American Photographic Artists National
American Photographic Artists (APA) is a trade association of professional photographers working in both stills and motion. APA's mission is to elevate, educate, and advocate for the photographic community, supporting our members at every stage of their careers.
APA was started by a group of photographers working in the advertising industry in 1981. It continues to be run by photographers for photographers, with participation of professionals who care about the industry. APA is managed by a dedicated handful of volunteers who give their valuable time to APA
Offering business tools and creative inspiration, APA helps photographers run a smarter, more creative, and profitable business. Through its local chapters, APA offers a sense of community, inspiration and networking to reinforce the local photographic market. APA helps to keep our profession strong, advocating on behalf of all members to keep the photo industry dynamic, influential and robust.
APA is a National association with a National Board of Directors and Regional Chapters (each with its own board) located in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, Charlotte, and Washington, DC.
American Photographic Artists (APA) is 501(c)(6)
Membership plans can be found here.
© David Allan Brandt
Our founding members started APA with the vision of mentoring the next generation of visual communicators. They worked together to consider challenges facing photographers in the advertising industry regarding insurance, copyright, licensing, and contracts. Original APA board members included Russell Kirk, John Pilgreen, Michael Raab, Larry Robins, Jim Salzano, Steve Steigman, Bill Stetner and Michael Weinberg.
1981 Advertising Photographers of America (APA) launches
2010, The name was changed to American Photographic Artists (APA) to reflect its growing need for a moniker that more accurately represents its current and future membership.
2012, Editorial Photographers (EP), a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and profitability of editorial photographers, merged with APA.
2025, APA continues to champion creativity and create community.
APA Membership & Community
APA membership is catered to individuals who are professionals in the field of photography. Membership is for the individual and is non-transferable.
Please know that as we create space for everyone, we want to remind our community of our standards. APA has a strict policy against attacks and derogatory statements about APA leaders or members. Our community thrives when we respect each other and listen.
Code of Ethics As an APA member, you agree to adhere to our Code of Ethics, which promotes professionalism, honesty, and respect for the rights and dignity of others. Breaching the Code of Ethics may result in suspension or termination of your Membership.
Code of Conduct APA hosts a wide variety of in-person events, online events, and internet community spaces for its members. As a member of APA you agree to act in a professional manner that is respectful of others at APA-sponsored events. Disruptive or disrespectful behavior at any APA event, which you agree shall be determined by APA in its sole discretion at any such event, may result in removal from the event and possible termination of your membership. This extends to any non-member who chooses to participate in any APA event or posts to APA online forums. APA will remove posts that are not part of a constructive dialogue.
Suspension or Termination of Membership: If you fail to comply with this Agreement, the APA's Code of Ethics, or any of the APA's rules or policies, APA may, at its discretion, suspend or terminate your membership. In such an event, you will not be entitled to a refund of your Membership Fee. Changes to Membership: APA reserves the right to change the Membership Fee, benefits, rules, or policies at any time. We will provide reasonable notice of any such changes and continued membership in APA constitutes acceptance of any such changes. By proceeding or continuing with your APA membership, you acknowledge that you have agreed to this Agreement, the APA's Code of Ethics, and all other rules and policies of APA.
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