Mission Statement
The UPAA is an international organization of college and university photographers concerned with the application and practice of photography as it relates to the higher education setting. Our organization is committed to photographic excellence through continuing education and networking with our professional colleagues.
Membership
- Full Member (photo or video) $175/year- Current employees whose primary job is photography, video, or a hybrid of both.
- Associate Membership $85/year- Friends of the profession or freelancers.
- Student Membership $25/year
- Retired Membership $50/year
- Membership is active from July 1 to June 30, new members who join late in the year are granted an extension into the following year.
- For a full description of membership qualifications please see the UPAA Constitution.
President's Message
Since its founding in 1961, the University Photographers’ Association of America (UPAA) has provided support, education, and promotion of university photographers and their profession. The UPAA accomplishes this in a variety of ways - educational online presentations on topics helpful to higher education photographers called UPAA Live, discussion and support via the facebook page, the Monthly Image Contest (MIC) and Annual Photo Contest (APC), and our annual Symposium focused on professional development, mentorship and connection.
Every summer, we gather for our Symposium, four to five days packed with learning, networking, connecting, workshops, and presentations by industry professionals. It’s a great opportunity to make new friends and connect with existing ones.
We are steadily developing specialized offerings tailored to the unique needs of our growing hybrid and video production members. These professionals are encouraged provide input that will contribute to the growth of this part of our membership.
As a member, you also have access to our surveys, which include an annual review of salary trends and other topics relevant to university photographers. Our Creative Partners program is a great way to regularly connect with a small cohort of members of all skill levels for feedback, inspiration, and camaraderie with others in the field, and our newly established Mentorship Program pairs members with one another for more personal professional feedback and support.
Our magazine, The Contact Sheet is produced once a year and mailed to each member, and our blog, Depth in Field, has frequent posts about all things photo and video. Written by members, we always welcome new article ideas and members interested in contributing to the blog.
If you have any questions, visit the leadership page to connect with the board member or chairperson who may best be able to help you.
I hope you’ll explore this website, see yourself in this incredible group of humans, and join us!
Warmly,
Cydney Scott, UPAA President
Boston University
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Mailing Address
University Photographers’ Association of America
33 Brackett Street
Medford, MA 02155
For billing questions treasurer@upaa.org
Official Address (do not send mail to this address)
UPAA
601 Abbott Rd
East Lansing, MI 48823
The UPAA is a registered 501 C(6) nonprofit organization. Incorporated in the state of Michigan.
Tax ID Number (TIN): 30-0674321
UPAA 2025 W9