SAA is dedicated to building a diverse global community of professional photographers and others committed to our mission.
If you’ll benefit from membership in SAA, join us today.
We are currently in the process of building out a new interface for the application process. Please use the contact form to request a membership application. Thank you.
Contact SAA to Apply for Membership
Learn about our Member Benefits
SAA is committed to active and ongoing advocacy projects on behalf of stock photographers.
Our groundbreaking investigative studies and extensive industry reports tackle key issues affecting artists, as well as distributors and users of our images.
SAA Investigative Report on Infringements of Stock Images and Lost Revenues
The latest SAA white paper reports the findings of our landmark study on Internet infringements of stock images. Conducted in a partnership between SAA and PicScout, the study tracked 20,000 pictures from the leading stock distributors. With the help of PicScout’s advanced technology, the study uncovered a high rate of misuse and offered insights into the critical issue of digital image infringements. … moreSAA’s “Metadata Manifesto”
While the digital age provides conveniences and automation, it also increases the risk of losing tracking information for imagery. SAA’s “Metadata Manifesto” presents a set of principles for the use and preservation of embedded image metadata. It offers specific actions steps for the industry to put the principles into practice. … more
Our work raises awareness, promotes discussion and fosters cooperation in crafting solutions for our industry and our livelihoods.
The SAA PhotoMetadata Project and Library of Congress Award
Acknowledging SAA's leadership in promoting metadata use, the U.S. Library of Congress has awarded SAA a partnership with the Preserving Creative America initiative. SAA is tasked with developing a program of metadata education, with online resources and a multi-city seminar series. … moreSAA’s Investigative Shopping Project
SAA tracked the licensing process through various distributors and their sub-distributors to observe the time and accuracy of royalty statements and payments to photographers. The results opened discussions about accuracy and transparency with those involved. Members receive detailed findings in [Key]Words on an ongoing basis, and the results will form the basis of a future White Paper.
SAA is an active participant in developing and promoting industry standards.
An active member of the PLUS Coalition, SAA has taken a central role in the development of PLUS™Packs, a new, universal licensing standard that streamlines and automates RM licensing wiht our development of free open source softewar, The SAA PLUS Packs™ Calculator. … more
SAA is committed in development of digital imaging workflow standards and best practices through our ongoin contributions to the UPDIG - the Universal Photographic Digital Imaging Standards. ...more
SAA participates in the Imagery Alliance, a coalition of diverse visual trade organizations who have come together to address visual artists' concerns about pending "orphan works" copyright legislation. SAA shares its expertise and the perspective of the stock industry on issues ranging from metadata standards to copyright issues, and the ramifications of proposed “Orphan Works” legislation on stock artists. … more
SAA members receive the information and tools they need to adapt to the challenges in today’s stock photography marketplace.
SAA provides the following exclusive benefits to members.
Member Communications & Publications
Membership in SAA gives you a subscription to unique and valuable information resources targeted specifically to your interests as a professional photographer involved in the business of stock licensing. SAA publications deliver information and insights on the issues impacting our industry and YOUR business.
SAA [Key]Words™ Member Edition provides you with depth of news and analysis. Guest columnists and special reports address advocacy initiatives, technology standards and tips, legal information, stock resources, investigative projects and more. ...more
SAAeNews keeps you informed with timely updates and briefings of SAA's ombudsman and advocacy initiatives, and key industry developments.
Extensive Member Briefings briefings on SAA's communications with stock distributors, on matters such as contracts, business practices and policies that effect your business.
Online Member Resources
SAA’s Member Website gives you access to privileged information including expanding archives of industry news and reporting, analysis and perspective, insights and resources.
Screencast Tutorials provide visual explanations of technology standards that photographers involved in stock licensing need to know about. ...more
A growing Distributor Database provides information about stock distribution outlets, incorporating results of our extensive Member Surveys.
Our Member Directory connects you with your peers.
The SAA Forum
The SAA's Discussion Forum is the only confidential, moderated online discussion group that is dedicated to a professional level discussion about the business of stock. Daily posts keep you engaged in a dialogue with peers, and you will gain access to a multi-year archive of Forum posts that cover a vast range of topics relevant to stock photographers.
SAA's Ombudsman and Legal Support
SAA’s Ombudsman Program serves as an ongoing link between our members and their stock distributors. SAA’s volunteer ombudsmen seek to develop positive and productive relationships with a range of stock distributors to assist with communications and problem solving on behalf of members.
SAA Legal Resources include a Member Legal Plan that entitles members to an annual consultation with one of SAA’s participating attorneys to discuss issues such as copyright, release issues and contract questions. Our Legal Action Fund is a resource that can be tapped as needed for precedent-setting cases.
SAA members are invited to participate in the Adobe Photographers Directory, a listing of professional photographers searchable by photographic specialty and geographic location. Each listing features seven portfolio images, specialties and contact information for the photographer. ...more
SAA Member Discounts offers you substantial savings on goods and services with an emphasis on those supporting your stock business such as portals & technology providers, equipment, software, publications, and marketing resources.
