Societies

TheRightMoments

TheRightMoments

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Helen
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Hi All

Just wanted to know what photographic societies you are either a member of or would prefer to be a member of?

The Royal Photographic Society
BIPP
The Master Photographers Association
Any other

I would like to become a mamber but cant afford to do them all so would like to know what the prefered is :)

Thanks

Helen
 
Helen, the main question is why do you feel you need to be a member of any Society?

If you know the answer to that one then you will have a better idea of what will meet your needs.
 
I would never join any society that would accept the likes of me as a member.
 
I am a meber of the ...The Master Field Sports Photographers Association.. I am the founder member and the only member.. but it means just as much to potential customers either way..

Sorry :) My point being.. pretty useless.. unless someone wants to convince me otherwise?
 
These things usually degenerate into a flaming match between those who are members and think they are a good thing, and those who aren't and think they're pointless.

I'm a member of the RPS and if you're an amateur then the RPS would be a good choice, although it depends what you want out of membership. I think the others tend to be more focussed towards professionals.
 
I just see a lot of other photographers have these on their websites and wondered if it was a good idea for business. Im fairly new to having my business and just want to do it right. Thought i might learn more being a member of one
 
TheRightMoments said:
I just see a lot of other photographers have these on their websites and wondered if it was a good idea for business. Im fairly new to having my business and just want to do it right. Thought i might learn more being a member of one
Click to expand...

If you're part time and want to be a member of a 'professional' organisation, you have one choice (MPA), though you could join the RPS but the only benefit is if you wish to climb their qualification ladder.

As far as membership goes, my gripe with the MPA is that it allows unqualified members to use its logo in websites and advertising. So you can be crap and a charlatan and use the logo, your customers wouldn't understand you were unqualified, and the MPA flatly refuse to protect customers by stopping it.

My 2nd gripe with them is that the standard of even qualified members is all over the shop, there are some great photographers who are members, and there is plenty of absolute dross too.

IMO it's worth joining if you intend to take full advantage of the membership benefits, the training and mentoring program's etc. but if you think that they'll improve your business, forget it, you can get better advice elsewhere without paying a membership fee.
 
As Andy has already pointed out, I can see where this thread is going already ;)

I am an associate of both the RPS and the BIPP and am heading for my fellowship next year, but my reasons are purely for self improvement and having a target to achieve outside of my client briefs, not to generate any business or as a measure of success...
 
ok - thanks everyone for your advice and i think im going to end this here as i dont want this thread to turn sour!!

I think for now i will leave becoming a member and stick to getting my advice from here!! :)

Thanks
 
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