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photoguy603

Well-known member
I know this was asked a while back but I was wondering if anything has changed. Is the NPPA worth it for video guys and gals or is it still heavily geared towards the still folks. Thoughts? What is the going rate for a membership? Thanks!
 
While I'm still not a member, it appears video is becoming more of a focus for the NPPA. My only real issue is it appears the NPPA has one set of expected standards for still/newspaper/VJ guys/gals and a much more higher standard for TV photogs when it comes to video. The attitude seems to be "well, they are still guys and won't be as good as the TV guys so we're going to cut them some slack". Wrong attitude in my opinion. Just another example of how the organization still basically looks at the TV people as the step-child of the organization.
 
Unless you enjoy contests, I wouldn't join. There are so many free resources online now that can replicate the positives of NPPA membership.
Unless, obviously, you might be interested in working at a station that's NPPA focused.
 
NPPA

I think it's still worth it. The competitions are good, the magazine is nice and they offer a lot of good resources. The Northern Short Course in Elizabeth, NJ next month has some really good TV offerings. But to answer your question more directly, yes, the org is still very still focused.
 
Even though I finally gave in and joined since a TV shooter is now president, the NPPA on the surface is nothing but another NATAS for TV folks. A place to go if you want a trophy to put on a shelf/certificate on the wall or have career goals to get to a NPPA shop.

As for the org itself, it is and always has been a stills-focused group from day one with TV as a minority (the IATSE and RTNDA did in the late 40s through the 1960s what everyone wants the NPPA to do...adequately represent TV shooters instead of treating them like unwanted stepchildren...so as a group, the NPPA only needed to really focus on stills since there was no national group for them at the time).

I have some hopes that Borland can change some of the culture, but quite frankly changing six decades of institutional baggage would be like asking the Navy to give up coffee fleet-wide.

As for the going rate, its $110.
 
It was an NPPA president from the TV side back in the mid 80s that charted the course the association is on today. The die is cast. Spend your money how you wish but don't expect it to get any better. There are plenty of better resources out there for serious video professionals.
 
thanks for all the feedback...I've never been a member and was curious what it was like. What other organizations are you guys fans of, if any, that are better? I shoot in a NPPA style but being at a NPPA shop would never a "necessity" Just looking for networking, contacts, fun contests that sort of thing....kind of like we have on here. Thanks Again!
 
TV News Storytellers over on Facebook if you are into networking/contacts/etc. There's over 3000 TV-related members already.

As for contests....NPPA quarterly clip contest seems to be the 800 pound gorilla. The b-roll one is dead and as for other contests, others can probably help you out there since I'm not into contesting.
 
The NPPA Best of Photojournalism contest is still the top dog when it comes to contests. That contest is free and names the Photographer of the Year. Because its free to enter, I still view it as the most legit judge of talent. NPPA could require a membership and may gain a few members that way but it would greatly decrease the value of those results. As for the quarterly contests that require a membership, I don't pay any attention to those results because the entry pool is so small and I've seen a few quarterly 1st place winners that were really bad and only won because there wasn't any competition. Take that as you will but the quarterlies are a waste of time and NPPA resources in my opinion.
 
I really hate to constantly criticize the NPPA because really good people are involved with that organization but I just feel, from a TV standpoint, there's very little benefit to us TV photogs. Given how tilted it is to the still guys, I almost think the membership fee should reflect that and be half the price for TV guys. $55 for TV and $110 for still/newspaper and require a letter from TV station to prove employment to get the half rate. I actually would join and get involved if that were the case but I think it's unreasonable to ask TV guys to pay the same as still guys when what's offered isn't balanced.

On a side note, anyone know when the BOP finalists will be announced?
 
I'm well aware the NPPA's hands are tied financially and legally with some of the stuff they offer to stills...but dear God, they could at least make an effort to be more inclusive of TV. It would go a long way PR-wise.

The vast majority of the newsfeed on the front page (and yes that is what people see when they land on the site...1st impressions are everything) is stills related. Any video-related news is usually some documentary producer in a war zone's latest pet project instead of showcasing work by staffers in the states. The newish "Photojournal" feature on their site is curating work by still shooters. I sure the hell don't see work being curated showing off TV shooters and there is plenty of it that can be found.

I haven't seen their magazine lately, but its safe to presume its stills, stills and more stills with maybe a nod towards an overseas documentary artist/videographer.
 
Speed Graphic said:
I'm well aware the NPPA's hands are tied financially and legally with some of the stuff they offer to stills...but dear God, they could at least make an effort to be more inclusive of TV. It would go a long way PR-wise.

The vast majority of the newsfeed on the front page (and yes that is what people see when they land on the site...1st impressions are everything) is stills related. Any video-related news is usually some documentary producer in a war zone's latest pet project instead of showcasing work by staffers in the states. The newish "Photojournal" feature on their site is curating work by still shooters. I sure the hell don't see work being curated showing off TV shooters and there is plenty of it that can be found.

I haven't seen their magazine lately, but its safe to presume its stills, stills and more stills with maybe a nod towards an overseas documentary artist/videographer.
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You are pretty much summing up why I ended up dropping my membership. I occasionally regret the decision and look back to see if anything has changed only to be disappointed.

I would also add the affinity discount section, for various equipment and programs your list. Last I checked it is stuff that applies almost exclusively to stills people with the exception of the discount on car rental.
 
I'm a member/been so off more than on since high school. There were times I just couldn't afford it.
Strangely enough I have offered to volunteer in any way and no one has taken me up on it.
 
Originally Posted by cyndygreen Strangely enough I have offered to volunteer in any way and no one has taken me up on it.
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Cyndy that's because you are not one of the NPPA elite. A few years ago the NPPA divided the contest to TOP STATIONS and the REST OF the SCHMUCKS.

Originally Posted by svp The NPPA Best of Photojournalism contest is still the top dog when it comes to contests. That contest is free and names the Photographer of the Year. Because its free to enter, I still view it as the most legit judge of talent
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SVP Maybe at one time. Now it's the good ole' boy network. Trust me, the judges at the stations are the same judges every Quarter. The can tell who is shooting and editing it by their style and the reporter they work with.

Guys save your money!!!
 
I was avoiding saying that since there are good people who put a lot of time into running it, but yea the TVQCC is kind of cliquey...

Well what is everyone looking for that the NPPA doesn't provide? Put it out on the table here so someone can figure out how to provide it.
 
Having been a member for about 30 years, I can still say I appreciate the work the NPPA does for all of us. If you are a photog, cameraman, videographer, director of photography, or whatever your station or client wants to call you, the organization is as important to you as you decide to make it. If, for instance, you are the type that always needs to be told what to shoot, or are sick of doing the same story for yet another year, or treat your job like a job, then you'll never get anything out of the NPPA. But if you strive for better video, are interested in the entire process, appreciate the finer aspects of the first amendment, feel having a larger organization behind you to protect those rights is important, look at what you are doing as a career and not just a job, and every day have a commitment to that day's given story and are working towards being the best television photojournalist you can be, then the NPPA is for you.

It's not just about a magazine, and I'll be the first to admit they've dropped the ball on that one. It's about all of us as photojournalists and members of the press. I believe in the professionalism of the organization and if you are serious about your own career, there should be no hesitation on joining or renewing.
 
dazapper said:
Having been a member for about 30 years, I can still say I appreciate the work the NPPA does for all of us. If you are a photog, cameraman, videographer, director of photography, or whatever your station or client wants to call you, the organization is as important to you as you decide to make it. If, for instance, you are the type that always needs to be told what to shoot, or are sick of doing the same story for yet another year, or treat your job like a job, then you'll never get anything out of the NPPA. But if you strive for better video, are interested in the entire process, appreciate the finer aspects of the first amendment, feel having a larger organization behind you to protect those rights is important, look at what you are doing as a career and not just a job, and every day have a commitment to that day's given story and are working towards being the best television photojournalist you can be, then the NPPA is for you.

It's not just about a magazine, and I'll be the first to admit they've dropped the ball on that one. It's about all of us as photojournalists and members of the press. I believe in the professionalism of the organization and if you are serious about your own career, there should be no hesitation on joining or renewing.
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Look, I'm in no way here to bash the NPPA. I used to be a member, and in the old days the NPPA was one of the few places to get all the things you've mentioned above. The question now is what do you get for $110 that you can't find many other places for free.
 
I agree with some of the tenants that are put out there for education on the tv side, I do not agree with how it is a one trick pony based around the same tricks, secret handshakes, and poor organization. You are shooting to impress a group of people who are industry insiders, not the general public, who are your customers. That in itself is contradictory. They also have little incentive to help you improve upon your work, because then you become competition in the future for...not contests...but jobs. They aren't dedicated to improving the craft, only to piecing together their egos for about five years until they burn out. If this were truly dedicated to improving the craft, they would have LESSONS and MENTORING...not contests.
 
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