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Credibility, communication, alliance, education, information, and advocacy
The source for everything related to publication photography
ASMP offers accurate and up-to-date programs and information to members. Our membership forms an international network of the very best publication professionals committed to:
Credibility
ASMP membership is recognized worldwide as a commitment to professionalism, quality, good business practices, and as a sign of proven experience. This credibility is directly marketed to buyers via ASMP’s Find A Photographer portal.
Communication
ASMP provides the setting through its local chapters for photographers to meet and share experiences, solutions, and ideas. Specialty groups offer a place to connect with photographers who are facing the same industry issues and working together to find solutions to common problems. Currently, there are active groups for Architecture, Fine Art and Natural History/Underwater photography.
Alliance
On the commercial front, ASMP negotiates member discounts and group rates from a wide range of suppliers for business insurance, equipment, supplies, travel and web hosting. On the industry side, we work closely with other photography trade associations for the good of all photographers on issues such as the new Custom Stock business model. We also cooperate with clients’ trade associations to show how photographers can work to benefit their members.
Education
Being informed isn’t enough. Knowing what isn’t the same as knowing how. ASMP is committed to the education of its members. Through traveling “It’s Your Business” seminars, interactive online forums and a growing body of business tutorials, ASMP provides diverse ways to learn better ways to do what you have to do.
Convinced? Just fill out the application form online. Or download the membership application form, fill it out, and mail it or fax it to the ASMP office.
Not convinced? Here are some further benefits of membership.
Information
The technology revolution requires photographer evolution, which is not possible without timely, accurate information. ASMP is the industry clearinghouse for the information you’ll need to keep abreast in an ever-changing business. The bimonthly NewsWatch e-newsletter and the quarterly Bulletin magazine keep members advised about events and opinion.
Advocacy
ASMP helps its members when they are in need of sound advice, solid representation, and decisive action. In corporate conference rooms, in federal and state legislatures, and in the courts, ASMP reaches the agreements, drives the amendments, and sets the precedents that protect you. Some of our current action items include developing consistent production and licensing standards for digital images, exploring ways to detect and deter unauthorized image use (on the Internet or elsewhere) and seeking an exemption to antitrust laws for editorial work.
The Society has established a Legal Action Fund for special legal initiatives and for photographers who need assistance with significant cases.