Re: [Leica] ASMP questions

[Mary & Stan Kephart <kephartol@att.net>]

Hi Donal,

A belated thanks for your reply.  I'm reposting it below in case anyone 
else has 
a similar question.


>Mary & Stan Kephart wrote:
>
>> Are any of you out there members of ASMP?  Do you find it
>> helpful?--worth the cost??
>
>Several, Mary.  Worth the cost depends most, I think, on the local
>chapter.  For a while I was wishing I could ONLY be a member of the
>local chapter, since I disagreed strongly with national politics and
>decisions.  The best part is the local connections.  Many people I can
>call up and ask questions, borrow gear, have a beer with, etc.  Also,
>when traveling, I have looked up local member and asked advice on labs,
>assistants, etc.  And I have had people call me to return the favor.
>
>It is the only organization doing serious representation of
>photographers in Washington.  PPofA throws in a few bucks and makes
>claims, but they really don't care.  APA I don't know. The chapter in LA
>is very strong, more than ASMP, and a better bet if you are an
>advertising shooter.  I find that I have more in common with NPPA
>members, frankly, who talk more about the stories they are involved with
>rather than how much a day rate they are getting.  
>
>We recently had the ASMP national meeting (the Biennial) here in San
>Diego and I was in charge or organizing all the speakers.  It was
>wonderful to chat with people from around the country, people whose work
>I have admired, or not.  One thing I heard again and again:  we're all
>in the same boat, struggling along, loving what we do, pissed at
>business conditions, willing to learn, often lonely for company while on
>the road, full of stories.
>
>I would attend a few meetings of local chapter(s).  Then try APA in NY.
>Or NPPA.  See where you are comfortable.  
>
>donal
>--