Photographer and educator Todd Bigelow shares real-world insights during the Business of Photography Workshop, hosted by ASMP/Atlanta. A powerful reminder that success in photography isn’t just about your images—it’s about how you run your business.
There’s a question I hear from newer photographers all the time:
“Why should I join an organization like ASMP, NPPA, or PPA? What’s in it for me?”
It’s a fair question, especially when so many resources, communities, and marketing tools are available online for free. But after more than 40 years in this industry, I’ve learned this:
A strong association isn’t just about what you get—it’s also about who you’re becoming.
Let me break that down and explain why I’ve remained a member—and a board member—of these organizations for decades.
What Is the Purpose of a Photography Association?
At its core, a professional association exists to:
- Advocate for your rights and the future of the profession
- Educate photographers on the best business and creative practices
- Create a network of peers and mentors who raise the bar
- Provide business tools—insurance, contracts, legal templates, pricing guidance
- Promote ethical standards and professionalism
But it’s also about identity and solidarity. You’re not just a freelancer in isolation. You’re part of a professional class of creatives who believe storytelling has value—and should be protected, respected, and fairly compensated.
You’re not just paying dues when you join ASMP, NPPA, or PPA. You’re contributing to the infrastructure that protects your ability to work, grow, and thrive in an evolving marketplace.
My Journey with NPPA and ASMP
I joined NPPA in 1984 when I was still wet behind the ears in photojournalism. A few years later, in 1987, I joined ASMP as I began taking on more commercial and editorial work.
Both organizations gave me tools I didn’t know I needed at the time—legal knowledge, pricing strategies, ethical guidelines, and a network of seasoned pros willing to share what they’d learned the hard way.
Over the years, I’ve served on both local and national boards, and that experience gave me a new perspective: These organizations only work when members step up to lead, serve, and evolve them.
What It Means to Serve on the Board
Being elected to an association board is not a résumé booster or a vanity title—it’s a responsibility.
A board member must:
- Show up prepared
- Represent the full membership, not just personal interests
- Engage in hard conversations
- Help set policies, make decisions, and execute initiatives
- Be willing to do the work between meetings
The best board members listen well, lead by example, and build trust in the broader community.
And let me be clear: Ideas are cheap. Action is costly. If you serve on a board, it’s not enough to speak up—you’ve got to follow through.
Advocacy Is Essential—But Not the Whole Picture
One of the biggest strengths of NPPA and ASMP is their ongoing advocacy for photographers’ rights.
These aren’t just symbolic efforts. They’ve led to fundamental, lasting changes that benefit the entire photography industry, not just members.
Take NPPA’s work on drone regulations, for example. When the FAA’s Part 107 Drone Rules were being developed, NPPA was one of the only organizations advocating for journalists and visual storytellers. Their efforts helped ensure that the drone certification process allowed for legitimate use by photographers and videographers in newsgathering and documentary storytelling, without excessive barriers. Today, we fly legally thanks partly to their behind-the-scenes work with the FAA. (More here)
On the business side, ASMP has long been a leader in educating creatives about contracts, licensing, and intellectual property. Their push for fair business practices—including guidance on usage fees, indemnity clauses, and copyright registration—has elevated how professionals negotiate and protect their work. Many of us run stronger businesses today because of the standards and sample contracts ASMP has made available for decades.
But advocacy alone isn’t the whole picture. If you only want someone to fight your legal battles, that’s not a complete membership experience.
Their holistic support makes these associations valuable, from business coaching to contract templates to peer mentorship.
Evolving for the Future: From Exclusivity to Inclusivity (with Standards)
Some associations were seen as exclusive clubs—gatekeepers of knowledge, access, and status in the early days. That model no longer serves the profession.
Today, photography associations must be:
- Inclusive in their outreach
- Welcoming to new voices and perspectives
- Supportive of underrepresented communities in the industry
But inclusive doesn’t mean anyone can join without standards.
Every member should uphold core principles—ethical practice, creative responsibility, and professionalism. Associations should create pathways for newer photographers to qualify, not barriers to keep them out.
We grow stronger not by shrinking the circle, but by inviting more people in and giving them the tools to succeed.
So, Why Should You Join?
If you’re starting, joining an organization like ASMP or NPPA gives you access to:
- Contracts and business tools that protect you
- Legal insights and templates that save you money and stress
- A network of working professionals who can help you grow
- Continuing education opportunities you won’t find on YouTube
If you’re established, membership lets you:
- Please pay it forward by mentoring others
- Stay up to date with evolving legal and ethical standards
- Shape the future of the profession by participating in leadership
- Be part of a voice that advocates for our rights at the national level
Final Thoughts
I’ve been doing this long enough to know that no association can meet every need. But I also know this:
You can’t complain about the direction of the profession if you’re not willing to help steer the ship.
Organizations like ASMP and NPPA only work when professionals like you and me show up, contribute, and take responsibility for our collective future.
Let’s stop thinking of membership as a subscription and start thinking of it as a shared investment in the profession we love.
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Would you like help choosing the right association for your needs or figuring out how to get more involved? I’d be happy to discuss your options.