I guess the real question is what value you hope to get from a membership. Their benefits are listed on their web site. Personally I did not find any of them compelling enough to justify the membership dues.
I have juist renewed my membership for the second time. The benefits I see are being part of a great professional organization. I use the camera insurance which, while I have not had a claim, I feel and understand it is one of the best in the industry. I also get some discounts on quality photo magazines.
However, the most important aspect of joining any professional organization is the opportunity to support the profession. Only a large professional organization has the ability to speak with clout on important issues. The orphan images bill and access to photography sites are 2 such issues that come to mind. In my "real job" as an optometrist I have been a member of the state and national organizations for more than 30 years. While that's a lot of dues, the benefits I have received by way of practice protection and expansion far out weigh the costs.
I totally feel your 'pain'. I debated and held off joining NANPA for over 10 years, namely because I didn't feel that Nanpa was offering much in line with my personal interest area, i.e. business and industry education for the professional and aspiring professionals. Well, this last January, I finally joined Nanpa and attended the annual conference in Palm Springs. I admit it; I had fun.
But the bigger picture (yes, a pun) for me was actually to push for my own agenda regarding the professional issues. As such, it turns out that I'll be co-running the pro's meeting, and in the space of five days during the annual conference helped form a small group of people who share a similar interest. These are people I highly respect, and are names many of you will recognize. Hopefully, my membership will help add a facet to NANPA that will attract more people. But the first thing I learned is that wheels turn slowly, so it may take some time to polish this facet into place.
I attended one of their RoadShows which was poorly attended, good for me! More personal attention and the ability to make some friends. I do agree with those above, that a larger organization can pull more weight. AND, this business is not about taking pictures ... it's about marketing, and relationships. Almost anyone can take a "good picture" these days, no offense. NANPA can be a portal to a professional future if you work it.
to be honest, i'd rather join a mainstream organization like PPA. They offer discounted insurances and malpractice protection for commercial photography. NANPA seems like it would be better if your priority is learning how to take better pictures and meeting your idols.
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However, the most important aspect of joining any professional organization is the opportunity to support the profession. Only a large professional organization has the ability to speak with clout on important issues. The orphan images bill and access to photography sites are 2 such issues that come to mind. In my "real job" as an optometrist I have been a member of the state and national organizations for more than 30 years. While that's a lot of dues, the benefits I have received by way of practice protection and expansion far out weigh the costs.
I totally feel your 'pain'. I debated and held off joining NANPA for over 10 years, namely because I didn't feel that Nanpa was offering much in line with my personal interest area, i.e. business and industry education for the professional and aspiring professionals. Well, this last January, I finally joined Nanpa and attended the annual conference in Palm Springs. I admit it; I had fun.
But the bigger picture (yes, a pun) for me was actually to push for my own agenda regarding the professional issues. As such, it turns out that I'll be co-running the pro's meeting, and in the space of five days during the annual conference helped form a small group of people who share a similar interest. These are people I highly respect, and are names many of you will recognize. Hopefully, my membership will help add a facet to NANPA that will attract more people. But the first thing I learned is that wheels turn slowly, so it may take some time to polish this facet into place.
You can read a review of my NANPA experience in more detail.