Given that photography is becoming a more and more significant activity for me and I've always believed in doing a professional job, or walking way which is in the long term the best for both parties, do any of the photographers here have any views on the professional bodies / associations that I could consider joining.
I've had a brief look at the BIPP website and concluded that it seems to offer all that I am looking for, and is not that far for me to travel to attend the one day courses they offer.
Don't really use them as much as I could though (although I do get the (rather pretentious) letters after my name!). The quarterly magazine alone is almost worth the annual professional fees of 100-odd quid I think - it's superb quality.
Don't really use them as much as I could though (although I do get the (rather pretentious) letters after my name!). The quarterly magazine alone is almost worth the annual professional fees of 100-odd quid I think - it's superb quality.
Thanks Mark - I filled in the DD mandate earlier, after I wiped off the blood from where I'd cut myself on the Nikon 14-24 f2.8 - one seriously sharp lens! (sadly on loan, but I want one already)
The BIPP is actually different to a lot of so-called professional photographic bodies in that you can't just send away your sub and you instantly have letters after your name.
To use one of the three levels...
1. FBIPP
2. ABIPP
3. LBIPP
...you have to submit a portfolio and have it judged buy very experienced/seasoned peer professionals. The top level FBIPP is absolutely nails and very time-consuming, but one day maybe...
Skeeter interesting observations and I don't entirely disagree with some of what you are saying.
My motivations are primarily to gain more knowledge, and as photography is very much a subjective activity I think that qualifications are somewhat secondary in the equation.
I belong to a number of bodies in the aviation world, simply because it means I get to meet other professionals on a regular basis and we also are involved in representing industry interests in the complex world we know live in.
As with any line, personally I'd consider recent track record as the most important criteria for selection.
Angela - thanks for the link - looks like a like minded body to the BIPP.
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Professional Associations for Photographers
