International Society of Photographers

[chucklyman]

:-\ I just received an e-mail from this outfit. I have never heard of them and was wondering if any of you out there can give me an idea if they are on the up and up. Is belonging to this Society worth while? What advantage is there to this Society?

[Blinky]

It's likely a scam organization formed to enrich the founders. With any professional association, you have to examine the benefits to you and weigh them against the cost. Some are very valuable, some are a rip-off. Don't count anything intangiable as a benefit.

What will joining do for you? Is it worth the money?

Better to consider the PPA. They're the only general photography organization I know of that actively invests in the development of their members.

There are several very good specialized orgs... The ASMP (editorial), Advertising Photographers of America (advertising), etc.

Don't let the scammers suck you in by throwing meaningless awards at you and then wanting you to attend their $800 conference and pay their $200 annual dues.

Chip

[chucklyman]

Thanks for the responce Chip. I have seen these scammers before and and the first thing they want is your money. That is a quick tip off. Thanks again.

[Mark McCall]

Chuck,
The ISP is a "vanity organization".

That means that you can get published in their book if you buy the book, and win their Top Award, if you pay for the trophy.

As you can imagine, the book and trophy aren't cheap.

I know lots of people that have taken this route, and used the insuing "awards" in their marketing material.

Not a bad organization, really.
You just won't meet alot of talented photographers.

I'll echo Chip's comments about PPA.
I've been a member since 1997. Couldn't imagine runnng my business without it.

[chucklyman]

Thanks to the both of you. This is why the Camel is such a great place to be. Great people and information.

[Jon]

Also skip the IFPO, some guys swear by them, but they're another "credential purchasing" house that most people have learned to discount.

Stick with PPA, ASMP, or EP.

[Mary K]

every thing I have read has said scam or viruses all over it ! I got the same letter to!

[Mr Mikey]

If you don't mind, what are the yearly dues for PPA ?

[Mr Mikey]

Arizona has it's own chapter of the PPA, would it be better to be part of the PPA at the state level or the national level if you don't normally go out of state ?

[sonshine_rae]

Okay this is probably a silly question, but I've been looking over the PPA web-site,
but haven't found out how you become a member and/or how much it costs etc?

[Naturalist]

On their web-site (PPA) there is a button halfway down the left column of selections that says "JOIN".

Or click here: Join - Professional Photographers of America, Inc.

[sonshine_rae]

Thanks .. to bad .. I can't afford that yet. Guess it will be something to do later.. when I actually make some money. Sigh.. the benefits sound worth it though, I just haven't got the cash flow to do that sort of thing.

[kenn]

If you use a credit card PPA has an installment offer. However,you have to mail the form in, installment not available on line
http://www.ppa.com/files/public/mem_app.pdf

[Bloo Dog]

ISP and IFPO are really great organizations to belong to. IFPO gives you a hat and a patch to put on your coat sleeve. ISP gives you a decoder ring and teaches you the ISP secret hand shake, things which every photographer should learn.

[Mark McCall]

Originally Posted by Mr Mikey

If you don't mind, what are the yearly dues for PPA ?

I believe it's $300 a year, and the indemnification insurance is another $50.
They will debit your checking account too...$25 a month if memory serves.

Originally Posted by Mr Mikey

Arizona has it's own chapter of the PPA, would it be better to be part of the PPA at the state level or the national level if you don't normally go out of state ?

As a member of Arizona PPA, your automatically a member of your regional affiliate. I think that falls under Rocky Mountain PPA. No dues necessary for that organization, it comes from with your state association dues.
Rocky Mountain is currently in discussion with SWPPA to absorb their member state affiliates.

Yes, joining PPA National has real advantages.
Value of Membership - Professional Photographers of America, Inc.

[abortretryfail]

Any recommendations for photographers outside the US?