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
