Archive 2009 · CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
p.1 #1CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
Well, the new requirements for Canon Professional Services (CPS) are out, and from what I've read, most of us who were members will no longer qualify, even for their lowest level. The killer requirement is being a full-time photo pro. I know many people here who are fantastic professional sports photographers, but only shoot part-time. These "pros" will no longer be able to join CPS according to their new regulations.
Now, will they waive that requirement if you ask? Or will they waive it only if you have enough gear? Or tear-sheets? Or ....
http://www.usa.canon.com/cps
Comments?
John
Now, will they waive that requirement if you ask? Or will they waive it only if you have enough gear? Or tear-sheets? Or ....
http://www.usa.canon.com/cps
Comments?
John
Mar 09, 2009 at 10:57 AM
p.1 #2CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
I consider myself full-time even though I have a day job (for the insurance mainly). I applied for the new CPS program over the weekend, I got an acceptance email w/CPS number almost immediately. Now that being said we'll see if they have non-automated eyes look at my application and have further questions....time will tell.
Mar 09, 2009 at 11:36 AM
p.1 #3CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
I talked to a canon rep about this a few months ago when i was calling in for a broken camera of mine. I didn't like the new system but i can't really blame them.
Paul has been ranting lately about how the drop in prices and increase in technology has opened some doors for a lot of people (and narrowed some doors for others). I would imagine that CPS membership has thus skyrocketed...they have to reign in the leash somehow.
As it is, i'm screwed. My 1D broke so i bought a 40D to replace it. Haven't had the cash yet to get the 1D fixed, and somehow the LCD screen on my 40D cracked (i suspect a family member/cat knocked it off somewhere because i know i didn't drop the damn thing). So here i am with a half working camera and a broken camera and Canon offers me no support, despite the fact that photography is reaching 50% of my income.
Paul has been ranting lately about how the drop in prices and increase in technology has opened some doors for a lot of people (and narrowed some doors for others). I would imagine that CPS membership has thus skyrocketed...they have to reign in the leash somehow.
As it is, i'm screwed. My 1D broke so i bought a 40D to replace it. Haven't had the cash yet to get the 1D fixed, and somehow the LCD screen on my 40D cracked (i suspect a family member/cat knocked it off somewhere because i know i didn't drop the damn thing). So here i am with a half working camera and a broken camera and Canon offers me no support, despite the fact that photography is reaching 50% of my income.
Mar 09, 2009 at 11:38 AM
p.1 #4CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
The other issue I have with them is their requirement for having the IS version of all their super-tele's. I don't use IS when shooting sports, so I don't pay for it, but yet only the IS versions of lenses qualify.
Mar 09, 2009 at 12:06 PM
p.1 #5CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
I work as a full time pro here in the UK but I don't shoot with any 1-Series bodies. The UK CPS requires at least 2 1-Series bodies and 3 L-Series lenses. So I can't have the benefits of CPS membership and that really sticks in my crawl. I wish they'd make it a paid membership. I'd happily pay up to £1000 annually to have CPS membership. Not everyone chooses to shoot the same way and the stupid CPS policies are a pain.
Mar 09, 2009 at 12:14 PM
p.1 #6CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
So if I lose my day job then I will be deriving at least 51% of my income from photography and qualify - yippee. Fifty-one percent of not much mind you. Canon has obviously done some research and concluded that just having $8K+ tied up in pro-bodies and $10K+ in L glass alone is not sufficient to get CFS benefits. And Nikon will probably take a similar path at some point although I haven't seen as many PWAC using D3 and 200-400s at the games.
Mar 09, 2009 at 12:36 PM
p.1 #7CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
51% of nothing is easy! 
What happens when you are collecting a pension and working F/T as a photographer? What is F/T anyway? Canon's 51% is pretty leinent because they didn't put a must make $-----. When I talked to my pro-rep and told him what my business grossed last year, he said yep, you're full time. CPS thought so too...
There are a lot of hobbist out there who spend a lot of money on gear and sell a few photos. The new program is designed to find out who really is a pro and who is willing to pop a few bucks, it weeds out quite a few.
What happens when you are collecting a pension and working F/T as a photographer? What is F/T anyway? Canon's 51% is pretty leinent because they didn't put a must make $-----. When I talked to my pro-rep and told him what my business grossed last year, he said yep, you're full time. CPS thought so too...There are a lot of hobbist out there who spend a lot of money on gear and sell a few photos. The new program is designed to find out who really is a pro and who is willing to pop a few bucks, it weeds out quite a few.
Mar 09, 2009 at 01:51 PM
p.1 #8CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
The 51% of income from photography is a silly requirement. If someone makes $200K from photography and $500K from web and related services they are not a professional? I don't think so.
Mar 09, 2009 at 01:55 PM
p.1 #9CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
jerrykur wrote:
The 51% of income from photography is a silly requirement. If someone makes $200K from photography and $500K from web and related services they are not a professional? I don't think so.
That is my position. I make some good money from photography, but happen to have a part time job that pays very well.
By the way....they don't have a way to prove you are working full-time.
The 51% of income from photography is a silly requirement. If someone makes $200K from photography and $500K from web and related services they are not a professional? I don't think so.
That is my position. I make some good money from photography, but happen to have a part time job that pays very well.
By the way....they don't have a way to prove you are working full-time.
Mar 09, 2009 at 01:57 PM
p.1 #10CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
The requirements are, in reality, much less restrictive than before.
Mar 09, 2009 at 02:00 PM
p.1 #11CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
Greg Feldman wrote:
The requirements are, in reality, much less restrictive than before.
+1
I really appreciate CPS. I'm also not worried about qualifying. The last thing I want is for CPS membership to be easier and for their to be a flood of new CPS members. If you haven't supported Canon in 10 years why should they offer you preferred support?
The requirements are, in reality, much less restrictive than before.
+1
I really appreciate CPS. I'm also not worried about qualifying. The last thing I want is for CPS membership to be easier and for their to be a flood of new CPS members. If you haven't supported Canon in 10 years why should they offer you preferred support?
Mar 09, 2009 at 02:17 PM
p.1 #12CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
Greg Feldman wrote:
The requirements are, in reality, much less restrictive than before.
Indeed. Many more of you didn't qualify before.
The requirements are, in reality, much less restrictive than before.
Indeed. Many more of you didn't qualify before.
Mar 09, 2009 at 02:20 PM
p.1 #13CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
I want first rate support and I'm willing to pay for the privilege. It's annoying that there isn't a way in for me, a young, newly established professional who shoots on a 5DII and a 50D.
Mar 09, 2009 at 02:20 PM
p.1 #14CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
The reason they are now charging is to keep the numbers under control. With no checks on "full-time" it is the money that will keep many people away.
Mar 09, 2009 at 03:07 PM
p.1 #15CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
I am an amateur and a CPS Europe member.
However I think Canon perhaps needs to create 2 categories of "CPS", one for the working pro and one for the part-time/amateurs with the services customised to suit each group.
However I think Canon perhaps needs to create 2 categories of "CPS", one for the working pro and one for the part-time/amateurs with the services customised to suit each group.
Mar 09, 2009 at 03:29 PM
p.1 #16CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
Glenn Harris wrote:
And Nikon will probably take a similar path at some point although I haven't seen as many PWAC using D3 and 200-400s at the games.
Nikon were always more stringent with NPS. I had to send bank statements, client lists, etc. When I switched to Canon, I asked about CPS and I was admitted even without the required amount of gear.
And Nikon will probably take a similar path at some point although I haven't seen as many PWAC using D3 and 200-400s at the games.
Nikon were always more stringent with NPS. I had to send bank statements, client lists, etc. When I switched to Canon, I asked about CPS and I was admitted even without the required amount of gear.
Mar 09, 2009 at 03:31 PM
p.1 #17CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
jerrykur wrote:
The 51% of income from photography is a silly requirement. If someone makes $200K from photography and $500K from web and related services they are not a professional? I don't think so.
Since you are making $700,000 why are you worried about paying to repair your equipment?
The 51% of income from photography is a silly requirement. If someone makes $200K from photography and $500K from web and related services they are not a professional? I don't think so.
Since you are making $700,000 why are you worried about paying to repair your equipment?
Mar 09, 2009 at 03:36 PM
p.1 #19CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
Hi guys, does anyone know of anyone who has gotten denied membership? Please advise. Thanks!
Mar 09, 2009 at 03:54 PM
p.1 #20CPS - Most of us no longer qualify
Were EF-S lenses included before?
Happy shooting,
Yakim.
Happy shooting,
Yakim.
Mar 09, 2009 at 04:11 PM