ASMP vs PPA

[d2creative]

Hi, I'm wondering which association you think would be a better value for the part time photographer? Or just your experiences with either or both.
I'm also having a heck of a time trying to find an explanation on the PPA website of the differences between the professional and the aspiring photographer memberships.

Thanks!

[Tom]

Depends what you want to get out of it. PPA takes pretty much anyone with $300/year. ASMP has a real sponsorship process.

[d2creative]

Ya, well that's kinda what I'm trying to figure out. What's offered and from that, what's useful to me and what others have found to be the most useful.

Also not real clear on the membership difference that you mentioned. Both seem to have some kind of "starter" membership?

[PeteQ]

Originally Posted by Thomas Campbell

Depends what you want to get out of it. PPA takes pretty much anyone with $300/year. ASMP has a real sponsorship process.

Sounds pretty dismissive of the PPA Thomas, especially since the OP likely wouldn't meet the membership requirements as a part-time photographer.

From the ASMP FAQs for acceptance:
5. What kind of review is required prior to acceptance into ASMP?

ASMP requires that applicants for General Membership demonstrate proof of publication for the previous 3 years and that the majority of their earned income be generated from the publication of their own photography. Substantial publication proof is usually adequate to confirm the earned income requirement. While the publication must show professional competency, aesthetics are not judged."


Now, that being said the ASMP does allow you to join at "a level commensurate with your experience" so even if you don't meet their requirements they will still take your money. Hmmm...sounds about like the PPA now doesn't it Thomas? Seems the ASMP will take anyone with $140-$225 a year, but won't make them a full member for that price. I'll pay the extra $75 and get all the benefits of the PPA.

Ultimately it all depends on ones needs. If you are primarily a media photographer and generate the majority of your income from that and your industry needs are geared towards media publications then perhaps ASMP is for you.

If you are a part-timer and want a place to get started and one that has partnerships for health and liability insurance, wedding indemnification and great legal advice then the PPA is a good place to look. Do a search here for copyright issues and you will see numerous posts recommending to join or call the PPA. They are active and responsive to issues such as that and their legal advice is part of the membership, as is their wedding indemnification. If you shoot weddings this is well worth the membership price alone. Couple all that with the annual Imaging USA convention and I think that unless your needs are more specific then the PPA is a good place to start. You can also get education and certifications through the PPA that, if you decide to make a career out of photography, are a worthwhile investment.

[PeteQ]

Originally Posted by d2creative

Ya, well that's kinda what I'm trying to figure out. What's offered and from that, what's useful to me and what others have found to be the most useful.

Also not real clear on the membership difference that you mentioned. Both seem to have some kind of "starter" membership?

The PPA "Aspiring" membership is limited to two years, after that you need to pay the full membership or else walk. It also does not get you listed in the PPA online database. But really, that's about it. They also knock $60 off the registration for Imaging 2011 in San Antonio when you sign up. The only other consideration is if you want the indemnification for weddings. When you classify yourself if you do say you shoot weddings they require you to pay a bit more because that is part of the indemnity fund. So it's $323 vs $273 for non-wedding folks.

Join PPA | Professional Photographers of America

I have been a PPA member for several years. I have also been a member of other organizations as well but have always kept the PPA membership. It fits MY needs best for how I do things and what I need for MY business. Other organizations fit other peoples needs as well and I'm not saying one is better than another, I am saying look at what they offer and how they fit your needs and choose what works for you.

[Tom]

Pete - I actually think the PPA has more to offer a new photographer than ASMP. ASMP is more towards media professionals. PPA has LOTS of articles and things to help you grow your business.

I am a member of the PPA and plan to join the ASMP soon.

[dminton]

Originally Posted by PeteQ

Ultimately it all depends on ones needs. If you are primarily a media photographer and generate the majority of your income from that and your industry needs are geared towards media publications then perhaps ASMP is for you.

In THAT case, I'd get into the National Press Photographers Association as fast a possible. And ASMP as a secondary organization. They compliment one another, especially when in comes to legal protection (publication using photos without permission etc).

NPPA: Member Benefits

[PeteQ]

I agree David, if ones work is primarily editorial or publications related then perhaps the PPA is not the first choice for that person. As primarily a wedding and portrait guy with a mix of editorial and commercial the PPA suits me best. If the bulk of your work is print then the NPPA is probably worth a look as you have a different set of copyright issues than I would have.

I looked at the NPPA and attended a seminar back in Texas and didn't think what they were offering fit my needs so I crossed them off my list. Now if my needs changed then I would look at them again as well as other organizations and re-evaluate, just like I do with any facet of my business.

[d2creative]

My work is mostly commercial stuff.
Product photography and Architectural photography.
Definitely no weddings. Ever. No sir.

[PeteQ]

Then you have some options besides those already mentioned, here's one to get you started....
Association of Independent Architectural Photographers AIAP Photographer

[park]

Originally Posted by d2creative

My work is mostly commercial stuff.
Product photography and Architectural photography.
Definitely no weddings. Ever. No sir.

Then you should join ASMP. The ASMP Architectural Specialties Group is very active and has some of the best architectural photographers in the country. It is worth the price of membership for a starting architectural photographer without the other benefits alone.

[d2creative]

Originally Posted by park

It is worth the price of membership for a starting architectural photographer without the other benefits alone.

I apologize before hand if this question sounds juvenile, i just have no experience with these groups. What exactly is it that would make the membership worth it? Is it access to knowledgeable professionals, similar to TPF? Some kind of services? Something else?

I am also interested in insurance, legal services, access to contracts/legal docs and industry discounts. All of which seem to be offered by both associations. But both seem to make it difficult to find out exactly what's available and to what extent at the different membership levels.

Thanks!

[CaptainTom]

I joined PPA because it is the one organization that tries to cover all areas of photography. They do a lot of wedding and portrait coverage because most of their members are centered in those areas.
I go to my local monthly chapter meetings and get a great meal, some good conversation and a mini seminar every time. We have print competitions and other events that spur my imagination and expand my horizons.

It's like a doctor being a member of the AMA and then belonging to an organization that centers on their specialty.

Join PPA, and then find out if one of the specialty groups would be of benefit.

[park]

ASMP has a great architectural specialties group which is invaluable to someone starting out, numerous seminars touring the country, 27 different chapters I believe, discounts on a variety of products and services - one year I saved $240 on one Mac alone, national lobbying of Congress, local camaraderie, and Find a Photographer on their web site. That was not all the benefits either. Since FAP has appeared I have every year gotten an average of perhaps three or four jobs from it - your results may vary of course. If you are going to do commercial work and architecture I cannot imagine there is a more appropriate organization with all due respect to PPA.

To answer your questions in specific.

The insurance has never been as good as I haver been able to find locally. ASMP has a legal counsel that you can talk to at any time. They have lots of legal documents and their ASMP Business Practices is as good as there is. They also have a paperwork share that I believe you can access without memberships and they also have some videos that are great that you can check out. Find a Photographer only has listings for General Members though.

They are both fine organizations. Check out your local chapters.

[janikphoto]

ASMP offers a lot of great member discounts, but PPA probably does, too. I am an ASMP member, but I shoot for a lot of media clients and corporate clients. It seems like all the wedding photogs I know join the PPA. If you want to check out the next ASMP Dallas event, it's open to everyone - not just members... June 16th at Bolt Productions:

Bolt Productions - Welcome to Bolt Productions

ASMP tries to set up a lot of events like this, and some are open to the general public.