Here at PPA, we are always looking for new ways to help you get what you need to succeed. That's why we hooked up with InfoTrends, a market research and consultancy firm. They are conducting a national, large scale study to better understand the impact digital photography has on studios like yours and how to improve your equipment. In fact, the results will help manufacturers design better products and solutions to fit your needs. (It's like creating a wish list via survey!)

You can even benefit from taking part in the survey right now. A $25 Amazon.com gift certificate will be sent to 100 randomly chosen respondents, and ALL respondents will be entered into a drawing for $500. (Feel free to share this offer with any other pro photographer who might be interested.)

Complete the 15-20 minute survey and be entered into the drawing here:

http://survey.infotrends.com/prophoto12ppa.htm

Better act fast, though--this invitation will be available only until a limited number of responses have been received.

Thanks for your insight (and good luck winning the gift!)

We like to think of PPA Today (both this newsletter and the printed section in Professional Photographer) as a way for members to help members with marketing, sales and business ideas and challenges. With that in mind, we'd like to hear what's top of mind for you in 2012. What's your biggest business concern right now? Once we compiled everybody's choices, we'll start looking for members who have been there, done that, and can help you get control of your biggest concerns.

A few days ago, PPA asked if (and why) you registered your images with the U.S. Copyright Office, so we could share your thoughts with those on Capitol Hill. Here is what we found from the 2,830 photographers who responded (March 24-28):

How often do you register your work with the Copyright Office?

• 2,392 (84%) of respondents said they NEVER register their work.
• 41 (1%) of respondents said they ALWAYS register.
• 324 (11%) of respondents said they OCCASIONALLY register.

Of those who always register their images:

• 210 (38%) want the additional protection offered by copyright registration.
• 111 (20%) wanted to establish their copyright ownership.
• 16 (2%) specifically registered to pursue an infringement suit.

Of those who choose not to register their work or register on a regular basis:

• 651 (25%) of respondents said they never heard about registration.
• 636 (24%) of respondents said it is too time consuming.
• 355 (13%) of respondents said it is too expensive.

These results were presented during a discussion about photographic copyright protection with Maria Pallante, Acting Register of the Copyright Office, on March 28. To read more about this meeting, check out "PPA Heads to Capitol Hill March 28-29."

To learn more about copyright registration, download the 2010 PPA Copyright Kit and watch the free Member Essentials Webinar "How to Protect and Register your Images."

Please take a moment to answer three questions in our Copyright Registration Quick Poll. Your responses will help us in our copyright efforts on Capitol Hill.

Your timely response is appreciated. This poll will close on Monday, March 28 at 12pm ET.

Would you mind answering a question? We'd like to know how you connect with us. Do you follow us on Facebook...read our blogs...subscribe to Professional Photographer? Please take a moment to click here and let us know.

PPA is making plans to grow our education offerings in 2010! You can help by telling us what kinds of education you seek to help you grow and succeed in both the art and business of photography. Please click here and tell us what you want to know.

PPA is evaluating past marketing programs for members (such as the Sweepstakes Marketing Co-op), and we'd like your input. Please take part in this brief 2-minute survey, so we can better serve you. Click here to begin. The survey will remain open through June 22.

PPA is evaluating past marketing programs for members (such as the Sweepstakes Marketing Co-op), and we'd like your input. Please take part in this brief 2-minute survey, so we can better serve you. Click here to begin. The survey will remain open through June 22.

We've published a brief, 20 question survey on DSLRs and Printers.  If you have not already completed it, we would like to hear from you. Your participation is greatly appreciated. This survey will close on Tuesday, May 26. To take the survey, go to:
https://vovici.com/wsb.dll/s/c193g3d37a