From the
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© James Cowlin

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1. What are the benefits of being an ASMP member?

One of the most important benefits of being a general member is the Find A Photographer database, which is very popular with photography buyers. Using name, location and /or specialty, a buyer can find you in seconds and can follow a hyperlink to your Web site.

ASMP's Good Offices service puts the national office staff at your service to inform and advise you in matters like insurance, copyright law and registration, business practices, collections, and conflict resolution. ASMP can also refer you to legal counsel, if your business dispute becomes a legal dispute.

The ASMP Professional Business Practices in Photography book on CD-ROM is a uniquely valuable resource sent to all members. It is the most authoritative guide to doing business available to you. Members can also purchase the printed book at a discount, and new student members receive the printed book automatically. 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.

For a complete list of benefits, visit

ASMP advantage
Member benefits

2. How will my membership benefit the profession?

Through their dues, ASMP members support important legislative initiatives and legal cases and industry advocacy efforts that have an impact on your professional business interests and the overall marketplace. They also support educational and publication efforts aimed at making photographers better equipped to successfully continue in business.

3. Can I space out my dues payments using my credit card?

Yes, for a nominal fee, you can request automatic monthly credit card billing to a Visa, Mastercard, Amex or Discover card.

4. Are there any discounts offered, as a result of ASMP membership?

Among others, ASMP members can receive discounts for:

5. What kind of review is required prior to acceptance into ASMP?

ASMP requires that applicants for General Membership demonstrate proof of publication for the previous 3 years and that the majority of their earned income be generated from the publication of their own photography. Substantial publication proof is usually adequate to confirm the earned income requirement. While the publication must show professional competency, aesthetics are not judged.

Applicants for other categories are not required to undergo any review but must be prepared to demonstrate that they meet the qualifications for the membership category applied for, if asked.

6. What if I don't qualify to be a General Member?

Should that happen, you may still join ASMP at a level commensurate with your experience and current situation. At any time that you gather the necessary professional experience to qualify for General Member, you may request a transfer of categories.

7. Do I have to upgrade my memberships at any point?

While upgrading is no longer required, it is encouraged, as your professional publication experience grows. An Emerging Associate is an exception because it is only a one-year membership and is automatically upgraded to the Associate at the completion of the year.

8. Is my contact information ever shared with vendors?

ASMP does allow outside vendors access to the membership roster, but only after any potential offerings are fully reviewed for consistency with ASMP policy. If you prefer not to receive any vendor information, you can easily click the "do not share" option in your member profile. Or a quick e-mail or phone call to the national office will keep your name off any list sent to outside solicitors.

9. I'm ready to join — what do I do next?

You can fill out an online application form right here. This is the fastest method.

Or, if you prefer, download the membership application form and fill it out. Then mail it or fax it to the ASMP office (see below).