BIPP or SWWP membership?

Which one of these are/would you join and why?

Can't make my mind up if I'll gain much from joining either.

Opinions much appreciated

I have always made decisions about joining organisations on strictly financial basis. What will my ROI be on the money I spend on the membership versus the ROI I could get spending that money elsewhere. Elsewhere normally wins for me.

Why are you joining? Rarely that photographers get clients from these organization. It's mostly for competitions, networking and promotion

lol... "Proud member of SWWP, WPPI, AAA,CIA,FBI" or any other organizations.

As above its a really personal thing. Some have great training programs, there's a great amount to be had from networking.

However my take onthem is that they're largely self serving, they exist for their own benefit which is counter to the needs of members, the industry and particularly the customer.

IMO they should promote professionalism, offer a worthwhile 'kitemark' standard and promote those standards to our customers.

But if you look at their activity, it's all designed to attract and keep members. Because they need the numbers to stay in business.

Phil V wrote in post #16436657
As above its a really personal thing. Some have great training programs, there's a great amount to be had from networking.

However my take onthem is that they're largely self serving, they exist for their own benefit which is counter to the needs of members, the industry and particularly the customer.

IMO they should promote professionalism, offer a worthwhile 'kitemark' standard and promote those standards to our customers.

But if you look at their activity, it's all designed to attract and keep members. Because they need the numbers to stay in business.

Ta Da----Bingo-- winner winner chicken dinner

PPA is the worst of all of them.Its a pyramid organization designed to keep the good ol boys at the top feeding koolaid to the entry level photography crowd. Most information is basic info that can be found on You tube. Their print comps are a total JOKE.

I would suggest asking here on POTN and from fellow photographers who are great photographers is a given field, Find out if they teach and train directly from people whos work you like and admire. Study lighting demos on Kelby, You tuBe and creative live. Cliff mautner and Lindsey Adler Stephen Eastwood,John Hartmann and Don Gianatti are people that really helped me have those Ah Ha moments and techniques that just stuck. Photovision has some good stuff as well.

You are not going to really change the way you think and light until you can get into someones head that you like and figure out how and more importantly WHY they do what they do,,,,,,,,Trust me,, they are all close and some know all the tricks. But there is sound reasons why things work for someone and why they use those techniques...For that to sink in,, you need to spend 2-3 days with them to learn that and you have to ask and put them on the spot.

My opinion after spending years in PPA is that seeking individuals out that will help you is cheaper and smarter and faster from a learning perspective. I have drank way to much Koolaid from some of the so called groups for professionals. My opinion is that they have directly contributed to the over saturation problems in the industry, everyone work looks similar, and the programs are designed to keep those that teach in the programs.... fat dumb and happy. Most of these people are not even working photographers anymore. They call themselves Educators. Everthing you hear is the same ol rehashed and rehearsed crap after you spend a couple of years listening to these people. If your green and goose**** great. Anyone else that actually understands lighting principals and how to run a business.......Dont waste your time

Bits and pieces of information help but can cause problems as well. What works in those situations might not work in others. Thats why I feel its best to work with some 2-3 days in a workshop that is 20 or less or on a One on One situation.........This is where it sinks in and you can really make changes you are looking for.