This year we gathered in Knoxville, Tennessee, and once again it reminded me why this community is so special. Sure, we had great sessions, gear demos, and award ceremonies, but what really stuck with me were the conversations in hallways, the laughter over late-night drinks, and the friendships that feel more like family every year.
Before the symposium officially began, I came in a little early to soak up the area and spend time with both new and old friends. We carved out time for some travel photography in the Smoky Mountains and visits to a few national historic sites nearby. Those extra days gave me the chance not only to make new images but also to deepen connections in a slower, more personal setting. It set the tone for the week ahead — blending the joy of exploring new places with the joy of being with people who inspire me.
This year also gave me the chance to stand on the other side of the room as a presenter. I led a session on managing your team’s digital workflow — a topic I care deeply about. Teaching, mentoring, and giving back to this community is something that fuels me just as much as creating images. Sharing ideas, hearing questions, and swapping strategies with others reminded me that our collective knowledge only makes us all stronger. It was an honor to contribute in that way and, hopefully, spark some new conversations that continue beyond Knoxville.
Plate one
For many of us, the day-to-day job of being a university photographer can feel a little isolating. You might be the only one on your campus doing what you do, balancing five events in a day or juggling storytelling, headshots, and a last-minute video request. That’s why UPAA has never felt like “just” a conference to me — it feels more like a family reunion. It’s the one place where you don’t have to explain the challenges, because everyone in the room has lived them. That shared understanding builds a bond that runs deeper than photography itself.
This year, that sense of community grew even stronger through the Society of Creative Partners. Over the past semester, I had the privilege of being part of this group — strangers at first, but quickly becoming colleagues and friends who learned, shared, and supported each other along the way. Meeting up in Knoxville felt like the culmination of that journey: suddenly the names and faces on a screen were right there beside me, and we got to experience UPAA together. It was proof that mentorship, collaboration, and shared passion can turn into real friendships.
Nine frames
That’s what I love most about UPAA as a whole — colleagues become friends, and those friendships turn into a kind of safety net. You celebrate each other’s wins, lean on one another when work feels overwhelming, and know there’s always someone who understands both the craft and the challenges of this world. This year I had the chance to meet Michael Pierce in person and see him recognized as Photographer of the Year, and I also reconnected with my friend Jean Fruth to watch her incredible presentation. On top of that, I met so many new creatives — each with their own stories, perspectives, and talents — and those conversations expanded my network in meaningful ways. It was also a reminder of how special it is to meet the faces behind the Instagram accounts we all follow. We spend so much time interacting through keyboards and screens, but getting to put real personalities to those digital profiles made those connections feel deeper and more genuine. These new friendships reminded me that the circle of support in this community is always growing, and it’s that constant exchange of ideas and encouragement that keeps us all moving forward.
Another part of the symposium that often goes unspoken is the team-building ripple effect it creates. Each of us may attend as individuals, but the ideas, encouragement, and inspiration we bring home directly strengthen the colleagues and staff we work alongside every day. It’s not just about personal growth; it’s about building up our teams and, in turn, our institutions. That collective impact is one of the most powerful legacies of UPAA.
Every time I leave a UPAA Symposium, I feel a little more inspired and a little less alone. I come back with new ideas to try, yes — but more importantly, I come back reminded of the people who push me to keep growing. And while I was fortunate enough to bring home a little hardware this year, the real prize will always be the connections and friendships that last long after the awards are handed out.
If you’ve never been to one of these gatherings, I can’t recommend it enough. The gear, the sessions, the awards — they’re all great. But it’s the community, the friendships, and the chance to reconnect with people who truly understand this life that make it unforgettable.
Tennessee gave us more than just a backdrop this year. It gave us time together — to laugh, to learn, and to remind ourselves that the best part of this profession isn’t the photos we make, but the people who stand beside us while we make them.
This year was also bittersweet for me, knowing it was my last UPAA Symposium as a full-time creative in higher education. After years of building, documenting, and telling stories on campus, I’m stepping into a new chapter where I’ll hopefully return to UPAA not just as a member, but as a sponsor. That transition makes me reflect even more on the friendships and co-workers who have shaped my journey. The bonds built in this community are what I’ll carry forward — reminders that no matter the role, the heart of this work is about people, connection, and stories worth sharing.
Plate two
Type an optional group caption
Eight frames
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Sam Craft
October 1, 2025
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