CPPA is a group originally formed in 2000 to represent working photographers. The group's goal is to provide a united representation for working  (Professional) Photographers to source otherwise obscure information and provide a access point to source discounts and supplies from wholesalers who would otherwise not do business with individuals.

Membership is open to working photographers who can demonstrate a viable business model they either intend to carry out in the year of joining or are currently working with.

Associated membership is available to companies and individuals  engaged in related activities that are not specifically photography but essentially can be called a supplier to photographers.

Student membership is available to those intending to become professional photographers at some future time. Many of the services available to working professionals are available to this class of membership.

Certification as a Professional Photographer is available to those members who can demonstrate a competency in their craft and a working history commensurate with their claim. Photographer' with Government issued qualifications and accredited educational institution certificates will qualify for full membership.

Basically it is a person who sells photographs and derives all or part of their regular income from their photography.

In Australia today, roughly 85% of all working photographers have no formal qualifications in photography. Less than 30% of professional photographers belong to an organization which looks after their interests or provides united access to suppliers.

Many (some say too many) so called "peak bodies" claiming to represent "professional" photographers and or provide certification of a "professional photographer", subject to you joining their organization and sometimes being judged by photographers who themselves have no formal training, are operating in Australia.

All but one of these organizations fail in providing a united front for working professionals who have not undertaken courses in photography, which are often provided by the organization itself.

CPPA aims to provide a different function than these "peak bodies". Obviously if you are a working photographer, you are by legal definition a "Professional" photographer. The notion you also need to pay a substantial joining fee to an elitist organization to be certified as a professional is about as logical as the criteria some organizations have for membership.

NEWS

Australian copyright laws have changed to broaden "Special Purpose" exemptions.

There is a copy of the Government fact sheet (in PDF form) here.

Colour balance image resources

July 2008

Members may now rent our new Spyder3 Elite colour calibration system. (Maximum 2 days at a time). Login to book your session.

July 2008

Members are advised that we still need one more volunteer board member before incorporating the association.

A meeting will be held early in August to finalize details. Watch your e-mail later this month for the announcement.