My media journey began in 2005 with writing, publishing poetry, and still photography, leading to my first red carpet assignment at the BET Awards in 2006.

A defining moment came when my late husband, David M. Holder, introduced me to the International Freelance Photographers Organization (IFPO). Joining alongside him was a privilege that continues to shape my career, opening doors to incredible opportunities within the entertainment industry.

Through IFPO, I have worked with entertainment companies, producers, and industry leaders in music and film while serving alongside CEOs, founders, and presidents of prominent brands and booking agencies. These experiences have strengthened my professional foundation and expanded my expertise.

IFPO has elevated my career by providing access to major events, including the 2019 BET Soul Train Awards, international martial arts ceremonies and competitions (2024–2026), and the prestigious 2026 Luxury Oscar Gala. These opportunities have allowed me to capture exclusive behind-the-scenes moments, work on production sets, and grow my brand as a photojournalist, still photographer, media advocate, influencer, consultant, storyteller, writer, and entertainment assistant.

The partnership between Today’s Photographer International Magazine (TPI),

AI News and the IFPO family represent excellence in media and press. Under the outstanding leadership of Editor-in-Chief Vonda H. Blackburn, I remain honored and committed to this remarkable organization.

Today, I continue collaborating across entertainment, covering red carpets, award shows, film festivals, travel, adventure, martial arts, and luxury brands, including premier resorts and hotels. I regularly travel throughout Arizona, California, and Nevada, seeking new assignments and opportunities to build lasting industry connections.

With this media family, the possibilities are endless. Together, we will continue telling powerful stories—one snapshot at a time.

Thank You, Today’s Photographer International Magazine.

I want to express sincere appreciation to Today’s Photographer Magazine for helping me gain press access to many games throughout the season. Their support has been more than just a credential—it’s been an investment in creative storytelling, and in photographers like myself who are chasing the perfect shot one frame at a time.

Their platform has allowed me to shoot at parks I only dreamed of being on the field at, and to turn passion into professional-grade imagery. I’m proud to contribute and represent their mission.

This organization has opened up so many doors for me, and has put me in rooms I would have never thought I’d get into alone.

I have made bountiful connections, bonds, and relationships with people from the events that I have been able to cover through IFPO. My late grandfather, who was also a member (Bill Blakemore), saw my passion for wanting to capture pro/collegiate sports up close and presented me with IFPO. Through IFPO, I have been able to cover major sporting events, concerts, and more.

Editor, Vonda Blackburn, and her team have done an amazing job with communicating and credentialing me to be able to do what I love. I have been extended many paying photo opportunities since being able to cover major events. If you are a freelancer working toward something bigger and need that extra step to get you in the door, IFPO is your next step.

Two years ago, I traced Hemingway’s Bull Trail around Spain. Three years ago I shot Bull images in Durham, North Carolina. Thirty Years ago my Bull Crusade began in Guatemala, Central America.

Since becoming a member of American Image Press in 1994, my experiences have embraced photography exhibitions, book publications, and adventures beyond words.

As a lifetime member of IFPO, I have enjoyed the ease of access my IFPO press credentials provide me. My press credentials have allowed me access all over the world in pursuit of this goal, as well as for my silver winner, non-fiction book, Embracing New China: Uncensored Images of People, Growth and Change. When working, I proudly display my IFPO credentials, which enhance my credibility as a photo journalist.

With my press card and the right instructions from IFPO, my self-funded travels to accomplish my goal have taken me to China, Spain, Russia, Panama, Mexico, Guatemala, Japan and throughout the United States. I’ve exhibited my work in 14 countries and in 14 American states. – Aaron Vessup, Round Rock, TX IFPO Member since 1994

I have been published by LinkedIn, Facebook News, Universal Life Press, and Tomorrow’s Talent Magazine, many times in the last 3 years. Thank you again for the opportunity you have given me. I am so happy to be a part of this great organization. Keep up the great work. – Damien Rudebush, IFPO Member since 2009.

I was first introduced to IFPO / TPM / American Image Press Program in 1990. I remember flipping through the pages of the magazine to find a double-page ad with the following words: “PRESS CREDENTIALS THAT REALLY WORK”! My initial reaction was that of incredulity; yet I continued reading that ad several times over. Finally, I submitted the mail-in form / application for simultaneous membership in IFPO and the Press Credentials Program. Soon thereafter, I decided to try this “Press Credential That Really Works” on a tough barrier – street-level entry to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Armed only with a single professional Minolta film camera and lens, I apprehensively, yet excitedly showed my American Image Press Credential to a police officer who granted me access. With that event, it was official; I became a legitimate member of the working Press with exclusive privileges given to its members. What also attracted me to this program was that I can choose my own assignments and maintain photo rights. After updates to my photo equipment, and different iterations of American Image Press’ Credentials, I find myself still amazed about that simple promise of “Press Credentials That Really Work.” Thank you Vonda Blackburn for making an “Im-PRESS-ion” on me and providing the framework for my photographic hobby/passion to flourish!

I became a member of IFPO in 1999 and enrolled in the Gold Press Program. Since that time, I am no longer just another guy with a camera, but a photographer with the backing of a professional editorial staff. Over the years, I have been able to cover breaking news events, concerts, trade shows, air shows and more, which has led to many publication credits. Those include Bruce Springsteen, Beach Boys and Dropkick Murphys concerts as well as several Atlantic Canada International Air Show productions. After having much success with the Gold Press Program, I also enrolled in the A.I. News Service Universal and the US PRESS CORPS programs. Having all three of the fully supported press credentials has allowed me to meet media criteria for many of the toughest high profile events. As 2022 marks my 23rd year as a member of IFPO, I will continue to use my media credentials with pride and professionalism for many years to come. Thank you IFPO!

IFPO Member since 1999.

My press credentials work about 99% of the time…. My work is going really well with your AI News Service program. I am very happy.
Rajesh Dhungana, Member since 2019

I’ve been covering events since 1997 and am still active.
Jose L Gonzales, IFPO Member since 1997

Good day, Ms.Vonda, IFPO Director, Thank you for all the years of service. With IFPO credentials and press cards, I have been successfully published in the Caribbean for over 20 years. This is a thank you note to you.
Jelani Shabazz, IFPO Member since 1991

My first press assignment was A Never To Be Forgotten Experience. To be up ‘that close’ at the Gathering of Nations (GON) was almost surreal. In a very short time, I became mesmerized. I felt like I became a part of what they were experiencing and feeling. It was hard to concentrate. But I had to step back and do my job — shoot the event.
Susie Elliott, IFPO Member since 2021

IFPO has been there for me for more than a quarter century — and I am just one of the more than 90,000 members they have served in many untold ways in the last 35 years. For more than 27 years, I have depended on IFPO for most of my needs as my photography career evolved. Recently, I received a valuable service from IFPO that surprised me and I’m sure is not known to most members. In a very bizarre situation, several months ago I inadvertently left my passport, IFPO documents and a substantial amount of cash in a travel bag purchased from Amazon. Then, deciding the bag was not for me, I absentmindedly returned it, forgetting my valuables inside. A new purchaser stored the bag for a few months before use. When packing for her first trip, the new owner found my cash, passport and IFPO documents with the IFPO 800 telephone number. She called that number on a Sunday evening and reached a live human voice! She was given my contact information. Long story short, because of IFPO back up and support, everything was returned to me including the cash — which I tried to share with the “good samaritan.”
Michael “Grumper” Ward, IFPO member since 1992

I covered my first press event in 1988, a boxing match in Norfolk VA, and never looked back. Since then I’ve covered pro sports across the spectrum at the highest level. Becoming well known as a sports photographer opened the door to an amazing business in wedding photography. I have been shooting the weddings of major pro sports figures for more than 15 years.
Keith Cephus, IFPO member since 1988