[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][vc_column_text]We recently caught up with ASMP National Chair, Jenna Close, as she prepares to step down from her most current role steering ASMP through its most recent transition. Read what she has to say about changing course after serving six years on the National Board, and take a look at her most recent award-winning personal project – Buck the Cubicle: Tim Linhart, Ice Music.
How did being ASMP National Board Chair influence you as a photographer? As an individual?
I thought I was a decent multi-tasker before becoming Chair, but whew have I learned a lot about time management these last two years. And acting as Chair has forced me to develop more effective communication skills as well. The application to my photography business is direct. I can now comfortably negotiate with prospective clients, have tough conversations, speak my mind and stand up for myself without blinking an eye. But at the same time I learned to reduce conflict by listening, understanding opposite viewpoints, and giving space for those opposing views to exist. ASMP was a huge boost to my skills and confidence.
When I was first elected 6 years ago I was young and relatively new to the business. ASMP board service allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of the industry. I was surrounded by helpful and experienced photographers, many of whom are now my closest friends. I owe something to every single board member I’ve served with. I got to work on a lot of things I believed in and have had so many amazing conversations with so many people. It has deeply shaped me as a photographer and a human being, and I am glad for it. ASMP as an organization has provided so much value to my business that I felt compelled to give back with service to the board.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]What are you excited about for ASMP moving forward?
ASMP was at the start of a very major transition when I became Chair, so I spent a lot of time working with Tom, staff and the board to get the organization settled again. There were a lot of structural and logistical fixes that needed to be done, and this had to happen before any of the bigger initiatives could really take place. We all had a ton of cool ideas for moving forward, but most of them had to be put on hold until we had everything ready to go on the backend. It hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but we got through it. What I’m most excited about for the future is seeing those ideas that were put on hold start to happen…it makes me so happy that we’re ready to go ahead with that now and I’m proud to have helped the organization get to that point.
Would you encourage all members to consider becoming involved with chapter/national boards and committees?
Yes, absolutely. I suspect people are worried about the time commitment, and yes, there is definitely time involved, but it’s so worthwhile. I would especially encourage members who want to see specific change, who may not be happy with everything about ASMP right now, to get involved. The best way to make change is to do it yourself…there’s a lot of truth in that. We don’t all have to agree, in fact, it’s better if we don’t, but there is always a lot of work to be done and a lot of fun to be had as well.
What advice would you give Luke as incoming National Board Chair?
Luke is going to be really kickass, so that’s a tough question. He’s worked so hard already and has been my right hand man for a long time now. He’s bursting with smart, innovative ideas and is the perfect next step for ASMP. I’m pretty sure he doesn’t sleep…he’s going to be hard to keep up with. I guess I would say “don’t forget to breathe”, because that’s a mistake I made often. It’s easy to have ASMP sneak into your brain 24/7. So it’s important to step back now and then. Being Chair is an amazing job, but it is a definite life change once you take it on.
What will you do now with all of your free time?
I’m sure it will feel weird at first. I’m looking forward to starting some personal projects and expanding Buck the Cubicle. I’d also like to learn more advanced color grading for video and experiment with VR. Oh and I really need to finish remodeling my house, which has been a work in progress for years. And I’ll definitely take some time to just sit in my backyard and enjoy a few quiet weekends off the grid. But…I’ll be ex-officio for the next year so I’m also looking forward to advising as needed and watching what comes next. ASMP is the most awesome group of people, from the National Board to the staff to the members, and I will really miss the daily conversations with everyone.
Lastly, I would like to say thank you to everyone who makes up this organization, without which I would not be running a sustainable business today. It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve you all.
If this article was of interest to you, take a look at some of the other posts in the Board Members Give Back series.
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