How do you get a "Canon Rep"?

[timescapes.org]

I'm a professional photographer (I shoot stock for Getty mostly). I keep hearing people I know and other photographers talking about their Canon rep, and how their Canon rep did this or that to help them. What exactly does a Canon rep do, and how do I get one? :)

[Dennis_Hammer]

Join the Canon Pro program, buy lots of canon equipment, sign your home and first born over to Canon. Or just the first two.

[DDCSD]

Canon CPS. They are re-doing the program and requirements and membership is closed off until next at the moment.

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=StandardDisplayAct&fcategoryid=111&keycode=CPS

They now require you to own 2 "pro" bodies and 3 "pro" lenses. The requirements are linked on the page I posted.

[STP 40D]

My wife used to be a Canon Rep (to retailers).

I wish I was into photography then as much then as I am now...

[The22oz]

Wow ... looks like I have a long way off from there ... I guess I'll have a leg up next January when I pick up my 50D, but not by much ...

[MJPhotos24]

Something else they changed is full time professional photographers only. Lotta changes and improvements with the program which is good.

Have you thought about asking the photographers who mention a Canon rep about it?

[DDCSD]

Actually, earning 51% of your income from photography has always been a US requirement. The changes are the new levels and having to pay to be a member (at least for the gold and platinum levels).

The other big change is the gear requirements. 2 pro bodies, and depending on level the minimum is either a 30D or 5D, the original 1D doesn't even qualify as a pro body. Many older L lenses don't qualify for the 3 pro lens requirement.

[MJPhotos24]

Hmm, I thought it was higher for the US requirement for some reason.

Did notice that about some of the old L's - by the time they launch will be up to par with a new body & lens coming this winter (5D Mark II probably and either 24-70 2.8 or 24-105).