TOPA is an online professional
photography group geared toward travel, outdoor, and adventure photographers.
Our email forum deals specifically with the business issues of our profession,
including contracts, copyright, pricing, negotiation, and marketing for
both assignment and stock photography. An offshoot of the Editorial
Photographers (EP) group, we are founded on the principle of
peer mentorship and education for the purpose of building a sustainable
freelance photography business environment.
TOPA counts over 600 travel, outdoor, and adventure photographers spread across the globe. Our main presence is an online forum allowing photographers to discuss business issues. The group also organizes an annual "state of the industry" meeting at the Summer Outdoor Retailer trade show in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Membership to TOPA is restricted to working photographers and illustrators
specializing in the adventure, travel, outdoor, wildlife, and nature
photography markets for either assignment or stock. Membership is free.
To join the email forum, visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/T-O-P-A and
click on "join this group." All applicants will be vetted to ensure that
admission is allowed to working professional photographers only. So as to
encourage open and frank discussion, photo buyers, editors, and art
directors are not allowed access to the group. Please provide your full
name, a brief list of clients, publication experience, or a webpage
reference in the comments area of your application. A TOPA moderator will
process your membership as soon as possible.
NOTE: Your admission to the group will be GREATLY expedited if you provide a
website reference at the time of your application.
By default new members will receive "digest" emails. If you prefer
"individual emails" or to view the posts via the web, changes can be made under the
membership preferences at the Yahoo Groups site.
While individuals working hard can improve the photography industry,
individuals working in concert can change it now, for everyone. Get
involved. Every effort makes a difference. Visit our Contact
page for a list of volunteer
and intern opportunities.
