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August 02, 2005

Alphabet Soup

Alphabet Soup

Did you ever feel like you are using secret code when talking about professional photography? The business is peppered with abbreviations that begin to sound like a list of computer file names. Most of these acronyms stand for photographic trade organizations, formed to offer services of all kinds to aid the working pros, their agents and their clients.

APA, PPA, SAA, ASPP, NPPA, NANPA, NAPP, EP, ASMP

Some of the following are the most well known, along with their web site, their mission statement, and basic services. If you have yet to join one of these organizations and are a working pro, you will find it valuable to peruse their web sites and learn about all the assets available to you to help you run your business. These groups also offer powerful networking and educational opportunities, along with pricing guidelines, business practices, workshops, and news. Many of these groups have coordinated their efforts to jointly foster such issues as lobbying, business practices, and standardized digital guidelines. Take some time to study what’s out there:

EP - Editorial Photographers:

“Editorial Photographers is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and profitability of editorial photography. Our mission is to educate photographers and photography buyers about business issues affecting our industry, and in the process raise the level of business practices in the profession.” According to Brian Smith, President of EP: "Currently the biggest issue being addressed by EP is magazine and newspaper freelance contracts that limit photographer's ability to fully realize the licensing secondary usage of their images. Editorial
photography has traditionally been on the lowest end of the pricing spectrum and with a few notable exceptions, rates have not even kept pace with inflation in the past decade. That is why it is imperative that editorial photographers maintain as much control as possible over the highly profitable secondary licensing rights. It greatly concerns us that in the past year several publications have tried to eat into this market with contracts that demand syndication rights or grant re-use to foreign editions for below market prices." www.editorialphoto.com is a resource for price estimators, education, discussion forums, consulting, copyright information, production and Stock Photo Basics. There is a Find-A-Photographer search feature and a Guest Column by industry experts. Also very valuable are the Short List of Business & Contract Terms for Photographers, a Cost of Doing Business Worksheet, and a Compendium of Resources on Copyright.

ASMP - The American Society of Media Photographers:

“ASMP promotes photographers’ rights, educates them in better business practices, produces business publications, and helps buyers find photographers. ASMP promotes high standards and ethics, and is active in copyright, combating work-for-hire, providing legal advocacy and lobbying. It promotes business education through seminars, White Papers, and publication of business books and forms. It has helped frame copyright legislation and Society representatives have often given testimony before Senate and Congressional committees and in legal cases.” www.asmp.org offers industry news, a gallery, education programs, business resources, legal resources, buyer resources, publications, exhibition listings and a code of ethics. The ASMP Foundation “exists to support the education of ASMP members and the creative community to which they belong.” There is a PDF on Grant Application Process and Instructions and Interactive Grant Application.

APA - Advertising Photographers of America:

“APA serves to mentor, motivate, educate, and inspire. It offers workshops, a newsgroup, business publications, and seminars. It is committed to preserving and enhancing the profession, and work toward resolving issues and problems in the industry.” It also “promotes professional practices, standards and ethics in the photographic and advertising community.” www.apanational.com describes membership benefits, such as APA Business Insurance, Financial Review Sessions, and Estimating Software. The APA Business Manual covers such subjects as copyright, forms, digital guidelines, and an assistant’s guide. Also beneficial is access to the First Entertainment Credit Union, and the alliance with Workbookstock, offering premium commissions. The Resource links cover everything from Advertising and Design Organizations, to Copyright Information, Museums and Internet Resources.

PPA - Professional Photographers of America:

“PP of A is a worldwide association that exists to assist its more than 14,000 members in achieving their professional, artistic, and fraternal goals; to promote public awareness of the profession; and to advance the making of images in all of its disciplines as an art, a science and a visual recorder of history.” www.ppa.com displays a list of business discounts, copyright advocacy, insurance, malpractice protection, competitions, studio management services, and certification. Professional Photographers of America keeps up on industry trends with regular surveys, and offers Tips and Clips, which displays news items and communication with other affiliates. There is also access to Event Sponsorships, Trade Shows, and a link to Find a Photographer.

SAA - Stock Artists Alliance:

“StockArtistsAlliance is the only photographers’ trade association focused on the business of stock photography. Founded in 2001, StockArtistsAlliance is an international organization of photographers who produce images for Rights Managed licensing. The mission of the SAA is to protect and promote the business interests of its members with regard to the worldwide distribution of their intellectual property. As an advocate for its members, SAA encourages the use of fair contracts and ethical behavior at all levels of the industry. SAA monitors the industry and serves as an ombudsman for its members’ interests in dealing with stock agencies and other distribution channels.” www.stockartistsalliance.org describes Principles for Rights-Protected Stock Photographers, and offers an education and outreach program with speakers for photo schools, workshops and organizations. Valuable resources include the SAA White Paper: Understanding Stock Licensing Models, and Introduction to Stock Photography 101. SAA conducts an ongoing study to better understand the stock industry and marketplace, and is currently investigating industry sub-distribution trends and infringements of stock images on the Internet. Key member benefits are an extensive monthly Newsletter and a lively confidential discussion forum. StockArtists.com is SAA’s ‘referral’ website to introduce buyers to the stock imagery of its members.

ASPP – The American Society of Picture Professionals

“We are a community of image experts committed to sharing our experience and knowledge throughout the industry. We provide professional networking and educational opportunities. If you create, edit, research, license, manage or publish pictures, ASPP is the place for you. Join us.” This is the new vision statement that was announced by the Board for 2005, and describes the multi disciplines within this non-profit association. Since 1966, ASPP has sought to bring together the different groups of image professionals through its educational programs, chapter meetings, quarterly magazine The Picture Professional, and regular emailing of announcements, job postings, etc. At www.aspp.com you can find a gallery, the current issue of the magazine with certain archived articles about the business of photography, book reviews, chapter programs, a Find a Pro link to its members, and other helpful resources. Members can also enter into a password-protected area to gain access to an up-to-date membership directory, job postings, and current eNews. ASPP has approximately 800 members in the U.S. and overseas, whose demographics break down roughly as 50% researchers/editors/buyers, 30% photographers, 20% personnel at stock agencies or collections. In addition to occasional traveling programs, ASPP has a three-day Educational Conference every two years to which other organizations are invited.

NAPP - National Association of Photoshop Professionals

The National Association of Photoshop Professionals is an independent accredited trade association and the world’s leading source of Adobe® Photoshop® training, education, and news. Led by an award-winning team of Photoshop experts, authors, consultants, and trainers, NAPP is the largest graphics and digital imaging association in the world today. “NAPP is an integral part of every creative pro’s workflow whether you are a digital photographer, graphic designer or video editor. We’re dedicated to keeping our members on the leading edge of Photoshop and digital imaging,” says Scott Kelby, president of NAPP. The organization has approximately 40,000 members in 106 countries worldwide. Member benefits include the official publication Photoshop User magazine; a members’ only website (www.photoshopuser.com) that features the latest killer tips, tutorials, action downloads, video clips, and product reviews; plus a dedicated Photoshop CS2 Learning Center; Discounts on educational books, DVDs and training seminars and conferences; exclusive discounts on hardware and software; online portfolios; free online tech support and a monthly electronic newsletter, Newswire. Members can also save on hotels, rental cars and health insurance. There is even an NAPP Radio, offering weekly news off the website. NAPP is the only avocational organization that is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training. Each year, NAPP produces the Adobe-sponsored Photoshop World Conference & Expo, the largest Photoshop educational event in the world (www.photoshopworld.com).

NPPA - National Press Photographers Association:

“The National Press Photographers Association is dedicated to the advancement of photojournalism, its creation, editing and distribution, in all news media. NPPA encourages photojournalists to reflect high standards of quality in their professional performance and in their personal code of ethics. NPPA vigorously promotes freedom of the press in all its forms. To this end, NPPA provides continuing educational programs and fraternalism without bias, as we support and acknowledge the best the profession has to offer.” www.nppa.org directs you to extensive news and events coverage, workshops, and member services. Other benefits include educational opportunities, discounts on equipment and insurance. “All members receive a monthly copy of News Photographer magazine, The Best of Photojournalism Yearbook and 2 Volume Television Winners’ DVD, regional publications, access to the Job Information Bank, discounts on all NPPA programs and eligibility to enter all NPPA contests.”

NANPA - North American Nature Photography Association:

“NANPA promotes the art and science of nature photography as a medium of communication for nature appreciation and environmental protection. It provides education and inspiration, gathers and disseminates information, and develops standards for all persons interested in the field of nature photography, and fosters professionalism and ethical conduct in all aspects of its endeavors.” www.nanpa.org is a valuable location for membership benefits, which include equipment insurance, the Currents newsletter, Federal Express discounts, discounted magazine subscriptions, networking opportunities, youth education programs, legislative updates and seminars, sponsorship/partnership projects, legal alerts, environmental alerts and environmental news. There is also a bookstore and education grants available.

This is by no means a comprehensive list of organizations, as the art of photography is broad, and its reach is international. It is only a teaser to give you a hint as to the myriad resources available to the professional. Attend the meetings, join the advocacy and read the news. There is much to learn and many aids to run a business that is profitable, informed, and well planned.

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LOOK, LEARN, & LOBBY
By Pat Hunt

Creative professionals need not be left out in the cold. Today there is a wealth of organizational support to guide those who are working in the design fields. Whether it’s art direction, corporate design, typography, computer arts, cartooning, medical illustration, multimedia, photography or a host of other specialties, there is a trade organization that fits the need. From guidelines on pricing and rights advocacy, to health insurance, discounts, gallery shows and job opportunities, a multitude of benefits awaits those who join and enjoy.

The Directors of the three most prominent design organizations have offered their guidance and long-term vision for the future:

-AIGA/The Professional Association for Design, www.aiga.org, Richard Grefe, Executive
Director.
-The Art Directors Club, www.adcglobal.org, Myrna Davis, Executive Director.
-Graphic Artists Guild, www.gag.org, Tricia McKiernan, Administrative Director.

AIGA
The Professional Association for Design

“AIGA is the oldest and largest membership association for professionals engaged in the discipline, practice and culture of designing. AIGA was founded in 1914 and now represents more than 17,000 designers through national activities and local programs developed by 52 chapters and more than 150 student groups. AIGA supports the interests of professionals, educators, and students who are engaged in the process of designing. The association is committed to stimulating thinking about design, demonstrating the value of design and enabling success for designers throughout the arc of their careers.”

The organization places a high priority on communicating the value of design outside the profession. One of the greatest assets to members is a network of resources. The gallery at the AIGA National Design Center in New York is prestigious exhibition space presenting outstanding contemporary showings of design work.

AIGA supports competitions and offers awards of excellence. It maintains a current survey of design salaries, and offers a service for locating graphic designers. There are information tools, such as the Client’s Guide to Design, and Working with a Graphic Designer. The AIGA Design Education Community of Interest is directed toward educators and institutions to help prepare future designers at undergraduate and graduate levels. Member portfolios are kept current and highlighted on the site.

AIGA wants everyone to know that its purpose is to “inspire, educate and inform.” www.aiga.org

ADC
The Art Directors Club
“ADC is an international not-for-profit organization of creative professionals in advertising and design dedicated to visual excellence. The mission of the ADC is to recognize and inspire excellence in visual communications, to encourage students and young professionals entering the field, and to provide a forum to address the future of these disciplines and their increasing convergence.

These goals are accomplished through its core program, The ADC Annual Awards competition, exhibition and book, The Art Directors Annual, now in its 84th year, as well as The ADC Hall of Fame, ADC Young Guns biennial exhibition and book, The ADC Gallery in New York presents exhibitions on advertising, design and multimedia, with lectures and panel discussions.

There are over 1200 members around the world working in print and broadcast advertising, publishing, corporate design, typography, packaging, environmental design, illustration, photography, and interactive media.

Benefits of membership include a free copy of the Annual; discounts on entries, admissions, books and merchandise; use of the Aquent Room for Members; access to the archive and library, the member directory on the website and group health insurance; e-mail newsletters and invitations to exhibition previews, receptions and parties.

ADC Young Guns is devoted to identifying and showcasing the most innovative people age 30. Student offerings include the Saturday career Workshops for talented city high school juniors, portfolio reviews for professionals and students, scholarships, and eligibility in the annual competition. There are also Corporate and Memberships available.

The future goals are to build recognition of, and entries in, the Annual Awards Competition, and to increase membership and programming in the U. S. and abroad. www.adcglobal.org

Graphic Artists Guild

“The Guild is an artists’ advocacy group that embraces creators at all levels of skill and expertise, who create art intended for presentation as originals or reproductions. The mission of the Guild is to promote and protect the economic interests of its members, to improve conditions for all creators and to raise standards for the entire industry. Its core purpose is to be a strong community that empowers and enriches its members through collective action.”

Since 1967 the Guild has been a “leading advocate for the rights of graphic artists. It works closely with the Copyright Office and testifies before Congressional Committees, supporting legislation that strengthens the rights of artists. The Graphic Artists Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines has been a valuable tool for artists and clients, and the Guild’s newsletter is bimonthly, providing timely information on the visual communications industry.

There are currently 2350 members covering these professions: computer artists, cartoonists, graphic designers, illustrators, photographers, surface designers, teaching professionals, web designers, medical illustrators, multimedia artists, production artists, and pre-production artists. The Guild also has associate members that include businesses involved in the graphic arts, as well as art directors and artist representatives. These members enjoy educational programs, discounts, legal referrals, grievance handling, and contract consultations. Look for advocacy issues, copyright information and members’ portfolios on the web site. The Guild also collaborates with other organizations on copyright legislation, fair business practices, and taxation legislation.

Its long-term goals are to “improve professional education, strengthen copyright protection and royalty rights, abolish work-for-hire, and change US anti-trust laws to permit independent contractor creatives to engage in collective bargaining. www.gag.org

So, whether your aim is to “stimulate thinking about the value of design”, or “to recognize and inspire excellence in visual communications”, or “to advocate for the rights of graphic artists,” there is a strong organization of well-established professionals offering support and guidance. Their web sites provide a wealth of interesting reading and information on membership at various levels. Anyone serious about their creative field should consider becoming a member of any of the excellent trade organizations available today.

ARTS AND EDUCATION
By Pat Hunt

A review of trade organizations involved in visual resources and creative arts would not be complete without addressing the educational and cultural heritage sector. Two groups stand out as being leaders in this venue - The Society for Photographic Education (SPE) and The Visual Resources Association (VRA). Their primary goals for photography and related media are to “foster the development of practice, teaching, scholarship and criticism”, and to “provide leadership, educational tools and advocacy standards” for the members.

The Directors have offered insight into their programs and outreach:

-Society for Photographic Education, www.spenational.org, Jennifer Pearson Yamashiro
Ph.D., Executive Director.
-Visual Resources Association, www.vraweb.org, Kathe Hicks Albrecht, President.

SPE
Society for Photographic Education

“SPE is a national membership organization providing a forum for the discussion of photography and related media, especially as it applies to practice and education. In this way, we honor our past and guide the direction of our chosen medium. We simultaneously address issues germane to traditional photographic arts and strive to increase the organization’s relevance to our changing field, fully embracing the shared concerns of artists and other professionals working with photography, new media and digital technologies.” Since 1963 this non-profit organization has sought to develop teaching, scholarship and critical analysis, with its national headquarters at Miami University in Oxford, OH, and the archives at the Center for Creative Photography in Tucson, AZ.

In 2004 there were 1845 members, 65% professors of fine art photography or photographic artists, 30% students of fine art photography, and 5% writers, curators, historians and other professionals in the field. The spring Annual National Conference is a popular gathering event, hosting exhibits, portfolio reviews, lectures by well-known speakers, awards, a career placement service and student scholarships. “At the conferences there are two day plenary sessions – lectures, image-maker talks, panels and demonstrations. A few of these include well-known individuals in the field, and include emerging artists and educators as well as established ones.”

SPE publications include a quarterly newsletter, biannual journal, membership directory and resource guide. The acclaimed journal, exposure, welcomes manuscripts for publication. There is a Fine Print Collector’s Program and member featured exhibitions all over the country. Members enjoy an “arena of scholarly inquiry and fellowship.” www.spenational.org

VRA
Visual Resources Association
“VRA is dedicated to furthering research and education in the field of image management within the educational, cultural heritage, and commercial environments. The Association is committed to providing leadership in the visual resources field, developing and advocating standards, and offering educational tools and opportunities for the benefit of the community at large. Our international membership includes: information specialists; digital image specialists, art, architecture, film and video librarians, museum curators; slide, photograph, microfilm and digital archivists; architectural firms, galleries, publishers, image system vendors, rights and reproductions officials, photographers, art historians, artists, and scientists.”

There is a strong educational component, and the annual conference offers workshops, seminars, keynote speakers, and a vendor exhibition hall. The Association maintains an active LISTserv, “which is an informal forum for colleagues to gather information about everything from specific specs on scanners, to broader issues of copyright policy and digitization project management concerns.” There is also a Summer Educational Institute, and extensive publications, including an e-newsletter, and special bulletins on subjects such as - A Guide To Cataloging Chinese Art.

“VRA has sponsored sessions at the Museum Computer Network, The Art Libraries Society of North America, the College Art Association, and monitors approximately twenty professional organization LISTservs.”

“Our educational component has expanded tremendously and will be the focus of further expansion in the future. We are also working on developing standards for cataloging image information and working on shared cataloging issues.” www.vraweb.org

If you are culturally and academically inclined, these organizations are invaluable for their resources, research, access and networking.

A UNITED VOICE
By Pat Hunt

The keywords that best represent the world’s three most prominent imaging trade organizations are “best practice”, “united voice”, and “advocacy, education and communication.” In a nutshell this is exactly what they provide for their members, which include stock photography companies, museums, galleries, publishers, and picture archives of all kinds. Their annual meetings provide some of the world’s best networking opportunities, and their guidelines for ethical standards lead the way for fair business practice on an international scale.

The Directors of CEPIC, PACA, and BAPLA have offered to describe their organization’s focus now and into the future:

-CEPIC, Coordination of European Picture Agencies Press Stock Heritage, www.cepic.org, (Berlin, Germany), Sylvie Fodor, Executive Administrator.
-PACA, Picture Archive Council of America, www.stockindustry.org, (Laguna Hills, CA),
Cathy Aron, Executive Director.
-BAPLA, British Association of Picture Libraries and Agencies, www.bapla.org.uk, (London,
England), Linda Royles, CEO.

CEPIC
Coordination of European Picture Agencies Press Stock Heritage

“CEPIC was established in Berlin in 1993 as a European economic interest group (E.E.I.G.) in accordance with the European Communities Regulation and registered in Paris in 1999. CEPIC has Observer Status at WIPO, the World Intellectual Property Organization. CEPIC represents over 900 picture sources in Europe with members from eighteen different European countries. The aim of CEPIC is to be a united voice for the picture library and agency associations of Europe in all matters pertaining to the photographic industry.”
1. “To consolidate copyright protection for photography and ensure that it not be weakened by the process of the harmonization of copyright laws in European countries. Also to advise on copyright protection as new technology develops.”
2. “To fight for comparable trade regulations in all European countries. The now existing different copyright laws in single countries and the lack of a “droit moral” for photography are serious trade barriers, which cannot be accepted.”
3. “To support the exchange of information between European picture sources and diverse associations with similar interests worldwide.”
4. “To develop and fight for ethical standards which will guarantee the protection of rights for all photographers, copyright holders and agencies.”
5. “To develop guidelines for a fair business competition between photographers, picture agencies and users.”

The CEPIC International Congress is the most popular activity of the year. Last year it drew 330 companies, over 600 delegates and 50 countries. The next Congress will be held in Prague. There is a regular newsletter to members and a press release section on the site, along with an updated directory of members and an informational survey. “The organization works with other associations to exchange information, work together on common projects and try to harmonize our plans of action. The long-term goals are the preservation of a strong infrastructure of agencies, and strong copyright protection of authors.” www.cepic.org

PACA
Picture Archive Council of America
PACA’s Mission Statement is “to foster and protect the interests of the picture archive community through advocacy, education and communication.” Its purposes are similar to those of CEPIC: to develop business standards; to actively advocate copyright protection; to collect and disseminate information; to take an active role in the picture community; and to build relationships with organizations from related industries.” Formed in 1951, it has over 100 members from around the world.

Many important member resources include the Annual National Meeting and Annual International Conference. “These two noteworthy industry events provide opportunities to meet others in the business, discuss important issues, participate in seminars ranging from salesmanship to new technology, and make connections with potential trade partners and vendors from around the country and the world.” The PACA Legal Handbook (which is updated regularly) includes all the forms and legal information needed to run a stock archive. This includes copies of releases, invoices, and photographer’s agreements. The legal archive on the PACA website includes all the subjects that have been written about in the legal update portion of the PACA newsletter where our counsel monitors new laws and rulings that affect the industry.”

A biweekly e-mail newsletter, BiMonthly Update, offers news, a calendar of events, information on copyright, tax, legal and other industry issues. PACA-Talk is an online discussion group to discuss issues and questions with peers. PACA Industry Survey is a source of information on the industry. The web site lists The Copyright Commandments, and a Special Releases List.

In an effort to work with other associations, it is “trying to attend as many meetings as possible to gain a better understanding of each association’s goals and purposes. We also invite leaders from the different associations to join us at our Annual Meeting. We are working with many of the groups on the PLUS Initiative which we believe is valuable to the entire industry.” www.stockindustry.org

BAPLA
British Association of Picture Libraries and Agencies“BAPLA is the UK trade association for picture libraries and the largest organization of its kind in the world. With over 440 member companies, it represents the vast majority of commercial picture libraries and agencies in the UK. The UK has the largest proliferation of picture libraries in the world and works hard to protect and promote its members’ interests.”

“BAPLA celebrates its 30th Birthday this year, and its main focus in “best practice”. The organization creates the opportunity for dialogue and debate between members and clients. Best practice we believe begins by understanding each others realities.”

“The annual event in May, Picture Buyers Fair, brings together over 3500 image buyers from the UK and the world. This year we will be discussing our work with magazine publishers on PIC 4 Press – guidelines for submission of digital images to magazines.” BAPLA is also involved with government and IP bodies on a range of initiatives to discuss the impact of IP crime on business and the creative sector.

For members the organization publishes weekly news, an annual directory, standard contracts, and research, such as the Survey on Rights Trends, a free recruitment, News and PR service, legal helpline and an e-forum. Members can be accessed and searched via the web site. The site offers valuable information on What is a Picture Library, Copyright and Licensing, Using a Picture Library, and Submitting Pictures to a Library.

BAPLA meets regularly with the British Photographers Liaison, the Picture Industry Council, The Creative Rights Alliance, the Digital Content Forum, and the British Copyright Council.

The members include photographers, museums, galleries, charities and not-for-profit corporations, broadcasters and publishers. www.bapla.org.uk

(Author, Pat Hunt, is VP of Corporate Relations at Index Stock Imagery and Editorial Manager for MacTribe.com. She is a writer for various photographic publications, a consultant to the industry, and is currently working on two books. She can be reached at path@indexstock.com.)

Posted by Pat at August 2, 2005 08:24 PM

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