On my mind … - Brief Article

In the March 2002 issue of the PSA Journal I proposed that all of us should consider ourselves to be PSA ambassadors and that our motto should be, "Every Member Get a Member Involved." I would like to expand on that topic in this issue.

First, our motto need not be applied only to others. How about we consider it for ourselves and really get involved with PSA and its numerous services and offerings for our photographic fun and learning. I can't think of a better way to get involved than to attend our annual PSA Conference. Our conference offers just about everything that a photo enthusiast would want. Let's consider some of the possibilities.

The gathering of hundreds of like-minded PSA members offers the likelihood of saying hello to your many friends, but perhaps equally important, it offers the opportunity to meet many people and make new friends. Everyone present is more than willing to share information and they are always looking for new contacts. You also have the opportunity of attending the many open business meetings that are held in conjunction with the Conference. This offers you a first hand chance to see and hear how the Society operates and will even give you an occasion to provide input, expressing some of your thoughts and ideas. The Society is a very democratic organization and we do want to hear from our members.

But, the business of the Society is only a small fraction of your week-long presence at one of the most complete and immersing photo experiences offered anywhere. Consider the fact that more than 40 programs about all aspects of photography will be presented by experts in their fields. A schedule of all these events and programs begins on page 12 in this issue of the PSA Journal. There are, in addition, two keynote speakers scheduled for the Thursday and Friday night spots, to be presented by Andre Gallant and Jim Clark. Information about their programs is included in the April 2002 issue of the PSA Journal.

However, if you really want to get involved, how about participating in the five workshops that not only tell you how, but offer you the chance to participate right there? The Conference site of Pittsburgh, PA offers numerous and unique opportunities for picture taking and making. To help, at least two photo walks are scheduled to help lead you to outstanding photo locations. This is all in addition to the regularly scheduled tours that are part of the Conference. There are four tours planned for the Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday portion of the Conference. (The March issue of the PSA Journal has detailed information about these tours.) What a perfect way to get involved and share great moments not only with interesting subject matter, but with photo friends as well.

If that isn't enough, you can join the post-conference photo tour to the nearby Shenandoah National Park, a truly stunning location for great picture opportunities.

Besides all this, each of the Divisions of the Society will have information and examples of their services and activities on display in the Division Center. Division representatives will be in the Center anxious to help you understand how to participate and get involved in their programs. This is really a great way to get all the information you need to get your money's worth from your Society membership. These Divisions will also be presenting their annual PSA International Exhibitions during the Conference. This is an exceptional opportunity to see and appreciate the best there is in the current exhibition world from almost any photo discipline you may want to consider.

Included in the Conference is an award component. Many outstanding members of the Society receive awards here, including the honors of APSA and FPSA. We also give the Progress Medal to a most worthy recipient. It is the highest award that the Society gives each year. Together, we end our Conference on this high note with a wonderful banquet. It is a grand moment for everyone and especially the honors recipients and their many friends.

The information and forms that you will need to sign up for this Conference have been published in the April 2002 issue of the PSA Journal. Also, you can obtain copies of the registration forms and hotel forms on the Conference website--www.photone.com/psa2002/or link to it from the PSA website--www.psa-photo.org.

The Westin Hotel and Conference Center is a great facility that is reasonably priced for our Conference. Pittsburgh also offers a photo-friendly location that is easy to reach by all modes of transportation. Without a doubt, the Conference week of September 2-7, 2002 will be an exciting and inspirational week of photography for learning, sharing, socializing and just plain having fun. I hope you'll consider really getting involved yourself, or better yet, bring a friend with you to enjoy this exceptional event.

If you sign up before July 1st you will get a discount. Why not sign up right now and fulfill your desire and willingness to get involved? I'll see you there.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Photographic Society of America, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group