Professional Organizations
Professional Photographers of America (PPA)
PPA is one of the oldest professional organizations, with a history of over 150 years and a membership exceeding 30,000 across 50 countries. PPA provides a forum for discussion and education across various artistic, technical, and business topics and advocacy for artists’ rights. PPA is also the host organization for the IPC (International Print Competition) and bestows degrees in the areas of Photography, Photo Artistry, and Wedding Photography. PPA also runs the Certified Professional Photographer program to encourage photographers to master the technical aspects of photography.
American Society of Photographers (ASP)
ASP is a subgroup within PPA reserved for those who have received their Masters from PPA. The mission is: “ASP is a society of professional photographic artists who aspire to maintain the highest level of excellence by adhering to ethical standards, stimulating creativity, and continually refining technical competence. The organization’s goal is to promote education, foster fellowship, and perpetuate the ideals of photography as a science and an art.” To that end, ASP members support each other through additional educational opportunities throughout the year.
Professional Photographers of North Carolina (PPNC)
Many states have affiliate organizations to PPA. North Carolina has one of the oldest and largest affiliates supporting hundreds of photographers in NC and neighboring states with mentorships, education, social opportunities, and creative outlets. PPNC celebrates 100 years of learning and fellowship in 2025. PPNC hosts East Coast School, a week-long photography education program held annually that brings in world-class educators to teach and inspire. Additionally, PPNC hosts the Carolina Photo Expo, a 3-day program that includes talks by local and national educators, a trade show, photography shootouts, and social opportunities.
Master Photographers International (MPI)
MPI was founded in 2012 as a Canadian organization and quickly became an international organization in the truest sense. MPI fosters artistic growth through competition with feedback from an international panel of judges. I believe that widening the diversity of voices in your education helps make you a better artist. MPI provides an important range of voices while allowing my art to be seen in a wider context.
In 2024, photographers from over 80 countries competed in the International Imaging Competition (IIC).
Pas de Deux Photo (PDD)
Pas de Deux Photo is a professional organization for dance photographers. Our mission is to support dance photography by providing education and community to photographers, dance studios, companies, and dancers.
American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP)
ASMP represents the more commercial side of photography. The mission statement is: “At ASMP, we believe: Creators have the right to own their work, and we will fight for that right; We are stronger together; Images are a vital form of communication and visual literacy is invaluable to our entire culture; Successful creatives are successful entrepreneurs; and, The art and business of photography changes constantly, and we will evolve with it.”
These values guide ASMP. Our core mission is to advocate, educate, and provide a community for image makers — fostering thriving careers, a strong sense of professional ethics, and an unshakable belief in the power of images.
Danscend
Danscend’s mission is to bring mental wellness to the forefront of performing arts training by providing a space for education, application, and community to performers, educators, and professionals.
Triad Local First
I’m a huge fan of local sourcing when possible. Triad Local First is an organization focused on small businesses here in the Piedmont area.
Triad Local First is a non-profit membership organization based in Greensboro, North Carolina, with over 360 members – retail shops, real estate agents, marketing firms, dentists, restaurants, farmers, breweries, and more. Triad Local First is all about supporting local businesses! Most people don’t realize that we can find almost every service and product we need right here in our community. Join our local community of businesses and community partners! Together, we are stronger. Together, we can support and grow our local economy.