American Photographic Artists National
American Photographic Artists (APA) is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(6) association of photographers working in the advertising, editorial, and entertainment industries. APA's mission is to advocate, elevate, and educate the professional photographic community.
APA is dedicated to the needs of photographers working in both still and motion. Our members include photographers and others in the photo community.
Membership plans can be found here.
APA advocates for the rights of US image-makers as we seek to help our members achieve their professional and artistic goals. Our community offers valuable connections for sharing and collaborating with your peers and with those who hire photographers.
Headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, with chapters in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, Charlotte, and Washington, DC.
Our board members are photographers who volunteer their time and provide their expertise. National Board Members
Each APA Chapter also has their own Board of Directors
© David Allan Brandt
APA began in 1981 as Advertising Photographers of America. Original APA board members included; Russell Kirk, John Pilgreen, Michael Raab, Larry Robins, Jim Salzano, Steve Steigman, Bill Stetner and Michael Weinberg. Our founding members started APA with the vision of mentoring the next generation of visual communicators. Now in our fourth decade, APA continues to provide the tools that help members navigate the complex world of commercial photography and run a smarter, more creative and profitable business.
2010, the name was changed to American Photographic Artists 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.
2021, APA members started a Diversity Committee charged with clearing a path to success for photographers who are traditionally underrepresented or marginalized, including BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of color), Women, AAPI (Asian American & Pacific Islanders), LGBTQIA+ and those with physical challenges.
2024 APA launches a private online forum for members - APA Circle
Membership & Community
Membership is available to individuals who are professionals in the field of photography or have an interest in the industry. The Member agrees to pay the applicable fees for the level of membership chosen. Membership is for the individual and is non-transferable.
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.
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 with your APA membership, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this Agreement, the APA's Code of Ethics, and all other rules and policies of APA.
Includes chapter events, photographer interviews, partner discounts, industry trends, and more.
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