WHAT IS PSA: The letters PSA stand for the Photographic Society of America. PSA is a non-profit educational organization devoted to developing the arts and sciences of photography.

WHERE IS PSA LOCATED: PSA is an organization mainly based in the United States, but there are also members in many foreign countries around the world. Membership stands at over 4,000 photographers.

WHAT TYPE OF PERSON BELONGS: membership ranges all the way from young people in their teens who are just learning photography to professional photographers who still enjoy the camaraderie of PSA’s activities and conventions. In between is the majority of the membership who are beginning amateurs with their first camera to serious hobbyists who have reached a pinnacle of photographic proficiency.

DO I HAVE TO USE SPECIAL EQUIPMENT TO BE ELIGIBLE: Membership is as diverse as the kind of cameras they use. Members use from the simplest range finder and point-and-shoot to a sophisticated 35mm outfit. Many members are interested in stereo cameras, videos, and large format cameras. There are also members who are just as interested in the process of photography with its chemicals and formulas, darkroom equipment and techniques.

HOW CAN I BECOME A MEMBER OF PSA: Anyone who is interested in increasing his/her knowledge of photography may apply for memberships. You need to fill out and submit an application along with a check made out to The photographic Society of America, 3000 United Founders Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73112.

Applications may be obtained on the web at www.psaphoto.org or the address above. However, there are applications at many local area events, such as the Connecticut Association of Photographers, the Yankee Photographic Society, the NECCC conference at Amherst, Mass. in July, and at area camera clubs. PSA maintains volunteer representatives in all states to contact you personally should you have any questions prior to or after joining PSA. In this area, you may contact: Charles H. Perry, MNEC, 20 Oak Hill Dr., Putnam, Ct. 06260 (Phone (860) 928-0372).

WHAT WILL I GET FOR MY DUES: Each month you will receive a copy of the PSA Journal, a magazine of interesting articles and photographs aimed at helping you increase your interest and proficiency in photography. You have the opportunity to participate in the many opportunities offered by PSA’s seven divisions: Color Projected Image, Photojournalism, Pictorial Prints,  Electronic Imaging, Nature, Photo Travel,  and Stereo.

IS THERE ANY OTHER EXTRA COST BEYOND MY DUES? Yes, for those who wish to participate in the various slide circuits and to borrow PSA slide sets, there is an extra assessment to cover the cost of postage and mailing.

WHAT OTHER SPECIAL BENEFITS CAN I DERIVE FROM PSA? PSA sponsors group photo tours, maintains a library of photo books which can be borrowed, sponsors special Youth Photographic activities, has a Master Mailing List for those who wish to receive applications for the world’s photo salons, has a network of Travel Aids throughout the world who are willing to give photo and travel information to help you in planning your travels, has a sound workshop service for giving advice on taping and audio-visual problems, has a Nature identification service to help you identify plants and animals in your photography, sponsors a slide project library for those who wish to donate or “will” their slide collections for school and institution use, published a series of Photo-travel Guidelines aimed at travel photography, has a Star Rating system for recognition and honoring its members who achieve outstanding success in the competition field , and a similar award system for those members who contribute to the literary aspect of the magazine. Similar services are also available to clubs who join PSA.

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