Spring 2010

Spring is here, the late snows have melted, and everything is starting to bloom! Time to dust off the bicycle for those rides around the lake, get the Barbie ready for cookouts, and open the windows to invite in the fresh air of spring! Before we know it, summer will be here and we will all long for a 12.5-inch record snowfall. C’est la vie in Texas!

Just a quick recap of past events! Melody Hamilton is still keeping the lamps trimmed and burning with our 100ppi events and all us on the board applaud her efforts! Good job, M! Our last major event, North Texas Women in Photography, was a success and I join my board in thanking Jean Ann Bybee, Susan Kae Grant, Cheryl Diaz Meyer, and Allison V. Smith. They wowed us with their images and the stories that inspired them, ranging from dreams to war. It was another reminder why we love our chosen art and profession.

Along with the Rites of Spring, ASMP Dallas is shaking off the old for the new. To celebrate, our web guru, Manuel Pecina, partnered with national’s Peter Dyson, to give us a new website: www.asmpdallas.org. And what a site it is! New features include rolling over photographs of our general members, links to Facebook and Twitter, and complete integration with the ASMP national! Good work Mr. Pecina. You are our link to National and the world!

Jason has been working with the Dallas Ad League to coordinate a joint happy hour, which is scheduled for April 29, at Margarita Ranch at Mockingbird Station. Be there and bring business cards! He also is working with the Press Club and IABC to further our marketing opportunities and if you would like to participate, come join us. Great work Jason! We also are in the planning stages of a photography exhibit to celebrate our 30th year as an ASMP chapter, more information to follow!

I would like to take a moment to express my sadness at the passing of a friend and great photographer and educator, Charlie Freeman, who left us far too soon and whose absence is still felt! I last saw him at an Art Institute event where he informed me that he wanted to get involved with the ASMP Dallas board. I thought to myself, another volunteer who has an excellent history with our chapter! Charlie knew that the chapter offers unique opportunities to stimulate creativity through interaction with other highly creative individuals who love their craft enough to serve and promote it for all photographers. It is enjoyable and rewarding to bring photography to the forefront in North Texas. Please think about volunteering for ASMP Dallas, we would love to have you join us!