I'm joining PPA! Perhaps today, if I can get a few responses to this post. Should I go for the professional or aspiring membership? I'm technically a "professional" yet I still fit the bill for "aspiring." I only have two weddings and two portrait sessions booked for 2009, so I don't want to be spending a lot of money on organizations. I'm really excited about what PPA offers, but I don't know if I need the "professional" membership yet. Any ideas?
Yes, both come with malpractice. It's $194 vs $323. The only difference I can tell is that I wouldn't be listed in the online referral database and I have to upgrade after two years.
Like ANY organization, you get back as much as you put in.
Pay your $300 and never leave the couch and you'll get nothing from it. But attend meetings, seminars, etc and you'll learn a lot, be inspired, motivated and it will pay for itself 10 times over with what you learn in the way of new techniques, products, trends, etc.
I joined a local PPA affiliated organization. For my $180 I get 5 days a year of seminars, trades show (where I can easily buy items at discounts that far exceed the $180), and should I attend their week long school I'll save $50-100 over a non-member.
Other beneifts you only get by being active is befriending local pros so you can second shoot and learn, borrow gear in a pinch, have lunches/dinners with fellow photogs, have someone to call on, that's local, that you know and knows you, when needed.
I did the aspiring for one year and upgraded to professional when my membership expired a few months ago. The main (and only) reason I upgraded early was to attempt certification in 2009.
I joined for the insurance and to add the logo to my brochure.... I'm new at this, I need all the credibility I can muster. I can write off the dues, too.
Networking via these organizations lifts the standards of any industry and that alone is great value. Most decent photographers, even those who don't belong to such groups have been influenced by the work of those who do. And those who do developed to where they are due to being committed to networking.
can't you get good insurance other ways tho ? I've got a liability policy with state farm and equipment riders and such that cover my gear also with state farm.
I'm about to get Errors and Omissions insurance - also thru statefarm - what does the PPA insurance do for you and would this be a better option up against what I already have?
I think you're covered! For me, the malpractice is just an extra thing that makes it worthwhile. I am actually looking forward to using a lot of the other benefits - the gettogethers, networking, workshops, etc.
How do you like state farm for your liability and EO insurance? My husband needs EO insurance and I would like some good liability. Do we need EO for weddings? I have my life insurance with State Farm and my car insurance with USAA. I'd have to get some quotes to determine which to go with.
PPA convention is in Phoenix today till Tuesday 11-13th many classes to help you better your skills and learn to make more money... Class are all day 7AM till evening.. plus 100's of venders .. advantage of belonging go on and on..
My legs are tired, after all day in the Imaging USA Print show and Vender area and didn't see half of it...
