In a society in which images play an enormous role and are everywhere every day, a professional association for photographers offers guidance and security to today’s image-makers.
They can turn to DuPho (Dutch Photographers) for advice on, for example, starting out as a freelancer or problems related to copyright.
And with relevant workshops, tours and interesting network meetings, DuPho helps not only the business but also the creative development of photographers.
Max van Olden is deputy director and legal counsel at DuPho.
How did he end up at DuPho?
“Before this I was working as a lawyer and DuPho was my client. So I was already coming there regularly and at one point I was asked if I would like to work at DuPho. I said ‘yes’ to that, because it seemed nice to use my copyright knowledge and experience in a different way. And besides, I already knew that DuPho is a very nice, informal organization.”
What makes your work so enjoyable?
“It is incredibly varied and multifaceted. One moment I’m talking to the Ministry of OCW about a bill to tighten copyright law, the next I’m advising a photographer whose photograph has been used and published without permission. The period when I started at DuPho was just when generative AI became a big and important issue. This requires a lot of education for photographers, because it is complex and develops at lightning speed. We have to work hard to safeguard the rights of creators. But that’s very interesting.”
What can a professional organization do for an entrepreneur?
And DuPho for image makers in particular?
“Members can get advice on and assistance with business or legal issues from us. For example, we review contracts, think about determining your rate and advise on quitclaims and licensing. We also do advocacy for photographers, a bit like what a union does. But we also organize all kinds of workshops, talks and other events. We really are a community for the profession.”
What profile do most DuPho members have?
“There is not really a general profile, but the vast majority of members are self-employed. We have special memberships for starters and pensioners and a duo membership with the professional organization for press photographers. Furthermore, the field is incredibly diverse: portraits, architecture, drone photography, farewell photography, fashion and even videography. And recently AI image makers as well. At DuPho there is room for every kind of photography.”
DuPho also organizes events.
Why do you think this is important?
“We organize two big events every year: the Dutch Photography Day and the SO Award. Dutch Photography Day is a big celebration of photography at Pakhuis de Zwijger with workshops, talks, discussions and the popular portfolio reviews by professionals. The SO (Selection of Dutch Photography) Award is a photo series competition where nominees are invited to a networking dinner. This is very useful because it puts you at the table with professionals who can help you further in your career, such as image editors and agencies.”
It is also through the SO Award that DuPho and Kees de Boekhouder found each other.
“For the audience award of the SO Award ’23, we were looking for a sponsor with interfaces with the creative industry. The competition is a non-profit event and this way we can organize the event. This is how we came into contact with Kees de Boekhouder and the cooperation started. We are now allowed to offer our members discounts at KdB and you give them advice, including workshops and at our partner market. That also fits with DuPho’s services and feels like a pleasant and open collaboration.”
Outside work and DuPho: what makes you happy?
What gives you energy?
“In my spare time, I write. I have written three thrillers and last year my first Young Adult came out, Deepfake. With that I also go to schools to tell students about the fun, but also the dangerous sides of AI. And I have written scripts for the police series Flikken Rotterdam. So being a creator myself privately, I can empathize well with the position of photographers.”
What tips or advice would you pass along to budding image makers?
“It’s not easy to make a living as a start-up image maker. That’s why I encourage them to learn about the business and legal aspects of the business. What is a license? How do I make an offer? Why do I need to use general terms and conditions? Furthermore, it is important that you dare to ask a good price. Don’t be too modest and quote what you are worth. You have to learn that and you can spar with us about that.”
Finally, what is the most powerful image you have ever seen or what has impressed you the most?
“DuPho member Dafne Ederveen sent a photo over a year ago of an elderly lady with a life-size teddy bear, created entirely with AI. That made an impression, because it was the first time I was confronted with the power of generative AI. You could tell that the image had been artificially created, but I did immediately think: where is this going if images like this are already possible? By now, AI systems are much more advanced, but at the same time we are seeing a trend of creators saying: we want AI platforms to stay away from our work. All sorts of things are also happening in this area at the European level. In short, a very interesting time for image makers as well as lawyers!”
