WPJA

Well I'm always leary about organizations and competitions. I don't want to become one of those photographers who is always talking about how great they are because they belong to such and such and what they have won. My clients are enough for me, I don't need no stinking organizations or awards.

Now being a member is good, and winning makes you feel good and justified. But sometimes these things are biased. Like the WPPI and PPA, both great organization, but to be a member all you have to do is pay your dues. I join for the education, lobbying, insurance, legal and other benefits, not so you'll hire me. So to me I find it funny that people list, I'm a member of xxx, like this makes them a good photographer. It doesn't, it just means they have paid their dues. Ok off my soapbox.

There is this organization Wedding Photojournalists Association (WPJA). I had issues with it at first, I didn't feel I was a true photojournalist. Sure during certain aspects of the day I am purely pj, but as a whole I interact with my clients and I I think I do the directed posing very well. I felt I would be a hippocrite and fake if I joined. Then another photog pointed out some other things for me, coupled with their marketing effort and I decided to apply. If you google anything like "SD wedding photographers" it's one of the first that show up, and while I want you to hire me on my talents and personality you can't do that with out finding me first.

Well I got in and apparently only 5% of those who apply do. So now I am a member. And they have these contests a couple of times a year. And I think I may enter, because it helps your listing. So look if you hear I won, you know why, but I promise I will try very hard to not use my membership or possible future awards as a claim to being a good photographer. I will let you view my images and see for yourself.
CA