Photography Organizations: The good, the bad, and the ugly

First and foremost, I don't want this thread to turn into an advertising banner for these groups. Please do not post links. They will be removed. Use Google if you're interested in learning more about the organizations mentioned here.

There is always power in numbers. Unions and organized groups often provided benefits to the whole that individual is unable to gain on their own. Discuss what photography groups you belong to, both large and small. Official and unofficial. These can range from a local shutterbug group that meets down at the local coffee shop, to the big players like the PPA. Here are some of the larger ones to get you started:


1. Do you belong to a large group? If not, why haven't you joined? Is so, why did you join?
2. What benefits do you gain by belonging to these groups?
3. Do you take advantage of membership benefits, or is it just a status symbol?

I agree Anthony. The Bureau Of Freelance Photographers in UK have successfully lobbied parliament and got the Law about taking photographs in public places clarified three times now. The Police were using the Terrorism Act to prevent people taking photographs in public places claiming they may be for terrorist purposes, as if a terrorist would set up a tripod etc and draw attention to themselves.

Join a big group and help them fight for photographers rights

Personally, I don't belong to any "organized" group per se. I've mentioned Meetup in other threads, but that's the only photo group I belong to at this time. Meetup is a website where you can hook up with other hobbyists in your area who have similar interests. Which reminds me, I need to post some photos of my modeling shoot. Anyway...

I've researched some of the larger/recognized associations: PPA, PSA, etc. I can't justify their membership fees. The features and benefits simply don't outweigh the cost for me. A nice membership certificate to hang on my wall or post on my website might make things more official looking to some customers, but the market I target generally doesn't give a darn about that kind of thing anyway.

I know this thread is over a year old but I am contemplating joining the PPA for the benefits. Does anyone here think its worth it? I'm looking at the liability and mysterious disappearance insurance coverage, but I think you have to pay their membership fees and the insurance premium which is a whole lot of money. I asked my insurance guy about coverage and, well I don't think he's very experienced or organized. So I thought going through them would be better since photography is what they do.
Since there weren't many replies before, I want to ask again who has joined what organization and does anyone have any recommendations?
Thanks!

naja said:

I agree Anthony. The Bureau Of Freelance Photographers in UK have successfully lobbied parliament and got the Law about taking photographs in public places clarified three times now. The Police were using the Terrorism Act to prevent people taking photographs in public places claiming they may be for terrorist purposes, as if a terrorist would set up a tripod etc and draw attention to themselves.

Join a big group and help them fight for photographers rights

Click to expand...

Im a member of BFP too. There yearly book and monthly news letters are often very handy too.
The bureau of Freelance photographers hand book.

Jen:

I did ultimately join ASMP (American Society of Media Photographers), mostly because they offered reduced fees to students. My membership netted a couple of assisting gigs, which paid well...so it was worth it. However, I don't live close enough to the major cities that have active member meetings, so the full benefits were never realized. You live in a large city, so the ASMP might be worth checking into in your area. To me at least, this organization seemed to offer more bang for your buck.