Governance in Wedding Photography Industry

Whilst browsing the Facebook forums the other day I came across a post by a wedding photographer who stated they were "governed by industry bodies".  That was an interesting comment to make I thought, especially as these "industry bodies" are not themselves governed in any way (although I'm open to being proved incorrect here.)

The 'photography' industry has a lot, and I mean a LOT of organisations that budding photographers could join. SWPP, RPS, BIPP, NPS, MPA, Guild of Photographers to name a few based in the UK.

So why did the photographer I mentioned use the word "governed"?  Possibly marketing on their behalf, trying to calm the fears that being a member of one (or more - you can join them all if you want.) gives you more respectability/kudos than a photographer that isn't a member.

Governance in Wedding Photography Industry

Now, I need to declare an interest in this.  I'm not a member of ANY professional photography organisation. I joined the SWPP about 10 years and then left after a year when I found out that anyone could join, all they had to do was pay the joining fee (£99 back then for me) and hey presto instant respectability.

Nothing against professional organisations

I've nothing against professional organisations - but there are way too many of them.  Which one can be said to be speaking/acting on behalf of the vast bulk of photographers in general and in my case wedding photographers in particular? Which one will provide the best training Return on Investment? Which one has qualified professional trainers not just photographers who want to teach? Which one will give me the best marketing advice?  The best business advice?  The best website hosting advice?

I'm sure you get where I'm coming from.

It's all about the money...or is it?

This is going to sound cynical, and it's my personal view here.  But I think these organisations are really just interested in taking your annual/monthly fee, using it to produce a glossy magazine you will never really take in and having an annual exhibition someplace in London. FYI to those organisations - there is life outside of London...

I've checked out the websites and membership fees/benefits etc of all of them.  I've yet to find one that says something like:

"Thanks for joining xyz.  Your annual fee will be £100.  

We have 4 different levels of membership and entry into the various levels is based on the submission of a portfolio of your work.  Your portfolio is then judged by a team of experienced and skilled photographers in their own right.  You can not jump levels.  If after 24 months of membership at any level (except the highest) you have not managed to progress further your membership will be revoked.  You will have to wait 12 months before joining again.

We also require proof of at least 35 hours of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) per year.  This could be attendance at conferences, training courses, formal education, professional education etc."

WOW, I can almost hear you say.  Revoked membership? Why??!!

Governance in Wedding Photography Industry

It's all about the quality.

Well.  If this organisation was so intent on gaining high-quality members who want to improve themselves and their photography and have a strict policy of 24 months in which to improve to the next level count me in.  I'd happily pay for that and pay well.

They are the type of organisation that is more interested in increasing the QUALITY OF PHOTOGRAPHY and photographers than taking the annual fees.

I've known wedding photographers be members of some of the above organisations (clubs? networking organisations?) for years and years and not increased their membership level (and to be brutal have not increased their photography skills at all). To be fair here I know that all of the organisations offer training workshops, 1-1 coaching, mentoring etc.  But there is NO limit on how long you stay at any level, no CPD record required etc.  In short, no real quality control over membership; my dog could join as long as he paid the annual fee! So, therefore, in my opinion, no real governance.

 

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