It was eighty years ago, on December 22, 1944, that the official paperwork was filed with the State of New York to formally establish ASMP (then called the Society of Magazine Photographers) as organization. And in the last 80 years, ASMP has stood on the forefront of the fight to support photographers and photography in its Chapters, the Courts, the Legislature, and throughout the world.
That is why it is such an honor that last Saturday, I began my tenure as ASMP’s new CEO. I want to thank the ASMP National Board, outgoing CEO Jim Datri, and all of the Members who have been so supportive of this transition. To be able to lead this amazing organization, and to be able to celebrate such a milestone for ASMP, is really a full-circle moment for me. I first joined ASMP more than 25 years ago while still a student in high school, and in the intervening years, I have seen ASMP rise and fall and rise again with the tumultuous tides of the creative landscape. But through it all, ASMP has been a stalwart shield for photographers no matter the challenges they face. That is an eighty-year history of support that is at the core of the Society.
[The original paperwork to form the Society of Magazine Photographers was filed on December 22, 1944 – See Left]
There is so much to look forward to in our 80th year, and the celebrations will begin in earnest in the new year. From honoring our past to embracing our future, ASMP enters 2025 with new leadership, new focus, and new energy to confront the challenges photographers and all visual artists face in the world.
In January, we will hold the first of the year’s Town Halls, and introduce some new and exciting programs and benefits.
Throughout 2025, we will be pulling some amazing documents and images from the extensive ASMP Archives, having events and celebrations at both the Chapter and National level, and always ensuring we are making a difference in your day to day life. And this is just the tip of the iceberg!
From all of us at ASMP, thank you. I am beyond excited to have the opportunity to lead, and grow, this organization.
— Thomas Maddrey