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Hey guys

I tried to do a search here but no luck? For someone who is slowly building a photographic business for wedding and portraiture is it worth joining the organisation?

As a graphic designer I joined AGDA (Australian Graphic Design Association) during my early years as a Student Member and in all reality as an organisation I felt they really didn't offer much that I wouldn't have found reading through other forums and books I read. So it was no surprise when my membership lapse they rang up and ask why I didn't renew. Well for one thing I said a full membership ($330) was expensive and second, well they didn't offer much at all except be able to say im with AGDA (Even then clients and employers don't care. They just wanted to see if I can do the work!) Is this a similar case here?

Thanks for any input.

I am a member and I am not sure at this stage. I have read/heard mixed reviews about the industry but want to make my own mind up.

The NSW division has a big event coming up, the blowfish diaries. 3 days of workshops and trade information, a harbour cruise and cocktail night etc... Maybe worth a look? I am going to attend all three days and try and get the most out of it.

I found them useful once when I had images published off my website and I got them to write a nice letter asking politely for payment. Which duly arrived. Made me more than the membership cost.

Not that I'm a member at the moment, I'm on a salary in the IT biz and am barely using the camera. Well, except for scanning books prior to OCR'ing them for my PRS-505 8MP is ample for most paperbacks if you get the lighting right.

I'm thinking about joining too, but the same line of thoughts for me... i don't think it will be worth it since clients look at your portfolio rather than what you are a member of. It seems easy enough to join though.

I think the AIPP offers more in terms of community. I'm a member and here in Adelaide we have monthly breakfast meetings which are basically a get together of local pro's who want a chin-wag about the industry (and good coffee!).