Hi all,

I hope things are going well and that you're staying dry given our recent weather.

I wanted to send a note to share my perspective on what's up with OPPA and where we are headed. Good things are happening, and some big new things are coming.

We've had several great events already ranging from the educational to the social. Last weekend a handful of us visited three microbreweries on an OPPA photo safari, chatting beer and photography while trying some tasty wares. What fun! (If you're more into wine... we have you covered with a Yamhill county VIP safari next month). This weekend is our second sold-out CPP Lighting workshop in just over a month. I'm glad that so many of you are taking advantage of the ability to grow your photography skills under the guidance of our talented instructors.

As you know, we're not just about making pictures. We also focus on helping you grow a profitable, sustainable photo business. Our workshop next weekend with Josh and Bruce Hudson will be one of the year's highlight events. For only $99, members will walk away with skills in identifying, connecting with, and selling to your ideal clients. I can neither confirm nor deny that I was the first one to register, and I fully expect to increase my revenue by thousands of dollars this year based on what I learn. Space is still available, and I hope to see you there.

Starting very soon, OPPA members will be able to take advantage of a huge new member benefit: a Mentorship program. More information is coming in the next few weeks, but as an OPPA member you'll have the opportunity for one six-month mentorship pairing each year at no cost beyond your OPPA membership fee. Mentorships will take place remotely (phone, Skype, email, text, etc) allowing anyone to participate regardless of location while also ensuring we don't overburden our mentors, who are donating their time and expertise. We're establishing that group of mentors right now - folks with advanced knowledge in a particular area of photography or business. The next step - where you'll hear a lot more - will be opening the registration for students who would like a mentor in a particular area.

We ask for understanding as we launch the pilot program - there could be some hiccups - but we know that personal mentorship will be a great opportunity that can benefit both the student and the mentor.

Finally, I want to send thanks out to all of our volunteers who make OPPA happen. Whether its our board members, committee members, or other folks who give their time to help us have a great organization, it couldn't happen without you. Thank you.

On that note, I'm off to go look at possible images for entry into next month's competition... hope to see you there, or at another OPPA event soon! As always, drop me a reply if you have any questions or concerns.

Aaron Hockley, Cr.Photog., FP-OPPA

president@oregonppa.org

2017 President, Oregon Professional Photographers Association