Professional organizations offer terrific opportunities for education and information. With the huge amount of data that’s available these days, it’s difficult to find the information you really need; professional organizations search through the rubble and publish journals, newsletters, and web sites with information that is targeted and relevant to travel photography. Many larger clubs also provide opportunities for professional development through conferences, trade shows and other events.
Probably the most important advantage of joining a professional association is that it gives you access to vital networking opportunities with related businesses, potential employers, and your peers. It doesn’t matter what level you’re at in your career, it’s always great to have people to share ideas and experiences with!
There are a huge number of professional groups, and you’ll need to do some research to decide which one is right for you. Some associations welcome amateurs and beginning photographers, while others are only open to seasoned pros. The list below is by no means all-inclusive, but is a good starting point in your search. If you know of an organization that should be included, please contact us!
Photography Associations:
American Photographic Artists (APA) – Dedicated to elevating your art and works while fearlessly protecting your content.
American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) – The leading trade association for photographers who photograph for publication.
The Association of International Photography Art Dealers (AIPAD) – Dedicated to creating and maintaining high standards in the business of exhibiting, selling and buying photographs as art.
En Foco – Dedicated to promoting cultural diversity in photography.
International Freelance Photographers Organization (IFPO) – Focuses on freelance photography and how to make money with your camera.
National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) – the leading voice advocating for the work of visual journalists today. Founded in the days of sheet film box cameras and newsreels, this organization fights for the working news photographer, videographer and multimedia journalist in the Internet age.
North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) – Serves the field and practitioners of nature photography.
Photographic Society of America (PSA) – An organization that promotes the art and science of photography.
Professional Photographers Association (PPA) – The world’s largest nonprofit association for professional photographers, seeks to increase its members’ business savvy and creative scope.
The Royal Photographic Society (RPS) – An educational charity whose aim is to promote the art and science of photography.
Society of International Travel and Tourism Photographers (SITTP) – Welcomes professional and enthusiast photographers whose interests are capturing the scenes around the world. SITTP offers members the opportunity to raise their photographic profile with the opportunity to share their work, participate in image competitions, engage with thousands of fellow photographers in our interactive Forum and gain distinctions and qualifications based upon submission of work.
Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) – Devoted to the needs and interests of wedding and portrait photographers.
Women in Photography International – Serves the needs of female photographers, photo educators, photography students, gallery owners and photographic organizations around the world.
Related Travel Associations:
Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) – Support and benefit from the creation of sustainable adventure travel markets with focus on people, planet and profit.
National Tour Association (NTA) – The leading business-building association for professionals serving customers traveling to, from and within North America.
North American Travel Journalists Association – Professional association of writers, photographers, and editors dedicated to redefining professional development for the travel industry.
Professional Travel Bloggers Association – Promotes the interests of travel bloggers within the industry by supporting and fostering the needs, careers and relationships of travel bloggers.
Society of American Travel Writers – Promotes responsible journalism, provides professional development for its members and encourages the conservation and preservation of travel resources worldwide.
Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA) – To enhance the quality, value, effectiveness and use of research in travel marketing, planning and development.
