While I absolutely adore the PPA, I’m going to make one point loud and clear:
Buying a membership in the PPA does not mean that you are a professional photographer. It only means that you have enough money to buy the membership.
OK, everybody got that? Good!
With that being said, I’m now going to say that if you can only join ONE organization, this one should be it.
I will address the PPA in future articles, so consider this your introduction. I’m not advocating that you should run out and drop the big bucks on membership at this time, but if you are truly ready to go into business, don’t do so without it. It should also be noted that there is an “aspiring” membership category for folks not quite ready to hang their shingle. This membership level can be in effect for two years before you are required to go to a full membership.
Because I know that I can’t do justice to this organization in my own words, I’m going to borrow some of their verbiage from their website (www.ppa.com):
Today, Professional Photographers of America (PPA) is the world’s largest nonprofit association for professional photographers, with 22,000 members in 54 countries. This association seeks to increase its members’ business savvy as well as broaden their creative scope, advancing careers by providing all the tools for success…as they have since 1869.
Truly, life is more peaceful with PPA. Members can rest easy, knowing they’re backed by the industry’s most powerful organization.
PPA’s Mission:
Creating a vibrant community of successful professional photographers by providing education, resources and industry standards of excellence.Learn More about Membership:
Click here to read why wedding photographers join PPA.
Click here to read why portrait photographers join PPA.
Click here to read why family photographers join PPA.
Click here to read why senior photographers join PPA.
Here is some information about joining and membership fees: http://www.ppa.com/joinppa/