Q. How is the AIAP organized?
A. The AIAP was founded in 2001 by well-known architectural photographer Alan Blakely.
Mr. Blakely currently serves as the director and spokesman for the AIAP. The AIAP employs a small staff to oversee website administration
and member/trade relations. The AIAP is not organized into chapters, and does not
hold meetings. The point of contact for all members is the AIAP website.
Q. Will the AIAP site feature portfolios of member photographers?
A. The AIAP site was never intended to be a portfolio site. Photography buyers
in the architectural trade tell us that they truly dislike image-heavy sites. Based
on our research, most photography buyers want a quick and informative directory of
photographers based on geographic region--that's exactly what we've done.
Q. Does the AIAP have a stated policy on copyright, usage, fees, etc.?
A. The AIAP has no stated policy on these items other than to say that we support
strict enforcement of existing copyright statutes. We would refer you to the AIAP
Code of Ethics for additional clarification. We also support the work of existing
organizations such as the ASMP, APA and PPofA in these matters, and urge members
to familiarize themselves with the literature published by these groups.
Q. Why doesn't the AIAP have organized chapters?
A. The AIAP was deliberately organized as an online entity. There are already
organizations in place which meet as chapters throughout the world. What these organizations
don't do very well is help drive new business to their members. The AIAP was created
to serve a specific need for exposure and recognition for the independent architectural
photographer. No other organization in existence fills that need like the AIAP.
Q. What do I really get for my AIAP membership fee?
A. As a working professional, the primary benefit to you is visibility and new
business. Additionally, you now have a unique credential which defines you as a serious
architectural photographer.
Q. Is the AIAP a non-profit organization?
A. No. The AIAP is a private, for-profit enterprise. It was organized as such
in order to keep administrative costs down. The maintenance of a non-profit entity
would require additional staff and higher membership fees. You can thank the United
States Congress and the IRS for this. As a for-profit enterprise, the AIAP sets membership
fees at a level which is adequate to simply cover hard costs. It is not the intent
of the AIAP to make a profit, but rather to cover costs.
Q. Do members have a say in how the AIAP operates, and the direction it takes?
A. The AIAP relies strongly on input from members to refine and improve the AIAP
organization. However, the AIAP is management driven rather than member driven in
its day to day operation.
Q. How does the AIAP market the services of its members to photography buyers?
A. The AIAP has in place a long-term strategy for building awareness among architectural
photography buyers. This strategy includes AIAP website links and promotions on architectural
trade websites, search engine advertisting, press releases to buyer-specific media
outlets, general press releases, trade show and event sponsorship for buyers, contributions
to buyer related magazines and newsletters, and direct mail to photography buyers.
Q. Why does the AIAP use PayPal for its membership transactions?
A. The AIAP chose PayPal as its e-commerce provider in order to keep administrative
costs down. Most e-commerce providers charge a monthly maintenance fee in addition
to a per transaction fee. PayPal charges only a per transaction fee. Additionally,
PayPal has a strong reputation for security. Also, PayPal has been consistently rated
superior in customer service when compared to other e-commerce providers.
Q. WIll the AIAP sell my membership information to third parties (email address,
etc.)?
A. The AIAP does not share ANY membership information. All information is considered
private. We are aware however that some companies use "spamming software"
to glean email addresses from online directories. Pleaes refer to the AIAP Privacy Policy for a complete explanation of how your personal information will be protected.
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