Professional members - worth it?

[ndsimm]

I'm thinking about joining WPPI, NAPP, and maybe DWF in the hopes of increasing my business skills and hopefully network with others in the field to better myself. Isanyone here a member and are they worth the annual cost? Each one is about $100 a year....

[LoungeLizard]

DWF is worth it - if nothing else just for the weekly "favorites". Talk about a source of inspiration.

[imagesbyadam]

2nd DWF, its incredible.

Join PPA if for nothing more than the indemnity fund membership. Its a low cost CYA you cant be without. Plus the magazine is nice.

[boxofrocks]

Anyone have a link for DWF?

[imagesbyadam]

http://www.digitalweddingforum.com

[brad]

I've been strongly considering WPPI... but just haven't pulled the trigger yet.. couldn't tell you why.. just haven't.

[Charles Putnam]

NAPP is well worth it to help increase your digital darkroom knowledge.

[Detonate]

N.A.P.P. has been well worth it for me, if nothing else, for the free shipping from B&H.

I saved $141.00 in shipping costs just for my one order of 4 rolls of Savage 9' Seamless paper.

[RandySmith]

I 2nd the NAPP membership, I've attended two workshops in Arlington, and the national conference in Vegas, and although humbling to see how much I really don't know, I've learned an enormous amount of information for the minimal annual fee that I've spent. I have considered other professional photographer associations to join, but my volume of business is so small, it's hard to justify the large costs. Although, I would absolutely love to attend the schools so I'm in a delima at the moment.

Randy

[BobbyC]

I'm WPPI and I can say for someone that is just starting out there is a lot of info available from them, but frankly you could find most of it free elsewhere. I got in for the insurance but I believe the agent told me you could get it without it, I'll be checking at renewal time. I've never had anyone tell me they made the decision to hire me based on the WPPI member logo on my site. I'm sure there is some good to come from it, but I haven't seen a wealth of it yet.

I don't shoot many weddings but I used to be a member of DWF before it went pay only and I know there are a handful of excellent photographers that are members there. If I shot a lot of weddings, I'd be a member today.

There are plenty of good schools/seminars to go to that aren't bound to an organization so I can't see that as a sole reason to join.

[shutterflypro]

Hell my tablet is only a month old and I have no clue where the mouse that came with it is.

Oh well

[BobbyC]

[JohnT]

I joined NAPP a couple of weeks ago, and all I can say is WOW! The resources, discounts, and Photoshop User magazine are more than worth it in my opinion. I'll never make it through all the tips, tricks, and tutorials, but it's sure nice knowing they are there should I need them.