Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA)

I received an email this morning that I was accepted into the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA). I am ecstatic and it made my Monday.


The following two paragraphs are from the WPJA website.

The Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA), an International, membership-based organization, represents professional photographers skilled in the documentation of weddings and events in a candid, unobtrusive style. The WPJA was founded to uphold excellence in the area of wedding photojournalism.

Leading the way in Wedding Photojournalism, WPJA represents the most discriminating talent around the world technically, creatively and visually. Qualified members hold industry-leading standards, skills and business integrity.

To be accepted into WPJA, you must submit your website for evaluation. One of the criteria for membership is that at least 80% of your images must be of "real moments." These are images that are not posed or set up by the photographer but are documented as they happen, in a skillful, original and creative way. Other standards include image quality, correct use of lighting, limited use of digital manipulated (overuse of photoshop effects), factual and knowledgeable statements, and of course good business ethics. I can't wait to start entering in the contests.