Buyers’ guide
Learn by association The Societies of Photographers › thesocieties.net
Photographic societies and associations offer a route to inspiration, networking, recognised qualifications and ultimately bettering your art. We round up the key players
Disabled Photographers’ Society › the-dps.co.uk This respected organisation is run by disabled photographers, for disabled photographers – and is a national charity in the UK. Essentially, if you have a disability and want to enjoy photography, this organisation can help. It offers free technical support, advice, help with modifications and even free loan equipment, courtesy of its team of dedicated volunteers. UK-only membership fees start from just £10 per year, or £15 if you want to support the society, too. This enables entry into its quarterly competitions, with the next theme of ‘architecture’ running with a closing date of October 2023. Three levels of distinction are also offered, which set recognised standards of photographic achievement and are akin to the Royal Photographic Society in how they work. The DPS exists entirely through the generosity of the public. Those able to help should head straight to the website and scan the provided QR code, or hit the ‘donate’ button to contribute.
WORDS BY GAVIN STOKER
PHOTOGRAPHY CAN OFTEN be a solitary pursuit. While for some that’s undoubtedly a significant part of its appeal, interacting with like-minded enthusiasts – whether amateur or professional – can provide inspiration. Those looking to make more of their art may desire a chance to gain awards, qualifications and networking opportunities, as well as offers of work. Well, this is where photographic societies and associations come in. By signing up to an organisation showcased here, you become part of a community that can provide support and friendship, plus bags of ideas that will drive your skills and appreciation of photography forward.
The Societies is an umbrella organisation covering various subjects and specialisms. These include, but are not limited to, commercial, press, sport, travel, wildlife, event and glamour photography. Based in Wales, but with a popular annual convention and trade show in London, The Societies hosts a yearly awards ceremony. Many entrants and winners submit work not just from the UK, but the rest of the world, too. Membership affords the possibility of networking and forging connections with fellow photographers, as well as professional advice and expertise should the going get tough. The Societies prides itself on being the largest single body out there providing for the needs of the professional photographer. Through schemes such as Mentor Me, those new to the profession can receive high-quality, individually tailored feedback from professionals in their chosen field. Further benefits include 24-hour legal advice, deals on insurance for those in the UK, its bimonthly Professional Imagemaker magazine plus over 100 hours of webinars.
The Royal Photographic Society › rps.org
The RPS was founded in 1853, making it one of the world’s oldest photographic societies. Incorporated by Royal Charter, it’s a registered charity that aims to bring inspiration, creativity and connection through imaging to people of all backgrounds. Members are welcome to join its specialist groups for more particular areas of the medium. With 16 regional hubs across the UK led by a team of volunteers, there’s a chance for members to connect with local photographers and activities, though in truth its membership stretches worldwide. The RPS’s international members are part of chapters that also offer events, activities and support. Likewise, qualifications, competitions, awards and bursaries are central to the RPS offering, and it is partnered with the OU, OCA and Falmouth University. Read below about the RPS’s work with the MPA, as the two photographic organisations work to forge a deeper link.
The British Press Photographers’ Association › thebppa.com
The National Photographic Society › thenps.com
Imaging enthusiasts and professionals are both welcomed by the NPS, which describes itself as one of the UK’s fastest-growing organisations, societies or trade bodies set up for professional photographers. Some of the benefits of signing up include free hosting for your website on a business-class web server, the ability to gain a recognised qualification, plus access to its ‘ask the experts’ service.
An association created with the aim of celebrating the best of press photography, the BPPA started its associate membership scheme in 2022, allowing anyone aiming for a career in the industry to garner support from those who have been lucky enough work as press photographers for a number of years. Today, it continues to make its voice heard on a range of issues facing the profession, including copyright and the way press photographers interact with law enforcement.
24 Photography News | Issue 110
photographynews.co.uk
Powered by FlippingBook