About ASP
The American Society of Photographers is a welcoming community of skilled image-makers, educators, and creative professionals who are committed to growth, connection, and excellence in their craft. Membership is open to individuals who have earned a degree from the Professional Photographers of America, bringing together a diverse network of photographers who support one another and share a common drive to move the industry forward. Through thoughtfully designed programs, meaningful recognition, and opportunities to collaborate and lead, ASP provides an inspiring space to elevate your work and engage with others who understand your journey. This is where talent is celebrated, experience is shared, and new possibilities begin.
Mission Statement
ASP is a society of professional photographic artists who aspire to maintain the highest level of excellence by adhering to ethical standards, stimulating creativity and continually refining technical competence. The goal of the organization is to promote education, foster fellowship and perpetuate the ideals of photography as a science and an art.
Historical Background of the Society
The American Society of Photographers (ASP) was officially founded on August 1, 1937. It began with a small group of photographers who gathered during early PPA conventions to exchange ideas and foster fellowship. Over dinner at the Stevens Hotel in Chicago, they envisioned a new organization, one that would celebrate artistic and scientific excellence in photography without competing with their parent group, the Professional Photographers of America.
Membership was originally limited to 20, by invitation only, with D.D. Spellman serving as the Society’s first president. The name “American Society of Photographers” was chosen, and a guiding principle established: all members must first belong to PPA, a tradition that remains in place today.
From those early conversations grew a legacy organization devoted to elevating the craft, honoring achievement, and uniting leaders in photographic artistry.
Legacy and Growth Through the Years
In its early years, ASP focused on two major goals: enhancing the national photographic exhibit and supporting the Winona School of Photography. To encourage continued exhibition by PPA Masters, the ASP Fellowship was introduced in 1970, eventually leading to the creation of the ASP Masters Loan Exhibit. This collection showcases top images from across the country, traveling annually to conventions, museums, and other venues.
ASP has long supported photographic education. Members served as instructors and leaders at the Winona School, and in 1956, ASP funded the construction of a $50,000 auditorium at Winona Lake, Indiana. When the school later relocated to Chicago, ASP created a dedicated library of Fellow portfolios for students to study.
By 1948, membership had expanded to 40 and dues increased slightly. In the early 1960s, the invitation-only model remained, but membership caps were lifted and eventually opened to those holding other PPA degrees beyond Master.
In 1983, ASP introduced the Associate honor to recognize service-based contributions to the Society—an ever-growing segment reflecting our appreciation for leadership and commitment beyond image competition.
ASP has always looked ahead. In 1961, then-President Albert Ravanelli predicted the rise of automation in photography and urged members to evolve with the times. That spirit of progress continues today through programs like the ASP Mentor Program, launched in 1995, which pairs members with mentors and offers scholarships for continued learning.
As ASP approached 2020, the Society experienced a true renaissance, ushering in a bold new era of relevance, visibility, and connection. With a renewed focus on transparency, engagement, and value, ASP began offering more member benefits than ever before, expanding programs, enhancing communication, and inviting members into a community once viewed as elite and exclusive. In doing so, the Society pulled back the curtain to reveal what it has always stood for: a collective of passionate professionals, dedicated to fostering the ideals of professional photography as both a science and an art.
Service Award
The Service Award was created to recognize members who volunteer within the organization. It is achieved by earning points through countless hours of service. In order to recognize and show appreciation for the time, talent and expertise generously contributed for the benefit of the American Society of Photographers and its members. The black ribbon and distinctive medallion is not just a symbol of hard work, but an indication of the selfless character of the person who wears it. The Service Award Medallion is designed to demonstrate to your peers and customers your dedication and efforts to support and improve the American Society of Photographers. It should be worn at all photographic functions and presentations. Once you have earned the initial 25 service points you will receive the Service Award Medallion at our annual Gala Dinner & Awards ceremony held in conjunction with PPA’s Imaging USA. After you have earned your Service Award Medallion your continued service earns points toward Service Bars. For each additional 25 service points you earn you will receive a Service Bar. The Service Bars are attached on the ribbon with your Service Award Medallion.
Sponsorship
Sponsorships have been obtained to offer complimentary banquet tickets to new degree recipients, allowing them to have fellowship with ASP members. With membership now topping 850, having membership in every state and many other countries throughout the world, the Society still subscribes to the philosophy of its founders: “To strive to foster the ideals of professional photography as a science and an art.” And as its known today: ASP is a society of professional photographic artists who aspire to maintain the highest level of excellence by adhering to ethical standards, stimulating creativity and continually refining technical competence. The goal of the organization is to promote education, foster fellowship and perpetuate the ideals of photography as a science and an art.
Governing Docs
The ASP organization is governed by the following five documents. Please download and review the current PDFs.
Constitution
bylaws
Standing Rules
Code of Ethics
