Atlanta, GA—American Photographic Artists (APA) announced that Editorial Photographers (EP), a highly regarded association aimed at improving profitability of editorial photography, has agreed to a merger. The joining is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year and will increase the size of APA to approximately 3,200 members.
“APA is excited to have Editorial Photographers come into our association while maintaining their identity as a National Chapter of APA,” commented Stephen Best, CEO of APA National. “With so many core values of the two associations being the same, a merger is an ideal vehicle to build a stronger voice in the industry. APA looks forward to giving the support to the American Photographic Artists’ Editorial Photographers chapter with new, additional benefits to the current EP member.”
Editorial Photographers, a nonprofit organization, began in 1999 when a group of 13 San Francisco Bay-area photographers fed up with stagnant editorial rates decided they couldn’t take it any longer. So they stopped taking assignments from Business Week until they changed their rates. These 13 photographers grew into a nationwide movement dedicated to educating photographers and photography buyers about business issues affecting the industry, and in the process raising the level of business practices.
“For the past decade, EP has enjoyed partnering with APA on photography advocacy issues affecting the photo industry. Through that partnership, we have come to realize that combining the strengths of both organizations would benefit all our members. We look forward to a bright future together,” said Brian Smith, president of Editorial Photographers.
Many of the photographers who have been influential within EP are also APA members. Because of the two organizations’ shared goals and vision for the photographic industry, it is a natural fit for EP to merge into APA. The challenges editorial photographers face in the photographic field are the same facing all professional photographers, such as declining fees and the challenges of Internet use on the licensing of images. As a result of the merger, it is anticipated that a more consolidated voice will now be heard.
“Our organizations can gain strength by joining forces for the good of our industry—that’s our goal with this merger. We will continue offering great member benefits as well as assisting with initiatives such as PLUS that can help encourage and support photographers everywhere,” added Theresa Raffetto, president of APA National.
The American Photographic Artist is run by and for professional photographers. With a culture that promotes a spirit of mutual cooperation, sharing and support, APA offers benefits, educational programs and essential business resources to help its members achieve their professional and artistic goals. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with chapters in Los Angeles, the Midwest, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, Charlotte, the Northwest, Colorado and Washington, DC, the group strives to improve the environment for photographic artists and clear the pathway to success in the industry. apanational.com
