Professional organizations for photojournalism offer a slew of opportunities to put your business in position to receive positive recognition and increase sales. In addition to the members of the photojournalist society who work within the industry in some capacity, you will have opportunities to meet and get to know other photojournalism association members, including those in businesses like yourself that support the photojournalism society.

Affiliation with a photojournalism association provides lobbying and networking opportunities that can be immensely helpful to your own business interests while you support the industry. Membership in a photojournalist association often means access to information and contacts that can be important to your own company. Regional photojournalism groups offer even more opportunities to network with local business leaders in your community. Approach your membership in a photojournalist society from a variety of perspectives.

1. Expand your network through organizations for photojournalism

2. Support the industry by participating in photojournalist associations

3. Land a better job through photojournalism society connections

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Develop business contacts in a photojournalism association

Organizations for photojournalism hold regular meetings, seminars and conventions for members and interested parties. At photojournalist association events, as well as through various committees in which you can participate, you will have many occasions to socialize and network with other business people who support and work within the photojournalism society. The business leaders you meet could offer a number of trade opportunities for you and your company.

I recommend: The American Society of Media Photographers is an important photojournalist organization to join to meet the industry leaders. F-Pro is a photojournalism society for freelance photojournalists and could be a good place to offer professional services they might not find through the corporate field.

Display your interest by joining a photojournalism association

If you want to do business with photojournalists, you will want to show your support while building relationships with national and local leaders in the industry. You often can do this best by participating in professional organizations for photojournalism with both your presence and your financial support.

I recommend: The National Press Photographers Association represents professionals in all the medias, from print and television to new electronic medias. The Association of Wedding Photojournalists is a wedding photojournalism association that joins wedding photojournalists around the world in promoting the art of doing weddings.

Show off your skills at photojournalism organizations

Whether you are just breaking into photojournalism or you are looking to further your career through a move to another company, you can make some great contacts at a photojournalist organization. While working with the group and building relationships, you can utilize the educational portions of most photojournalist society as well as prove yourself as a stable volunteer.

I recommend: The American Society of Picture Professionals is a great group in which you can find career opportunities and network with people interested in promoting the industry. Association of Electronic Journalists focuses primarily on electronic journalism and offers some great career advice and job boards.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Join fundraising or membership committees in a photojournalist association to develop closer relationships with others who could be helpful to your career or who can send additional business your way.