The associations represented were:
Association of Photographers (AOP) (UK)
Advertising Photographers of America (APA)
American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP)
American Society of Picture Professionals (ASPP)
British Association of Picture Libraries & Agencies (BAPLA)
Coordination of European Agencies Press Stock Heritage (CEPIC)
Editorial Photographers (EP)
North American Nature Photography Assoc. (NANPA)
National Press Photographers Assoc (NPPA)
Picture Archive Council of America (PACA)
Professional Photographers of America (PPA)
Society for Photographic Education (SPE)
Stock Artists Alliance (SAA)
White House News Photographers Assoc. (WHNPA)
Art Directors Club (ADC)
American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA)
Graphic Artists Guild (GAG)
Society of Illustrators (SI)
Picture Licensing Universal System (PLUS)
Throughout the daylong meeting presentations were made by industry experts on subjects that are the most pertinent to the industry. Discussions centered on emerging industry tools that affect the memberships of all the groups and included metadata technical standards, image registry and on the robust protection of artist’s rights via copyright education. European associations who joined in this historic summit provided an international perspective.
The meeting took at tone of urgency when the focus turned to Orphan Works legislation, which is still pending in Congress. In order to raise the consciousness of lawmakers, their membership and the public, the associations agreed to work together to continue to inform and educate on this important matter.
The group consensus was there was a great benefit to working together to attain common goals. The day was so productive that the attendees agreed unanimously to continue meeting on a regular basis either by teleconference or in person.
Clem Spalding, President of the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) reflects the spirit of the meeting “The tasks before us are quite formidable and our best hope lies with smart, committed collaboration. Let's all use this new energetic familiarity to build a better future for all of our members.”
As a result of the day’s dialogue, an ad hoc coalition was formed to provide greater communication and cooperation between the associations. Two working committees were established to address the issues of Orphan Works and image registries. In addition, ongoing mechanisms were created for prompt and efficient exchanges of information between the associations.
The leadership of ASPP and PACA initiated this historic meeting, which was hosted by the Society of Illustrators. For additional information about the day’s events and topics of discussion please contact the meeting’s facilitator, Joe LaCugna e-mail
PACA is the trade organization in North America that represents the vital interests of stock agencies and others who license images for commercial reproduction. Founded in 1951, this organization's membership includes over 100 companies in North America and over50 from overseas‹the entire spectrum of businesses and individuals who license pictures professionally, including stock agencies of every size, individual photographers, large corporations and others.
ASPP is a community of image experts committed to sharing their experience and knowledge throughout the industry. Since 1966 this non-profit association has provided professional networking and educational opportunities for those who create, edit, research, license, manage or publish pictures. ASPP has over 800 members in the U.S. and overseas, whose demographics break down roughly as 50% researchers/editors/buyers, 30% photographers, 20% personnel at stock agencies or collections. Membership benefits include educational programs, chapter meetings, quarterly magazine The Picture Professional, monthly eNewsletter and regular emailing of announcements, job postings, etc.
