TPPA’s very own Texas 10 Spring Workshops. If you are wanting to help others by sharing what you know, we need volunteers who want to teach a full-day class (6.5 hours) in their hometown. Volunteers will earn two merits. It was the kindness of the Dicksons and the mentorship of the Romagueras that put us on a path to becoming more involved and wanting to help others. So with some encouragement, we started speaking and helping others at Texas 10 which helped us grow as educators and speakers with the culmination of becoming a 4x platform speaker at IUSA. For more information please visit: form.jotform.com/210677024521953.

Who knows? Perhaps, by becoming more involved, you might find yourself a new lifelong friend or friends, a mentor who will help you succeed in areas you only dreamt of or, even better, finding yourself mentoring others.

Robin Janson, TPPA President

As most of my fellow Texans know, in my past life I owned and operated one of Houston’s largest and renowned DJ companies prior to becoming a professional photographer.

In 2010, I attended my second Texas School and I was fortunate enough to get into Tony Corbell’s class. It was there that I got a glimpse of the great Frank Cricchio. Our class had many incredible attendees who have remained dear friends of mine like Mandy Lundy, who would later be called Mandy Corbell, along with this salty old timer, Larry “aka Lightmeter” Doonan. The stories Larry and Tony would share with the class about the impact Frank Cricchio made in their lives, along with thousands of others in our industry, left me blown away.

It also left me saddened to know that I was late to the table and missed the opportunity to learn from him and other greats including Don Blair, Monte Zucker, and so many others. These photographers were selfless in educating and inspiring others within our industry.

So, skip forward to 2014 where my DJ company was contracted by the AAPI to provide A/V services. As luck would have it, the original employee was out sick and I had to service this event. I had no idea what AAPI stood for nor did I really care. It was just another event where I was providing sound. While I’m setting up, I was approached by the President of AAPI who was none other than Bill Vahrenkamp. He was the all-knowing Digital Darkroom Core instructor and photographer at Texas School’s themed parties.

I am setting up sound when Bill (who doesn’t know me and I don’t know him) informs me that they have paid for my meal to enjoy during their keynote speaker’s presentation. The stage was set, the mic was hot, and in walks Frank Cricchio!

I was like a kid in a candy store. I could not believe I was getting paid, and paid well, plus had a free meal while getting to hear Frank Cricchio speak. Had Bill or anyone at AAPI told me in advance their keynote speaker was going to be Frank Cricchio I would have happily paid them.

Sadly, I am writing this because Frank aka “The Great” Cricchio recently passed. Another great one is gone.

I am blessed to have been able to hear Frank speak and be inspired by his actions and his words. I have comfort knowing that there are 1000s of like-minded photographers who have been helped and inspired by Frank Cricchio and other great legends of our industry.

Learning from legends is just one of the reasons I will always be a member of TPPA.

Best regards,

Robin Janson, TPPA President

I have a confession. I’m half-way through my term as TPPA President and I still wonder at times how I got here. If you have spent any time at all around me, you will notice that I am very quick to say, in my best Forest Gump voice, “I am not a smart man.” I believe the term is “self-deprecating” and it’s easy for me to be that way when I find myself in such esteemed company or when I want others to feel at ease.

I bring this up because one of my responsibilities as TPPA President is to write the Presidential Message for every issue of The Photographer Magazine. For me, it’s a huge task that is very stressful as I’m left trying to figure out what needs to be said. Others before me have always seemed to say the most incredible things that are so inspiring and uplifting… much like the work they create as photographers.

My creativity doesn’t always flow when I need it to, especially when I know I’m opening up myself for the world to see. So, “not being a smart man,” I find myself going back to previous issues of The Photographer and reading previous President’s Messages in hopes of finding inspiration. What I have found is a treasure trove of not only inspiration but inspiring work, incredible ideas, and educational gems.

When was the last time you visited TPPA.org and surfed all that it is? For me, all I had to do is read “Our Mission” and “What We Do” off the front page and I’m once again motivated and confident in my position. That feeling of dread I had before starts to leave my body and mind and I start feeling like Forest Gump breaking his leg supports and saying, “From that moment on I was running” (remember it must be said in the Forest Gump voice).

I would encourage all of our members to put some time aside and really look at TPPA.org and all that is there for you. Obviously, there’s a link to ThePhotographerOnline.com and the current and archived The Photographer magazines, which I honestly love reading and plan on making that a habit long after my term as TPPA President. On TPPA.org there is also the TPPA365 digital library that consist of all kinds of incredible information, CPP Study guide, videos, and (channel your best Don Dickson voice) it is FREE!!!

How about your TPPA Fellowship? …those gray and maroon ribbons. It might surprise you that you have already earned one. If you need inspiration, check out the Texas Trophy Showcase. You might see images you yourself have created but never thought they were worthy only to see similar work winning awards and recognitions. Finally, there is the events tab that has past events like Meet the Board and Texas School of Photography to upcoming events like Guy T. Phillip’s presentations on “What’s New in Lightroom” or the Road Trip to Red River N. Mexico (August 1-3) or the iHeart Photo Conference (October 14-16) and much more.

You know how I said earlier I often wonder how I ended up here as TPPA President? Well, the answer is simple. I participated in these types of events and met some of the most wonderful, talented, and giving people you could ever hope to meet. I’m not knocking online learning but there is something to be said about in-person interaction. With that said, I hope this article motivates you in spending some time online at TPPA.org and ThePhotographerOnline.com and, more importantly, being with us in-person so maybe you can find some inspiration. If nothing else, we should have some serious fun swapping stories while creating new ones. Who knows? The experience might inspire you to becoming more active and one day you might find yourself as TPPA President.

Best regards,

Robin Janson, TPPA President

Robin Janson, TPPA President

The Texas Professional Photographers Association is coming off another successful year at Texas School. Hundreds of photographers are already creating better images, applying new skills, and making more money – all because they invested in themselves by attending Texas School.

When you stop and think about it, you realize it takes thousands of hours of planning and preparation to put on an event of this magnitude. There are so many moving parts, it almost seems impossible that it could ever happen in the first place. Yet, Don Dickson and his team of Trustees, TPPA Officers, Instructors, Wranglers, Vendors, models, and hotel staff are always ready to go when the doors open. Make your plans now to attend Texas School in 2023. It takes place April 23-28 and as always, registration opens at 11pm on January 3rd.

In the meantime, join TPPA in Red River, New Mexico on August 1-3 for three days of photography, fellowship, and some fresh mountain air. This event is suitable for your entire family, and all are welcome to attend. Learn more at TPPA.com/events.

Make plans to attend the iHeart Photography Conference and Expo at the Grapevine Convention Center on October 14-16, 2022. This event provides three days of education, photo-walks, excursions, and a trade show. Details are still under wraps but look for announcements and registration to open in July.

Finally, I want to congratulate everyone who entered the TPPA Annual Photographic Competition. The awards were announced at the awards presentation before the start of Texas School. The committee that puts on this celebration went above and beyond to make everyone feel special and it was wonderful to be able to acknowledge all of the PPA Degree recipients, CPP and TPPA Fellowship recipients in addition to the photographic awards. Kudos to everyone who helped make this night so special.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the PPA National Award to Trey Homan. It is certainly fitting that Trey was selected to be recognized for his service to TPPA on so many levels. From serving as a TPPA President to his time working on committees, teaching alongside his wife, Elizabeth, and his service to Texas School Charities, Trey unselfishly gives of his time and talent to make TPPA and the industry a whole lot better. Well done, Trey Homan!

Best regards,

Robin Janson, TPPA President

Robin Janson, TPPA President

Welcome to 2022! I am honored to be able to serve as your TPPA President. As I look back at the names of those who have served this association in the past, I realize that each of them were members who at some point made a conscious decision to give of their own time to serve our association so that TPPA remains relevant and strong. You can be very proud to call yourself a member of TPPA

If you are a member of TPPA, congratulations. You have invested wisely. The Board of Directors and the staff work hard to bring you the best in photographic education, inspiration, and networking opportunities. And all of this at a truly exceptional value. If you are not a current member of TPPA, let me encourage you to visit TPPA.org and become part of this outstanding association for photographers. The answers you are looking for and the connections that you wish you had can be found right here at TPPA.

Isn’t it interesting how every new year brings a sense of hope and optimism for the coming year? Even so, some years seem to be better than others. Why is that? I suspect there are those who start the new year wondering what the year has in store for them and they simply go about each day and take whatever it brings. If this is the approach one takes, I suspect the law of averages evens out the “good” years with the “bad” years.

But I believe we accomplish more and experience more when we pro-actively take action to move the needle towards higher expectations. In my opinion, much of what defines any given year starts with commitments made at the beginning of the year. For example, let’s say that you would like to improve your finances in the coming year. You could just sit around and hope that it happens, or you could invest in yourself and register for the Texas School of Professional Photography. We constantly hear from students about the “one idea” or the “one change” they made to their business after attending Texas School that transformed their earnings. What could your family do with more income?

Some of our members join TPPA because they want to become better photographers. Again, Texas School and our TPPA Events provide opportunities for all photographers to gain a wealth of knowledge of the craft. But if becoming a better photographer is in your DNA and you are not participating in photographic competition, you are missing out on one of the most important tools available to help you grow as an artist. Leverage what you learn through image competition to stand out from the crowd. How great would it be if more people knew you for your work?

TPPA provides a pathway towards your success. Come join us in 2022.

Best regards,

Robin Janson, TPPA President