Membership Categories

As the world has changed, so has the scope of professional photography. Professional photographers today work with still and motion imagery and often employ a wide range of business models that combine photography with related skillsets such as retouching, CGI, editing, graphic design, web design, directing, producing, teaching, writing, publishing and more. ASMP members represent the full spectrum of the profession. Whether you are a professional, a student or somewhere in between, you’ll find a membership level that’s right for you within the categories below.

Professional Member

Professional Membership is reserved for still and motion photographers of good moral character and reputation who have been actively and consistently engaged in professional practice for at least 3 years. Applicants must be sponsored by two ASMP Professional Members, who will vet the applicants based on the sponsorship guidelines posted at www.asmp.org/articles/asmp-professional-category-sponsorship-guidelines.html. Professional Members have full voting privileges, may serve on the ASMP National Board of Directors, and receive three free portfolios in ASMP’s searchable database, FindaPhotographer.org. Applicants seeking sponsors should contact their local chapter or email [email protected].

Membership Cost: $29.76/month or $335/year, plus a one-time $50 FindaPhotographer setup fee

Join by filling out the application form online.

Associate Member

Still and motion photographers with less than 3 years of consistent professional experience, as well as professional assistants, digital techs, retouchers, CGI artists or any other associated imaging professional who does not meet the criteria for the Professional Member category, may join ASMP as an Associate Member. Sponsorship is not required for Associate Membership. Associate Members may serve on the Board of Directors for their local chapter.

Membership Cost: $19.99/month or $225.00/year

Join by filling out the application form online.

Emerging Associate

Still and motion photographers, as well as professional assistants, digital techs, retouchers, CGI artists or any other associated imaging professionals, who are just starting out may participate in a one-year Emerging Associate membership category. At the end of one year, Emerging Associate Members are automatically raised to Associate Membership. Sponsorship is not required for Emerging Associate Membership. Emerging Associate Members may serve on the Board of Directors for their local chapter.

Membership cost: $12.44/month or $140.00/year

Join by filling out the application form online.

Student Associate

Students majoring in photography or related imaging professions at a college or post-secondary level are eligible for Student Associate membership. Written proof of student status must be received before membership can be approved; click here for submission details. After completing a degree program, Student Associates may upgrade immediately or remain at this level for one additional year. Sponsorship is not required for Student Associate Membership. Student Associates may serve on the Board of Directors for their local chapter.

Membership cost: $45.00/year.

Join by filling out the application form online.

Educator Associate

Educators who do not operate a professional still or motion photography business (and therefore do not qualify for Professional Membership) are eligible for Educator Associate membership. Written proof of full-time educator status must be received before membership can be approved; click here for submission details. Sponsorship is not required for Educator Associate Membership. Educator Associates may serve on the Board of Directors for their local chapter.

Membership cost: $8.44/month or $95.00/year.

Join by filling out the application form online.

Individual Affiliate

Individuals who support, hire or supply services to photographers and do not qualify for any other category of membership may join as Individual Affiliate Members. Sponsorship is not required for Individual Affiliate Membership. Individual Affiliate Members may serve on the Board of Directors for their local chapter.

Membership cost: $19.99/month or $225.00/year

Join by filling out the application form online.