Professional Associations

Blogging isn’t just a hobby for me. It is a platform to publish professional quality content. My work has gained my membership in several professional photography and journalism organizations. In several cases, I was the first full-time, professional blogger to gain membership.


SATW Logo

I have been a member of SATW, the world’s oldest professional travel journalism organization, since 2011. I was the first full-time blogger to join SATW and I was the first ever elected to its Board of Directors. I have won numerous SATW awards including Photographer of the Year in 2014, and Central States Chapter Photographer of the Year four times.

NATJA Logo

I have been a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association for many years. I have been awarded their Grand Prize in photographer twice, and I have earned over 40 individual NATJA medals over the years. In three different years I have won more NATJA awards than any other person.