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Selection Process

Global Photographers Association Selection Process for Members 

Every year, the Global Photographers Association (GPA) selects photographers from various specialties and locations worldwide.

 

Learn about this detailed selection process below.

Photographing Nature

Step 1

Nominations
Creation of Candidate Pool

Photographers enter the candidate pool by being formally nominated by a peer or identified by our research department during the evaluation process.

Formal Nominations

Once a year, we invite photographers worldwide to nominate the top photographers they’ve personally observed in action. Photographers may nominate colleagues within their own association, but these nominations only count if each in-association nomination is matched by at least one out-association nomination.

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Each nomination carries a point value, with out-association nominations having a greater point value than in-association nominations. Photographers cannot nominate themselves and must limit their nominations to others who practice in the same country or region.

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Our procedures and database have several safeguards to prevent photographers from “gaming” the system. For example, we track who nominates whom, helping us detect any excessive “back-scratch” nominations (photographers nominating each other) and “block nominations” (where members of the same association all cast identical nominations). We also prohibit photographers from engaging in “campaigning” or soliciting nominations from other photographers.

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While important, the nomination phase is simply the first step in our process. It puts photographers on our radar for further research and evaluation and awards points in our rating system. However, we limit the value of those points so that no matter how many nominations one receives, it will not guarantee selection.

Research Process

Our photographer-led research staff searches for photographers who have attained certain honors, results, or credentials, which indicate a high degree of peer recognition or professional competence. For example, certification as a specialist in a particular area of photography, or admission to prestigious associations or academies.

The staff identifies these credentials by reviewing a proprietary list of databases and online sources, including national and international photography publications.

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During the research process, we discover outstanding photographers who have been overlooked in the nomination process. These may include photographers with international practices who rarely appear in the exhibitions of their home country; photographers in smaller firms or from smaller communities; and photographers practicing in less visible or highly specialized areas.

Informal Nominations

Throughout the year, readers, clients, marketing directors, and photographers who are not eligible to formally nominate (that is, actively practicing in the same region as the nominee) send us names of photographers we should consider for inclusion. Though no points are awarded, we add these photographers to the candidate pool for further research and evaluation.

Step 2

Independent Research by Global Photographers Association

Our research department evaluates each photographer in the candidate pool based on these 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement:

Photographer

Comprehensive Evaluation Based on Twelve Criteria

  1. Portfolio Quality: Assessed for originality, creativity, execution excellence, overall impact, and relevance to specific categories.

  2. Honors/Awards: Recognition and accolades from reputable organizations and institutions.

  3. Client Reviews: Positive testimonials and reviews from clients on various platforms.

  4. Professional Development: Certifications and completion of workshops, courses, or continued education programs.

  5. Certifications: Possession of relevant certifications from recognized institutions.

  6. Professional Activities: Active engagement in events, exhibitions, or seminars within the past year, including roles such as keynote speakers, booth exhibitors, volunteers, or other substantial contributions.

  7. Years of Experience: Demonstrating both the depth and breadth of their work in the photography industry.

  8. Educational Background: Relevant educational achievements and training.

  9. Publication Features: Articles, photos, or videos published in notable media outlets.

  10. Social Media Influence: A significant following on major platforms with substantial engagement.

  11. Online Presence: A professional and active website and social media accounts showcasing their work.

  12. Endorsements: Recommendations and endorsements from other respected photographers on our platform.

 

These indicators are not treated equally; some have a higher maximum point value than others. Photographers must excel in several of these categories to be considered for further evaluation and potential selection.

Photographer with Retro Camera

Step 3

Ethics Review

To ensure the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, each applicant must adhere to a stringent set of ethical guidelines. To be eligible, the applicant must have no ethical violations within the past 3 years. The ethical evaluation is based on the following measurable criteria:

Respect for Clients and Subjects:

Professional Conduct: The photographer must always conduct themselves professionally, treating clients, subjects, and colleagues with respect and courtesy.

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Privacy and Consent: Photographers must obtain explicit consent from their subjects before capturing images and ensure the privacy of their clients is maintained at all times.

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Cultural and Religious Sensitivity: Photographers must respect the cultural and religious beliefs and practices of their clients and subjects, avoiding any actions or comments that may be offensive or inappropriate.

Integrity and Honesty:

Truthfulness: Photographers must be honest in their communications with clients, colleagues, and the public, including in their advertising and the presentation of their work.

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Fair Business Practices: Photographers must engage in fair and transparent business practices, including clear and honest pricing, contracts, and services offered.

Respect for Intellectual Property:

Copyright and Plagiarism: Photographers must respect the intellectual property rights of others, ensuring that all work presented as their own is original and not plagiarized.

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Proper Attribution: When using or referencing the work of others, photographers must provide proper attribution and seek necessary permissions.

Professional Accountability:

Conflict Resolution: Photographers must handle conflicts and complaints professionally, seeking to resolve issues fairly and promptly.

Adherence to Industry Standards: Photographers must adhere to the standards and guidelines set by professional photography organizations and industry bodies.

Moral Conduct:

Avoiding Exploitation: Photographers must not exploit their subjects in any way, ensuring that all interactions are ethical and respectful.

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Non-Discrimination: Photographers must treat all clients and subjects equally, without discrimination based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.

Safety and Well-being:

Safe Working Environment: Photographers must ensure that their working environment is safe for themselves, their clients, and their subjects.

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Well-being of Subjects: Photographers must prioritize the physical and emotional well-being of their subjects, avoiding any practices that may cause harm or discomfort.

Ethical Violations Monitoring:

Complaint Records: Photographers must have no recorded complaints or ethical violations within the past 3 years from our website or other reputable platforms such as industry-specific review sites, professional organizations, or legal bodies.

 

Verification Process: Photographers may be required to provide references or evidence to verify their adherence to these ethical standards.

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By adhering to these guidelines, photographers demonstrate their commitment to maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct in their professional practice.

Step 4

Peer Evaluation by Photography Specialty

The fourth step of the selection process is peer evaluation by photography specialty, referred to as the "Master Lens Review." The candidates in each specialty with the highest point totals from the previous steps are invited to serve on a Master Lens Panel. This panel consists of esteemed photographers from various specialties who have demonstrated exceptional skill and professional achievements.

Perfect Shot

Master Lens Panel Review

Selection of Panelists: Photographers with the highest scores in their respective specialties are selected to participate in the panel. These individuals represent the pinnacle of their field and bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the evaluation process.

 

Review Process: Panelists are provided with a list of candidates from their specialty to review. They assess these candidates based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including portfolio quality, creativity, technical skill, and overall impact.

 

Rating System: Each panelist rates the candidates on a scale of one to five, considering factors such as innovation, consistency in work, client feedback, and contributions to the photography community. Panelists are encouraged to provide detailed feedback to support their ratings.

 

Ensuring Fairness: To maintain the integrity of the process, panelists are required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest and abstain from reviewing candidates with whom they have a personal or professional relationship.

 

Final Evaluation: The scores and feedback from the Master Lens Panel are compiled and analyzed to determine the top candidates in each specialty. These evaluations play a crucial role in the final selection process, ensuring that only the most deserving photographers are recognized.

 

By involving peers who are experts in their respective fields, the Global Photographers Association ensures that the selection process is thorough, fair, and reflective of the highest standards in photography.

Video Editing Keyboard

Step 5

Final Selection

Candidates are grouped into various photography specialties. Those with the highest point totals from each specialty are selected. This ensures that photographers in each category, such as portrait, landscape, and commercial photography, are compared with their peers. Only the top 5 percent of photographers in each specialty are selected for inclusion in the Global Photographers Association (GPA).

Before Publication

Verification: The research staff verifies each candidate's credentials and professional standing. Each candidate is required to confirm that they have never been subject to disciplinary actions by the GPA or any other professional body, and that they have never faced client complaints related to significant issues such as damaging a client's wedding, harming their reputation, or selling photos without consent.

 

Final Review: Additional internet searches are performed on each candidate to ensure there are no outstanding issues that would reflect adversely on the photographer. We also contact each photographer to ensure the accuracy of all published information.

Before Publication

The final published list represents no more than 5 percent of photographers in each specialty. The lists are published annually in the GPA's official website. All photographers selected for inclusion in the GPA can be found on the GPA's official website.

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By rigorously verifying and reviewing each candidate's credentials and history, the Global Photographers Association ensures that only the most exceptional photographers are recognized, maintaining the highest standards in the industry.

Image by Seth Doyle

The Future Stars Selection Process

The selection process for the Future Starts list follows the same rigorous steps as the Global Photographers Association (GPA) selection process, with one exception: to be eligible for inclusion in Diamond Creatives, a candidate must be either 35 years old or younger or have been in professional photography for 10 years or less.

All photographers first go through the GPA selection process. Those who are not selected for the GPA list but meet one of the Diamond Creatives eligibility requirements undergo the Diamond Creatives selection process. While up to five percent of photographers in each specialty are named to the GPA list, no more than 2.5 percent are named to the Diamond Creatives list.

Image by Toby Christopher
  • Are photographers informed if they are not selected?
    No, photographers are not informed if they are not selected. The Global Photographers Association only notifies those who have been successfully selected for membership.
  • Can I apply directly to be considered for selection?
    No, you cannot apply directly to be considered for selection by the Global Photographers Association. Photographers are nominated by peers or identified through GPA's research process. The selection process is rigorous, focusing on various criteria such as portfolio quality, professional activities, and ethical conduct.
  • Are selected photographers required to maintain certain standards to remain in good standing with the GPA?
    Yes, selected photographers are required to maintain certain standards to remain in good standing with the Global Photographers Association (GPA). This includes adhering to ethical guidelines, continuing to produce high-quality work, and upholding the professionalism expected by the GPA. Failure to maintain these standards can result in the revocation of membership.
  • What is the Master Lens Panel?
    The Master Lens Panel is a group of expert photographers who evaluate candidates' work for the Global Photographers Association, ensuring they meet the required standards of creativity and professionalism.
  • How often are new photographers selected?
    New photographers are selected by the Global Photographers Association annually. The selection process involves a rigorous evaluation of candidates based on various criteria, including portfolio quality, professional activities, and adherence to ethical standards.
  • What happens if a photographer’s work does not meet the ethical standards?
    If a photographer’s work does not meet the Global Photographers Association's ethical standards, they will not be selected. The GPA places a strong emphasis on professionalism and integrity, and any ethical violations disqualify a candidate from consideration.
  • Can a photographer be nominated more than once?
    Yes, a photographer can be nominated more than once for selection by the Global Photographers Association. Multiple nominations can strengthen a candidate’s profile during the evaluation process, as they indicate broader recognition and respect within the photography community.
  • How does the ethics review work?
    The ethics review for the Global Photographers Association ensures that applicants meet high standards of professionalism and integrity. Photographers must have no ethical violations in the past three years. The review assesses respect for clients, truthfulness, fair business practices, respect for intellectual property, and adherence to industry standards. It also evaluates moral conduct, such as avoiding exploitation and discrimination, and ensuring the safety and well-being of subjects. Photographers may need to provide evidence or references to verify their adherence to these ethical guidelines.
  • How are client reviews factored into the selection process?
    Client reviews are an important factor in the Global Photographers Association's selection process. Positive testimonials and reviews from clients on various platforms are considered as part of the evaluation. These reviews help demonstrate a photographer's reliability, professionalism, and customer satisfaction, which are key criteria for selection.
  • What criteria are used to evaluate photographers?
    Photographers are evaluated based on 12 unique criteria that encompass every aspect of their professional expertise and reputation. These criteria include portfolio quality, awards, client reviews, certifications, professional activities, experience, education, publications, social media influence, online presence, and endorsements. This comprehensive evaluation ensures that only the most skilled and respected photographers are selected, highlighting their excellence and commitment to their craft. Each criterion plays a crucial role in assessing the overall caliber and impact of the photographer’s work.
  • What types of photography specialties are considered in the selection process?
    The Global Photographers Association considers a wide range of photography specialties during the selection process. This includes, but is not limited to, portrait photography, wedding photography, commercial photography, fine art photography, fashion photography, wildlife photography, and more. Each specialty is evaluated based on specific criteria relevant to the field, ensuring that only top professionals in each area are selected.
  • Is there a fee for participating in the selection process?
    Yes, there is a fee associated with participating in the Global Photographers Association's selection process. This fee is used to cover the costs of the comprehensive evaluation, research, and review performed by the Master Lens Panel and other selection processes.
  • How are final selections made?
    Final selections for the Global Photographers Association are made through a thorough review by the Master Lens Panel and a final ethics review. Candidates must excel in multiple evaluation criteria, including portfolio quality and professional activities, to be considered. The top 5% of photographers in each specialty are selected, with all credentials verified before final approval.
  • How do photographers get nominated?
    Photographers are nominated by peers or identified by the GPA’s research team. Formal nominations are required to enter the candidate pool.
  • How long does the selection process take?
    The selection process for the Global Photographers Association can take several months. It involves multiple stages, including nominations, independent research, evaluation by the Master Lens Panel, and an ethics review. Each stage is thorough to ensure only the top photographers are selected.
  • Is there an appeal process if a photographer is not selected?
    No, there is no formal appeal process if a photographer is not selected by the Global Photographers Association. The selection process is thorough and final, with only those meeting all criteria being chosen.
  • Can selected photographers use the GPA logo in their marketing materials?
    Yes, selected photographers can use the Global Photographers Association (GPA) logo in their marketing materials. This logo serves as a mark of distinction and recognition, indicating that the photographer has met the high standards required by the GPA.
  • What happens after a photographer is selected?
    After a photographer is selected by the Global Photographers Association, they receive a formal invitation to join the organization. The photographer’s credentials are then verified, and they are provided with access to GPA’s resources, recognition, and opportunities to showcase their work. The selected photographers may also display the GPA badge on their website or studio as a mark of excellence.
  • Can I hire a professional for international projects through GPA?
    Yes, GPA’s global network includes professionals from around the world. This allows clients to find and hire experts for international projects, whether they require photography, videography, editing, or branding services in different countries.
  • Can I find a photographer, videographer, or video editor near me through GPA?
    Yes, GPA’s directory allows clients to search for professionals by location. Whether you need a local expert or are looking for someone in a specific region, GPA makes it easy to find top-rated services near you.
  • What makes GPA professionals stand out?
    GPA professionals stand out for their commitment to excellence, demonstrated through their portfolios, client satisfaction, industry recognition, and adherence to ethical standards. This makes them some of the most reliable and talented professionals in their fields.
  • How often is the GPA directory updated?
    The GPA directory is regularly updated to include new members who have met the association’s strict selection criteria. This ensures that clients always have access to the best and most current professionals in the industry.
  • How can I be sure of the quality of the services offered?
    The quality of services offered by GPA-listed professionals is ensured through their rigorous selection process. Each professional must demonstrate excellence in their portfolio, client satisfaction, and industry recognition, making them reliable choices for your project.
  • How do I know if a professional is available for my project dates?
    To check a professional’s availability, you can contact them directly through their GPA profile. Scheduling is managed individually by each service provider, so it’s important to discuss your project dates and requirements early.
  • How are the listed professionals evaluated?
    Professionals listed on GPA are evaluated based on 12 unique criteria, including portfolio quality, client reviews, professional development, certifications, and experience. This comprehensive evaluation ensures that every professional meets the high standards set by GPA, providing clients with confidence in their chosen expert.
  • How do I contact a professional listed on GPA?
    You can contact professionals directly through their profiles on the GPA website. Each profile includes contact information and links to the professional’s website, making it easy to get in touch and discuss your project needs.
  • How does GPA ensure the professionalism of its members?
    GPA ensures the professionalism of its members through a strict selection process that includes an ethics review and continuous professional development requirements. Members must maintain high standards in their work and conduct to remain in good standing with GPA.
  • What is the Global Photographers Association (GPA)?
    The GPA is a prestigious global organization that connects clients with highly qualified photographers, videographers, video editors, and marketing & branding professionals. The GPA’s mission is to elevate the standards of the industry by recognizing and promoting professionals who demonstrate exceptional skill, creativity, and adherence to ethical standards.
  • Are there any additional costs for using GPA’s services?
    GPA does not charge clients for accessing its directory or contacting professionals. However, the cost of hiring professionals is determined by the service provider and is negotiated directly between the client and the professional.
  • How can I verify the credentials of a professional listed on GPA?
    GPA professionals undergo a credential verification process during selection. Their certifications, awards, and other credentials are often listed on their profiles, providing clients with assurance of their qualifications and expertise.
  • What services can I find through GPA?
    Through GPA, clients can access a wide range of services, including photography, videography, video editing, and marketing & branding. Whether you need a photographer for a wedding, a videographer for a commercial project, or a video editor to enhance your content, GPA connects you with top professionals globally.
  • What if I’m not satisfied with the service I receive?
    If you are not satisfied with the service you receive, GPA encourages you to provide feedback. This helps GPA maintain the quality of professionals listed and address any issues. Clients can report concerns to GPA for review, ensuring accountability among its members.
  • Can I see examples of work from GPA-listed professionals?
    Yes, many GPA-listed professionals showcase their portfolios on their profiles. This allows clients to view examples of their work, giving them a better understanding of the professional’s style and quality before making a hiring decision.
  • How can GPA help me find the right Professional?
    GPA’s directory offers a curated selection of professionals who have undergone a rigorous evaluation process. Each professional is assessed on 12 unique criteria to ensure they meet the highest standards in their respective fields, making it easier for clients to find reliable and talented experts for their projects.
  • How can I learn more about GPA and its services?
    To learn more about GPA, including its selection process, member benefits, and how to find the right professional for your needs, visit the officialGlobal Photographers Association website. The website provides comprehensive information and resources to help you connect with top professionals worldwide.
  • Are the professionals listed on GPA trustworthy?
    Yes, professionals on GPA have passed a thorough ethics review and are required to adhere to strict professional guidelines. This ensures that clients are working with trustworthy individuals who are committed to delivering quality services and maintaining high ethical standards.
  • What types of photography, videography, video editing, and marketing services are available?
    GPA features a wide range of services across various specialties, including wedding photography, portrait photography, commercial videography, video editing, brand development, and more. The diversity of services ensures that clients can find the right expert for any type of project.
  • Can I leave a review for a professional I hired through GPA?
    Yes, clients are encouraged to leave reviews for professionals they hire through GPA. These reviews help other clients make informed decisions and contribute to maintaining high standards within the GPA community.
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  • Where can I add my FAQs?
    FAQs can be added to any page on your site or to your Wix mobile app, giving access to members on the go.
  • What is the Global Photographers Association (GPA)?
    The Global Photographers Association is a professional organization dedicated to photographers, videographers, photo editors, and video editors worldwide. We offer certifications, workshops, and an annual Photography Awards Gala to help our members enhance their skills and achieve recognition in their field.
  • How do I become a member of the GPA?
    To become a member of the Global Photographers Association (GPA), candidates are evaluated through a rigorous selection process that includes a peer review, assessment of professional achievements, and validation of industry contributions. Only those who meet our high standards of excellence are granted membership. For the complete selection process, please visit our selection process page.
  • How much does it cost to join the GPA?
    Membership fees vary depending on the level of membership you choose. We offer several tiers, including Basic, Professional, and Elite memberships, each with its own set of benefits. Please visit our membership page for detailed pricing information.
  • What are the benefits of joining the GPA?
    As a member of the Global Photographers Association (GPA), you'll gain access to an array of exclusive benefits designed to enhance your professional credibility and connect you with clients worldwide: Logo and Trademark Use Custom Plaque Custom Crystal Statue Creator Visibility Client Leads Community Support Membership Discount Peer endorsement member Toolkit Business Profile Page Ethic badge

Have a Question

For questions on the selection process, please email us

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