Editorial Photographers (EP) Merges into American Photographic Artists (APA) to Build Combined Stronger Voice in Photography Industry

ATLANTA, Oct. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- American Photographic Artists (APA) today announced that Editorial Photographers (EP), a highly regarded association aimed at improving profitability of editorial photography, has agreed to a merger that will benefit professional photographers around the world. The merger is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. This merger will increase the size of APA to approximately 3,200 members.

"APA is excited to have Editorial Photographers come into our association while maintaining their identity as a National Chapter of APA," comments Stephen Best, CEO of APA National. "With so many core values of the two associations being the same, a merger is an ideal vehicle to build a stronger voice in the industry. APA looks forward to giving the support to the American Photographic Artists Editorial Photographers chapter with new, additional benefits to the current EP member."

Editorial Photographers began in 1999 when a group of 13 San Francisco Bay Area photographers fed up with stagnant editorial rates decided they couldn't just sit back and take it any longer so they stopped taking assignments from Business Week until they changed their rates. These 13 photographers grew into a nationwide movement.

"For the past decade, EP has enjoyed partnering with APA on photography advocacy issues affecting the photo industry. Through that partnership, we have come to realize that combining the strengths of both organizations would benefit all our members. We look forward to a bright future together," says Brian Smith, president of Editorial Photographers.

Many of the photographers who have been influential within EP are also APA members. Because of the two organizations' shared goals and vision for the photographic industry, it is a natural fit for EP to merge into APA. The challenges editorial photographers face in the photographic field are the same facing all professional photographers that includes declining fees and the challenges of Internet use on the licensing of images. A more consolidated voice will now be heard.

"Our organizations can gain strength by joining forces for the good of our industry—that's our goal with this merger. We will continue offering great member benefits as well as assisting with initiatives such as PLUS can help encourage and support photographers everywhere," adds Theresa Raffetto, president of APA National.

Editorial Photographers (EP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and profitability of editorial photography. Our mission is to educate photographers and photography buyers about business issues affecting our industry, and in the process raise the level of business practices in the profession.

About American Photographic Artists (APA)

The American Photographic Artists (http://www.apanational.com) is a leading national organization run by and for professional photographers. With a culture that promotes a spirit of mutual cooperation, sharing and support, APA offers outstanding benefits, educational programs and essential business resources to help its members achieve their professional and artistic goals. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia with chapters in Atlanta, Los Angeles, the Midwest, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, Charlotte, the Northwest, Colorado and Washington, DC, APA strives to improve the environment for photographic artists and clear the pathways to success in the industry. Recognized for its broad industry reach, APA continues to expand benefits for its members and works to champion the rights of photographers and image-makers worldwide.

Lauren Hunter Public Relations
[email protected]
916-838-2184

Stephen Best, APA National CEO
[email protected]
800-272-6264 ext. 12

Brian Smith, EP President
[email protected]
305-534-3130

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SOURCE American Photographic Artists