ABSTRACT
Professional photography can be a very independent existence. Freelance photographers may feel isolated and even in competition with other photographers. Membership of organisations such as the British Institute of Professional Photography, Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers, the British Professional Photographers Associates, the Master Photographers Association or the Professional Photographers of America is aimed at full-time professional wedding, portrait and commercial photographers. While many professional bodies have a long history, one active organisation grew more recently out of email chat and information exchange between editorial photographers Editorial Photographers UK. One of the most active and highly regarded associations is the Association of Photographers, which specialises in representing the interests of fashion, advertising and editorial photographers. Its strengths lie in its links with the education sector, its outstanding book on rights, ethics and business practice for budding professionals-Beyond the Lens - and its growing global reach.
