This photo begs for information. What is ASMP president Theresa Carol
Sicurezza doing here? What does this have to do with a professional photography
association?

Last night the ASMP Atlanta/Southeast had their Holiday party at Kevin
Ames Studio. There was no program, just a time to socialize.

Lifetime member Ron Sherman is talking with Leah Overstreet, who just moved to Atlanta the last month. Leah mentioned how much she had enjoyed working in the past in a studio space where everyone was able to interact and bounce new ideas and old ones around with each other.

Now that Leah has gone freelance, she has discovered the isolation many of us face. Staring at your computer for hours is not the healthiest thing one could be doing. While this can be helpful, getting together with anyone isn’t very productive for your professional advancement.

After all, birds of a feather flock together, which is what happened at the party.

Michael Schwarz talks with new members Anthony and his wife, Stacey. Stacey first said I could see you carry a camera everywhere. Guilty as charged was my response. I did tell them the story of my friend who didn’t have his camera and missed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I have also missed some photos by not having a camera with me in the past.

I think the cool thing last night was Anthony met others like him who have cameras around their shoulders when they are not working.

Kevin Ames had set up a photo booth, and James Barker was helping take photos of members. Kevin commented that we didn’t set up a selfie booth; instead, we wanted a photographer to take our pictures.

Now, are you reading this and wishing you were there? This is one of the many reasons photo associations exist. We need to socialize with one another. We also want filters to be sure we have a lot in common with the others. So for ASMP, you must make more than 51% of your income as a photographer. We are not a camera club. We talk business as much as photography.

We have about six local events a year, but you can also go to the other chapters around the country and their circumstances.

Where is your photography community? I would say that for those who came last night, an online community and listening to tutorials isn’t satisfying the need for community. We like getting together and listening and sharing our concerns.

I invite you to join ASMP and be at our next event. Here is where you go to find out more Join ASMP.