Membership Information
 

If you are interested in joining our Network please check our Unassigned Cities list for availability then return to this page. Even if a city is already taken, I am accepting back-up applications from individuals who will be contacted should the existing member for that city resign from the Network.

Network Description:
The North American Dispatch Photographers Network, hereinafter referred to as "Network", is a voluntary cooperative referral network of independent photographers. We are photographers in cities and towns across North America who have joined together to collectively market our services to companies and individuals domestically and internationally. Each member photographer is a separate business entity. This Website and the Network is essentially an advertising vehicle for its members. I act as the Network Administrator.

Our aim is to provide customers anywhere in the world with remote photography services in the cities and towns where our members conduct their business. Our customer focus is delineated on the main page of this Website. The Network members strive to offer quick response on-site digital photography services in a fairly consistent manner. Generally their fees range between $35-$50 per hour with a 2 to 3 hour minimum. However, some of our members prefer to price their services based on the specific requirements of each job. Many of our members also offer traditional photographic services at different price points. For the prospective member, the benefit of joining this Network is the exposure you get to customers anywhere in the world who need photographic services in your city.

Being considered for Network membership is not an offer of employment nor is being a member of the Network a paid employment position. It is merely a way for existing photographers to supplement their income. I make no claims that being a Network member will provide you with a certain amount of income. As with any form of paid advertising there is no guarantee that participating in this Network will yield you any return on your investment. However, recent experience shows that being a Network member increases the probability of obtaining paid photo gigs (see Advertising below). We have several clients who use our Network members and we are working hard to expand our customer base. You are not required to pay a commission to me or any other Network member for photo gigs you obtain as a result of being a Network member.

You work with your customers directly and get paid by them directly. No payments go through me or any other Network member. To protect your privacy, you are not required to provide information to me or any Network member regarding any paid photo gigs you obtain as a result of being a Network member. Consequently I am not able to provide prospective members with specifics on the amount of work existing members are getting as a result of their participation in the Network. Remember, the Network is essentially an advertising vehicle for its members. The only money that Network members must pay me, the Network Administrator, is the initial listing fee and the annual membership dues. The 2008 membership dues amount to less then 50 cents per week. In return for that you get national and international exposure to customers through our advertising and Website.

I'm always looking for photographers who would be interested in joining our Network to represent North American cities not currently assigned. Each city is limited to one representative. You establish your own prices within the pricing guidelines noted in the Basic Requirements list below. You also establish your own terms, conditions and details outlining your services. You are strongly encouraged to advertise your services in your geographical area using Craigslist, your own Website and/or any other advertising medium of your choosing.

As long as members continue to meet or exceed the Basic Requirements listed above and pay their membership dues, they will be considered "Members in Good Standing". As such they may keep their assigned city or geographical area for as long as they wish. Members who fail to meet these requirements risk being removed from the Network.

Listing Fee:
If you are approved and willing to accept the responsibilities of being a Network member, you will be asked to pay a one time non-refundable listing fee of $25. Upon receipt of the listing fee and membership dues, your contact information will be included on the Network page for the city you will be representing. Applicants are not to send in the listing fee or membership dues unless they are approved for membership and instructed to do so. PayPal is the preferred method of payment, however, a mailed check payable to me will be acceptable.

Membership Dues:
The membership dues for 2008 are $24 covering the entire year. These dues are used to offset expenses incurred by me and other Network members who incur expenses on behalf of the Network. PayPal is the preferred method of payment. Dues will be prorated for new members joining in the latter half of 2008. Dues for 2009 have not been set as yet but most likely will increase.

Exclusivity:
One of the founding principles of this Network is that members not compete with one another, therefore I limit each city and its surrounding areas to one representative. However, larger metropolitan areas may, at my discretion, be divided into two or more geographical areas. The placement and the proximity of members to one another is a key issue. Even if a city is already taken, I am accepting back-up applications from individuals who will be contacted should the existing member for that city resign from the Network.

Members must live and work within the area they represent. All surrounding suburbs are included in the member's exclusive area. For example, I cover the Dallas/Ft. Worth area of Texas which covers dozens of other smaller cities all considered part of the metro area. Another consideration is whether Craigslist has established a particular city as a separate city listing on their Website. Most likely I would not name a person from a smaller city or town if it was not listed as a separate Craigslist city.

Deciding to Apply or Not:
It is important that you weigh carefully your decision to apply for Membership. As noted above, being a Network member carries with it responsibilities. Meeting those responsibilities on an ongoing basis will ultimately benefit the individual member and all Network members in general. The actions of each member reflect on the entire Network. It is important that each member conduct their business dealings with their customers keeping in mind that they are a representative of the Network. Each prospective member is encouraged to chat with one or more of the existing members to get a feel for me and the Network.

Applying for Membership: