Associations and Unions

AOP (The Association of Photographers)

AOP (The Association of Photographers) was formed in 1968, it is one of the most prestigious professional photographers associations in the world which aims to promote and protect their members. Their aim is to defend, educate and lobby for the interests and the rights of all photographers, especially in the commercial photography industry.

Membership is available for professional and Assisting Photographers working in the creative sector, as well as agents and any individuals working in the photography industry. Also for people starting out in the professional and educational professional photography and anyone with an interest in professional photography. Many of their members works have been published worldwide in magazines, newspapers, books and advertising campaigns. The Association brings professionals together which provides a sense of community that unavailable anywhere else.

https://www.the-aop.org/information/about-us

NUJ (National Union of Journalists)

The National Union of Journalists was founded in 1907, which is one of the biggest journalists' unions in the world. They are the voice for journalists and journalism, an inclusive union that represents a broad range of media professionals that strive to improve the pay and conditions of their members, as well as protecting and promoting media freedom for professionalism and ethical standards.

Their members campaign and negotiate to ensure that NUJ are properly rewarded for the skilled work they do, they are represented in towns and cities all over the UK, Ireland and parts of Europe. The members act together to improve living standards and working lives represented across the media as staffers, casuals and freelances in broadcasting in newspapers, magazines, books, public relations, photographers and in new media.

https://www.nuj.org.uk/about/