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Recent Accomplishments & Projects
(What has ASMP done for me lately?)
E-Newsletter
ASMP sends a bi-weekly NewsWatch email newsletter to members. Concise and easy to read, this newsletter gives members a quick way to stay up to date on news that affects our industry.
Web site Resources
In October 2004, we published a comprehensive copyright guide on ASMP.org. (We have updated it several times since then, keeping up with the latest regulations.) Our Copyright Tutorial can be found at www.asmp.org/copyright.
The tutorial was reviewed in the January/February 2005 issue of Communication Arts:
“The American Society of Media Photographers has published a copyright tutorial on the public area of its Web site: www.asmp.org/copyright. Under modern law, even though photographers are granted an automatic copyright the moment the picture is taken, certain procedures must still be followed to ensure the most legal protection. This ASMP tutorial outlines these procedures with step-by-step instructions and sample forms. In addition, copyright issues specific to photographers are discussed in detail. It’s an invaluable resource available free to photographers just starting out or industry veterans who need to reference rights and procedures now and then…”
Late in 2005, we published another members-only module, on Model and Property Releases. In addition to legal background information about releases, it includes user-customizable release forms that members can download, fill out and print.
Member Database
Our integrated database allows members to update their own information on-line. When you change your phone number or address in the database at www.asmp.org/admin, your listing in Find a Photographer and the Chapter Directory is simultaneously updated. All information resides in one unified database.
Find a Photographer
All General Members are given a listing in ASMP’s Find a Photographer database. This portal to buyers brings clients directly to your doorstep. Make the most of your listing! As a General Member, you are allowed a portfolio of seven images, the ability to give a written description of your business, and links to all of your web sites. (To enter a description, go to your Member Profile, click on the “Distinctions” tab, scroll down to the “Edit Profile” button and then enter information in the “Member Description” field. Then, be sure to click on “Save Profile.”) You can specify three locations, five metro areas and ten specialties for your business. If you do not have images in FAP, take the time to do it. This database is a powerful tool to get the buyers attention.
 Example of FAP Member Profile |
Last fall, ASMP added a Find A Photograph service that lets General members display their stock images in the online marketplace. And this year we are adding optional e-commerce functions. At all times, you keep control of your images: license terms, pricing, quality and relationship with the customer.
Education
We have several “It’s Your Business” seminars traveling the country. All seminars are deeply discounted for ASMP members. The list of topics and locations is updated from our database, so check asmp.org/register for the latest info.
Client education is also a priority. This year, we worked with the American Institute of Architects to produce a series of Best Practices for the AIA Library. It's an expansion of our 2004 pamphlet Working with an Architectural Photographer, a brochure for architects and builders. In 2005, we published Working with an Assignment Photographer, aimed at the broader community of photo buyers. In addition, ASMP committee members and staff are actively supporting the UPDIG consortium, which seeks to establish common standards for digital image production and delivery. And ASMP is participating in education seminars at the annual meetings of the American Institute of Architects, The American Society of Landscape Architects, and the International Association of Culinary Professionals.
Advocacy
ASMP has published comprehensive analyses of the NY Times, Knight Ridder Tribune and Condé Nast rights-grabbing contracts. In the case of the Times, ASMP worked directly with the publisher and achieved some improvements to the contract.
ASMP is working closely with other photography trade associations on advocacy issues. We are jointly publishing an Association Views column bi-monthly in PDN. This forum gives us a place to speak out on issues affecting our industry. The most recent column spoke out against the new Custom Stock business model.
Chapter Leadership Training
Recognizing that our chapters are the front lines of our organization, we offer a Chapter Leadership Training program that travels to chapters across the land. It's a one-day program that's scheduled to allow the full chapter board and other interested members an opportunity to attend.
Member Services and Direct Benefits
ASMP continues to provide a wide range of services including commercial and health insurance, good offices, legal analysis and contract review, and discounts from various suppliers including MacMall/PCMall, DriveSavers, Avis & Hertz, and Photo District News.