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Survey of international members
Photography is an international language, and from its very beginnings the ASMP has counted internationally based photographers as integral members.
Anthony Bannister
Anthony Bannister
Web site: www.anthonybannister.com
Country Based/For How Long: South Africa, 45 years (I also have a base in England, where I typically spend 2 months each year).
Nationality: South African / British
Photographic Specialty: Corporate, magazine editorial, books and magazine features on African wildlife and Africa peoples.
For how many years have you worked as a photographer? 30 years as a full-time professional.
For how many years have you been an ASMP member? Currently approximately 4 years, although I was an ASMP member for a while in (I think) the 1970's.
What do you consider to be the most valuable aspect of your membership in the ASMP?
The ASMP offers the professional photographer unquestionably the most comprehensive help of every kind that a pro needs to run his/her business as a business, to stay ahead of the latest technical developments, and all other developments that a pro photographer needs to know about.
What service or information could ASMP provide to you as an international member that would add value to your membership? Would you be willing to pay extra for this service?
I would very much like to have up to date information on the copyright laws of countries outside the USA, such as the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, Canada, South Africa, etc. The ASMP provides excellent and up-to-date information on U.S. copyright legislation, but no mention is ever made of copyright legislation in other major countries of the world. Yes, I would certainly be willing to pay extra to receive such information.
Do you participate in any of the existing ASMP specialty groups or listservs?
Never tried. I don't understand listservs, blogs, etc. but keep promising to get my youngest child (age 25) to explain them to me!
Do you belong to other local photographic or professional associations within your local community? If so, which ones?
I belong to two professional photography associations in the United Kingdom, but they offer a fraction of what the ASMP provides its members. There are no longer any associations in South Africa catering to professional photographers.
What is your primary source of news about the photography industry?
The ASMP Web pages, ASMP Bulletin, member announcements, etc., and the Internet.
In your opinion, what is the most critical issue affecting photographers in your local community today?
Operating as a business and staying in business, offering the very finest service, and (especially) educating my clients on understanding and using digital photography.
In the interest of building community and forging strategic alliances, would you be willing to share resources and knowledge of your local market with another ASMP member if they were to contact you in advance of a trip to your area?
I would be very pleased to help where I can. My network of fellow photo professionals in South Africa is very limited today, but I could provide contacts that would lead to the wider pro photography community in South Africa.