Membership

Thank you for your interest in joining the ISPWP.

Membership Requirements

The application process helps to ensure that ISPWP members are established, experienced and have reached a high level of professionalism. The membership committee will evaluate applicants on the following criteria:

  • At least 2 years in business
  • At least 40 weddings as the principal photographer (not as secondary/backup)
  • Sponsorship by an existing ISPWP member OR two email references from recent clients and two email references from fellow professional photographers
  • Website review
  • Agreement to operate your business in accordance with the Code of Conduct
  • No unresolved complaints with the Better Business Bureau or other similar consumer protection organization

Membership Benefits

  • Targeted marketing to clients who are seeking the world’s best photographers
  • High quality, relevant linkbacks to your website
  • Provide confidence to your clients that you belong to an organization with high professional standards
  • Knowledge sharing with fellow experienced professionals on private forum
  • Quarterly contests judged by fellow ISPWP members
  • Every listing includes your own individual detail page and gallery to showcase your business
  • No high pressure sales calls

Ranking/Placement System

High placement in the listings cannot be purchased, although you can buy positions in the “three image banner” at the top of the page.

Page rankings will be based on a number of factors including:

  • Volunteering for contest judging and serving on committee assignments
  • Contest participation and results
  • Articles submitted
  • Seniority (date joined) serves as a tie-breaker

Details of the ranking/point system are listed in the “FAQ For Photographers” on the forum.

Multiple Location Listings

  • Each membership includes one home location listing and up to four optional alternate listings.
  • Photographers based in a particular location will be listed in a “Local Photographers” section at the top of that page. Photographers who service that location but are not based there will be listed in a “Other photographers who service this location” section lower on the page.

Submission of Articles

  • From time to time we will offer opportunities for members to write articles to be published in the blog. This serves multiple purposes: educating our site visitors, helping with organic search engine optimization, and providing the author with more exposure and higher listing placement.
  • Articles are subject to editorial review. Contact us with your ideas for articles before submitting them.
  • The number of articles submitted will count towards your page ranking.

Linkback Images

  • Adding a link on your site or blog back to the ISPWP shows your clients you have been accepted into an exclusive organization that values experience and professionalism. You can simply add a text link or download one of the provided images to use as an image link back to the ISPWP:
  • White background - wide:

ISPWP image

  • White background - small

ISPWP image

  • Black background - wide

ISPWP image

  • Black background - small

ISPWP image

Dues/Fees

  • Listing - Early bird promotion rate: $99/year effective through June 30, 2008
  • Listing - Regular rate: $149/year effective on July 1, 2008

Optional Banner Photo Placement

  • Top of local listing page “Featured Photographer” three-image-banner photo with credit and link to your profile/gallery page:
    • One (of three) images: $75/3 months
    • Two (of three) images: $140/3 months
    • All three images: $200/3 months
    • Image listings will have the option to renew every quarter unless another photographer is on the waiting list for that page.
  • Top of ISPWP Homepage three-image-banner photo:
    • One (of three) images: $100/month. A photographer cannot have more than one image on the homepage. Image listings will have the option to renew every month unless another photographer is on the waiting list for the homepage.

Application Process Steps

  1. Fill out online Application Form
  2. Your application will be reviewed and your references will be contacted.
  3. If your application is accepted, you will be sent a form to send in your listing details (business description, gallery images, etc.).
  4. When your listing details and payment is received, your listing will be added.

Apply Now