Professional : Application

Why Should I join the Press Photographers Association of Greater Los Angeles?

• Professional members can enter the monthly competition for still photography and the annual competition, which has valuable prizes. Video members can enter the annual competition with cash prizes.
• Members receive the Just One More annual photo book ($30 value) and the Just One More Jr., a monthly newsletter about members and press photography in the L.A. area.
• Special events for members including educational seminars featuring the latest cameras and lighting gear. Social events including Annual Awards Dinner, Christmas Party and Dodger Night.
• Members receive a PPAGLA ID card and 409.5 card.

Eligibility

As required in the Association's Bylaws, Article III

All persons employed as full-time staff photographers on a daily and weekly newspapers, national newsphoto services, national news and sports magazines, television photojournalists, and independent photographers whose photographs are published on a regular basis and whose income is primarily derived in the above mentioned publications and services, who are assigned to the greater Los Angeles area or its environs shall be eligible for membership as determined by the Board of Directors. The environs of greater Los Angeles shall be defined as being within boundaries of any county which falls within 100 miles of the Los Angeles City Hall.

Provided that no person shall be eligible for membership unless such person has been employed in the greater Los Angeles area or its environs in one of the above before mentioned classifications for a minimum of one year prior to filing of this application, and who is now so employed. Or, provided that the applicant has worked in other cities in said classification for one preceeding year and who is now so employed in the greater Los Angeles area or its environs and has been so employed for a minimum of six months.

Cost

Application Fee: $20 (NON REFUNDABLE)

Membership Dues: $50/Year

Personal Information

Current Residence

Current Employment

Previous Employment

Other Information

Legal

Code of Ethics:

The Press Photographers Association of Greater Los Angeles is a professional organization dedicated to visually documenting the world around us and serving the truth through our images.

The public trust which is placed upon us gives us a moral obligation to act honestly, fairly, ethically, and to serve the truth as we uphold the honor of
our profession.

While freedom of the press is guarded as an inalienable right of people in a free society, the respect and trustworthiness which we as photojournalists have, must be earned and the PPAGLA believe this can best be done by adhering to a professional code of ethics. Through our actions we can earn the respect and honor which our profession is worthy of as we strive to serve the truth, the public and the historical documentation of our time with our images. To that end, the PPAGLA sets forth the following code of ethics, and while every situation cannot be prejudged, these are guidelines which combined with common sense and good judgment are designed to uphold the integrity of our profession:

1. Strive to make photographs which report truthfully, honestly and objectively.
2. Respect your subjects and the public, strive to be fair and honest in their representation.
3. Never set up photographs or manipulate news events. Aside from portraits and illustrations, our jobs are to capture moments - if you miss them, continue waiting or move on to find another visually interesting moment.
4. Never accept nor offer bribes, kickbacks or unethical inducements.
5. Be accurate and truthful in your editing to fairly represent an event.
6. Act with conscience. If another photographer was watching you, would you continue with your actions?
7. Be truthful and accurate in your captioning.
8. Practice good conduct toward one another.
9. Neutralize and overcome any personal bias to best serve the public and offer fairness to everyone.
10. Give something back: By encouraging and assisting all members of our profession, individually and collectively the quality of photojournalism will
    constantly rise to a higher standard.

Adherence to this code is intended to preserve and strengthen the bond of mutual trust between photojournalists and the public which we serve. While nobody is perfect, PPAGLA encourages photojournalists to recognize and take personal responsibility for their actions. The association also encourages dialogue and discussion, as we can all learn and benefit from each other's experience as we document the world around us.