AIPA NEWS: JULY 2006

In an effort to encourage more photography students to join the AIPA it was decided at our recent AGM to split the Student/Assistant membership category in two, and reduce the annual membership fee for student members.

Students studying photography at tertiary institutions can now join the AIPA for only $67.50 per annum (including GST). As student members they will receive Capture magazine, The Working Pro newsletter, access to AIPA Views and the AIPA Library, discounted supplies and services, and inclusion in the upcoming AIPA mentoring scheme. (Assistant members also enjoy all these benefits, plus an on-line profile page and job referrals for only $135 per annum.)

The mentoring scheme is the brainchild of AIPA secretary/treasurer Mike Farrelly. It will aim to partner up some of our highly talented and experienced AIPA photographers with students, assistants and emerging photographers who are seeking advice and guidance for their own careers. Important practical and business information will be shared one-on-one with these up and coming photographers. We believe the end result will be highly beneficial for all parties involved, and the photographic industry as a whole.

Obviously the ongoing education of future photographers is vital so the AIPA will be making more inroads into this area in the very near future. So watch this space.

Now that the Commissioning Rule review (part 1) has been taken care of the AIPA Executive has turned its attention back to other projects. This includes the publication of a second edition of the extremely popular “Workspace” promotional book. Auckland Vice President Leon Rose is currently driving this major initiative. As you can imagine the logistics of compiling, publishing, distributing and funding a high quality promo book are quite staggering. The initial planning and design is well underway so AIPA members can expect to receive detailed information and a booking form in the near future. If you are not a member and you would like to be a part of the new Workspace book you should join immediately.

We will also be continuing the expansion the AIPA website to include more content and a “members only” section. The website continues to receive more and more visitors every month, from New Zealand and abroad. Many members have told me they believe that having their portfolio on the AIPA site is in itself worth more than their yearly subs. I tend to agree.

And finally, the AGM saw the appointment of a new Wellington Vice President. Ian Robertson has taken over the mantle from the legendary Nick Servian. I would like to formally welcome Ian to the AIPA executive and look forward to working with him to strengthen the Association presence in Wellington and continue the growth of our membership outside of Auckland.

Aaron K
AIPA President