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Survey of international members
Photography is an international language, and from its very beginnings the ASMP has counted internationally based photographers as integral members.
Karen Desjardin
Karen Desjardin
Web site: www.karendesjardin.com
Country Based/For How Long: Switzerland since January 2007.
Nationality: American
Photographic Specialty: Stock and assignment with emphasis on travel and lifestyle.
For how many years have you worked as a photographer? 30 years.
For how many years have you been an ASMP member? 13 years. I started as a member of the Colorado chapter, moved to the northern CA chapter in 2000.
What do you consider to be the most valuable aspect of your membership in the ASMP?
When I lived in the US, the most valuable aspect of my ASMP membership was being able to attend educational and inspirational seminars and workshops. Now that I'm living in Europe, I'm not able to attend these US-based educational programs. I continue to see value in the FindaPhotographer program and I appreciate the advocacy that ASMP does on the part of professional photographers. By keeping up my membership while living abroad, I have an additional source of what is happening in the photo industry.
What service or information could ASMP provide to you as an international member that would add value to your membership? Would you be willing to pay extra for this service?
I miss being able to attend seminars and special programs. It would be wonderful to be able to attend some programs in Europe. I would pay extra to attend seminars on topics such as digital workflow, best practices, Web site development, and self-marketing.
Do you participate in any of the existing ASMP specialty groups or listservs? If so, which ones?
I am part of the Fine Arts listserv, although I have not been actively participating.
Do you belong to other local photographic or professional associations within your local community? If so, which ones?
I don't belong to any professional associations specifically within Switzerland. I do belong to Stock Artists Alliance.
What is your primary source of news about the photography industry?
SAA, PDN and ASMP
In your opinion, what is the most critical issue affecting photographers in your local community today?
I don't see any particular local issues. I think in today's global marketplace, the issues I'm most concerned about — like the lower pricing models being introduced for stock images — are critical to all photographers.
In the interest of building community and forging strategic alliances, would you be willing to share resources and knowledge of your local market with another ASMP member if they were to contact you in advance of a trip to your area?
I would be willing to do whatever I could to help.