Reading the fine print – SWPP loses court case
If you want to join a professional business organisation, then do ask people what good they are for -your- business.
In my recent article on ‘How to become a professional photographer’ I noted that rather than join one of the photography organisations, I chose to become a member of the Federation of Small Businesses here in the UK, which is a general organisation offering benefits to small businesses (with the bonus that other members are potential clients 
Do read the comments about the SWPP and their actions from a fellow member of the Ecademy professional photographer’s business club concerning what happened when they tried to cancel their SWPP membership. I’m reminded that if you do decide to join one of the big photographer’s clubs, then as with anything, it looks worth reading the fine print…
The SWPP is one of the UK’s professional photography organisations.
Note – This post edited to remove direct quotes from the linked Ecademy thread, which I wholeheartedly suggest you read and make up your own mind. We received a rather unpleasant late night call from a Mr Phil Jones of the SWPP demanding we pull this story and threatening legal action. They seemingly deny the entire content of the Ecademy thread, however were unwilling to provide any rebuttal or response when we offered them the opportunity.
I note with interest Antoine’s comments below about the court judgement being on its way to the SWPP. I’m minded to believe that the SWPP did indeed lose their court case and that Mr Jones was perhaps not fully aware of the facts when he took to telephoning me late at night.
Thanks too for all the messages of support from other photographers 
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Mr Phil Jones cannot deny the content of any of my posts on the Internet. The judgement was given in Southend County Court and the SWPP BPPA, Phil Jones and Juliet Jones (claimants) should by now have received copy of the judgement and should be more than aware of the content.
And sorry to Dave Waller for using his URL instead of mine! ;-(
I have so many photographer-friends that have fallen foul of this particular organisation. Getting out once entangled is a mine field. Although I beth that their posturing and legal threats are never followed up. They are the butt of many jokes at social meetings and most photographers who have had dealing with them advise strongly against any involvement. They have a very poor reputation, earnt by their bully boy tactics.
And to end and refute Phil Jones’s denial: It was ordered by the Court that the claimant (SWPP) pay the defendant’s witness expenses summarily assessed at £55.00 by 4 PM on 5th August 2009.
Cheque was received today through the SWPP’s solicitors…
Thanks to all for following and hope many colleagues won’t fall for the polite facade of the SWPP BPPA…