Home > Publications > Industry analyses
Industry Analyses
In these articles, we describe the major events and trends in the industry. We also discuss what each of them means for you and your business.
ASMP white papers
ASMP white papers are produced periodically on specific topics as a service to photographers. ASMP broadly endorses the content of these documents, but they may be authored by individuals, by industry working groups and consortia, or by ad-hoc committees.
- On Canadian Copyright (1999) An evaluation of Canadian copyright law and its impact on United States photographers. (PDF only)
- On Collective Action (2000) The collective administration of copyright licenses is well established in some industries, particularly music and art, but it is relatively new in the photography business. How does it stack up against the alternatives?
- On Photography Rates (2001) The economic position of editorial photographers has been eroded steadily over the past 20 years. It seems clear that publishers have no interest in changing the trend. So photographers must either change it or face further degradation of their earning power every year.
- Universal Photographic Digital Imaging Guidelines (April 7, 2008) The latest version of the Guidelines is always posted at www.updig.org.
ASMP position statements
From time to time, ASMP states a position on how an industry trend or event is impacting its members and the broader community of photographers.
- ASMP: Analysis of OnRequest Images 'Custom Stock' (October 2004)
- Analyzing the OnRequest assignment contract (December 2005)
- ASMP recommends action on bill H.R. 683 pending in Senate (February 2006)
- ASMP’s position on proprietary RAW formats (June 2005)
- Condé Nast Tightens Stranglehold On Freelancers (2004)
- Hot Issues (February 2007) A reference guide to information on issues ASMP cares deeply about.
- Knight Ridder Contract: Making a Bad Deal Worse (August 2004)
- New York Times Freelance Contract Revision (June 2004)
- NYC Proposed Subway Photo Ban (June 2004)
- Status of 2008 Orphan Works legislation (April 2008)
- Status of the Orphan Works bill (May 2006)
- Update on 2008 Orphan Works legislation (April 2008)
- Urgent Call for Your Action on Orphan Works (February 2006)