The anatomy of an exhibition - how membership in the Photographic Society of America helped one amateur photographer to hold a one-man photography show

PSA Journal, July, 1992 by Louis F. Romain

The first subject a future doctor is exposed to in medical school is human anatomy. This overview of the body acts as a framework on which to add the other medical disciplines, thus leading to a solid knowledge of disease and what constitutes wellness. In a similar fashion, the serious fine art or exhibition print photographer needs a skeleton-tike framework on which to support his knowledge and learning.

When I joined the Society a number of years ago, I marveled at the quality of the prints viewed in watching the judging of my first International Salon. Watching my first International Color Slide Salon judging was equally memorable. Accordingly, I initially studied pictorial slide techniques by joining a camera club affiliated with PSA. The competitions, workshops and educational sessions, as well as the other members, taught me well.

This pleasant experience led me to join a PSA Slide Study Circuit, where I learned in dynamic fashion about composition, impact and technique. At first, the award ribbons seemed like a dream. Later I began receiving them. I then added the PSA International Color Slide Competition for Individuals to my activities. Again, being a winner seemed like a dream. After time, I too, was producing prize winning entries. I proceeded to nature slides and pictorial prints.

After using the darkrooms of friends and that of my PSA-affiliated camera club, I built my first darkroom. I learned how from a PSA slide set with tape narration viewed at my camera club on the darkrooms of the top salon exhibitors. With my new darkroom I became active in the PSA P.P.D. Picture of the Month competitions. The competition was tough, comprehensive and educational. I continued to learn, and I now do all my own darkroom work.

I just closed my seventh One-Man Show, consisting of 70 16x22, and 20x24 monochrome and color prints. It was the culmination of a long term relationship with PSA. I should like to share some of the prints with those who have helped me so much and those who yearn for an increasing experience in the art and science of photography.

Dr. Louis F. Romain, of Fort Wayne, Ind. received his APSA at the 1987 Long Beach PSA International Conference. He is within 10 acceptances of his first Galaxy in color slides. He is currently Membership Vice President of the Society. He is a recipient of 17 International Gold Medals. He continue teaching, Salon judging and exhibiting.