AIPP (australian Institute of Professional Photography) now has an 'Enthusiast' membership category. It is for:
"Anyone not currently operating as a professional photographer is eligible to become an AIPP "Enthusiast" and benefit from the association with Australia's leading professional photography community. To be an AIPP Enthusiast, we have one requirement: A LOVE of Photography and the desire to strive for more knowledge in Photography."
There are terrific benefits, you get:
* 3 excellent magazine subscriptions: The Working Pro; Better Digital & Better Photography, plus the AIPP E News;
* discounts on Capture magazine, Australian creative magazine, Ad News magazine & Photo review magazine - Discounted offer
* entry at a lower rate to AIPP events,
* Specialised photography Indemnity & insurance programs,
* The AIPP CPD Program (professional development);
* AIPP membership prices for all AIPP events
* Eligibility to enter Epson state print awards and the national Canon AIPP APPA awards (both from 2011*)
It is $120 the first year then $85 pa. The 3 magazine subscriptions are worth more than that!
So have a good think about supporting AIPP, they are always working for things like photographers rights etc so it is good for you and good for them.
I've joined and encourage anyone serious about their photography to do so.
http://www.aipp.com.au/aipphome.php?ID=526&cat=Join&A=