Today we’d like to introduce you to Wendy Fisk.
Wendy, before we jump into specific questions about the organization, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve worked in various roles within the San Diego creative community for more than 13 years, beginning with Mires Design (now MiresBall) in an administrative role in 1999. During my time there, supporting the design studio’s rapid growth, I learned quickly how much I loved being in a creative environment. I was lucky to work for and with such wonderfully talented people who encouraged my professional aspirations. I met many local photographers as well, which led me to an Executive Director position for a non-profit photography association known as American Photographic Artists (APA).
When I attended my first APA meeting with the local board, it was incredibly intimidating. I was surrounded by photo professionals who were wondering who I was and how I could help grow the organization. Admittedly, I doubted myself as well but was up to the challenge. The tasked me with producing successful events and growing their membership within the San Diego community. We discussed an idea of a Speaker series where photographers presented their work and shared their stories. Later I presented an idea with two local photographers, J. Grant Brittain and Aaron Chang, both of whom are well known in the skate and surf world. Some of the board members questioned the viability, but I was determined to make it happen. The event, as it turned out, was highly attended and a complete success. The photographers gave a great presentation, and it was all very inspirational. As a result, the APA board had more confidence in my work and that support meant a great deal. I was even more motivated to produce the events that would spur growth and success for the APA chapter.
Since then I’ve worked in various roles in the agency world as a Project, Account or Production Manager, and enjoyed each role for different reasons. The birth of our daughter led me to take some personal time off. As they say, they grow up so fast, and I didn’t want to miss a moment. The world of photography kept calling to me, however, and I’ve worked with APA on and off for more than nine years. It’s like we haven’t missed a beat. Together, we continue to grow the San Diego chapter and I’m so proud of the work we’ve accomplished. I’m also grateful for the relationships and partnerships I’ve been able to foster over the years and am looking forward to what the future brings.
Has it been a smooth road?
It’s been challenging to work in an industry that has changed so much over the years and since we are volunteer based, it can be difficult to find people who are willing to donate their time, serve on our local board and follow through with commitments. It’s important to have the right mix of people with great attitudes and a willingness to better our photo community. People that want to make things better.
Please tell us about your business.
APA (American Photographic Artists) is a not for profit volunteer photography association for photographers and run by photo industry professionals. APA is very dedicated to advocacy and protecting a photographer’s work, their image rights and their legacy.
We specialize in events, workshops and peer-to-peer discussions for professional and emerging photographers. We are known for our speaker events held at the Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park as well as our efforts to educate and inspire the creative community. In the past we’ve featured many professionals such as Dan Winters, Todd Glaser, J. Grant Brittain, Art Streiber and Michele Romero to come and share their stories with us, talk with students and offer their insights and inspirations.
We offer memberships at a variety of levels and our members and sponsors are what help make our chapter events possible.
I’m very proud of our community focused chapter and the events we produce. We want everyone to feel welcome at our events and offer resources and support for those who want to talk about the challenges of this ever-changing industry.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love how connected we all are in the creative industry in San Diego. It feels as though everyone is supportive of each other. I work with other photo and creative groups to help promote each of our events as it only helps grow the creative community and show all that San Diego has to offer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://apanational.org/
- Phone: (619) 993-4811
- Email: director@apasd.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apa_sd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apasdchapter
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/APA_SD
- Other: https://apasd.org/
Image Credit:
@ Stacy Keck
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