Affiliations - need recommendations

[JeratBP]

I've seen some photographers websites show they are professional members of this group and that. What are your thoughts or recommendations?

[ssim]

What do you think that you are missing?

From a business point of view, I belong to the chamber of commerce, the ecomonic development assoc. and an independent business persons assoc. I don't attend many meetings but your name is out there.

I do believe that it does add value to belong to the PPOA/PPOC. There was a debate about this before and not trying to start that all over. Seeing this on websites does give some customers piece of mind.

What you belong to depends on what you are trying to accomplish.

[Jon, The Elder]

In 40+ years I have never been asked about affiliation connections. Slap a great 8x10 in front of them, price it right, and they won't care either.

[vwpilot]

In 40+ years I have never been asked about affiliation conections. Slap a great 8x10 in front of them, price it right, and they won't care either.

Amen.

Seeing this on websites does give some customers piece of mind.


What piece of their mind are they missing? Front, back, etc. LOL Just kidding.

But on a serious note, what peace of mind do you really think it gives them? Do you think that more than 1% might even have a clue what one of those affiliations actually mean? Do you think they care or would know otherwise if you simply said you were a member?

Its not like its an MD that everyone looks for before having surgery. Its an affiliation that means absolutely nothing to 99% or more of your potential clients.

Show them good work and that is all you need. Show them bad work and maybe you need some letters after your name to try to convince them. :D

[jaypie77]

Only useful if they send you customers - which some have done well. Some not so well and these things change ever year.

[liza]

In 40+ years I have never been asked about affiliation connections. Slap a great 8x10 in front of them, price it right, and they won't care either.

That's pretty much the way I look at it, too. Customers really don't care what your professional affiliations are as long as you can create excellent images.

[JeratBP]

Thanks for the feedback. This is pretty much the answer(s) I was hoping to hear.

[Gary_Evans]

Maybe customers dont care, but what about you? There is a more to it that just giving the cheapest 10x8

Maybe the self pride that your work is judged to be a high standard by your peers?

Or that many organistions can get you unbeatable deals on equipment, insurance etc?

Networking with likeminded photographers who can come to your aid if needs be?

Organisations exist for the benefit of photographers. Dont disregard them totally.

[gmen]

Maybe customers dont care, but what about you? There is a more to it that just giving the cheapest 10x8

Maybe the self pride that your work is judged to be a high standard by your peers?

Or that many organistions can get you unbeatable deals on equipment, insurance etc?

Networking with likeminded photographers who can come to your aid if needs be?

Organisations exist for the benefit of photographers. Dont disregard them totally.I would agree with this.

Membership of some bodies can/will add value to your business as well.

I'm not sure what your photographic speciality is JeratBP... but that will certainly influence your choices. Also some affiliations are free and some come at a cost. Again, it is often a business decision if you decide to pay a subscription.

---- Gavin

[vwpilot]

There are certain organizations that are worthwhile, things like ASMP, APA, and those kinds of organizations are great. They allow for networking, business advice and support, insurance and things such as that.

Then there are the ones that give you those letters after your name like its some kind of doctorate degree. While being able to call yourself a "certified professional photographer" might feel good, it means nothing to most potential clients. If you want to do something like that because it makes you feel better...fine, nothing wrong with it. I just dont think its something that is necessary for trying to justify how professional you are to potential clients.

I've seen a hell of a lot of people with no letters after their names outshoot people with entire alphabets after theirs.

[Jon, The Elder]

Originally Posted by Gary_Evans
Maybe customers dont care, but what about you? There is a more to it that just giving the cheapest 10x8

If that is directed toward my response...Thats NOT what I said.

[Gary_Evans]

If that is directed toward my response...Thats NOT what I said.

Your right, thats not what you said. This forum has a quote system for that.

Dont be so touchy.