Industry groups, councils, associations and organizations.
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Photography Organizations
Photography organizations provide various resources to the busy photographer or photojournalism industry repBy Kelly Shetsky, Anchor/Reporter An association of photographers is a group that brings together passionate professionals with common experiences, who want to share that knowledge with others. They offer members networking opportunities, a source of support and practical solutions in the photography industry. Whether you're a still or television photographer, editor or representative of a business that serve the photojournalism industry, you can join a photography organization.
Use a professional photographer association to collaborate with others through courses, seminars and workshops to understand emerging trends and challenges in the industry. You exchange ideas and thoughts about the industry and in return, enhance your professional development. Consider:
1. Using photography organizations to network and and grow as a professional.
2. Reviewing several association of photographers membership levels.
3. Taking advantage of educational tools and industry resources.
Join commercial photography organizations to network and meet other professionals
Photography associations range from international groups to statewide or local organizations. The main goal of these groups is to advance the photography industry.
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American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) is a photographers association focused on motion picture photography. ASC offers tools and resources for professional craft development. Participate in forums online where you can ask experts questions and meet other professionals. PMA acts as a liaison between equipment manufacturers and independent camera repair businesses. Members are given business information through sessions at an annual convention. Participate in online member forums with your peers.
Pay annual dues to belong to a photo association
Photography associates can expect to pay a range of dues, depending on the membership level and the organization. Once you decide to join a group, decide what level of commitment you want to make.
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Advertising Photographers of America's (APA) goals are to promote an awareness of the role of advertising and commercial photographers within the creative community and to promote the highest standards of business practice within the industry. Join as a general (or voting) member or an associate member. Commercial Industrial Photographers of New England (CIPNE) is a photographers association with a goal of raising the standards of industrial and commercial photographers. Download membership forums and pay online with PayPal. Editorial Photographers (EP) is a discussion group for photographers working in the editorial market. Subscription entitles you to access the members-only section of the website. Fill out a subscription form online.
Benefit individually and professionally from joining a professional photographers association
When you join a photography organization, you're getting access to many career development tools such as magazines, business reports, a career center, courses and seminars. These tools allow you to advance your career and increase your skills.
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National Press Photographers Association Online (NPPA) is dedicated to the advancement of photographic journalism. NPPA offers workshops, seminars, mentoring and self training resources to further your career development. International Association of Panoramic Photographers (IAPP) is a professional photographers association that educates and promotes artists, while allowing for the exchange of artistic and technical ideas and information. Submit material to publish in the IAPP newsletter or on the website via email.
- Consider a company membership instead of individual membership to a photo association, so that several employees can benefit.
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Advertising Photographers of America (APA)
APA's key goals are to promote the highest standards of business practice within the industry, and to promote an awareness and understanding of the role of advertising and commercial photographers within the creative community.
American Society of Cinematographers (ASC)
Trade association of motion picture photography offering resources and tools for professional craft development.
http://www.cinematographer.com/
American Society of Media Photographers, Alaska Chapter
Trade organization that promotes photographers' rights, educates photographers in better business practices and produces business publications for photographers.
American Society of Media Photographers, Atlanta/Southeast Chapter
Educates photogaphers, clients and students about the value of photography and the benefits of good business practices.
American Society of Media Photographers, Northern California Chapter
Protects and promotes the interests of photographers whose work is used for publication.
This not-for-profit association provides access to the achievements of the medium's past masters and educates those who care about photography in the ongoing contribution of contemporary photography.
Blue Earth Alliance supports photographic projects that document endangered cultures, threatened environments and social issues.
California Fire Photography Association
Organization of working fire photographers in the Los Angeles area.
Center for Photographic Conservation
Committed to the continued development of preservation and conservation techniques for photographic materials. To work towards establishing international standards and ethical guidelines for the preservation and conservation and restoration treatment, sto
http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/cpc.moor/
Center for Photographic Projects
Dedicated to supporting and encouraging image makers as they initiate, develop and culminate long-term projects. It works to build community between photographers, offers educational resources and sponsors programs.
Commercial Industrial Photographers of New England (CIPNE)
Seeks to raise the standards of the commercial and industrial photographer, both professionally and ethically, through educational programs and publications.
Coordination of European Picture Agencies Press and Stock
European Economic Interest Group (EEIG) representing the interests of picture associations, agencies and libraries in Europe.
A photographic society of individuals and institutions dedicated to the history, science and art of the daguerreotype.
Design Council of America (DCA)
Los Angeles-based organization dedicated to the advancement of all forms of media in the areas of digital design, film and creativity. Award categories include film production, photography, website design, and graphic design.
An international discussion group for photographers working in the editorial market. Provides information on magazine contract review, photographer city guides and other resources.
http://www.editorialphoto.com/
Film Society of Lincoln Center
Look up a film, a director, a writer or any other information regarding the New York Film Festival, the Walter Reade Theater, FILM COMMENT Magazine, New Directors / New Films, the New York Video Festival and the Annual Gala Tribute.
Friends of Photography/Ansel Adams Center
The Friends of Photography is a not-for-profit, member-supported, international visual arts organization that operates the Ansel Adams Center for Photography in San Francisco. The Friends promotes visual literacy by presenting, analyzing and interpreting
http://www.friendsofphotography.org/
Houston Center for Photography
Through exhibitions, publications, and educational programming, the Center supports emerging and mid-career artists and their audiences. It provides a forum for the exchange of ideas, and promotes the study of photography. HCP is a nonprofit organization
International Association of Panoramic Photographers (IAPP)
International association affiliated with the Professional Photographers of America, headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida. Membership is comprised of amateur and professional photographers from the motion picture industry, NASA, the computer sciences, jou
International Combat Camera Association, Inc. (ICAA)
Provides global support for all combat photographers of all wars, or police actions, of all nationalities; and assists with the preservation of their photographic achievements.
International Industrial Photographers Association
Provides information about photographers internationally.
http://www.furphoto.net/iipa.htm
International Institute of Photographic Authors (IIPA)
A non-profit association of photographers united to promote the acceptance of the original color photographic print as a legitimate art object. The IIPA helps photographers print their best work in dye transfer limited editions and certifies the edition'
Leica Historical Society of America
Independent and non-profit organization founded by individuals interested in discussing, researching and documenting information about the LEICA Camera, its origin, history, literature and collecting of the many cameras, lens and accessories made for the
Light Factory Photographic Arts Center
As a member of this not-for-profit art organization, you would be supporting informed visual arts content on the web and receive Light Factory exhibition announcements and newsletters. You could also share your exhibitions, awards, and other accomplishme
National Press Photographers Association Online (NPPA)
Organization dedicated to the advancement of photographic journalism. Membership consists of still and television photographers, editors, students and representatives of businesses that serve the photojournalism industry.
Alliance that addresses the growing distance between contemporary native arts production and its relevance to native communities. The Alliance has taken the responsibility of leadership in transforming native arts from decorative statements to honest self
New Hampshire Professional Photographers Association (NHPPA)
Organization of professional photographers.
Photo Marketing Association International (PMAI)
PMA serves over 18,000 members in 100-plus countries. In addition to the United States, there are membership offices in the UK, Germany, Canada, Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, Italy, France and the Czech Republic. PMA members represent almost every segme
Photographic Society of America (PSA)
One of the largest organizations of its kind in the world, bringing together amateur and professionals in all the varied fields of photography, including color slides, nature, pictorial prints, stereo (3-D), electronic photography, video/motion pictures,
PhotoZone provides a venue for photography in Eugene, Oregon. Membership is open to local residents showing serious interest, dedicated activity, and demonstrable progress in photography. They maintain the gallery for the exhibition of the works of membe
Professional Photographers of America (PPA)
Atlanta based trade association for the photography arts and professions.
Professional Photographers of California (PPC)
Established in 1948 to promote high professional and artistic standards in photography and to further the professional interests of its membership. The Association provides the tools and educational opportunities for its members to achieve their business
Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ)
The Society of Environmental Journalists is the only U.S.- based membership organization of working journalists dedicated to improvements in environmental reporting.
The Friends of Photography, Ansel Adams Center
Nonprofit member-supported international visual arts organization that operates the Ansel Adams Center for Photography in San Francisco.
http://www.friendsofphotography.org/about.html
Tips & Advice to help you make your decision on Photography Organizations
As an owner of a photography business, joining photography organizations can be a great way to share knowledge and experiences with professionals who share your passion for the profession. Spending time with members of these organizations can also provide you with valuable networking opportunities, support, and sources for problem-solving when necessary. Connecting with like-minded business professionals can give you opportunities for education and guidance as well.
There are many organizations for professional photographers. Nationwide organizations include: the Advertising Photographers of America, (APA), the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP), the American Society of ... more
As an owner of a photography business, joining photography organizations can be a great way to share knowledge and experiences with professionals who share your passion for the profession. Spending time with members of these organizations can also provide you with valuable networking opportunities, support, and sources for problem-solving when necessary. Connecting with like-minded business professionals can give you opportunities for education and guidance as well.
There are many organizations for professional photographers. Nationwide organizations include: the Advertising Photographers of America, (APA), the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP), the American Society of Picture Professionals (ASPP), the North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA), the Photo Marketing Association International (PMAI), the Picture Agency Council of America (PACA), the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), the Society for Photographic Education. (SPE), and the Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI).
There are also many state and regional organizations for professional photographers. These groups can be found by searching online or by speaking with fellow business professionals. You can also check with experts at photographic equipment stores, as they will likely be knowledgeable about local organizations.
You will probably have to pay dues in order to become a member of photography organizations; however it is typically well-worth paying because of the career advancement tools, seminars, workshops, and other opportunities that will be available to you as a member. For more information about these organizations, head to Business.com and click on the links on the left. These links will help you find out what you want to know about joining photography associations.