ABOUT THE AAPP

Originally Australian Accredited Professional Photography began as Portrait Maker  in 1979 when a number of established Victorian  Professional  Photographers formed a marketing group.

With an emphasis on group marketing , the territory concept of  franchising was embraced  and members freely  shared their accumulated expertise with each other . Visiting speakers were engaged from interstate and overseas.

An established group of photographers in South Australia took a look at developments over the border in Victoria and “Portrait Maker” was ultimately launched in Adelaide.  Industry support was given , the National Seminar , National Print judging and Lensman awards evolved , along with a national body.   After a number of years a group of Photographers  in WA were approached and subsequently  WA became the third state  in the group.

The “Lensman” print judging and awards system was established,   Contributing greatly to the professionalism of the members.  The public could be assured of a consistent  high standard of photography and business ethics from studios identified as “Portrait Maker “ members.

Today AAPP is  member run , non profit organization ,  members in each  state decide on the use of funds and programs to be run.  They share ideas and experiences with a diversity of fellow professional’s within AAPP, yet compete healthy in the open  market.  A national body exists to co-ordinate matters common to participating  states.  Through the National body in recent years  a name change took  place, the current name was adopted.  The organization has opened up to various categories of membership, eg Country Associates. Corporate members and affiliates.  Its emphasis  is still on wedding and Portrait , but other categories  have been incorporated.

Credibility and accreditation flow from membership , and through the Awards system, in which all prints submitted for judging must come from client files.  The only exception being  an open section where members can submit their own creativity.