I'm considering joining a professional photography organization such as PPA and was wondering what people here think about PPA or any of the other organizations as far as it being worth the membership dues and what else you get out of the organization. Thanks for the input.
If you join PPA, understand you are joining an active professional organization. One of the main reasons for joining is to financially support the work the organization does (lobbying, assisting photographers in trouble, etc). Do not expect to calculate an ROI and be happy with the resutls. It does not really work that way.
BUT....note that the PPA has had a huge amount of membership growth over the last few years indicating that many have found it has very large benefits and opportunities for personal and professional growth. The last convention in Tampa with the trade show had so many different things to see and learn about.....and the insurance itself is quite an incentive........
at the very least you can save on equipment insurance, liability and even health care. When I was having trouble with an insurance claim (from Marsh who the PPA endorses) I called the PPA. They made a few calls. The next day the Vice President of Marsh was on the phone with me apologizing for how poorly they handled my claim. So that should let you know they are not some meaningless organization. They are a real heavyweight in the areas they are involved. So if their efforts are in areas that will benefit your business indirectly, it is money well spent.
If you do weddings, the "malpractice" insurance coverage available as part of the PPA membership is certainly worth the cost.
Although Nathan Lake termed it pejoratively, supporting PPA lobbying efforts is also worth the cost. It's organizations like PPA and ASMP that keep Congress from passing laws that would harm our professional interests as well as laws to help us. One effort they've been pushing, for instance, is a law that would make it possible for small businesspeople who are members of professional organizations to gain large-group health insurance prices.
They were also instrumental in stalling the "Orphaned Works" bill that, as written, would have effectively negated much of our copyright protection ("I tried calling the guy whose copyright was on it, but nobody answered the phone, so I went ahead and used it" would have been legal).
They can't represent you in court, but as CTYankee mentioned, their lawyers can give you legal advice and will make a call or two in your behalf...which is frequently all you need. This includes calls to your local Wal-Mart if they're too careless about copying copyrighted work.
But the greatest benefit is, indeed, getting to know and work with other professionals. Although you're welcomed to join the forum at ourppa.com, you'll notice there is a "Member's Only" area where people can get to know each other more personally and even arrange face-to-face meetings.
Three of us in our local area were able to get an experienced competition judge to spend an afternoon with us giving us inside tips using our own work on the kinds of things judges look for in competitions. He also gave us some valuable studio management and marketing tips. As well, I've had a few long telephone conversations with other professionals and been able to visit their studios and examine their work flows. You can't do that very well unless you can get to know people.
Good info Kirk. I am going to a seminar on Sunday here in Kansas City. I believe one of the discounts for attending is to be able to join PPA for a reduced cost.
I am a member of PPA.
It was probably the best thing I could have done for my career. Though it's mostly wedding photographers, it is still a great place to network and just discuss photographer in general. I am a member of PPLAC. (the L.A. County chapter) and every penny has been worth it.
During our meetings we get some pretty influential speakers and seminars such as Eddie Tapp, coming in.
But, on a side note, I do know someone who shot a celebrity wedding. The client tried to sue my friend... PPA took care of him.
