PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAGHERS

Associations and Organisations for Professional Photographers

Membership of a professional associations or trade organisation, usually demonstrates that photographers are professional in their approach and work to prescribed codes of standards or ethics. Below are some of the key associations for professional headshot photographers.

AOP - Association of Photographers

The Association of Photographers was created in 1968 as the Association of Fashion and Advertising Photographers and claims to be one of the most prestigious professional photographers' associations in the world. The Association's aims are to promote and protect the standing of its members, to educate, to defend and lobby for the interests and rights of all photographers, especially in the commercial photographic industry. Members must have at least two years proven professional practise with clients who are commercial buyers or professional commissioners of photographers

APHP - Association of Professional Headshot Photographers

Created in 2016, the APHP was founded to promote the principles of education, expertise and excellence in headshot photography. It has established standards of professionalism in headshot photography, offers a path to qualification for photographers and promotes the highest standards in casting portraiture for the benefit of actors, drama schools, agents & industry bodies. The APHP say that an APHP-qualified photographer will be fair, reliable and responsible, possessing the experience, skill and knowledge to provide you with the highest quality headshots.

BIPP - British Institute of Professional Photographers

Internationally recognised and established in 1901, the BIPP is an organisation for professional photographers from all specialisms. The BIPP support professional photographers by offering a qualification structure and National & Regional Awards. To become a member, photographers must be professionally insured with public liability and public indemnity insurance.

MPA - Master Photographers Association

Created in 1952, the Master Photographers Association (MPA) prides itself on the expertise and care offered to members on their ‘photographic journey of excellence’. As one of the UK’s leading qualification body exclusively for professional wedding, portrait and commercial photographers, the MPA encourages professional photographers of all levels to join the Association. Its qualification and mentoring system is designed to promote continual professional development. The MPA sets well recognised standards of professional photography.

SWPP - Society of Wedding & Portrait Photographers

Established in 1988, the aims of the Society are to encourage high professional standards and ethics in photography by providing training programmes that will benefit the experienced professional as well as photographers new to the business. The SWPP has a strict code of ethics that ensures the customer is not only hiring a talented photographer, but also one with impeccable business practices. All qualified members have had their photographic work assessed by their peers and have proved that their work is of a professionally acceptable standard or higher.