Professional Photographers of America Members Save Keith Howe's Career

ATLANTA, July 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Professional Photographers of America (PPA) offers a substantive list of membership benefits to help build and protect careers. However, there is an unlisted benefit that some PPA members claim as priceless.

These photographers provide a lifeline of personal and professional support regardless of distance and circumstance. Nebraska photographer, Keith Howe, M.Photog., M.Artist, MEI., Cr., CPP, credits the PPA family with keeping his morale and career thriving during his recent battle with lymphoma. With restored health, Howe will be a featured judge at PPA's annual International Photographic Competition (IPC) next month.

"My job as a photographer allows me to share in the best times of peoples' lives, but it took the worst time of my life to understand the full value of my PPA membership," said Howe. "When I was diagnosed with lymphoma, my PPA family sent humorous gifts to keep my attitude positive and traveled hundreds of miles to assist with photography jobs that were too physically demanding for me, without expecting anything in return."  

On a laptop computer in his hospital bed, Howe was still mentoring other PPA photographers to help them reach their dreams.

"Even as he was fighting serious health issues, Keith was helping me build my photography business," said San Diego photographer Heather Smith, M.Photog., Cr., CPP. "His mentorship - and more importantly, his friendship - continues to be a PPA benefit that isn't listed in the brochure but has life-altering advantages."

Howe has experienced PPA's career-related benefits firsthand over his 25 years as a member. These include insurance, copyright and malpractice protection, equipment discounts, professional development and education, business-building tools and more for an affordable annual fee. Recently, the personal support from fellow members has been the most significant benefit in his physical recovery and business survival. Howe is excited to be part of the distinguished judges' panel for IPC in Atlanta, Georgia on August 3-7, to express gratitude to his PPA family and offer his expertise to ambitious photographers.  

"When something this devastating happens in your life, you learn how many people care about you," said Howe. "I was amazed with the number of PPA members who stepped forward and ultimately, helped save my business."

About PPA

Professional Photographers of America (PPA) is the largest international non-profit association created by professional photographers, for professional photographers. Almost as long-lived as photography itself, PPA has roots that date back to 1869. It assists close to 27,000 members through protection, education and resources for their continued success. See how PPA helps photographers be more at ppa.com.

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SOURCE Professional Photographers of America