NPS - What qualifies?

[joe43]

That may be the case. You might be listed as a photographer for another photo organization, but outside of that, a website, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter presence is a big part of how many generate awareness and business. If you are not obviously trying to generate business and representing yourself professionally, the case for NPS membership is a lot harder.

I agree with Eric. I was turned down by Nikon twice for NPS as I do not generate "income from my photography." I told Nikon that in lieu of selling my work to the public, I donate images to non profits that then sell them at auctions or use them in other formats to raise money in support of their mission. I have also had them published in magazines, newsletters and books that may generate money for the non profit. I provided NPS with info backing up all of this. Nikon determined that my "donor model" would not qualify for NPS and the amount of $$$ I have invested in Nikon equipment , which far exceeds the NPS requirement, makes no difference to them given the way they define "Professional". If you do apply make sure you have a website that clearly shows that you are in the business of generating money from your Nikon equipment. I hate to say this, but my guess is that there are websites out there that may overstate the reality of one's photography "business."

 

[eft]

Nikon determined that my "donor model" would not qualify for NPS

This is most unfortunate and I empathize, but equally I understand that Nikon has to draw the line somewhere. There are always going to be people, myself among them, that feel the rules are unfair.

... I hate to say this, but my guess is that there are websites out there that may overstate the reality of one's photography "business".

I'd say your guess is a certainty, again making a mockery of the system. It's all smoke and mirrors but ultimately Nikon has to protect its brand.

I'm in a similar situation to you but I'm curious which Nikon territory you are dealing with?

 

[jeffnles1]

I agree with Eric. I was turned down by Nikon twice for NPS as I do not generate "income from my photography." I told Nikon that in lieu of selling my work to the public, I donate images to non profits that then sell them at auctions or use them in other formats to raise money in support of their mission. I have also had them published in magazines, newsletters and books that may generate money for the non profit. I provided NPS with info backing up all of this. Nikon determined that my "donor model" would not qualify for NPS and the amount of $$$ I have invested in Nikon equipment , which far exceeds the NPS requirement, makes no difference to them given the way they define "Professional". If you do apply make sure you have a website that clearly shows that you are in the business of generating money from your Nikon equipment. I hate to say this, but my guess is that there are websites out there that may overstate the reality of one's photography "business."

My take on NPS is something that had good intentions to cater to the working pros has, in reality, turned into a PR nightmare for Nikon. I doubt if many people have a big problem with priority treatment for repairs, loaners while the camera or lens is in the shop, invitations to industry events, etc. However, in these days of supply chain constraints and a year or two to get a product that has been ordered, moving NPS members to the front of the line at the expense of other consumers is creating PR problems for Nikon and I do wonder if the PR problems exceed whatever benefit the Company may get from the NPS memberships. Probably time to rethink the model and the benefits offered to members.

Jeff

 

[joe43]

For EFT and others, I live in Houston, TX in the US and applied to NPS at NikonUSA. I also sent a copy of my info to the Nikon rep that serves the retailer where I buy the majority of my Nikon cameras and lenses, Hunts Photo and Video. I did this as part of my plan to get a Z9 which I eventually got from Hunts.

 

[Roy]

How much "income" must be derived from photography to qualify for NPS. I can satisfy all of the gear requirements but photography is not my principal source of income - or even a large source of income and if you deducted expenses then ... . I just do not like being at the bottom of the list for new products, especially now that lens rollout is taking forever.

It depends on what region you live in.
Some NPS only require a few pieces of Pro gear others require a registered business or both ...

 

[EricBowles]

My take on NPS is something that had good intentions to cater to the working pros has, in reality, turned into a PR nightmare for Nikon. I doubt if many people have a big problem with priority treatment for repairs, loaners while the camera or lens is in the shop, invitations to industry events, etc. However, in these days of supply chain constraints and a year or two to get a product that has been ordered, moving NPS members to the front of the line at the expense of other consumers is creating PR problems for Nikon and I do wonder if the PR problems exceed whatever benefit the Company may get from the NPS memberships. Probably time to rethink the model and the benefits offered to members.

Jeff

It really depends on the item. With the Z9, the NPS priority backlog was cleared within 60 days of the initial shipment. But items like the 800mm PF and 400mm f/2.8 are manufactured in such limited supply that it takes a very long time to get them. In general, the number of NPS members is dwarfed by the amount of gear shipped to retailers without NPS priority.

The real benefits of NPS membership to pros comes from loaner gear and quick turnaround on service and repairs. For working pros, this translates into client benefits as well as pro benefits. But for a scarce item like a Z9, cameras were not available for loan until they were also in stock at retailers. And there is a cost for loaners - insurance and shipping are not covered by Nikon.

Canon and Sony have similar programs. Nikon's program has changed from a free program to a fee based program to receive many of these benefits. The cost of the program was raised this year. The most recent addition to the Nikon program is NPS-only webinars talking about the latest gear, features, or updates.

 

[pomkiwi]

In the UK, NPS membership requires one to be a full-time professional photographer (deriving one's main source of income from photography)......

 

[jeffnles1]

It really depends on the item. With the Z9, the NPS priority backlog was cleared within 60 days of the initial shipment. But items like the 800mm PF and 400mm f/2.8 are manufactured in such limited supply that it takes a very long time to get them. In general, the number of NPS members is dwarfed by the amount of gear shipped to retailers without NPS priority.

The real benefits of NPS membership to pros comes from loaner gear and quick turnaround on service and repairs. For working pros, this translates into client benefits as well as pro benefits. But for a scarce item like a Z9, cameras were not available for loan until they were also in stock at retailers. And there is a cost for loaners - insurance and shipping are not covered by Nikon.

Canon and Sony have similar programs. Nikon's program has changed from a free program to a fee based program to receive many of these benefits. The cost of the program was raised this year. The most recent addition to the Nikon program is NPS-only webinars talking about the latest gear, features, or updates.

No argument. My main point is Nikon has a PR problem on their hands and needs to get out in front of it. There have been a lot of times (even on this forum) where NPS members have posted reviews, images and discussions about hard to get items. For those who are not NPS and have been waiting months to a year or sometimes longer to get the item, it really comes across as 1) Nikon really doesn't care about regular consumers, and 2) NPS members are somehow gloating (I'm a Pro and have it and you don't ).

Again, no dog in the hunt here because I'm not currently in the market for a Z9 or an 800PF. However, when the next body updates (Z7iii) or the mythical and maybe imaginary beast the Z8 becomes available, I will be in the market and this will be a bee in my bonnet at that point.

Jeff

 

[BillW]

No argument. My main point is Nikon has a PR problem on their hands and needs to get out in front of it. There have been a lot of times (even on this forum) where NPS members have posted reviews, images and discussions about hard to get items. For those who are not NPS and have been waiting months to a year or sometimes longer to get the item, it really comes across as 1) Nikon really doesn't care about regular consumers, and 2) NPS members are somehow gloating (I'm a Pro and have it and you don't ).

Again, no dog in the hunt here because I'm not currently in the market for a Z9 or an 800PF. However, when the next body updates (Z7iii) or the mythical and maybe imaginary beast the Z8 becomes available, I will be in the market and this will be a bee in my bonnet at that point.

Jeff

I have not had the impression that members discussing hard-to-get gear are gloating. I’m interested to know about these items.

I do think that NPS priority on hard-to-get items may be a business issue for Nikon with enthusiasts, which I expect are likely Nikon’s biggest market. It would seem a good idea to me to have a Nikon Enthusiasts Program, with minimum equipment requirements and perhaps a fee, for enthusiasts.

 

[jeffnles1]

I have not had the impression that members discussing hard-to-get gear are gloating. I’m interested to know about these items.

I do think that NPS priority on hard-to-get items may be a business issue for Nikon with enthusiasts, which I expect are likely Nikon’s biggest market. It would seem a good idea to me to have a Nikon Enthusiasts Program, with minimum equipment requirements and perhaps a fee, for enthusiasts.

I, too am interested in the products but that interest is dampened by excessively long wait times and inability to actually buy one for myself. I don't think Steve or any of the Pros here have gloated but I have seen it elsewhere and in my local photo group. I have talked with local photographers who have that impression of local pros with whom they have met out on the local trails.

Again, Nikon can and will continue to do whatever they want. Having spent about 10 years of my 36 year career in Corporate PR, I think Nikon has a PR issue and they may not even be aware of it.
Jeff

 

[French Avocado]

I, too am interested in the products but that interest is dampened by excessively long wait times and inability to actually buy one for myself. I don't think Steve or any of the Pros here have gloated but I have seen it elsewhere and in my local photo group. I have talked with local photographers who have that impression of local pros with whom they have met out on the local trails.

Again, Nikon can and will continue to do whatever they want. Having spent about 10 years of my 36 year career in Corporate PR, I think Nikon has a PR issue and they may not even be aware of it.
Jeff

Excellent point - especially when Canon Professional Services has a complimentary silver membership for "emerging image makers" based on registered product purchases. Be loyal to those who are loyal to you.