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Member Q&A with David Seide

About ten years ago, a group of the world's leading Architectural Photographers gathered in New York to discuss some disturbing trends in their marketplace. As a result, ASMP/Architecture was formed, to address these developments. ASMP/Architecture has since become the largest of ASMP's Specialty Groups, with a current membership of 1,094 photographers worldwide.

Q. What is the group’s structure and how does it function?

A. ASMP/Architecture is comprised of a National Chair, National Vice Chair and four Committee Heads (Business Practices, Programs & Education, Membership, and Communications). This structure has emerged from recurring issues and it remains amorphous allowing flexibility. As a volunteer organization we are constantly seeking qualified leaders with vision, as well as committee members willing to roll up their sleeves.

Q. How does the group correspond?

A. Since November of 1999 we have existed online via an e-mail listserv (currently with 370 subscribers). For the past several years we have also held yearly meetings in New York during Photo Plus. Our web site, www.asmp.org/architecture, should go live within the next few months. The site will act as a portal for architectural photographers and as a resource for our clients. Additional plans include the formation of an advisory board/cabinet to delegate responsibilities, and to help us realize our goals. We will continue to grow and gain visibility by participating in this year’s American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Convention in Chicago, June 8-10.

Q. How does ASMP/Architecture represent ASMP as a whole?

A. The superior work of our members routinely enables our clients to win design competitions and to get their work published in trade magazines. As a group we address issues specific to our industry, and in doing so establish name recognition. We actively seek to promote the branding/marketing of the ASMP name to related trade organizations, to architecture and design schools and to our client community, so that our market niche associates ASMP with professionalism, quality and ethical business practices. Our recent dialogue and negotiations with the AIA (and the resulting Memorandum of Understanding published in the Fall 2003 ASMP Bulletin) is a prime example of our efforts. In addition, the upcoming second edition of Commissioning Architectural Photography will be the authoritative resource for educating our industry.

Q. How does membership in a specialty group help an individual photographer?

A. The main advantage is community. As an individual you have but one voice. Participation within a group of peers enables us to actually to have an effect on our market. In pursuing common interests and issues we learn from one another, which raises the collective bar. We want our clients to appreciate photography as an investment, and to recognize that a photographer should be selected based more on vision and service than on the bottom line.

Q. Are there specific issues that ASMP/Architecture addresses?

A. Multiple (or Third) Party Licensing is our biggest concern. It is not always understood that what we create is Intellectual Property and that, as the authors of the works, we own the copyright and control the right of distribution. The photographs we create should be regarded no differently than our clients’ designs or buildings; both are Intellectual Property (IP) on which the creators depend for revenue. The way in which a potential client uses our IP determines how we, as the copyright holders determine valuation and associated licensing fees. Each and every party that wishes to use a photographer’s work (including sub-contractors, consultants, suppliers and publishers) is both financially responsible and accountable for their respective use of that work.

Q. Any final thoughts on specialty groups?

A. I believe specialty groups are the biggest untapped resource of ASMP. While it is sometimes contrary to a creative artist’s nature to work in a group (perhaps from fears of competition or of proprietary issues) it is in our best interest to talk to one another and to foster a sense of community. ASMP was founded on the primary principle of photographers helping photographers. Others might be well served to form a group within their own respective specialty area and make a difference in their industry.

Q. How does one join the ASMP/Architecture or initiate a specialty?

A. As long as you are an ASMP General Member in good standing, you will soon be able to join ASMP/Architecture directly by going to www.asmp.org/architecture/membership and logging in using your membership number. For now, existing ASMP members can contact the national office with inquiries about specialty groups.

Bio: A self-taught photographer with a degree in architecture, David Seide is owner and principal photographer of the Chicago-based studio Defined Space (www.definedspace.com). His clients range from architects and designers to manufacturers and publications.  David is a member of the Chicago Architecture Foundation, serves on the Chicago AIA’s Young Architects Steering Committee and is National Chair of ASMP/Architecture.

Additional Resources for the Architectural Photographer

Architectural Photography checklist:

The most productive assignment is one with few or no surprises. With this in mind, ASMP has compiled a checklist which includes many of the details involved when photographing architecture and interior design. Paying attention to details, time management and collaborating closely with your photographer will maximize efficiency and productivity. Access a copy of the Architectural Photography Checklist by clicking this link:

http://www.asmp.org/commerce/apsgcklst.php

Working With An Architectural Photographer

This handbook was developed by the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) to illustrate the fundamental principles involved during a typical architectural photography assignment. By defining key terms, answering commonly asked questions and using easy-to-follow case study examples, it guides you through the entire process of working with an architectural photographer. A copy of the handbook in PDF form is available at the link below:

http://www.asmp.org/commerce/comm_arch.php

Specialty groups within ASMP

Specialty groups within ASMP provide a unique opportunity for photographers to exchange information and techniques between themselves and other photographers within a defined specialty or segment of the business. These groups maintain listservs and mobilize as necessary to address specific trade issues of concern to the specialized members. Click on the links below for more about ASMP Architecture and the other specialty groups within ASMP:

http://www.asmp.org/architecture/

http://www.asmp.org/community/specialty.php

June, 2004 ASMP/AIA Cooperation Leads to Success

ASMP’s participation at the recent American Institute of Architects national convention held in Chicago on June 10th through June 12th presents a case book study on cooperation between associations and within ASMP. The opportunity to work with AIA arose from the concerns expressed by the members of ASMP/Architecture in regard to the terms and conditions for photography included in the AIA national competitions. Successful negotiations lead to an offer to participate in the convention, attended by over 25,000 AIA members. Click on the link below for more on this event:

www.asmp.org/news/spec2004/aiaconvention.php

2003 AIA / ASMP Permissions Agreement

On August 11, 2003 Victor Perlman, ASMP legal counsel and managing director, and Eugene Mopsik, ASMP’s Executive Director met with Mr. James Dinegar, American Institute Architects (AIA) Chief Operating Officer, and Ms.Vicki Allums, AIA Associate General Counsel. The purpose of the meeting was to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and approve a new limited permission form regarding use of photographs created by ASMP members submitted in connection with AIA's award programs. This event was the culmination of over six months of negotiations and has resulted in a new and mutually beneficial relationship between ASMP and AIA. Read more about this agreement by clicking the link below:

www.asmpweb.org/news/spec2003/aia_agreement.php

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