Release Date: 2 September 2003


MPA appoints WPS Media to handle press relations

The Master Photographers Association (MPA) has appointed public relations specialists WPS Media to handle its press and PR requirements in both the UK and overseas. This is the first time that the Association has used outside sources for its PR activities.

The UK's only professional trade body exclusively for full-time professional photographers, MPA has gone from strength to strength in the 51 years since its founders 'broke away' from the Institute of Professional Photographers (now BIPP). Today the MPA has a dedicated membership of around 1,800 qualified professional photographer members both in the UK and abroad.

WPS Media is headed by Darron Hartas, himself an ex-professional photographer and former MPA member. Although now the head of a successful marketing company, Darron has previous close connections with the Association. In the 80s he was editor and publisher of the Association's house magazine, Master Photographer, and was part of the MPA's national Marketing Committee for a number of years.

Colin Buck, MPA's Chief Executive, says the time is right to make photographers aware of just how far the Association has come in the last few years: "We are very proud of what the Association has achieved. Last year saw our 50th Anniversary celebrations and anyone who attended the prestigious event couldn't help but be impressed.

"There's just so much the Association has to offer now and it's time we made professionals aware of the benefits of membership. This is why we've chosen WPS Media to handle our PR. Darron Hartas has been actively involved at the professional end of the photo industry for nearly a quarter of a century and his company also handles PR for industry giant Fujifilm Professional. His previous roles as editor with our own magazine and news editor with the British Journal of Photography puts him in an ideal position to service our needs."

WPS Media is delighted with the news: "Having been a photographer myself for a number of years, I'm fully aware of the challenges facing professionals. With digital imaging has come a whole new set of difficulties and the MPA is helping its members prosper in a climate which has seen many studios go out of business," says Darron. "We are looking forward to helping the MPA raise its profile in the industry and also boost awareness of the benefits to the general public of using a Master Photographer."

Full time professionals who require information on joining the MPA may call 0845 130 9700, email: enq@mpauk.com, or visit the website at www.thempauk.com

ENDS

* Note: this news release is issued electronically and will not be duplicated with a posted copy

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Issued on behalf of:
Master Photographers Association
Jubilee House, 1 Chancery Lane, Darlington DL1 5QP
Tel: 0845 130 9700 Fax: 01325 357813
E-mail: enq@mpauk.com
http://www.mpauk.com
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Written and distributed by WPS Media. Tel. 01904 427777