The End of an Era: Reflecting on the Professional Photographers of the Ozarks

This weekend marked the end of an era as the Professional Photographers of the Ozarks held their final conference.

I’ve been attending this conference since 2017, but its roots go back much further. For decades, it’s been a place where photographers from a four state region (Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas) came together to learn, grow, and share their passion for the art of photography. For me, it’s been so much more than just a conference. It’s been a cornerstone of my growth as a professional photographer.

It was here that I entered print competition for only the second time, but it felt like the first time I really understood what I was doing. That year, I won my very first award, the First-Timer Award and this milestone ignited a deeper desire to grow and improve my craft. Since that first conference, my career has grown in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I’ve gone on to earn my Master of Wedding Photography and have been honored with multiple first-place and “Best of Wedding” awards through print competitions. This year was especially meaningful, as I received First Place Wedding in the Master Category and First Place Portrait of a Child. These achievements represent not only personal milestones, but also the continued influence and inspiration that began with organizations like the Professional Photographers of the Ozarks.

Over the years, this organization has given me so much. It’s where I met and deepened friendships with some of the most talented and generous photographers I know. I’ve learned from incredible instructors, hands-on workshops, and countless late-night conversations filled with laughter, inspiration, and shared stories. There’s nothing quite like watching photographers you’ve admired for years teach, create, and openly share their knowledge.

Like so many good things, this chapter has come to a close...but its legacy lives on in the photographers who have been members. The lessons learned, the friendships formed, and the inspiration sparked at these conferences will continue to shape the work and heart of so many photographers across our region and beyond.

Thank you to the Professional Photographers of the Ozarks, and to everyone who poured their heart into keeping this community alive for so many years. The mark you’ve left on our industry, and on my own journey, is one I’ll carry forward with immense gratitude.

At Creative Visions Photography, that same type of dedication to growth and storytelling continues to guide the way I serve my couples and families. Every session, every wedding, and every portrait is a chance to create something timeless. My goal every time I pick up my camera is to create images that reflect connection, emotion, and the artistry I’ve spent years refining, captured in a true-to-color style that feels authentic and enduring. The lessons and friendships from the Professional Photographers of the Ozarks will always be a part of that story.

(All photos in this blog are from this weekend and are from my cell phone, not professional photos.)