Membership Information
 

Read First: If you are interested in joining our Network please check our Unassigned Cities list for availability then return to this page. Even if a city is already taken, I am accepting back-up applications from individuals who will be contacted should the existing member for that city resign or be dismissed from the Network.

Network Description: The North American Dispatch Photographers Network, hereinafter referred to as "Network", is a cooperative referral network of independent photographers. We are photographers in cities and towns across North America who have joined together to collectively market our services to companies and individuals domestically and internationally. Each member photographer is a separate business entity. This Website and the Network is essentially an advertising vehicle for its members. I act as the Network Administrator.

Our aim is to provide customers anywhere in the world with remote photography services in the cities and towns where our members conduct their business. The Network members strive to offer quick response on-site digital photography services in a fairly consistent manner. Generally our fees range between $35-$50 per hour with a 2 to 3 hour minimum. However, some of our members prefer to price their services based on the specific requirements of each job. Many of our members also offer traditional photographic services at different price points. For the prospective member, the benefit of joining this Network is the exposure you get to customers anywhere in the world who need photographic services in your city. This Network connects you with customers near and far.

Being considered for Network membership is not an offer of employment nor is being a member of the Network a paid employment position. It is merely a way for existing photographers to supplement their income. I make no claims that being a Network member will provide you with a certain amount of income. As with any form of paid advertising there is no guarantee that participating in this Network will yield you any return on your investment. However, past experience shows that being a Network member increases the probability of obtaining paid photo gigs (see Advertising). We have several clients who use our Network members and we are working hard to expand our customer base. Members are not required to pay a commission to me or any other Network member for photo gigs they obtain as a result of being a Network member.

Members work with their customers directly and get paid by them directly. No payments go through me or any other Network member. To protect member privacy, members are not required to provide information to me or any Network member regarding any paid photo gigs you obtain as a result of being a Network member. Consequently I am not able to provide prospective members with specifics on the amount of work existing members are getting as a result of their participation in the Network. Remember, the Network is essentially an advertising vehicle for its members. The only money that Network members must pay me, the Network Administrator, is the initial listing fee and the annual membership dues. The 2008 membership dues amount to less then 50 cents per week. In return for that you get national and international exposure to customers through our advertising and Website.

I'm always looking for photographers who would be interested in joining our Network to represent North American cities not currently assigned. Each city is limited to one representative. You establish your own prices within the pricing guidelines listed below. You also establish your own terms, conditions and details outlining your services. As a member, you are encouraged to advertise your Dispatch Photography Services in your geographical area using Craigslist. You may also advertise in other mediums your choosing.

As long as members continue to meet the responsibilities listed above and pay their membership dues, they will be considered "Members in Good Standing". As such they may keep their assigned city or geographical area for as long as they wish. Members who fail to meet these responsibilities risk being removed from the Network.

Listing Fee: If you are approved and willing to accept the responsibilities of being a Network member, you will be asked to pay a one time non-refundable listing fee of $25. Upon receipt of the listing fee and membership dues, your contact information will be included on the Members page of the Website. Applicants are not to send in the listing fee or membership dues unless they are approved for membership and instructed to do so. PayPal is the preferred method of payment, however, a mailed check payable to me will be acceptable.

Membership Dues: The membership dues for 2008 are $24 covering the entire year. These dues are used to offset expenses incurred by me and other Network members who incur expenses on behalf of the Network. PayPal is the preferred method of payment. If a member has to be removed from the Network for failure to meet one or more of the responsibilities of Membership they will forfeit any paid dues. If a member in "Good Standing" chooses to resign for reasons unrelated to the responsibilities of membership, any paid dues will be refunded on a prorated basis. Dues will be prorated for new members joining in later months of 2008. Dues for calendar year 2009 will be $48 covering the entire year.

Exclusivity: One of the founding principles of this Network is that members not compete with one another, therefore I limit each city and its surrounding areas to one representative. However, larger metropolitan areas may, at my discretion, be divided into two or more geographical areas. The placement and the proximity of members to one another is a key issue. Even if a city is already taken, I am accepting back-up applications from individuals who will be contacted should the existing member for that city resign from the Network.

Members must live and work within the area they represent. All surrounding suburbs are included in the member's exclusive area. For example, I cover the Dallas/Ft. Worth area of Texas which covers dozens of other smaller cities all considered part of the metro area. Another consideration is whether Craigslist has established a particular city as a separate city listing on their Website. Most likely I would not name a person from a smaller city or town if it was not listed as a separate Craigslist city.

Deciding to Apply or Not: It is important that you weigh carefully your decision to apply for Membership. As noted above, being a Network member carries with it responsibilities. Meeting those responsibilities on an ongoing basis will ultimately benefit the individual member and all Network members in general. The actions of each member reflect on the entire Network. It is important that each member conduct their business dealings with their customers keeping in mind that they are a representative of the Network.

Applying for Membership: If after reviewing this information, you understand the benefits of being a Network member and are willing to fulfill all of the requirements spelled out above, please send an email to me at tim@dispatchphoto.com including the following items: