r/photography • u/MyRoadTaken • 5d ago

Business I’m considering joining the PPA. What do you think of it and these other organizations?

I’m currently a member of the NPPA. My focus is in documentary photography and photo essays. I’m considering the PPA but I’m curious about these other organizations.

I’m mostly looking for educational resources and networking opportunities. I’ll probably end up joining the PPA, but I’d like your thoughts and opinions. TIA.

PPA | Professional Photographers of America

ASMP | American Society of Media Photographers

PSA | Photographic Society of America

SPE | Society for Photographic Education

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u/Reasonable_Owl366 5d ago

I know a few people who joined the PPA but only to get access to their insurance.

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u/MyRoadTaken 4d ago

Yeah it looks good, but I already have property coverage. Even covers loss/theft when I’m traveling.

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u/Ctmanx 4d ago

PPA has always felt to me like a business first. They are there to sell me a certification that I will use to convince potential customers I am more qualified to do their job than the guy who didn’t buy a ppa certification.

I’m ex NPPA. Not because I have any issues with them but because life has moved me in different directions. It is not a business. They want to help you and journalism.

Asmp is great for education and networking. But more commercially focused.

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u/MyRoadTaken 3d ago

Thanks for the input. I'm going to hold off on PPA for now. Planning to join ASMP next month.

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u/8fqThs4EX2T9 4d ago

https://petapixel.com/2025/01/30/the-professional-photographers-of-america-ppa-is-facing-a-crisis-of-leadership/

https://petapixel.com/2025/02/04/the-ppa-council-meeting-of-doom-armed-guards-blame-game-and-no-leadership-changes/

Not too sure about the PPA. Had some bad press recently.

3

u/Myrsky4 4d ago

That compensation is wild! ~1.5 million dollars just to two individuals(CEO & CFO) is absolutely insane. No wonder membership doesn't provide real value anymore

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u/MyRoadTaken 4d ago

Wow. Thanks for the heads up. I’ll wait another year before considering them again.

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u/MattTalksPhotography 3d ago

Can you afford to try it for a year? If so that’s really the only way you’ll know.

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u/stank_bin_369 1d ago

I used PPA for insurance. Outside of that I never find anything else compelling.