Membership in the Professional Aerial Photographers' Association provides a wealth of services and benefits to participating photographers. The quarterly PAPA Newsletter provides up-to-date information on tips and techniques, as well as commenting on issues that affect our profession. Each year, PAPA holds an educational conference, where aerial photographers meet and exchange ideas. The Annual Print Competitions provide a showcase for outstanding and creative work. Our online member database is an excellent resource for potential clients searching for aerial photographers in many parts of the world.
Keeps members up-to-date with what's happening in the aerial photography industry. Includes interesting technical data and classified ads. Member input is encouraged!
The camaraderie generated from this one event alone is worth the membership in PAPA! This yearly meeting of the minds of PAPA members brings together aerial photographers from around the world to discuss issues that impact our profession. During this three day event, members enjoy discussion groups covering topics that range from marketing and money making, equipment reviews, copyright infringement, safety concerns, practical business practices and technical expertise! The print competition provides a showcase for outstanding and creative work. Held in the month of February in different locations and venues around the country and every other year is held in conjunction with the Photo Marketing Association (PMA) convention.
PAPA's email discussion list run by PAPA International exclusively for its members organized and managed by PAPA members. The purpose of this list is for PAPA members to discuss anything and everything related to the business of aerial photography.
As a service to PAPA members, Aerial Archives, a stock agency specializing in aerial photography managed by PAPA member, Herb Lingl, will provide any PAPA member with a free evaluation of the marketability of their imagery in the stock photography marketplace.
One of the most eagerly awaited and planned for sessions at the annual conference is the very popular print competition. All year, members watch for their own extraordinary shots to bring to the competition. A panel of judges assesses the prints using a variety of grading issues including color, title, impact, and technical expertise awarding the prints a variety of points. The award winning prints each year can be viewed on our Gallery page.
The popularity of the annual conference has generated three additional events with the purpose of having ongoing educational opportunities that could reach more members by being held closer to more members' homes and businesses. These workshops are held across the country drawing members to their choice of three locations across the contiguous United States with meetings planned on the West Coast, the the Gulf Coast and on the East Coast. Smaller by design, Regional meetings can touch on more location sensitive issues such as flight restrictions and can even include pre-planned photo flights. Regionally hosted by a member in their area and often include barbeques or dinners, these meetings turn competitors into colleagues.
PAPA also hosts events outside the U.S. for our international members. In 2006, our first international meeting was held in Australia, and in 2007 Montreal, Canada.
Past newsletters, latest trends, copyright information, technical data, networking ... instant access to PAPA right from your computer. PAPA's online community!
As a large group of professionals, we have collectively "seen it all" and "done it all" in aerial photography! Get the advantage of friends with experience - help is only a phone call away! Our website also features aerial photography equipment that has been recommended by our members.
Our unique certification programs greatly enhance your professional standing. The certificates are a testimony to your expertise and professionalism.
Participating PAPA members expand your coverage area by helping out with shooting assignments in their own geographic region. Imagine being able to offer international photo coverage to your clients!
Why limit yourself to your own negative files? PAPA acts as a clearing house for existing photography you may require in other areas. Pricing, copyright, and terms of use are determined by the owner of the negatives!
Need to offer historical aerials dating back 20 or 30 years? This little known government program is your answer, and PAPA has all the details.
Show your colors! Decals, patches, shirts, caps, camera-ready art... they are all available. Great for promotional giveaways and for displaying your status as a true professional aerial photographer.
Our members are great aerial photographers, but all of us can use a little help marketing ourselves. PAPA's webmaster offers free evaluation of members' own websites and, if you need it, web design done on your budget. And see what has worked for others! PAPA keeps an extensive collection of member brochures, ads, direct mail, and other marketing materials.