The AIPP
The AIPP shut down end 2021 due to difficulties caused by the pandemic. The below is left for historical reasons.
The Australian Institute of Professional Photography is the peak body for photographers in Australia. It is what the Law Society is to Lawyers.
While lawyers need a degree and a bar exam, anyone can buy/borrow a camera. As a result there are a lot of “professional” photographers around.
There are dozens of Institutes of <Professional/Newborn/Portrait/Baby/Family> Photographers which are just web directories run by for-profit SEO companies charging as little as $12 to join. There are also thriving businesses who basically sell awards/accreditation to members who pay an annual fee.
The AIPP is the only official organisation for photography that has Australian government recognition. Membership costs ~$500 yearly. It’s not a lot, but enough to weed out those not serious enough about their profession. And yes there is a portfolio assessment to be admitted.
It will never be a legal requirement for photographers to be Accredited by the AIPP – photography isn’t life and death. Some professionals choose not to be part of AIPP.
However when you hire an Accredited Professional Photographer it means among other things:
- They have a baseline level of skill required to perform their work. (They didn’t “borrow” their portfolio from the web)
- They’re fully insured. (You won’t be footing the bill for freak accidents)
- They follow a code of ethics. (They won’t do dodgy things that end up on current affairs programs)
Valent Lau was a fully Accredited Professional Photographer of the AIPP from 2013 to its closure in 2021.
NSW Business Chamber
Valent Lau is also a member of:
- Coogee Chamber of Commerce, Executive Member 2021-
- Maroubra Chamber of Commerce
- NSW Business Chamber
- Realise Business
This again simply means we support local small business, and follow a code of ethics and promise to act professionally at all times.
What It All Means
In the ideal world – nothing. You should be able to use any photographer and have a wonderful experience. But there’s no licensing for photographers. Anyone can pick up a camera and call themselves one. At least once a year there’s a story on a current affairs program about how a photographer or videographer ruined a family’s memories.
We are members of these organisations to give you peace of mind that we will deliver as promised, and give you a great experience each step of the way.
