December 19, 2006    SAA, the global trade association of stock photographers, has voted to expand its mission to address the business interests of all professional stock photographers worldwide. The SAA mission was previously limited solely to the business of licensing Rights Managed images.

The SAA membership affirmed their support for the expansion of SAA's mission, voting by a wide margin to accept amendments to the association's bylaws proposed by the Board of Directors. The Board acknowledged that the change "recognizes the evolution within our current membership and the value of extending membership to all professional stock photographers," adding that "in doing so, we believe SAA will be stronger and more influential as an organization and more effective in the industry as an advocate for all our members. We also believe that by analyzing and understanding the whole range of business choices in stock photography, SAA will be better able to serve and protect our members' interests."

SAA continues to advocate that the best business models for photographers are ones that manage usage and protect their intellectual property. SAA will continue to provide multi-faceted support for RM licensing as well as industry-wide leadership on the full range of issues affecting stock photographers.

As 2006 SAA President David Sanger asserts, "the principles of SAA include fair business practices, an equitable split of revenue, shared risk and responsibility, mutual trust and respect, and recognition of the rights of the creator. These have not changed and they transcend any specific licensing model. We believe that the same principles should apply to all stock photography contracts."

An extensive SAA Member Survey in mid 2006 highlighted the need to expand SAA's scope and influence. The survey showed a significant broadening and diversification of members' stock photography businesses since SAA was founded five years ago. While Rights Managed licensing is still the central business model for most SAA members, many are eyeing new developments in the marketplace and feel it is essential to address the full range of opportunities and issues that face stock photographers today.

The current SAA membership includes those with RM and RF images, a mix of commercial and editorial specialists, pros shooting both stock and assignment as well as full-time, ranging from highly experienced to emerging photographers. SAA member images are represented by over 200 distributors worldwide. Members also identified a strong interest in exploring alternatives to the traditional distribution outlets. Results of this unprecedented survey of stock photographers will be made available in 2007.

 

SAA also has recognized a growing need across the photography community for information about the business of stock. This was evident in the popularity of SAA's Keywords magazine that was downloaded by over 3,000 photographers in its first month. SAA has also seen a marked increase in membership applications.

To reflect the broader mission, SAA has also revised its membership qualifications. Any independent professional photographer who is involved or interested in stock photography is invited to apply. Reduced membership dues for students and emerging professionals are also available.

SAA is the only trade association dedicated solely to the business interests of stock photographers. SAA supports its membership with substantial information resources and ongoing advocacy initiatives. Learn more about SAA and the benefits of membership at www.stockartistsalliance.org

For more information about stock, download Keywords magazine, SAA's Guide to the Business of Stock Photography, at www.stockartistsalliance.org/keywords