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ASMP membership categories
General Member
To be eligible for this category, a photographer must be actively and professionally engaged in publication photography with three or more consecutive years of substantial publication experience from date of first published work. In addition, the photographer's major source (over 50%) of earned income must be from the publication of his or her own images. A review of publication experience is required, and applicants must be sponsored by two General Members of ASMP.
General Members are the only voting members of the Society. General Members are the only members listed in Find a Photographer on asmp.org.
— One-time Find a Photographer fee $50.00 / Annual dues $300.00
Please note that the General Member dues for 2009 and beyond will be $335.
Associate Member
This category includes all photographers not qualified for General Membership. Associate Members have most of the benefits of General Members, but they are not listed on Find a Photographer and they do not have a vote.
— Annual dues: $200.00
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It's easy: Just fill out the application form online. Or download the form, fill it out, and mail it or fax it to the ASMP office.
Emerging Associate
Sub-category of Associate. This is a one-year-only category serving as a transition for photographers who are starting out or are assistants. After one year, the member's category is automatically changed to Associate; dues (which are payable in January) are pro-rated based on the number of months in each category. Benefits are the same as a full Associate.
— Annual dues: $125.00
Student Associate
Sub-category of Associate for students at the college or post-secondary level. Written proof of enrollment from a department head or admissions office, or class schedule on official school letterhead, must accompany application. (Photocopies of student ID cards are not accepted.) An individual can remain a student member for one year after completion of the degree program. Benefits are the same as Associate. In addition, each student receives a paperbound copy of ASMP Professional Business Practices in Photography, Sixth Edition at the time the application is approved. June 2008: The Sixth Edition is now out of stock. New members will receive the Seventh Edition as soon as it is printed, probably early October.
— Annual dues: $55.00.
Merit Member
This is a special category of membership granted at the discretion of the National Board. Merit Memberships last for one year, after which the member may renew as a Student, Associate, Emerging Associate or General Member as appropriate. Benefits are the same as the Associate level. Read more information on Merit Memberships.
— Annual dues: none (scholarship)
Individual Affiliate
This category is for individuals, whether self-employed or employed by organizations, who are not working photographers but who service, supply, sell or educate photographers. Individual Affiliates are non-voting members, and receive the same benefits as an Associate member with these exceptions: They are not eligible to participate in the Members Only Forum or in the Find A Photo stock image portal.
— Annual dues: $200.00