The BAPLA Academy is a new online platform created by the British Association of Picture Libraries and Agencies. The academy, which launches in May 2011, enables all members to learn more about the professional side of photography. In addition to advice from picture library professionals about copyright and keeping pictures safe from image thieves, helpful hints and resources, there will also be an opportunity to showcase the best work to the professionals and to sell prints to the public. “It is a unique opportunity,” says Simon Cliffe, BAPLA’s executive director (pictured), “to link into the expertise and resources of the people that sell images on a daily basis.” Academy membership costs £49 a year with discounts for students.

Website: The BAPLA Academy

BAPLA Press Release

Snap! You’re part of the global picture

A new resource for keen amateur photographers and photography students gives unprecedented access to the skills and knowledge base of the professional picture library world.

In addition to advice from picture library professionals about copyright and keeping pictures safe from image thieves, helpful hints and resources, there will also be an opportunity to showcase the best work to the professionals and to sell prints to the public.

These new services are offered in a new online platform launched by the British Association of Picture Libraries and Agencies (BAPLA) called the BAPLA Academy.

The BAPLA Academy enables all members of the academy to learn more about the professional side of photography. It is a unique opportunity, says Simon Cliffe, BAPLA’s executive director, to link into the expertise and resources of the people that sell images on a daily basis.

And it’s not expensive: academy membership costs £49 a year with discounts for students.

BAPLA represents nearly 300 picture libraries and picture agencies, including all the major news, stock and production agencies in the UK. A substantial percentage of images in daily national newspapers, books and on television are supplied by BAPLA members as well as many images used commercially online.

Members of the academy receive access to regular coaching examples, on copyright education, how to keep their images safe from exploitation and how to protect themselves from image theft amongst a whole raft of other topics relevant to photographers today.

Cliffe says: ““We’re launching the academy in an era when anyone with a digital camera and with access to a digital platform can become some form of published photographer. That’s good, but it leaves their pictures at risk of being exploited.”

“We want to gather as many of these people together as possible and, with the help of our picture library members, give them the tools to protect themselves. The foundation of our industry is copyright and we live or die on our ability to protect our images.”

The BAPLA Academy shop offers members a window to the outside world, where the public can search and buy their pictures as prints.

Regular competitions will identify and showcase the best work in the academy which will then be displayed to BAPLA’s full picture library membership. Regular portfolio reviews will introduce members to the best picture editors in the business, offering cutting-edge commercial feedback, tips on trends and advice on their work.

The academy will also provide training, resources and seminars to educate photographers and enhance their knowledge. Members also benefit from discounts, workshops, exhibitions and online competitions.

The BAPLA Academy officially launches in May 2011.

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