History of Bay PPA
by David Hanko

The Bay Professional Photographers Association was originally chartered as Bay Photographers Association, and was organized in 1974. It was the 3rd guild of the Florida Professional Photographers in the state.

The first meeting to set up the association was held in St. Petersburg at the Florida Federal Bank building on 9th Street North (it is now a branch office of Mac Dill Federal Credit Union). The first president was the late Phil Graham, Sr. Our own Bruce Evensen is the only remaining active charter member. He was the second president of the Bay Photographers Association.

The Bay Professional Photographers Association has spun off three other Florida guilds from our membership, Suncoast in Clearwater, a guild that was based in Hudson, FL (now defunct and absorbed into Suncoast) and Tampa Professional Photographers Association (TAPPA).

We became Bay Professional Photographers Association in 1995. The word "Professional" was added to emphasize that the association is a group of professional photographers.

Bay PPA Code of Ethics

1. I will endeavor to enhance and ennoble the status of the photographic profession by maintaining a dignity of manner in my behavior, in the presentation of our photography and photographic services, in the appearance of my studio or place of business and in all other forms of public contact.
2. I will observe the highest standards of honesty in all my transactions, avoiding the use of false titles, confusing or inaccurate technical terms or descriptions and misleading terms or claims.
3. I will at all times endeavor to produce only those types of photographs and photographic services that will enhance the prestige of the profession, to apply my best efforts on behalf of the public and to play my part in raising the general standard of photographic craftsmanship.
4. I will show a friendly spirit of cooperation with my fellow professional photographers and assist them whenever possible should they be in trouble or difficulty.
5. I will at all times avoid the use of unlawful competitive practices.
6. I will assist and give of my knowledge to the members of my profession, and encourage them individually and collectively, so that the equality of photography may constantly be raised to higher standards.
7. In all matters relating to the interpretation of this Code, I will recognize the authority of Bay Professional Photographers Association.