Bylaws

ARTICLE 1. IDENTIFICATION

SECTION 1. Name. The name of this organization shall be Professional Photographers Guild of Mid-Florida, and hereafter known as PPGMF.

SECTION 2. Location. The location of this organization will be in the general area of Polk, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties.

ARTICLE II. OBJECT AND PURPOSE

Operating not for profit, the object and purpose of the PPGMF shall be to constantly elevate the standards of photography, both professionally and ethically and to improve the economic condition of the professional photographer. To create, foster, and to maintain cordial and ethical relations among its members. To educate and stimulate the public to good photography.

ARTICLE Ill. MEMBERSHIP AND DUES

SECTION 1. All members must subscribe to the PPGMF code of ethics which follows:

I having been accepted into membership in the Mid-Florida Professional Photographers do solemnly agree that;

(a) I will endeavor to maintain a dignity of manner in my behavior in the presentation of my photography and photographic services, in my appearance and that of my studio or place of business, and in all other forms of public contact.

(b) I will observe the highest standard of honesty in all my transactions, avoiding the use of false, confusing, inaccurate and misleading terms, descriptions and claims.

(c) I will at all times endeavor to produce photographs of a quality equal to or superior to the samples I display, to apply my best efforts towards providing the best possible photographic services and to play my part in raising the general standard of photographic craftsmanship.

(d) I will show a friendly spirit of cooperation to fellow professional photographers and assist them whenever possible, should they be in trouble or difficulty.

(e) I will at all times avoid the use of unfair competitive practices as determined by any court of competent jurisdiction, the Federal anti-trust laws and related statutes.

(f) I will assist my fellow photographers and share my knowledge with them and encourage them individually and collectively to achieve and maintain the highest standards of quality.

(g) I will recognize the authority of this association in all matters relating to the interpretation of the code in accordance with the statutes of the United States and the various states and the decisions of courts and the government agencies of competent jurisdiction.

SECTION 2. Applications for membership must be presented to the Membership Chairman accompanied by proper dues payment. The final decision of an applicant’s request for membership shall be vested with the Board of Directors.

SECTION 3. The membership of the PPGMF shall consist of six classes:

(a) Active membership shall be granted to one who has been actively engaged in professional photography or as a photographic artist for a minimum of one year and derives a substantial portion of their income from photography. An applicant for Active Membership must submit at least ten (10) representative samples of their work to the PPGMF Board of Directors, fors for review. If a majority of the Board of Directors does not accept the submissions as marketable professional photography, the applicant shall be accepted as an Aspiring Member and may reapply for Active Membership in twelve (12) months or at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Active Members shall have the right to hold office in the PPGMF and to vote with respect to its affairs in general.

(b) Honorary Live Membership shall be limited to such individuals who by the determination of the Board of Directors have performed outstanding contributions to photography in general and to the PPGMF in particular, and who are elected to such membership by the Board of Directors. All Honorary Life members shall enjoy the same rights and privileges of an Active Member.

(c) Associate Membership shall be a person professionally engaged in the field of photography, but not qualified for Active Membership. Associated Members may not hold office in the PPGMF.

(d) Aspiring Members shall be granted to any person who neither qualifies as an Active or Associate Member, but who aspires to become an active professional photographer. This membership is available for twelve (12) months with a twelve month renewal available by approval by the Board of Directors. An Aspiring member may not use the seal or symbol of the PPGMF in any way and is not entitled to any of the rights or privileges of Active Members.

(e) Service Membership shall be granted to a firm or individual providing products or services to photographers. This member cannot hold office nor have voting powers.

(f) Student Membership shall be an individual who is a fun time student of any recognized school of photography and who can provide authentic student identification. A student member may not use the seal or symbol of the PPGMF in any way and is not entitled to any of the rights or privileges of an Active member.

SECTION 4. The fiscal year shall be from January 1 through December 31.

SECTION 5. Dues:

(a) The Board of Directors shall determine the amount and the manner of payment of all membership dues. Subject to a majority vote of all Active Members at a regular meeting provided a quorum of 25% Active Members are present.

(b) All dues become due and payable the first day of January. Any member failing to remit their dues within the 30 days shall be considered in arrears. Failure to remit dues after 60 days shall be considered cause for cancellation of membership.

(c) Honorary Life Members shall be exempt from dues.

(d) The Board may, at its discretion, waive a members dues due to special circumstances.

ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS

SECTION 1. The Officers of the PPGMF shall consist of a President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Recording Secretary, and shall be Active Members in good standing. The term of office is one year each. An Officer shall not hold the same office more than two consecutive terms. All officers shall attend all Board and General Meetings unless an absence is excused by the Board of Directors.

SECTION 2. Nomination of candidates for office shall take place in October. Elections shall take place in November. New officers shall take office in January.

ARTICLE V. DUTY OF OFFICERS

SECTION 1. President – The President shall preside at all meetings of the PPGMF and appoint all committees chair-persons.

SECTION 2. Vice President – The Vice President shall in the absence of the President, perform his duties. He shall also be Program Chairman in charge of securing talent, schedule all speakers, demonstrations and other programs of the PPGMF. Shall compile all bills and pass on to the Treasurer for payment. Secure FPP and PPA merits for speakers when applicable.

SECTION 3. Recording Secretary – The Recording Secretary shall attend all meetings of the PPGMF and of the Board of Directors. Record and file minutes of all proceedings and execute such correspondence as he or she may be instructed to perform by the President or Board of Directors. The Secretary shall also handle all correspondence not otherwise assigned and maintain a file of such correspondence.

SECTION 4. Treasurer – The Treasurer shall receive all monies of the PPGMF and shall deposit same as a separate account in a bank, which shall be designated by the Treasurer with the approval of the Board of Directors, in the name PPGMF. He shall keep proper records and accounts and pay all bills for the monies deposited when approved by the Board of Directors. All Checks must be signed by either the Treasurer or the President. He shall present a report of financial condition of the PPGMF at each meeting and submit an annual report of the financial condition of the PPGMF. He shall keep accurate records of each member’s dues payments, submitting bills and collecting same.

ARTICLE VI. ELECTIONS

SECTION 1. Election of Officers and Special Elections:

(a) Shall be by secret ballot, a majority vote of those eligible voters present and voting shall elect.

(b) Eligible voters are Active and Associate members who are in good standing

(c) In any other election at the request of the Board of Directors and/or a majority vote by all the eligible members at a meeting, a special election may be conducted and shall be referred to as a Special Election.

SECTION 2. When only one name has been placed in nomination for an office, election shall be by acclamation.

SECTION 3. Election of Officers shall take place at the regular meeting in the month of November. Nominations may be made from the floor prior to casting of ballots. The Secretary shall keep a record of the eligible voters and pass the ballots to them.

ARTICLE VII. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SECTION I. The Board shall consist of all four (4) officers and the elected Directors.

(a) The Nominating Committee will present at least six (6) names at the October meeting and voting will take place at the November meeting.

(b) The term of office will be for one (I) year

(c) Past Presidents may sit as advisors to the Board with no vote.

(d) Directors must be Active or Honorary Life Members in good standing.

SECTION 2. No officer or member of the PPGMF shall make any commitment in the name of the PPGMF without written authorization of the Board. The Board shall convene at intervals not to exceed 90 days.

SECT! ON 3. The Board of Directors shall have the control of and manage the affairs of the Corporation, with authority to establish and maintain rules and regulations to be known as, Rules and Regulations of the Professional Photographers Guild of Mid-Florida, Inc., and to do anything necessary and desirable in the conduct of the business of the Corporation in accordance with By Laws and Rules and Regulations.

SECTION 4. Absence – Any Board member absent from a meeting shall notify in advance the President or Secretary stating the reason for his or her absence. The Board of Directors in attendance shall decide in each instance whether or not such absence is excusable. In the event there are three inexcusable absences on the part of the Board Member, his elected position shall be declared vacant.

SECTION 5. The Board of Directors by a majority vote of the full board, has the right to recommend removal from office and/or cancel membership in the PPGMF of any officer, director, or member for negligence of duty, misconduct that may jeopardize the welfare, interest, or character of the PPGMF. A majority vote of those in attendance at a general meeting is required for removal from office and/or membership, which is attended by at least 25% of the eligible members.

SECTION 6. Should there be any vacancy in the officers or the directors, an election shall be held in compliance with Article Vl, Section 1, within 30 days to fill such a vacancy for the expired term.

ARTICLE VIll. MEETINGS

SECTION 1. General meetings will be held on the third Thursday of each month whenever possible, and will not conflict with conferences of the Professional Photographers of America or the Florida Professional Photographers.

SECTION 2. Special meeting of the PPGMF may be called by the President or by petition of 30% of the voting membership.

SECTION 3. Proceedings shall be governed by the Roberts Rules of Order.

ARTICLE IX. ORDER OF BUSINESS

(1) Opening of the meeting by the President.

(2) Reading of minutes of previous meeting by the Recording Secretary.

(3) Reading of correspondence by the Secretary.

(4) Treasurers report.

(5) Reports of committees.

(6) Unfinished business.

(7) New business.

(8) Program.

(9) Adjournment.

CODE OF ETHICS

Having been accepted into membership in the Professional Photographer Guild of Mid-Florida, I do hereby subscribe without reservation to this Code of Ethics, and do solemnly agree that:

A. I will endeavor to maintain a dignity of manner in my behavior in the presentation of my photography and photographic services, in my appearance and that of my studio or place of business, and in all other forms of public contact.

B. I will observe the highest standard of honesty in all my transactions, avoiding the use of false, confusing, inaccurate and misleading terms, descriptions and claims.

C. I will at all times endeavor to produce photographs of a quality equal to or superior to the samples I display, to apply my best efforts towards providing the best possible photographic services and to play my part in raising the general standard of photographic craftsmanship.

D. I will show a friendly spirit of cooperation to fellow professional photographers and assist them whenever possible should they be in trouble or difficulty.

E. I will at all times avoid the use of unfair competitive practices as determined by any court of competent jurisdiction, the Federal antitrust laws and related statutes.

F. I will assist my fellow photographers and share my knowledge with them and encourage them individually and collectively to achieve and maintain the highest standards of quality.

G. I will recognize the authority of this association in all matters relating to the interpretation of the Code in accordance with the statutes of the United States and the various states and the decisions of courts and governmental agencies of competent jurisdiction.

RULES & REGULATIONS OF THE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS GUILD OF MID-FLORlDA

( I) All Officers and Board of Directors shall be members, in good standing, of the Florida Professional Photographers, Inc. The President must also be a member of the Professional Photographers of America, Inc.

(2) For any member to be considered for Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, or President. he or she must have served as a Board of Director for at least one year.

(3) A charge of $25 will be incurred by any member who attends a general meeting where a meal is served but does not eat. This charge shall be known as a Program Fee. Any member who attends a general meeting where a meal is served and does eat shall pay $25.

(4) The PPGMF Delegate shall be reimbursed for expenses, with proper receipts, up to the amount budgeted each year for such reimbursement.

(5) Any person who is not a member of the PPGMF may attend two general meetings by paying the meal fee. After two meetings the person must join the association or may not attend any further meetings.

(6) Membership Dues for the PPGMF are as follows:

Active
Additional Active
Associate
Aspiring
Student
Life