MOPPA - Professional Photographers Association of Missouri

07/29/2026

💰 Your future deserves a plan.

Whether you're just getting started with investing, thinking about retirement, or simply want to better understand your financial options, this webinar is for you.

Join Shane Hughes, Investment Advisor Representative with Strategic Partners, Inc., as he shares practical strategies to help you build, protect, and preserve your financial future.

✨ You'll learn:
• The basics of long-term investing
• Ways to build financial security
• How Life, Accident & Health Insurance fit into a financial plan
• Important considerations when planning for your future

📅 Tuesday, August 18, 2026
🕖 7:00–9:00 PM CDT

Shane brings decades of leadership experience, military service, and financial expertise to this informative session, making complex topics approachable and easy to understand.

Whether you're planning for retirement, protecting your family, or simply looking to make smarter financial decisions, you won't want to miss this opportunity.

🔗 Register today through the MOPPA events page. https://www.moppa.com/events

07/28/2026

Congratulations to all of the award winners from this year’s MOPPA Image Competition!

We received an incredible 157 entries, showcasing the talent, creativity, and dedication of photographers from across our community. We are excited to recognize these outstanding images and the artists behind them.

Please join us in celebrating this year’s award winners! Be sure to congratulate them and let us know which images are your favorites.

Photo credit: Robert Mossack

07/20/2026

Have an AMAZING Monday!

07/17/2026

07/17/2026

Financial Planning for Your Future
Presented by Shane Hughes, Investment Advisor Representative, Strategic Partners, Inc.

Planning for your financial future begins with understanding the tools available to help you build, protect, and preserve your wealth. Join Shane Hughes, an Investment Advisor Representative with Strategic Partners, Inc., for an informative webinar designed to introduce the fundamentals of long-term investing and financial protection.

During this session, Shane will discuss strategies for investing toward your future financial goals while providing an overview of the important role that Life, Accident, and Health Insurance can play in a comprehensive financial plan. Whether you are just beginning your investment journey or looking to strengthen your existing financial strategy, this webinar will provide practical insights to help you make more informed decisions.

About the Presenter
Shane Hughes is an Investment Advisor Representative with Strategic Partners, Inc., holding FINRA Series 7 and Series 66 licenses, as well as licenses in Life, Accident, and Health Insurance.

A lifelong resident of the Joplin area since the age of 10, Shane grew up on Navy bases along the East Coast and in South Korea before his family settled in southwest Missouri following his father's retirement from the U.S. Navy.

Shane graduated from McAuley Catholic High School and studied Economics and Political Science at Missouri Southern State University. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm as a Communications Specialist and Field Wireman with a Heavy Gun Battalion.

Before entering the financial services industry, Shane built a successful 20-year career with Sysco Food Services, where he advanced from Marketing Associate to District Sales Manager and served on the Regional Trainer Team.

Shane is also a devoted husband and father of six children, bringing both professional expertise and real-world experience to his approach to financial planning.

What You'll Learn
The fundamentals of long-term investing
Strategies for building financial security
The role of Life, Accident, and Health Insurance in protecting your financial future
Key considerations when developing a personal financial plan
Whether you are planning for retirement, protecting your family, or simply looking to gain a better understanding of financial planning, this webinar offers valuable information for individuals at every stage of life.

Register at www.moppa.com/events

07/16/2026

On behalf of the MOPPA Board, we truly enjoyed seeing everyone last week and celebrating a successful conference together. We are excited to continue serving and supporting this wonderful photography community!

Our newly elected officers are:

President: Aaron Cooper
Vice President: Casey Buckman
Treasurer: Michelle Huelsman
New on the board: Samantha Dittmann Struemph

Pictured in order:
Aloha Kelly Casey Buckman Irene Kinghorn Aaron Cooper Michelle Huelsman Tracy Spisak Vitamvas Rodney M. Loesch John Seals Danny W Wilson Not pictured Jennifer Tru and Samantha Dittmann Struemph

Photo Credit to Robert Mossack

07/15/2026

What an incredible weekend! ❤️

From image competition and inspiring speakers to new friendships, creative breakthroughs, and plenty of laughs, FotoChaos 2026 was one for the books.

First, THANK YOU to everyone who attended, spoke, judged, volunteered, sponsored, and supported MOPPA. Events like this only happen because of an amazing community willing to share their time, talent, and passion for photography.

07/12/2026

One last morning at Kinderhook. 💚

So many laughs, late-night conversations, learning, friendships, and memories made over the years at this beautiful place. It’s hard to believe this chapter is coming to an end.

As we wrap up our final day here, take a moment to soak in this view and appreciate everything Kinderhook has meant to the MOPPA family.

Here’s to celebrating where we’ve been and getting excited for where we’re headed next. ❤️📷

07/12/2026

Here we go! Our Keynote speaker Mitzi Starkweather

07/12/2026

Our Keynote speaker Mitzi Starkweather