More Than a Stepping Stone

Recently I joined the ASMP as an Emerging Associate Member, a sub-category of Associate. This is a one-year-only category serving as a transition for photographers who are starting out or are assistants. After one year, my category is automatically changed to Associate, though, the benefits are the same. Some of these benefits include: resources for business including the ASMP Business Bible, Insurance Programs (health & equipment), The Society's magazine, published five times a year which presents news and features and is free to all members and affiliates, the Newslines page which features member activities, competition and exhibition opportunities, updates on the legal and business environment, and finally but not limited to, access to competitions, workshops, forums, and discounts on equipment.

As an emerging photographer, these resources are invaluable and the learning curve flattened allowing for accelerated growth in the industry. I started attending local ASMP meetings in Asheville, NC about a year ago. The best part about that was getting to know more experienced photographers, gaining feedback on my work, and suggestions on steps to move further in this ever-changing and competitive field. We even produced a show for our City Hall, exhibiting works throughout the Mayor's office and had a second one recently.

As we all know, there is a lot of talent out there and we all understand photography at some level due to the vast accessibility of the tools required to make photographs and the heavy saturation of images in today's visual world. I am depending on ASMP as a guide to turning my passion into my profession, while making like-minded friends along the way.

--Paul Jackson of Monty Tran Photography in Asheville. Paul is a new member and has instantly gotten involved in ASMP/NC by helping run this blog.