In a society in which images play an enormous role and are omnipresent in everyday life, a trade association for professional photographers can offer guidance and security. DuPho (Dutch Photographers) advises image makers who, for example, would like to start working freelance, or helps with problems related to copyright. And by organising relevant workshops, tours, and interesting networking meetings, DuPho supports both the business development as well as the creative development of today’s photographers.
Max van Olden is deputy director and lawyer at DuPho. How did he start working for DuPho?
“Before DuPho, I worked as a lawyer and DuPho was my client. So I already came here regularly, and at one point I was asked if I would like to work at DuPho. I said ‘yes’, because I thought it would be nice to use my knowledge and experience in the field of copyright in a different way. And besides, I already knew that DuPho is a very fun and informal organisation.”
What makes your job so much fun?
“It’s incredibly varied and versatile. One moment I’m talking to the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science about a bill to tighten copyright contract law, the next moment I’m advising a photographer whose photo has been used and published without permission. The period in which I started at DuPho was the exact moment that generative AI emerged as a big and important topic. It requires a lot of education for photographers, because it’s so complex and is developing very quickly. We must work hard to safeguard the rights of creators, but it’s all very interesting.”
What can trade associations do for an entrepreneur? And DuPho for image makers in particular?
“DuPho members can contact us for advice and assistance on business or legal issues. For example, we review contracts, help determine rates, and advise on quitclaims and licenses. We also advocate for photographers, somewhat similar to what unions do. But we also organise all kinds of workshops, talks and other events. We really are a community for the profession.”
What profile do most DuPho members have?
“There isn’t really a general profile, but the vast majority of members are self-employed. We have special memberships for starting entrepreneurs and pensioners, and a dual membership with the professional organisation for press photographers. But the field is incredibly diverse: portraits, architecture, drone photography, funeral photography, fashion, and even videography. And recently we’ve also added AI image makers. DuPho is home to every form of photography.”
DuPho also organises events. Why is this important to you?
“Every year, we organise two large events: The Dutch Photography Day and the SO Award. The Dutch Photography Day is this huge celebration of photography in Pakhuis de Zwijger in Amsterdam with workshops, talks, panels, and the popular portfolio reviews by professionals. The SO (Selection of Dutch Photography) Award is a competition exclusively for photo series, in which the nominees are invited to a networking dinner. That’s very useful, because you’re dining with professionals who can help you with your career, such as image editors and agencies.”
It is also through the SO Award that DuPho and Kees de Boekhouder have found each other.
“For the SO Award ’23 audience award we were looking for a sponsor with ties to the creative industry. The competition is a non-profit event and this type of collaboration allows us to organise it. That’s how we came into contact with Kees de Boekhouder and the collaboration started. We can now also offer our members a discount at KdB, and you advise them at our partner market or during workshops. This also really matches DuPho’s services, and it truly is a pleasant and open collaboration.”
Besides work and DuPho: What makes you happy? What provides you with energy?
“I write in my free time. I’ve written three thrillers and last year my first Young Adult novel ‘Deepfake’ was released. I also visit schools to inform students about the fun, but also the dangerous sides of AI. And I’ve written scripts for the Dutch police series ‘Flikken Rotterdam’. Because I’m also a maker myself, I can really put myself in the shoes of photographers.”
What tips or advice would you like to give to starting image makers?
“It’s not easy to earn money as a starting image maker. That’s why I encourage them to delve into the business and legal sides of the profession. What is a license? How do you prepare a quote? Why should you use general terms and conditions? It’s also important that you dare to ask a fair price. Don’t be too modest and charge what you’re worth. That’s something you just need to learn, and you can discuss things like that with us.”
Lastly, what’s the most powerful image you have ever seen or the image that made the biggest impression on you?
“Last year, DuPho member Dafne Ederveen sent us a photo of an older lady with a life-size teddy bear, made entirely with AI. That made quite an impression, because that was the first time I was confronted with the power of generative AI. You could see that the image had been created artificially, but I immediately thought: What direction will this take if these types of images are already possible? Today, AI systems have developed even further, but at the same time we see this trend of image makers saying: We want AI platforms to stay away from our work. There’s also a lot happening in this area on a European level. So in short, a very interesting time for image makers AND lawyers!”
