Welcome! We’re happy you’re here to learn what we’re all about and what we have a lot to offer! Many professionals have shared that they feel intimidated about joining this group after seeing the caliber of the work produced by our members. Please know the UPAA prides itself on its warm, welcoming and collaborative culture and recognizes that everyone has something to learn and something to teach! If you have any questions, please visit the leadership page to connect with the board member or chairperson who may best be able to help you.
We hope you’ll join us!
Warmly,
Cydney Scott
President, UPAA
Boston University
Mission Statement
The University Photographers’ Association of America (UPAA) is an international organization of college and university photographers and videographers concerned with the application and practice of their work as it relates to the higher education setting. Our organization is committed to professional excellence by providing support, education, networking opportunities with our professional colleagues, and promotion of these university creatives and their profession.
A Bit of History
Founded November 12, 1961 by a group of New England photographers, UPAA has expanded to include members from 2-year, 4-year, public and private universities and colleges from across the United States and beyond. The UPAA represents the very best in Higher Education photography and our membership is 550 and growing!
What We Offer
Competitions - We offer a variety of ways to join in friendly competition. Visit our Competitions page to learn all about them.
UPAA Live - Educational online presentations on topics helpful to higher education photographers and videographers take place monthly and are stored on our YouTube page to view at any time.
Facebook - Our private group is an active space for members to share in career discussion, and seek and share advice.
Annual Symposium four to five days, hosted every summer at a different institution, our symposiums are packed with networking, connecting, workshops, and presentations by industry professionals. It’s a great opportunity to make new friends and connect with existing ones.
Surveys - Our surveys maintain a record of annual salary trends through the years as well as some insight into Digital Asset Management trends and more.
UPAA Society of Creative Partners offers members an opportunity to connect beyond the annual Symposium. Society Circles consist of 3–5 UPAA members representing institutions of varying sizes and a range of experience levels, and may span multiple time zones.
Mentorship Program - Our Mentorship Program pairs members with one another for more personal professional feedback and support.
The Contact Sheet - Our previously printed-now-digital magazine is released annually and recaps the year's events while sharing the state of the UPAA.
Depth in Field - Our online blog has frequent posts about all things photo and video. Written by members, we always welcome new article ideas and members interested in contributing.
Corporate Partners - Relationships with industry leaders afford us many benefits, including access to manufacture representatives, discounts, and feature speakers at the Symposium. One key benefit we enjoy is professional service at the Symposium which includes, Clean and Check service and loaner equipment.
Membership Types
- Full Membership $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. Freelancing retirees who would like to continue to enter in the Student and Associate categories should choose this membership.
- 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.
We are steadily developing specialized offerings tailored to the unique needs of our growing hybrid and video production members. These members are encouraged to provide input that will contribute to the growth of this part of our membership.
Learn More About UPAA
Awards Contests Corporate Partners
Contact Us
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