Background
The New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography (*nzipp) is the only qualifying body for professional photographers in New Zealand, and currently has over 350 members across NZ covering the disciplines of Wedding, Portrait and Commercial Photography.
First founded in 1938, the *nzipp is a non-profit Incorporated Society run by professional image-makers. The *nzipp represents the interests of professional photographers across NZ on issues relevant to the industry such as copyright, legal and business matters, and technical developments in rapidly changing areas such as digital imaging. It cultivates friendship and mutual understanding between photographers and raises the profile of professional photography through its activities and events.
Through a demanding Qualification process, we enable members to gain professional recognition in the form of Qualified Professional status. This, in addition to the stringent membership criteria and Code of Ethics ensures that members are professional in both their creative and business practices.
Comprising professional photographers from all over New Zealand who support, challenge, and encourage each other, the Institute strives to maintain and promote the highest professional standards in the industry through education, fellowship and support
Currently it has two divisions: Commercial and Wedding & Portrait. These run as independent groups under the *nzipp banner, coming together for important events. A Board of four directors is responsible for the governance of the Institute, which has a national office in Christchurch. There are also seven regional branches of the Institute across New Zealand, each of which has a Regional Chair, Secretary and Treasurer elected from the regional membership. The Regions maintain a regular schedule of seminars, workshops and networking activities for their local members.
Aims of the *nzipp
- To raise the profile of professional photography
- To maintain and improve professional standards
- To develop skills and encourage continuing professional development
- To provide advice, guidance and support on issues relevant to the industry
- To provide encouragement and friendship through the regional network
- To provide a benchmark of excellence to buyers of photography
*nzipp Qualifications
*nzipp qualifications are highly regarded and are recognised across the world as a benchmark of excellence. There are four levels of qualification, each reflecting increasing levels of experience, skill and achievement. The first level of qualification is achieved by submission:
Qualified Professional Status
Only members who have achieved Qualified Professional status are able to use the *nzipp logo in their promotional activities, and only Qualified Professionals are featured on the *nzipp website. Qualified Professional status can be achieved in Wedding, Portrait and/or Commercial Photography, through a submission of work to a panel of highly qualified assessors.
The following three levels of qualification are achieved through an accumulation of points gained by winning entries in the annual Professional Photography Awards, administered by the *nzipp Honours Council:
Associate
Qualified members who have achieved 10 merit points in the annual Professional Photography Awards earn the title of Associate member of the *nzipp, and are able to use the letters ANZIPP after their name. The title of Associate Member denotes a high standard of creative flair and communication.
Master
Associates who have achieved a further 10 points, including 2 silver merits, in the annual Professional Photography Awards, earn the title of Master of the *nzipp and are able to use the letters M.Photog after their name. The title of Master denotes a superior standard of creative flair and strong communication.
Fellow
Masters who have achieved a further 10 points, including 1 gold and 2 silver merits, in the annual Professional Photography Awards, earn the title of Fellow of the *nzipp and are able to use the letters FNZIPP after their name. The title of Fellow denotes an exceptional standard of creative ability and superior communication.
Support
We also provide you with advice on contractual requirements and how best to protect the copyright of your images. The *nzipp has developed, with legal advice from our corporate sponsor Clendon Feeney Barristers & Solicitors, Standard Terms and Conditions and licensing forms as well as model and location releases. *nzipp is also a member of the New Zealand Copyright Council and is working closely with government and other creative industries on the copyright issue.
Each month we send you a copy of our newsletter PROreport, which contains important information about the industry, members, technical developments, business advice, upcoming events, and much more.
In our role in education we have links with many Tertiary Institutions offering photography courses. We encourage students and assistants to become members. They are the future of photography. The *nzipp has reciprocal arrangements with the AIPP (Australian Institute of Professional Photography) and is a member of the WCPP (World Council of Professional Photographers).
