PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - AUGUST  2020

As OPPA’s President through the remainder of 2020, I want to welcome you to the organization, share a bit about what lies ahead, and make myself available to you as a resource to help you get the most out of OPPA to help you grow as a photographer.

You’ve joined OPPA at an interesting time.  2020 has been a challenging year for everyone and that applies to our organization as well.  From our founding and through mid-March, we were known for holding lots of in-person events.  As things have shifted, we’ve moved our programming online, and adapted things to our changing world.  Even though we can’t see each other in person, we’re working to deliver value to help our members grow through education, competition, mentorship, scholarships, and more.

As an entirely volunteer-led nonprofit organization, we depend on our members to build and execute on the various programs that benefit us all.  As you start to become involved with OPPA, we’d love to have you help us as a volunteer.  There are a variety of opportunities available, with varying levels of time commitment.

We’re an organization comprised of full-time professional photographers, part-time pros, and serious hobbyists.  We welcome anyone who takes their photography seriously, and I feel that the diversity of our group is one of our strongest assets as we can learn more from each other.  Personally, I started out with photography as a hobby in my early 20s, then began working professionally several years later.  I’ve used my background in technology to help photographers find success in an increasingly-digital world.

I’d love to hear about you (and your history with photography), whether that’s a long or a short story.  Drop me a note at president@oregonppa.org and introduce yourself.  I’d love to get to know you and hear what you’re hoping to get out of OPPA.

Again, welcome.  OPPA is glad to have you as part of our group.

Aaron Hockley
M.Photog.Cr., FP-OR, HFP-OR
President