ASP President's Message

 This past year was a very difficult year as we said goodbye to our American Society of Photographers President and dear friend, Buddy Stewart.   His loss impacted so many, both in his personal life and the entire photography industry.   Buddy was a dedicated family man, incredible image maker, statesman, humorist, servant to the community, and most of all a wonderful friend to all that crossed his path.   In continuing with Buddy's theme for last year of "All Aboard ," I felt compelled as the incoming president to create a theme for this year.  

When thinking of a theme for 2008, I thought of my years as a Jaycee (Junior Chamber of Commerce) back in the seventies.   As a member of the Jaycees, I remember one of the local community chapters had a theme for the year entitled "Get It Up Higher," which included a sub line they would chant, "Nobody Does It Better."   I was an honorary member of the small group of 50 that was among thousands of Jaycees members from other cities and towns in the state of Indiana.   When we went to the State Convention that year wherever our group went, we would all go together and chant as loud as we could "Get It Up Higher" and "Nobody Does It Better."   By doing so, we captured the attention of the State officers and were awarded the enthusiasm award for that year. Furthermore, the logo the President had used for that year was hot air balloons.   Since my son, Erik, owns a hot air balloon and is a certified pilot, I thought "Get It Up Higher" together with the hot air balloon logo would make a great theme for this year.  

I further remember that after receiving my Masters Degree, I was invited to join ASP.   At first, I had no idea what the organization stood for.   When I went to the membership booth at the National Convention that year, I met ASP's Executive Director, Randy Bradford, and his wife Jo, who explained some of the benefits of belonging to ASP.   Not long after that I was asked to assist at the ASP membership booth at future imaging conventions.   It was then that I discovered a revitalized enthusiasm for being part of ASP and all that it stands for.   I remember the thrill I felt meeting so many image makers and educators that were my mentors and idols for so many years.   It was quite humbling and exciting to realize that I was now a part of this family of revered educators and image makers.   I have now been volunteering at the ASP booth for over 15 years and to this day, I still feel that same level of excitement.   I continue to appreciate the opportunity to enjoy old friendships and meet new members.

As members of ASP, we are continually setting standards and blazing the trail for future generations of image makers.   As such, we are responsible for continuing to educate, create, inspire and ignite the imaginations of future degree holders.   We want to infuse them with the enthusiasm to "Get It Up Higher" and to instill in them the "Nobody Does It Better" attitude necessary to achieve the quality ASP represents.  

I would invite all ASP members to encourage those they may know who do not yet belong to ASP but hold a degree or may be receiving a degree from Professional Photographers of America to be part of our family and to get involved through volunteering in whatever capacity they desire with ASP.  

So remember to keep your enthusiasm and encourage all those we come in contact with to "Get It Up Higher" and keep in mind that "Nobody Does It Better."  

Yours with a Smile and God Bless,