For the first time since 1985, Texas has one of its own photographers taking the helm

of the 22,000 member Professional Photographers of America. Don Dickson is now the 2011 President of this 130 year old association and Texas couldn't be more proud!

Don Dickson, best known as the Executive Director of the Texas School of Professional Photography, has a long record of service to the profession. As the owner of a successful studio in Plainview, Texas, he has also served as President of the Texas Professional Photographers Association as well as the Southwest Professional Photographers Association. However, it is his accomplishments with Texas School that has elevated Dickson to national recognition.

Don took over as as president of the school in 1994. The school had around 130 students. Each year, Don expanded the class curriculum until the school eventually became the largest and most successful one of its kind in the country with over 1,000 in attendance. Instructors from throughout the nation and abroad stand in line for the opportunity to teach at this week-long class that is held each spring.

Don's interest in photography began at the age of twelve when he received his first medium format camera as a gift from his grandmother after her visit to China. While in high school, Don photographed and published his first church directory and was the official photographer for his own senior prom. After earning a business degree in college, he opened Don's Photography Studio at the age of 20. I look back now and wonder what I was thinking! Both my parents were school teachers and I had never heard of a trade association. All I knew about photography and the business of running a studio was learned on my own, Don explains.

It was during his first year in business that a friend invited Don to a Texas Professional Photographers Association Convention. That first convention made quite an impression on Don and led to a lifetime of service to TPPA and beyond.

In 1988, Don Dickson received his Master of Photography degree from the Professional Photographers of America, becoming the youngest recipient at that time in the State of Texas. He was also the youngest President of the Texas Professional Photographers Association, the largest state affiliate of PPA in the country.

Don feels strongly about educating photographers and his love for education grew even more intense after he joined the staff of Texas School as registrar in 1990. A few short years later, he was appointed as the Executive Director, a position he proudly holds to this day. Photography education is more critical than ever before in our ever changing industry, says Don. The only way to get ahead and to prosper is to continue to learn and study what the new technology has to offer. This is the most exciting time our industry has ever seen.

In 2005, Don received the coveted Garhart Bahker Award at Imaging USA in New Orleans. This award is PPA's highest award for Excellence in Education.

The Professional Photographers of America is an international, non- profit association of professional photographers and was organized in 1880. The services to its members are unparalleled, offering protection, education and resources to ensure their continued success in the photographic industry. PPA members know their association as a vibrant and interactive community with unique benefits such as the Indemnification Trust and its full-time copyright and government affairs staff as their advocate for their rights as professional photographers.

Don's love and passion for photography shows in all the aspects of his life. He has been married to his wife, Charlcey, for 31 years and they have two children, Kyle and Suzanne. Needless to say, his family is proud of him, but so is the Texas Professional Photographers Association!