Australian Institute of Professional Photography
Represents the interests of professional photographers in Australia. It hosts events at a state and national level, imposes a binding Code of Ethics for members, and provides education via seminars and workshops.
The Association of Photographers
Campaigns on behalf of photographers, encourages them to pursue lifelong education, and liaises with other educational organisations. UK-based.
American Photographic Artists
Formed "to establish, endorse, and promote professional practices, standards, and ethics in the photographic and advertising community." Local chapters hold seminars and workshops. Provides standardized business forms and forms software, downloadable free of charge to members.
Association of Printing and Data Solutions Professionals
Founded in Boston, Massachusetts in 1927, APDSP (formerly the IRgA) provides a framework for exchanging information and support for the reprographic industry. Its members specialize in both large and small format printing, document management, facilities management, digital reproduction, and scanning.
Australian Photographic Society
Offers extensive services, all specifically designed to improve photography and photographic skills. Membership is open to all - international exhibitors, beginners, amateurs & professionals.
Aperture
Aperture Foundation
Founded in 1952 by photographers Ansel Adams, Dorothea Lange and others, a not-for-profit arts institution dedicated to advancing fine photography. Has a gallery at 547 West 27th Street, New York.
American Society of Media Photographers
The leading trade association for photographers who take pictures primarily for publication. Has over 5,000 members in 40 chapters across the United States.
American Society of Picture Professionals
Nationwide organization of professionals who produce, sell, edit, catalog and use photographic imagery. It numbers around 800 members: photographers, photo researchers, photo editors, stock agents, museum curators, librarians, historians, archivists, designers and writers.
Alliance of Visual Artists
An umbrella organisation that aims to provide greater benefits and services to professional photographers through the efficient and professional administration of its member organisations.
British Association of Picture Libraries and Agencies
Promotes the interests of picture libraries and photo agencies. It has over 420 member companies who between them manage more than half a billion images.
Bund Freischaffender Foto-Designer e.V.
The German Association of Freelance Photographers has been the top brand name for quality professional photography in Germany for 40 years. Holds overseas exhibitions and runs a bi-annual conference. Has stringent criteria for joining.
British Fashion Model Agents Association
Previously the AMA, this is the trade association of the UK fashion model industry. Founded in the 1970s to protect and manage the careers of its models, it includes the major UK fashion modelling agencies among its members.
British Institute of Professional Photography
The premier qualifying body for professional image makers in the UK. Aims to improve professional standards, develop skills, and safeguard the future of the industry by lobbying government and communicating through the media. Monthly glossy publication is "The Photographer."
British Photographic Council
An umbrella body, with a board composed of representatives from its
member organisations. Aims to protect, develop and promote the rights and interests of photographic image makers and related professionals.
British Press Photographers' Association
Promotes ethical, technical and creative standards, and represents newspaper, magazine and agency photographers. Website has a freelance directory and member galleries. Is itself a member of the United Kingdom Press Card Authority (UKPCA).
British Society of Underwater Photographers
The largest underwater photographic society in Britain (yes, there are others) and is run entirely by volunteers. Holds regular meetings in London, runs a monthly competition, and a larger, annual Splash-In competition.
Canadian Association of Professional Image Creators
Works on behalf of people in the communications industry, including photographers, illustrators and digital artists. Has 6 chapters and a membership of over 1000. Local networking is a major benefit of joining.
China Photographers Association
The most influential and authoritative photographic organization in China. Its task is to unite people from all ethnic groups working in the photographic field, provide training, and promote the development and prosperity of Chinese photography.
Digital Media Licensing Association
Digital Media Licensing Association (DMLA), formerly known as PACA, represents the interests of over 100 stock archives in the United States and 50 more internationally. It develops business standards and promotes ethical business practices, actively advocates copyright protection, and keeps members informed of developments within the industry.
Disabled Photographers' Society
A registered UK charity formed in 1968 to help make photography accessible to those with disabilities. Run by a team of dedicated volunteers, most of whom are themselves disabled, it has developed a broad knowledge of the various ways to make photography accessible. The society is a great source of information on all aspects of photography for people with disabilities.
Editorial Photographers
Started in the Bay Area in 1999, EP (or APA Editorial Photographers) now has a membership of several thousand to whom it provides extensive information on legal and business matters. Has an OutreachEP program under which photographers mentor their less experienced colleagues.
Federation of European Photographers
Brings together a number of European national professional photographers' associations. It is recognised officially by the EU and is officially registered in Belgium. Runs two major photo competitions: FEP European Professional Photographer of the Year, and the FEP Fine Art Competition.
Fédération Internationale de l'Art Photographique (International Federation of Photographic Art)
La FIAP is an international federation to which national associations of photography belong. Photographers must contact the representative federation in their own country.
Fine Art Trade Guild
Mentioned here because it is an authoritative source of information about picture framing. Formed in the UK in 1910; has branches in Ireland and New Zealand. Publishes "Art Business Today."
Fondo Internazionale Orvieto Fotografia
A conference brought about by the Orvieto Fotografia International Foundation, an umbrella body for professional photography that aims to construct a "common home for photography" under the logo of Orvieto Fotografia.
Federation of Commercial Audio Visual Libraries
A professional not-for-profit trade association formed in 1985 with the aim of facilitating the use of library footage, images, stills and audio in all forms of media production. It acts as an information resource for the footage and content industry.
Fogra Graphic Technology Research Association
Fogra Forschungsgesellschaft Druck e.V. (Fogra Graphic Technology Research Association) is a German organization that promotes new developments in print engineering and certifies processes and systems (such as virtual proofing). It has around 600 members, mostly graphic art businesses and suppliers, a third of whom are based outside Germany.
Hong Kong Institute of Professional Photographers
An association of professional photographers working in Hong Kong. Holds regular meetings and seminars and exchanges information with overseas photographers.
International Association Of Architectural Photographers
Promotes the interests of architectural photographers by providing business resources, information, special deals ("value added relationships"), and the exposure of its members to thousands of industry professionals who seek their services. Based in Washington DC.
International Association of Professional Birth Photographers
Aims to assist expectant parents who are in search of a professional birth photographer in their area. IAPBP's focus is on providing resources to expectant parents, photographers and other birth professionals through education, understanding the birth process, support and respect for each person's birth choices.
International Color Consortium
Founded in 1993 by Apple and seven other vendors to create a color management solution that would deliver consistent color between applications. It continues to promote the use and adoption of open, vendor-neutral, cross-platform color management systems.
Imaging Digital Entertainment Association
Formerly PICA, IDEA is a free Australian service offering the latest industry news and information. It lobbies Government on State and Federal levels on issues concerning the distribution of imaging, digital, video and audio visual equipment.
International Digital Enterprise Alliance
A highly active industry organization that promotes best practices in media, publishing and IT, with emphasis on leading-edge technology. Both the GRACoL and SWOP guidelines for better quality in color printing are trademarks of IDEAlliance.
International Press Telecommunications Council
A consortium of news organisations, its main function being to develop and publish industry standards. It is best-known to photographers for the widely-used IPTC Headers which can be embedded into image files to carry information (such as copyright information) about the images.
Imaging Science and Technology
International non-profit organization, based in Springfield, VA, that seeks to inform its members about the latest scientific and technological developments in the field of imaging. Areas of specific focus are silver halide, digital printing, electronic imaging, photofinishing, image preservation, image assessment, pre-press technologies and hybrid imaging systems.
Inter-Society Color Council
A leading professional society in the field of color in the United States. It holds conferences, including the IS&T/SID Color Imaging Conference, held in collaboration with The Society for Imaging Science and Technology.
Imaging Society of Japan
A key organization in the field of imaging science and technology. It has many specialist committees; holds symposia, plus the annual Imaging Conference Japan.
International VR Photography Association
An association of professionals who create and produce interactive, immersive images. If you are into (really into) 360-degree panoramic photography, this is the society for you.
Master Photographers Association
The UK's premier fully qualified organisation for practising full time professional photographers. Established in 1952, now with over 2000 members for whom it provides educational qualifications, regional meetings, national seminars, business building promotions and marketing support.
North American Nature Photography Association
Aims to promote the art and science of nature photography as a medium of communication for nature appreciation and environmental protection. Runs an Annual Nature Photography Summit and Trade Show, together with regional events around the United States.
National Press Photographers Association
Dedicates itself to the advancement of visual journalism, its creation, practice, training, editing and distribution, across all news media including news photography, video and multimedia.
National Photographic Society
UK-based society with worldwide membership. Run BY photographers FOR photographers. Offers free blog and gallery with subscription. Members can gain qualification levels to enhance their credibility.
New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography
The only qualifying body for professional photographers in New Zealand. It represents the interests of professional photographers, especially in copyright, legal and business matters, while also providing educational resources for its 300+ members.
The Photographic Alliance of Great Britain
The Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (PAGB) is a membership organisation that co-ordinates activities for photographic clubs in England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland (including the Channel Islands and Isle of Man). It does this through 15 geographical federations. The PAGB organises photographic events for both federations and clubs and also offers services such as recorded lectures and its own photographic distinctions, known as Awards for Photographic Merit.
Professional Aerial Photographers' Association
A professional trade organisation for aerial photographers worldwide, PAPA helps members through business education, together with seminars, meetings and workshops on the craft and technology of aerial photography. It has an annual conference early in the year and regional events in September.
Professional Garden Photographers' Association
UK-based organization for professional photographers who specialize in flower and garden imagery. It is a semi-autonomous group within
The Garden Media Guild. Categories for awards in garden photography include
International Garden Photographer of the Year (managed by GALPA Ltd), Features Photographer of the Year and the Photographers' Choice Awards.
Professional Photographers of America
Dating back to 1880, the PPA is the world's largest not-for-profit association for professional photographers, with more than 14,000 members in 64 countries, including many affiliate organizations. It provides education and a sense of community to the industry, aiming to increase its members' business skills and well as extend their photographic capabilities.
Professional Photographers of Canada
Advances all forms of photography, provides a forum for exchanging ideas and opinion, encourages education and helps members extend their professional skills. At the PPOC National Convention, the annual Image Competition showcases what are considered to be the best images taken in Canada during the year.
Picture Research Association
A professional organisation in the UK for picture researchers and picture editors. It provides career information, IT and copyright advice, and holds meetings and events for its members.
Pro Imaging
Started in 2004 by three photographers in the UK, Pro Imaging International is mainly a discussion group for full-time, professional image makers, but is extending its reach to provide additional advice and resources to members. Its basic tenet is that its members must never engage in Royalty Free sales, against which it campaigns vigorously.
Photographic Society of America
A large organization of individual photo enthusiasts and camera clubs. It provides over 100 services and activities to its members in the United States and internationally. Anyone can become a member. All you need is an interest in photography -- at any level from beginner to skilled professional.
Photographic Society of New Zealand
National body for its members and camera clubs throughout New Zealand. PSNZ was founded in 1953 in Queenstown and now has over 1000 members with a further 2000 (approx.) belonging to over 60 affiliated photography clubs located throughout New Zealand.
Professional Women Photographers
An active group of several hundred women photographers that aims to support and promote their work by sharing ideas, resources and experience. Headquartered in New York and run entirely by volunteers, it holds meetings, exhibitions, and organizes an Outreach Program to mentor and encourage young, emerging female student photographers.
Royal Photographic Society
One of the world's leading photographic institutions. Anyone can join. It is an educational charity, the aim of which is to promote the art and science of photography. Members can win the Society's Distinctions: namely, one of three levels, Licentiateship, Associateship, and Fellowship, according to knowledge and practical ability.
South Australian Photographic Federation
Formed in 1962 to encourage and promote amateur photography in SA. Provides activities and services to support and enhance the activities of the clubs and individual photographers.
Svenska Fotografers Förbund
The Association of Swedish Professional Photograpers is a nonprofit organisation for professional photographers in Sweden. It was founded 1895 and has about 2400 members.
Specialty Graphic Imaging Association
An international organization that aims to provide imaging professionals with the tools and information they need to make the best possible business decisions. Its members create specialty graphics like point-of-purchase displays, vehicle graphics, packaging, signs, banners and advertisements.
Society for Information Display
An international organization of 6,000+ professionals who are engaged in display research, design, manufacturing, applications, marketing, and sales. It focuses exclusively on the advancement of electronic-display technology. Its global headquarters are in Campbell, California.
Society for Photographic Education
A non-profit membership organization, based at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, that provides a forum for discussing photography as a means of creative expression and cultural insight. It seeks to promote a broader understanding of photography in all its forms.
The Scottish Photographic Federation
A non-profitmaking network of almost 100 clubs and societies from Orkney in the north to Stranraer in the south and all areas in between. Founded in 1903, its remit is to promote the art and science of photography through interaction. It organises a diary of events annually, mainly in the form of competitions and workshops.
International Society for Optical Engineering
Organization dedicated to advancing scientific research and engineering applications in the fields of optics, optical, photonic, imaging and optoelectronic technology. The SPIE Digital Library contains over 280,000 research papers from the Proceedings of SPIE and the Society's six scholarly journals, with around 18,000 new papers added each year. Its flagship monthly is "Optical Engineering."
Society of Photographic Science and Technology of Japan
Founded in 1926; active in the fields of optics, camera, photosensitive materials, photographic processing, image evaluation, image processing, image analysis, image preservation, history of photography, photographic expression and photographic education. Publishes the "Journal of Photographic Science and Technology."
Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers
A highly active organization, based in the UK, that promotes the interests of practially all photographers -- not just those who take weddings and portraits. It runs the very well attended SWPP Convention, held each year, in London, in January. Overseas members are welcome to this fast-growing organization.
Technical Association of the Graphic Arts
A professional technical association for the graphic arts industries, with 900+ individual members worldwide. Its focus is on technology development in graphic arts systems and on traditional press, ink, and paper engineering applications. The TAGA Annual Technical Conference is its main event.
Technical Image Press Association
A European organization of top photo magazines from a dozen countries, the editors of which meet once a year at the General Assembly to discuss projects, share opinions, and comment on industry innovations and trends. At these 3-day meetings they vote by secret ballot for the best photo & imaging products. A close affiliation with
Photokina enables the Awards ceremony to take place directly at the biannual Cologne event during Photokina years.
Association for the Promotion of Research in the Graphic Arts Industry
A body that operates the Swiss Centre of Competence for Media and Printing Technology. Founded 50 years ago; has established many ISO standards during this time. Has a staff of experts in most aspects of the graphic arts and publishes a wide range of display analysis and certification tools used in printing and proofing.
Victorian Association of Photographic Societies Inc
An organisation consisting of about 60 photography clubs and 2500 members throughout metropolitan and country Victoria, Australia.
West Australian Photographic Federation
Promotes photography generally and particularly as an art form; co-ordinates the activities of camera and photography clubs in the state of Western Australia. Has an Annual Convention, holds competitions and offers Fellowship Weekends designed to get members "out and about."
Women In Photography International
Founded in 1981, WIPI was reorganized in 2000 as an online resource center for the benefit of photographers, educators, students, gallery owners and photographic organizations. It publishes the quarterly e-zine f2 which contains member profiles and portfolios, interviews, book reviews, product information and gallery listings. WIPI online exhibitions are "must see" events that remain on the website for many years.
White House News Photographers Association
Whether it is President Johnson lifting his dog by the ears or the assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan, White House photographers get their fair share of photo opportunities. Their images are part of the national heritage of the United States. The WHNPA's main goal is to protect and promote the photographers' interests while they pursue their mission.
The Welsh Photographic Association
The WPF is an affiliation of over 50 camera clubs in the South Wales area. It is affiliated to the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (PAGB), the Fédération Internationale de l’Art Photographique (FIAP), and the Photographic Society of America (PSA). It aims to promote and raise the standard of Welsh photography and to support its members in achieving photographic excellence.
Young Photographers' Alliance
A charity created to help young photographers aged between 18 and 29 bridge the gap between their passion for photography and professional success. Originally founded in New York, it is now based in the UK. It provides access to practical industry knowledge, resources and contacts - and has a very low membership fee.