The Photographic Society of America is one of the largest non-profit organizations for photographers and photographic organizations. PSA was established in 1934 and they have members in over 60 countries.
PSA’s Mission
- To promote the art and science of photography as a means of communication, image appreciation, and cultural exchange.
- Provide education, information, inspiration, and opportunity to all persons interested in photography.
- Foster personal growth and expression, creativity, excellence, and ethical conduct in all aspects of photographic endeavor.
PSA Club Benefits
While many of the PSA benefits are designed for individuals, the Speakers Bureau is a helpful aid for clubs. During the pandemic, the PSA Travel Division invented the Presenters Bureau, which provided a list of virtual presentations to clubs not meeting in person. Building on this successful model, PSA changed the name to Speakers Bureau and broadened the scope to include a larger group of presenters and topics to appeal to a wider group of clubs. If you’re interested in virtual programs for your club, this service is for you!
Club Judging Services are available to PSA member clubs who wish to have their club members’ images scored and critiqued. This very popular service is meant to be a learning tool by providing feedback on images.
PSA has qualified judges who volunteer their judging services. Allow for proper lead time and scheduling for activities such as monthly club critiques and end-of-year scoring.
The Image Analysis Workshop is a 2- to 3-hour workshop offered to PSA-member clubs and councils. It is an introduction to analyzing images and is like the online course offered to PSA individual members. The workshop is presented by a trained leader to cover topics such as: what is image analysis; analyzing an image using elements such as impact, composition, lighting, and creativity; and identifying trouble areas such as distractions and split interest. It also covers eye movement.
The workshop is a “hands-on,” interactive course limited to eight active participants and unlimited observers who do not participate in the workshop. The first part of the workshop incorporates example images corresponding to the topic being discussed. Each participant will analyze an image related to the subject just covered. The second part of the workshop uses images submitted by the participants who then discuss and critique each other’s images. This workshop has been an effective tool in providing information to improving one’s photography.
PSA Journal
The PSA Journal is published monthly with articles written by members and industry experts. Articles include “how-to” ideas, techniques, and cover a variety of topics of interests to the photography enthusiast.
The Journal is a member benefit and is available online or through the postal service, depending on the membership type. The PSA Journal is copyrighted by the authors, photographers, and PSA, and may not be reproduced, in any part, without prior permission.
Educational Opportunities
Online Courses
Online Courses cover a variety of subjects from the History of Photography, to Still Life, and Portrait Photography. Image Evaluation and Image Critique courses will help you evaluate your own and others photography. Introduction to Photoshop will help improve necessary processing skills.
New courses are constantly being added and our instructors are located worldwide. Courses are for both the beginner and advanced student.
Study Groups
The Division Study Groups are small groups of photographers, from all experience levels beginner to pro, who share an interest in a particular type of photography, such as nature, monochrome, macro, etc. and groups are available in all PSA Divisions
Webinars
Members have access to a wide range of educational and motivational webinars. Webinars include subjects from how to photograph landscapes, street photography, software reviews. After the initial presentation, the webinars are available in our digital libraries.
Mentors and Consultants
Mentors offer their expertise to members who wish to explore a specific photography topic, whether this is a new interest or a topic.
Black & White, Cell Phone, Waterfall, Underwater, HDR, and Wildlife Photography
Creating Digital Shows,
Visual Storytelling
Subjects added frequently
Consultants provide advice and help with PSA exhibitions and recognition.
Individual Member & Chapter Competitions
Competitions are held throughout the year by PSA Divisions for individual members, usually divided by level of expertise.
Travel Advisory Service: Travel Aides
Travel Aides are PSA members who will provide information about what, when, and where to photograph in a specific geographic area.
Travel Aides are found all over the world, in many of the more than 70 countries. No matter where you are traveling – in the States or abroad – we may have a Travel Aide who is knowledgeable about photography in that area.
Discounts
Camera Equipment
Sony would like to offer you an exclusive rebate off your next purchase of one camera or lens.
Offer: 10% post-purchase rebate off of one eligible Sony camera or lens. The rebate is in the form of a visa card. Full instructions are emailed to you with your unique code once you submit.
Education
Fine Art Photography Masterclass with Serge Ramelli
This class will teach you how to shoot and retouch fine art photography professionally.
KelbyOne
KelbyOne makes learning Photoshop, Lightroom, and Photography easy!
Save $20 on an annual Pro membership.
Software
Luminar Neo
Luminar Neo is a creative image editor driven by AI technologies. It empowers amateur and professional photographers to bring their boldest ideas to life… and enjoy it. An easy to use photo editing software, powered by AI-technologies to bring the best results without any effort.
Capture One Pro
Save 20%
Boris FX Optics
The Next Level Effects Plugin for Photoshop & Lightroom Classic
Optics is the definitive photographer’s plugin featuring 160 filters and thousands of creative presets to relight, color correct, stylize and manipulate images.
Save 20%
Photopia
Photopia ICT makes powerful video slideshow software that allows consumers and professionals to do more with their digital content.
Save 20% on subscription
TOPAZ
Transform your editing workflow with the most cutting-edge photo-editing technology available.
Save 15% on subscription
Events
Check out their website for events
PSA Galleries
Galleries are available to all members. First year members are spotlighted in their own “First year Member Gallery”. Members who have achieved photographic recognition are showcased in the Distinction Gallery. Members are invited to join the 365-Day Challenge, a daily assignment
