Founded in 1949, PPMA is an organization of professional photographers in Alabama and Mississippi and is an affiliate of Professional Photographers of America (PPA). Some members are new to the industry while others have been in business for many years. The purpose of the organization involves three primary elements: continuing education, professionalism, and fellowship.

Each year PPMA holds three main events: a spring seminar or workshop, a summer convention and trade show, and a fall seminar. These events involve programs by nationally known speakers on the most important aspects of professional photography...anything from photographing children, weddings, or high school seniors to marketing and sales strategies, studio operation as well as Photoshop, Painter, and other aspects of digital imaging. We also offer a number of smaller one-day meetings called "Marvelous Mondays" which usually meet at a member's studio and which focus on a specific aspect of professional photographic method or technique.

A great benefit to PPMA membership is the face to face fellowship and the friendships which can develop along the way. PPMA members typically share ideas and are willing to help each other become more successful.