Atlanta, GA—The Advertising Photographers of America (APA) has a new name—American Photographic Artists—adopted to more accurately represent the current and future membership.
APA’s new tagline, “An Alliance of Advertising & Media Professionals,” is an embracing definition of its membership that welcomes a wide range of creative photographic professionals.
“The advertising photographer is now someone who might have crossed over from the fine art, editorial, catalog or music industries,” noted Stephen Best, APA National CEO. “To meet that evolving world, APA felt it needed to broaden its appeal by removing the current hurdles that are traditionally associated with advertising.”
As advertising has become more editorial in feel, art producers often look to magazines and galleries for new photographers, thus blurring the line between art and commerce. APA’s national executive board felt it was important to be all-inclusive, thereby welcoming all genres of photographers to its organization.
Theresa Raffetto, APA president also commented: “We are all image makers, we have a vision, we desire community and we need our industry to thrive and remain a viable career path. That’s what APA works towards every day. We’re photographers working for photographers.”
Through education, advocacy and standards of excellence, APA seeks to provide three solid legs of support to its members upon which they can build their varied careers as artisans of the photographic image. It is run by and for professional photographers, with a culture of mutual cooperation, sharing and support. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, there are chapters in Los Angeles, the Midwest, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, Charlotte, the Northwest and Washington, DC. To find out about APA membership promotions—save 20% on dues for new members and get two months free for renewing members—visit apanational.com/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1.
