President’s Message June 2009

Jerry Hansen - IPPA President

We are over half way through with 2009 and what a roller coaster ride so far. I’ve seen many positive signs in our industry that things are going to get better.  IPPA has had record attendance at all of our events this year.  I think that people are willing to make the necessary improvements in their business to stay competitive.  This cycle of improved knowledge helps our entire industry.  I hope every one continues this momenton going into the second half of the year.

I was at a wedding a couple of days ago and in about a 4 hour period of time I had 6 people come up to me and ask me about my camera equipment.  I wish I could say that this was unusual, but unfortunately it’s not.  There is a perception out there that the better equipment you have the better photographer you are.  This could not be further from the truth.  I’ve looked back on my work when I was using a 6 megapixel camera at the beginning of the digital transition; those portraits are awesome, even compared to my latest 21 megapixel wonder camera.  I wonder if when people go into the doctor they ask what type of scalpel they will be using.  Or if any one really cared about the type of paint or brush Rembrandt used.  I can just see someone walking into the Sistine Chapel and asking Leonardo Da Vinci “Wow what kind of paint did you use?” We need to keep our industry focused on what matters most.  It’s the artist that really matters.

We all need to take responsibility to educate those around us.  This can’t be a one person effort.  All of us need to help educate our clients and prospective clients on “It’s the artist that matters most”.  We need to advertise about it in our promotional materials.  Talk about it in our consultations.  Sell it in our sales presentations.  We can make a difference.  Let everyone know, it’s not about the equipment, it is about the artist.

Jerry Hansen M.Photog., Certified Professional Photographer
President IPPA