WPJA MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

An up-to-date professional web site that continually meets WPJA standards. WPJA Members should not have more than 20% of the wedding images on their web sites from the following combined categories*:

a. Portrait (photographer has control of the posed situation)
b. Set-Up (actions prompted by the photographer)
c. Camera Aware
d. Details
e. Manipulated Images (pictures heavily altered with software)

*The above-mentioned percentage serves as a general guideline.

Example: A WPJA Member whose web site portrays wedding images, of which more than 30% fall into the above-mentioned categories is not upholding the WPJA standard.

Moreover, WPJA Members' work/site is expected to reflect exceptional skill, originality and creativity, while perpetually maintaining the integrity and strong reputation of the WPJA. Special attention must be given to the following areas:

1. Technical/Creative Qualities
• Indoor images with poor on-camera lighting and direct flash shadows.
• A majority of portfolio images that appear to be shot at F8 with a 50mm lens.
• Members are encouraged to crop work to improve image content.
• Many hand-tinted or digitally-manipulated images.
• Redundant images or sequence shots with minimal change in content.

2. Factual Information
Members must make factual and knowledgeable statements where quoted. Their web sites/advertising campaigns should not have:
• Bold statements such as, "digital is better than film".
• Misleading or confusing information on wedding photojournalism, using the word 'photojournalism' alone to describe 'wedding photography' or identification as a photojournalist, but lacking work history or images to prove it.
• Description of style or approach that doesn’t match the work displayed on a web site.

3. Web Site Quality
Members must reflect a clean web site design with easy navigation. Member sites must load with all images and links functioning. Again, a Member’s web site is an extension of his/her creativity and reflects on the WPJA as a whole.

4. Image Quality
Members must strive for good image quality on their web site. We do not expect to see any of the following on a member's site:
• Entire portfolios that are flat (lack black in the images).
• Images with large pixels.
• Excessive dust and scratches.

The WPJA reserves the right to terminate or revoke Membership at any time if it deems that a Member contravened the terms set forth by the WPJA Membership rules, requirements, standards, codes, guidelines and bylaws. Consistent failure to respond to specific communications from WPJA personnel concerning issues important to the integrity and reputation of the organization (this excludes responses to mass emails to all Members), will also constitute grounds for Membership termination.
NOTE: The WPJA will only revoke Membership when one of the above-mentioned items on this page is compromised. In any such case, the WPJA should not be expected to provide explanation as to the specific reasons for Membership termination.

WPJA MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL

WPJA Membership renewal is a privilege, not a right.

As a Member of the WPJA, one's actions, words (spoken or written), and character reflect the reputation of the organization. Refusal of Membership renewal in the sole discretion of the WPJA.

WPJA Membership renewal is re-evaluated annually. As stated above, the WPJA may suspend, cancel, terminate, or revoke Membership at any time a member is in violation of WPJA rules, requirements, standards, codes, guidelines and bylaws. Members wishing to terminate their WPJA membership prematurely will not receive a partial refund of their annual membership dues or any additional listing fees (if applicable).

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL TERMS
1. WPJA Membership renewal hinges on the following terms:
A) A good relationship is maintained between the Member and the WPJA organization.
B) Payment of annual Membership dues is made on time.
C) The Member adheres to and upholds all WPJA rules, requirements, standards, codes, guidelines and bylaws.

All WPJA Members in good standing at the end of their annual Membership term will receive an invitation to renew Membership.

2. Any Member who fails to remain in good standing with the organization for any of the above-mentioned reasons, and whose Membership is subsequently revoked, may not be considered for Membership renewal.

	BRIDES MAGAZINE & the Wedding Photojournalist Association proudly present a Wedding Photojournalism Contest. The WPJA/BRIDES Wedding Photojournalism Contest spotlights the finest images from the best wedding photojournalists on the pages of one of the most world-renowned wedding publications and the web sites of the WPJA and BRIDES. For most brides and grooms, wedding photojournalism is no longer a trendy alternative to traditional wedding day photo-coverage; rather, it is mainstream wedding photography. The WPJA has been leading the way in promoting and rewarding photographers who excel in capturing the un-styled and un-scripted moments of the wedding day. More and more couples are seeking out the top wedding photojournalists in the world through the WPJA web site.