Photographers looking to set themselves apart from their competition have a new edge--the SPAA accreditation program. The newly launched program for the Sports Photographers Association of America gives photographers a way to establish credibility for their businesses and a level of professionalism.
Taking the time to become accredited enables photographers to:
* Show proven credibility and professionalism.
* Save clients time by providing quick access to accreditation status association.
The program, which launched last fall, resulted from the SPAA committee meeting in June 2007 at the PMA headquarters in Jackson, Mich. Members wanted a program that would enhance their credibility and set them apart from the competition.
Also attending that meeting was John Johnson, the communications director of the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA), East Lansing, Mich. Johnson provided SPAA members with the perspective of the athletic directors and school administrators. He explained it is becoming more common for schools to have a higher standard for people working with their students.
Commenting in a recent interview, Johnson states: 'With the boom in DSLR photography, lots of people are grabbing entry-level kits and touting themselves as the premier youth sports photographer in their communities. Yet, they lack the credentials as trained photography professionals--and even business professionals--making it hard for school administrators to sort out the pros from the wannabees.
'Schools need to know who they're letting on their sidelines to take pictures,' Johnson adds. 'They need to know their photographers are professional in their work and their ethics. Digital technology has turned some portions of the photography industry into the Wild, Wild West. Membership in associations like SPAA and accreditation will help our youth sports programs have confidence in selecting a photographer.'
With the accreditation, all the information provided from the photographer is housed at PMA. If a school would like to check on the photographer, the administrator would call PMA for the references and background information.
Taking the next step
Applying for SPAA accreditation is a straightforward process. Photographers submit an application, the results of a felony background check provided by Absolute Background Search or another third party, proof of professional liability insurance, three businesses references, and a copy of the business license and/or Federal Tax ID. The annual fee for members is $50 and $125 for non-members.
PMA provides a link to Irving, Texas-based Absolute Background Search to assist photographers who might not know where to go for a service, but photographers can use another background service if they prefer. Absolute Background Search offers criminal county searches covering felony and misdemeanor records, and it typically takes 1 day to 3 days. Price varies according to state, although in many states it is $13 or less. Pricing details and other information is available at www.absolutebackgroundsearch.com.
The background check offers schools and youth groups peace of mind. The references, insurance information, and business license also assure them the photographer operates a legitimate, viable business.
Once accredited, photographers will receive laminated cards. The accreditation also serves as a marketing tool to help photographers differentiate themselves from other businesses.
For more information, contact PMA at (517) 788-8100, or visit www.pmai.org/spaa. Details will also be available at the PMA booth at PMA 08, coming up this month at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev.
SPAA holds first photo competition
Some members of the Sports Photographers Association of America (SPAA) will be able to add 'winner' to their resume. New this year is the SPAA Photo Competition, which recognizes sports photography talent in several categories.
'This competition came directly from the committee meetings we held this summer,' says Tom Crawford, corporate communications executive for PMA, Jackson, Mich. 'As we head into our second annual SPAA conference, members wonted another way to establish their credibility for customers. It also provides o marketing advantage if a photographer can show groups they are a competition winner.'
Photographers can demonstrate their strengths in many areas, as the competition features five categories:
1. Individual Posed
2. Team Posed
3. Action--Indoor
4. Action--Outdoor
5. Digitally Constructed Photographic Image
Photographers have already submitted their entries, as the deadline was Dec. 14. All images had to be executed and owned by the photographer, and each photographer could submit up to five entries. Attendees at PMA 08, held Jan. 31-Feb. 2, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nev., will be able to view the top images. Three winning photographs from each category will be on display at PMA 08, Level 2, in the foyer by the SPAA conference rooms. The images also will be posted on the SPAA website at www.pmai.org/spaa, and published in various PMA publications.
Any professional photographer actively involved in the sports photography industry was able to enter the competition.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
Serving as judges this year are two representatives from Sports Illustrated magazine, along with two additional industry experts. Judges met prior to PMA 08 to review the images and select the winners. Although they have not yet been announced, prizes will be available from sponsors.
Winners will be announced on Jan. 31 at the SPAA luncheon.
PSPA accreditation
Members of the Professional School Photographers Association will soon have their own accreditation program, too. Details are in the works, and the program is scheduled for rollout early this year.
