From: jay@metran.UUCP (Jay Ts)
Newsgroups: rec.photo
Subject: ASMP (was Re: Amateur vs. Pro (was Re: International Photographer))
Date: 29 Jul 92 14:39:48 GMT
Organization: Metran Technology, Tampa, Florida

robert@sys.sweden.dg.com (Robert Claeson) writes:
: In article <1992Jul27.222336.21769@talon.ucs.orst.edu>, monson@humpback.ECE.ORST.EDU (Tyrus Monson) writes:
: > In article <PHR.92Jul27114934@soda.berkeley.edu> phr@soda.berkeley.edu (Paul Rubin) writes:
: >   (lots deleted)
: > >union (though I think anyone can join ASMP).
: >                ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
: >   Nope. In my experience, they are very picky about who is admitted
: >   to membership.  Curious, because it costs them revenue.
: 
: So what are the rules, and how does one become a member?

I received an ASMP brochure in the mail a few weeks ago, so I might as well
share some of it with you.

------------------- begin quote from brochure -------------------------

MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES

General Member - must be actively and professionally engaged in photography
  for publication with three or more years of experience dating from first
  published work, which generates a major portion of his or her income.
  A tear sheet review is required and is conducted at the local chapter
  level.  General members are the only voting members of the Society and
  receive all publications and benefits of the Society at no charge.

Associate Member - Applicant must be a developing photographer who meets all
  of the requirements for general membership with the exception of three 
  years of published work.

Senior Member - Applicant must be eligible for general membership and have
   attained the age of 65 or more. [...]

Life Member - [age 65 or more, and maintained good standing in membership
   for 20 years; no membership dues]

Regular Affiliate - Individuals who do not qualify for either general or
   associate membership and who are full time teachers of photography,
   or assistants to photographers, or photographers without publication
   experience.  No portfolio review required.

Sustaining Affiliate - Individuals in professions associated with photography.

Student Affiliate - Full time, college level or above, students in the field
   of visual communications.  Proff of full-time student status required.

Surviving Spouse Affiliate - The surviving spouse of any ASMP member or
   affiliate [...]

----------------------- end quote -----------------------

If the above is not enough to turn you away, note that to apply for membership,
you have to pay an application fee of $125.  Annual dues for General Membership
are $275.  Other application fees and dues:

category		app.	annual dues
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Associate Member        $125    $125 (1st year), $175 (2nd), $200 (3rd)
Regular Affiliate       $ 75    $125
Sustaining Affiliate    $125    $225
Student Affiliate       none    $ 75

American Society of Magazine Photographers, Inc.
419 Park Avenue South
New York NY 10016
(212) 889-9144

If by now you've decided (like I have) to "postpone" your membership
application, you can still purchase publications from ASMP, including
the ASMP Stock Photography Handbook, Membership Directory, business forms,
etc., for about 20% more than the members pay.

Also, I received a newsletter from the local chapter, and found out that
I can attend meetings for a fee of $10, which is only $5 more than the
members pay!  Apparently, after paying $275 per year as a General Member,
one must still pay $5 to get into the meetings!  (Well, I guess this does
explain why they would want to be exclusive; everyone they reject has to
pay the extra $5 :-)

In case you're still interested, one of the benefits for members
is an ASMP Press Card.

- Jay Ts
Newsgroups: rec.photo