Join the AOP
The Association of Photographers is one of the most prestigious professional photographer’s associations in the world. We have a number of different categories of membership to suit your needs:
Categories of membership:
Photographer: Professional Photographers
Assistant: Full or freelance photographer’s assistants.
Student: Those studying photographic courses (BTEC or higher)
Agent: Photographers’ Agents
Affiliated Company: Specialists and providers, who support the Association
Affiliated College/University: Specific approved photographic courses
Friend: Anyone who wishes to support the AOP
Reasons to Join:
Raise Your Profile
Become recognised by those that commission photography. Achieve recognition from your peers. Achieve recognition from the industry. Associate with those who share your values and be seen as part of that community.
The Association of Photographers has the knowledge and experience to make sure your best interests are protected.
Who We Are
The Association of Photographers Limited is a not-for-profit professional trade association, founded in 1968. Our aims are to promote and protect the worth and standing of our members, to vigorously defend, educate and lobby for the interests and rights of all photographers.
What We Do
Whilst we provide direct benefit to individual members; collectively, members benefit from association with each other and, through us, can project a voice and reputation that carries far above any individual.
- Awards Programme: We run highly respected Awards competitions including our Photographers Awards, Assistants Awards and Students Awards. We also run the Open, which, as the name suggests, is open to members and non-members alike whether professional or amateur.
- Exhibitions: We exhibit our Awards at selected venues in central London with each of the competitions having its own exhibition, presentation and awards night. We also curate members’ group and solo shows.
- Image Magazine: Our bi-monthly magazine is written by photographers for photographers. Image showcases beautiful photography and features insightful articles and comment.
- Online Gallery: We show members work on our on-line Gallery, where there is also the opportunity to purchase images from our Print Sales collection.
- Member Advisory & Legal Service: We provide help, guidance and up-to-date business and legal information regarding issues with contracts, copyright and usage. Additionally, we can provide business templates and standard documentation.
- Education: We produce and publish ‘Beyond The Lens’, a highly acclaimed book that is used throughout the industry by professionals which covers many aspects of the professional photography business. It is also part of the syllabus of all our affiliated college/university courses. We organise educational events, workshops, seminars and portfolio critiques throughout the UK (at all levels of membership) as well as running monthly careers talks.
- Lobbying: Over many years the AOP has campaigned hard to protect members’ rights. We provide the combined voices of many and we are recognised by legislators, governments and other trade bodies as a credible, authoritative and respected professional body.
If you have any queries regarding membership please email membership@aophoto.co.uk
