Society for Photographic Education provides members with opportunities, essential resources and a vibrant community to support their photographic practice. Founded in 1963 with aspirations of refining the language of photography and its study -questions of how to make photographs and how to look at pictures made by others- our heritage is grounded in nurturing the creativity of the individual to the benefit of the larger photographic profession.   With 2,300 members and growing, SPE exists as a forum to reflect the concerns of imagemakers and scholars of photography whose far-reaching network offers members many opportunities to build relationships and share knowledge.     The annual national conference held in rotating locations throughout the US each spring provides opportunities for members to present their research and artistic work to a community of peers and celebrate the diversity of photographic practice.     In addition to three days of presentations, the conference features portfolio review sessions, exhibits fair with photographic vendors and institutions, workshops, gallery tours, member exhibition opportunities, a curator portfolio walk through, silent auction, print raffle and much more. In addition to the national conference, SPE's eight regional chapters hold local conferences and events annually as an opportunity to connect with others on a more intimate scale.