If you are commissioning a photographer their work is all dependant on their portfolio. Nothing else really matters, they could belong to all the trade organisations with loads of letters after their name, but these are paid for and does not guarantee quality. The photography market has changed and lots of amateurs are around, but a good look at their portfolio and some of their most recent commissions will so you wether they are suited to your commission.

I have been a corporate photographer for over 20 years and have noticed a big change in the last couple of years regarding what clients expect from a photographer. Clients seem to expect to pay less for photography if it is going on a website instead of in a brochure. Also with the ease of purchasing stock photography the normal revenue streams for professionals have been reduced. The advent of good digital cameras has allowed clients to have a go at doing photography themselves and although the results are not bad they often pass as it is a cost saving exercise. I now work as a social media photographer and I think you need to find a niche and pursue that market to be successful. Grant

Some of these bodies are more reputable than others. Others will allow anyone who can pay the dues to be members.

It's sort of like Canon Professional Services' latest criteria for inclusion for membership.

The Better Business Bureau operates like that too. It's shocking, at least, it was to me.

They actually charge you to be listed in their directory.

I didn't realize this until I got a solicitation from their sales rep.

Your other points are spot-on. And I couldn't agree more.

Now that I teach photography part-time, I emphasize "creative rights" to my students. Wish my photography instructor had done so years ago.

1a) Make sure your "photographer" is indeed a bona-fide professional and not some Joe with a website, one camera, one flashgun and the knowledge to set it all to "auto". Most amateurs posing as pros aren't available during the week as they are at their day job. Check their "availability".

1b) Professional photographers normally belong to a trade association or body.

1c) If your photographer charges by the hour or is willing to throw you every frame from the shoot plus an unlimited licence for cheaper than all your other quotes then congratualtions. You've discovered the local "dump and run" merchant. Save your money as you'll get the same quality as if you bought the camera and shot it yourself.

See the five common types of photographers and what they stand for here:

http://www.thephotographybiz.com/comment/five-types-of-professional-photographer-which-one-are-you/

PP