02/04/2026
I’d like to provide an update on the current status of SDPPA / PPSD and share where things stand regarding the re-establishment of a recognized PPA Community Network for South Dakota.
Before getting into the details, I want to briefly introduce myself and explain why I’m invested in helping move this forward. I currently serve as President of the Professional Photographers of Nebraska (PPofN), a healthy and active PPA Community Network with strong member engagement. Through that experience, I’ve seen firsthand the value a well-run state organization brings to photographers, and I strongly believe South Dakota deserves the same level of support and opportunity.
From what I’ve been able to gather, SDPPA was active until the COVID period and has since become inactive. Since then, there has been no clear path to membership, no visible leadership, and no organized events or communication. While some South Dakota photographers have understandably joined neighboring state networks, there is broad interest in having a dedicated organization that serves photographers within our own state.
I want to be very clear on one point: this effort is not meant to degrade, criticize, or speak negatively about those currently listed as the SDPPA organization. I am not insinuating failure, nor am I attempting to undermine anyone’s past work or intentions. Over the past several years, I have reached out on multiple occasions in good faith in an attempt to connect, understand the current status, and even explore joining the organization. Unfortunately, despite those efforts, I have not been able to make progress or receive responses that would allow meaningful participation or forward movement. My sole interest is ensuring that South Dakota photographers have an active, accessible, and supportive organization that allows them to thrive.
Over the past several years (dating back to 2020–2021), I have made repeated attempts to learn more about SDPPA and explore ways to help restore it, but unfortunately have not been able to gain traction or clear answers. I have personally spoken with approximately 10–15 South Dakota photographers, many of whom were members prior to SDPPA becoming inactive, and there is strong interest in re-establishing a state affiliate.
At this time, SDPPA remains listed by PPA as an active Community Network, despite there being no way to join, no known board, no events, and no communication. Melody, the PPA Community Network Director, has also attempted to reach out without success. As a result, the network’s standing with PPA is currently at risk due to inactivity and lack of communication.
My goal is simple: to support photographers in South Dakota through education, connection, and professional development—both from local and national voices—because that is how we all continue to grow in our craft. I am not interested in taking anything away from a healthy or functioning organization. I simply want what is best for the photographers of South Dakota as a whole.
As a temporary step, I have created a page titled “Professional Photographers of South Dakota”. This page is intended as a holding space and communication channel while we determine whether SDPPA can be restored or if a new PPA Community Network must be established. Any updates or progress will be shared there.
I would also like to invite you to share this effort with other photographers you know in South Dakota and encourage them to join the mailing/contact list. This will allow us to keep interested individuals informed as we move forward and ensure open communication as decisions are made about the future of a South Dakota state affiliate.
Thank you for your time, your support, and your interest in strengthening the photography community in South Dakota.
