What photography associations are you a part...

[Phisch]

...and how has it helped you? PPA, WPPI, etc.? I am wondering if they are worth the cost.

[WarrenG]

Originally Posted by Phisch

...and how has it helped you? PPA, WPPI, etc.? I am wondering if they are worth the cost.

I suppose that depends on what you want to get out of it? They are great for networking and learning, but I have never had a client book me because I was a member of WPPI or something like that (with the exception of ASMP).

At the end of the day I try to spend money where it makes money. My theory is if the networking and knowledge I gleen is valuable, I make money from it. If it is not, do not bother unless you have money to burn.

All your dues and such add up, and should be factored back into your pricing.

W

[kayumangi]

Same reason as Warren although am not a member of WPPI.

But I'm a member of the PPA. Their automatic Errors and Omissions coverage alone is well worth the membership fee. Top that with the resources on pretty much anything related to photography and the business side of it.

[Phisch]

Thank you, both.

Mostly, I am curious. My first goal would be learning, second networking. It doesn't seem like the average joe looking for a portrait photographer would look for a professional group and find one in their membership database, it's more of a word-of-mouth thing.

Kayumangi, that's more of what I wanted to know, are the different perks worth it (and what are they). I'd not considered insurance.

Thanks!

[kayumangi]

One can argue that you could get all of what they offer if you were diligent enough but my personal belief is that if someone already did the research and collation, I might as well use what they recommend and if I'm not satisfied with what they offer I can always cancel membership.

Yup I agree with Warren, it's very seldom that a client would even know what the different groups are, but at the same time by showing which groups we belong we are assuring our prospects and clients that we take our craft seriously.

The networking alone is well worth it because oftentimes fellow pros refer clients to you if they are booked or in an emergency. And vice versa, if for some reason you cannot shoot a gig you can refer someone you trust.

[kayumangi]

Technically you could treat the TPF as a group because we pretty much do the same things the other orgs do, except that there are no officers per se, just Abel and the moderators hahaha.

[WarrenG]

Marius is right, though you can get E&O outside of PPA. If your new to the business aspect of photography, it is probably worth being a member until you realize it is not worth it.

[ChristopherCoy]

I'm not a member of anything... PPA, WPPI, or any of the others. I've been able to learn anything I needed through various workshops, networking with other local photographers, TPF, books, and the internet.

I dont see much value in PPA thus far - I can get equipment insurance through my private agent, same with liability insurance. I dont see a reason in paying someone $323 a year, when I can learn the same things elsewhere without the membership fees. And any of the business education things that they offer, I can learn through local college classes. And the discounts from other vendors through PPA usually aren't worth the effort.

I'm not opposed to memberships with professional organizations, I just haven't found one that will benefit me yet.

[kayumangi]

I couldn't agree more Chris but the PPA has other advantages too.

Take for example about that messed-up Health Bill insurance gobbledegook that Warren posted on another thread, without the PPA being involved we wouldn't have even noticed it.

Also, if you ever find yourself in a legal bind they are the foremost authority to ask for legal advice in terms of photography and the law.

Anyhow, to each his own, I'm just pointing out the benefits of the PPA for me.

[pbyd]

I have been a member in the past of WPPI, PPA, TPPA, SWPA, PPGH, and others, now I am only a member of BBB, NACE (the National Association of Catering Executives), ABC (the Association of Bridal Consultants) and The Greater Heights Chamber of Commerce.
My reasons are like others, the Photography Associations are a wonderful way to network with other photographers and get to know who is doing what in the photography world, and you can learn a lot that will help you.
My BBB, NACE, ABC and Chamber memberships help me get to know the people that need my services. It is seldom that a photographer wants to pay me to do photography for them.
I have also found that members of camera clubs seem to have a lot less over the top egos that seem to be in the “Pro” associations. I find it refreshing to be around people that love photography more than themselves. These statements are not saying that all members of “Pro” associations have big egos, they don’t.
I will tell anyone that with out my time spent in the Professional Photographers Guild of Houston and the friendships I made in the PPGH my studio would not be where it is today and I would not have been as successful as I have been.
Just saying,
Wayne
Photography by Design

[Phisch]

Thanks for the input. I would think liability insurance is different from the sort that PPA would cover you for?

I agree, it's good to be plugged into a group of helpful folks.

[kayumangi]

The automatic EO (Errors and Omissions) coverage from the PPA is an additional liability insurance on top of the standard general liability insurance that you need to get for your business. The PPA offers different groups for that.


Most folks only have standard general liability coverage.