By
Steve Kozak, TPPA Executive Director
In an age where digital disruption has transformed nearly every industry, the Texas School of Professional Photography, lovingly referred to as “Texas School,” has remained a steadfast beacon for photographic education… evolving, thriving, and inspiring for half a century. As the school just celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025, it is not only a time of reflection but a moment of celebration for a community that has trained tens of thousands of photographers from across the United States and beyond.
At the heart of this legacy is Don Dickson, who has served as Texas School Director for more than 30 years. Under his leadership, the Texas School of Professional Photography has transformed from a modest regional workshop into one of the most respected and influential photographic education programs in the world.
The Texas School of Professional Photography was founded in 1975 with a clear and passionate mission: to provide immersive, high-quality education to working and aspiring professional photographers. Rooted in the Texas Professional Photographers Association’s values, the school quickly earned a reputation for blending technical rigor with creativity, offering intensive, week-long courses taught by working professionals at the top of their craft. “Back then, it was a much smaller operation, more like a family gathering of professionals sharing ideas,” recalls longtime instructor Doug Box. “But even then, there was something special about the spirit of this place.”
When Don Dickson took over as Director in the early 1990s, the photography world was on the verge of a seismic shift from film to digital, and later, from traditional portraiture to multimedia storytelling. Where others saw threats, Dickson saw opportunity. He embraced innovation, invited prominent instructors from emerging fields, and kept a close eye on the changing needs of professional photographers.
His vision was to elevate Texas School into something greater: not just a series of classes, but a week-long experience and a destination where photographers of all levels could hone their craft, build lifelong connections, and recharge their creative spirits.
Over the years, Don always surrounded himself with a very capable team. The most recent team included Cindy Romaguera (also retiring this year), Jenny Eisenhauer, and Brandon Cheek. This team helps to create and fulfill the vision and bring the school to life each year.
Year after year, Don brought a level of organization, excellence, and vision that changed everything. He didn’t just run the school… he nurtured it, protected it, and guided it with a steady hand.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, as other institutions struggled to adapt to digital photography, Dickson ensured that Texas School was on the cutting edge. He invited instructors specializing in Photoshop, Lightroom, digital workflow, and emerging genres like boudoir, commercial photography, fashion, branding, and drone photography. He also expanded the school’s infrastructure as it continued to grow, working tirelessly to move it from its humble beginnings in Huntsville, Texas, to its current home at the Renaissance Hotel in Addison, Texas.
What makes Texas School unique isn’t just its depth of instruction. It is the community it fosters. This annual event attracts almost 1,000 photographers, volunteers, and vendors, creating a festival-like atmosphere where camaraderie, creativity, and fun run as freely as shutter clicks.
There’s the legendary trade show, where attendees can interact directly with major vendors. There are the themed parties, the door prizes, the spontaneous hallway critiques and, of course, the lifelong friendships forged in classrooms and dinner lines alike. “I learned more in one week than I ever thought possible and had an absolute blast collaborating with a group of truly gifted photographers and models,” says Colin Smith, a Flower Mound-based photographer. “I can’t wait to see what next year has in store!”
In 2025, the Texas School of Professional Photography stands as a rare institution, respected for its tradition yet always ahead of the curve. Its 50th anniversary celebration this year was a spectacular affair featuring keynote speeches from industry legends and an emotional tribute to the many instructors, students, and volunteers who built the school over the decades.
Most of all, it was a tribute to Don Dickson. At a moving ceremony during the closing event, PPA CEO David Trust presented Dickson with a plaque from PPA commemorating his service. The standing ovation that followed was a long and loud testament to a man who has given his time, heart, and talent to a community he helped shape.
“I’m proud of what we’ve built together,” Dickson said in his heartfelt acceptance speech. “This school is not just about photography. It’s about people, passion, and passing knowledge forward. I’m just grateful to have been part of it.”
While the photography landscape continues to evolve with AI editing tools, immersive media, and new business models, the Texas School of Professional Photography remains committed to its core mission: empowering photographers to grow as artists, entrepreneurs, and storytellers.
The torch has been passed to Cris Duncan to lead the school moving forward. With a strong team, a forward-thinking curriculum, and a passionate community, the next 50 years look just as bright as the last.
As Don Dickson often reminds us, “You never stop learning. And you never stop sharing what you’ve learned.”
For more about the Texas School of Professional Photography, visit texasschool.org.