Which association to join?

[juliejknight]

Which professional photographer's association do you think is the best to join? My husband and I are starting our own studio - currently, we shoot mainly portraits (adults and children), but I also shoot events such as sports and we may eventually handle weddings (it's not our goal to become a total wedding studio). I'm interested in joining at least one professional association. What are the advantages/disadvantages that you've experienced? Any advice? Thanks!! :)

[HotHolly]

I like PPA and WPPI. PPA offers insurance that is really important if you mess up a wedding and plan on keeping your house. They also offer training, classes, workshops, and are very credible. The WPPI is a little less conservative than the PPA in mho. WPPI's specific to wedding photography and is world wide - so you can see whats happening on a larger scale. Nice to 'meet' you! Go check out their websites.

[WarrenG]

Hi Julie,

I joined WPPI because you get a nice discount on the insurance like you do with PPA which was almost worth the membership, but I also joined SEP (which was a waste of money in my opinion). I cannot compare the two (WPPI & PPA) as I have not been part of PPA, however, I think I will join the Texas version pretty soon if for nothing else other than the listing and the networking opportunities.

Hope that helps some...I am sure others will have much more feedback as I am still pretty new to the scene.

W