This year – on June 23, 2019 – PPAM (Professional Photographers Association of Massachusetts) along with members of NHPPA and others marked PPA’s 150th anniversary by recreating a photo of the first professional photography conference. The 1869 conference, held at the Horticultural Society of Boston on Tremont Street, culminated in all the participants gathering on the footbridge at the Boston Public Garden for a photo.

In the recreation, photographers were posed in the same location as the 1869 group. The 2019 photo was taken by NHPPA and PPA member Scott Levine.

PPAM President Melvin Guante gave his thoughts on the event. “This is what our photo community is all about. We are a family of imaging professionals and 150 years is a significant achievement for any organization,” said Melvin Guante. “Marking this date with our group photo pays homage to photo pioneers who paved the way for today’s professional photographers.”

“Understanding and recognizing our journey as a photo community is the key to ensuring success for all photographers,” added Guante. “Our events, programs and members are the pillars that hold our great community together, as shown by this amazing and historic event.”