When I first started in photography fifteen years ago, one of the established photographers in my town came by my makeshift garage studio. He showed me how to set my lights up and invited me to an APPA convention. I can truly say that convention changed my photography and my life. I met so many wonderful people who invited me into a community of photographers and freely taught me all they knew. I believe when you teach someone about photography, you elevate the profession of photography. This has been a difficult year for anyone in business, which is why weather you are a new photographer or a seasoned veteran , it is crucial to expand your network, learn new techniques, and be inspired. We have some incredible speakers coming in for our convention. Denis Reggie is the father of wedding photojournalism and a must see program. Thanks to Canon ,Denis's program can be attended free of charge. But don't stop there. If you are registered for the convention you will see John Woodward really does know more about digital photography than anyone, anywhere, that Mitche Graffe is not a best selling author on marketing for no reason, and that Barbie Vallot did not win Photographer of the Year in Louisiana by accident. These are only a few reasons why you must attend and absolutely must invite a friend. The Doubletree Hotel and the Rivermarket are a perfect setting for this year's convention. CAPTURE '09 will be a life altering, business saving, inspiration to someone. Will it be you? I can't wait to see all of you there to spend time with old friends and make some new ones.
Lance Johnston
APPA President
CAPTURE '09