ASMP Supports Major Initiatives for Photographers

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE) -- The American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) has announced its support for major initiatives that fund the education and advocacy of student and emerging photographers, and the growth and development of established photographers. These initiatives include the following:

• Young Photographers Alliance (YPA) as a Major Founding Sponsor to set up mentoring and internship programs for student and emerging photographers;
• Eddie Adams Workshop, Barnstorm, in which 100 photography students participate in an intense four-day gathering of top photojournalism professionals;
• Farnsworth Art Museum exhibitions of Arnold Newman’s work to develop an understanding and appreciation for photographic portraiture;
• W. Eugene Smith Memorial Fund award to a photojournalist of exceptional talent, integrity and dedication.

Support of these projects was made possible through funds received by ASMP from the Authors Coalition of America (ACA), the organization which distributes money designated for use solely in industry education and advocacy collected for copying non-title-specific works abroad. YPA sponsorship funds were a special designation from The ASMP Foundation, whose mission is to support the educational purposes and activities of the Society.

According to Executive Director Eugene Mopsik, “Among ASMP’s priorities is the encouragement and assistance we can provide to new photographers as they develop professionally, as well as our support for established photographers in their growth as visual artists. The Authors Coalition money we have received allows us to take an active role in the funding of these important programs which provide critical growth opportunities for photographers. ”

Jerry Tavin, YPA’s Founder and President, said, “We thank ASMP for its outstanding support which will provide great opportunities for our young photographers to acquire skills which allow them to embark on successful and rewarding long-term careers.”

ASMP is also a sponsor of the Arnold Newman Prize for “New Directions in Photographic Portraiture,” which is underwritten by the Arnold and Augusta Newman Foundation. It was recently announced that Brooklyn-based Emily Schiffer has been selected as the 2010 winner who will receive a cash award and an August 2010 exhibition at the Farnsworth Art Museum.

Founded in 1944, ASMP is the leader in promoting photographers’ rights, providing education in better business practices, producing business publications for photographers, and helping to connect purchasers with professional photographers. ASMP has 39 chapters across the country and its members include many of the world’s foremost photographers.