The New York Chapter with eight members was the founding chapter of the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP). It was founded in 1944 by a handful of the world’s leading photojournalists. The ASMP was born out of need. Throughout the country photographers were forced to shoot on speculation-- often without credit lines. Most of the time whoever paid for the film owned the work. As the membership grew, photographers of reputation made up the ranks and standards were established for freelancers.

The organization grew to national proportions and photographers started working together for the rights of each other. They received credit and were assigned jobs instead of shooting on speculation. Photographers began to own and gain control of their images. The Society became the champion of photographer’s rights.

Over the years the Society changed. Magazine photographers began to diversify and so has the Society. From the first eight New York members in the Society, the New York Chapter currently has over 700 members; it is the largest chapter in the nation of over 5000 members of the ASMP. It is the organization that holds freelance photographers, true individualists, together as a champion of photographer’s rights.

“Helping photographers help photographers.”

OUR PURPOSE:

• To protect and promote the interests of photographers.
• To promote high professional standards and ethics.
• To cultivate friendship and mutual understanding between photographers.ASMP includes photographers from every field: editorial, advertising, corporate, fashion, stock,sports, and wedding; just to mention a few of the 25 specialties listed by members in the ASMP directory.

ASMP provides support and services to all members including, legal advice, copyright information and group health insurance. The New York chapter offers various business and technical seminars throughout the year. At any given ASMPNY event you will find both students and seasoned professionals. Our membership includes the most respected and influential members in the photographic community.

To see our upcoming Events, click here.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a member, click here.
or contact: membership@asmpny.org