The Global Photographers Association (GPA) is committed to maintaining high standards within the photography and videography industry. To ensure fairness and transparency, GPA will accept and process complaints that meet the following criteria:

 

GPA’s Complaint Criteria:
 

• Complete Information:

  • The complaint must include the complainant’s full name along with either a postal address or an email address and postal code or Phone Number.

  • The complaint must include the full name of the photographer, videographer, or related service provider, along with sufficient information to contact them.

• Request for Assistance:

  • The complainant must be seeking assistance from GPA in resolving the issue with the service provider.

• Existing Relationship:

  • The complaint must originate from a person (or their authorized representative) or an entity that had a direct relationship with the service provider within the photography or videography industry.

• Relevance to the Industry:

  • The complaint must pertain to an issue within the photography or videography marketplace. Typically, the concern should have occurred within the last 12 months. However, exceptions may be considered for complaints involving delays in file deliveries by photographers or videographers, or similar time-sensitive matters.

• Service or Product-Related Issues:

  • The complaint must allege a problem with the services or products provided by the photographer, videographer, or related service provider. This includes issues such as unmet expectations, failure to deliver agreed-upon services, or quality concerns.

• Non-Litigation Status:

  • The complaint should not be in litigation at the time it is filed with GPA, nor should it have been resolved through previous court action, arbitration, or settlement.

• Respectful Communication:

  • The complaint must not contain abusive language, serious threats, or any form of harassment.

 

Exclusions from Marketplace Issues:
GPA typically does not address the following types of complaints:

 

• Employment Disputes: Complaints involving employer/employee relationships within the industry.

• Government Agencies: Complaints against government bodies, unless they offer commercial services that create a buyer-seller relationship.

• Personal Transactions: Complaints against individuals not engaged in the business of photography or videography (e.g., someone selling personal photography equipment).

• Criminal Allegations: Complaints solely seeking criminal penalties or findings of criminal violations, such as: Robbery or Theft: Allegations of theft or property damage unrelated to the provision of photography or videography services.

• Assault or Battery: Allegations of physical harm or threats of violence.

• Extortion or Vandalism: Allegations involving threats, violence, or property destruction.

 

Complaints GPA Will Pursue:
GPA will actively pursue complaints that involve the following issues within the photography and videography industry:

 

• Deceptive Practices: Including misleading advertising, misrepresentation of services, or false claims about qualifications and capabilities.

• Predatory Sales Tactics: Aggressive or unethical sales practices that exploit vulnerable clients, such as hidden fees or manipulation during contract negotiations.

• Service-Related Fraud: Allegations of fraudulent behavior, such as non-delivery of promised services or intentional misrepresentation of the services provided.

• Pyramid Schemes: Participation in or promotion of pyramid schemes related to photography or videography services.

• Identity Theft: Allegations that a service provider has misused or stolen personal information within the context of providing photography or videography services.

• Unauthorized Access or Computer Trespass: Instances where a service provider accesses personal information or networks without authorization.

• Property Damage or Theft: Allegations that a service provider damaged or stole personal property during the provision of photography or videography services.

 

Legal and Injury-Related Complaints:

 

• Challenging Legal Compliance: GPA will not accept complaints that challenge the validity of local, state, or federal law, such as disputes over legally mandated rates or fees.

• Personal Injury Compensation: GPA does not handle complaints seeking compensation for personal injuries, emotional distress, or bodily harm resulting from interactions with service providers. Such matters are best handled through the judicial system. However, GPA will address customer service aspects related to these incidents and may facilitate refunds or other resolutions where appropriate.

• Court and Legal Services: If the complainant requests GPA’s resolution to be presented in court or for a GPA Representative to be involved, our fee is $1,200 per hour plus travel expenses.

• For legal document preparation: GPA delivers documents in PDF format. We do not prepare documents for court filings or respond to legal motions. However, we can compile and send all relevant documents to your legal representative for an initial fee of $100, plus $0.15 per page for digital delivery. If printing is required, it incurs an additional charge.

 

Note: If there is a pattern of complaints indicating criminal misconduct during the provision of services, GPA will address the issue with the service provider and document the findings in the photographer's or videographer's profile.