The Stock Artists Alliance (SAA), an international association of stock photographers, has voted to expand its mission to address the business interests of all professional stock photographers. Previously, SAA limited its purview to the licensing of rights-managed images.

SAA's board of directors proposed the amendments to the association's bylaws to recognize the evolution within the current membership. The changes, the directors claim, will strengthen the association and increase its influence in the industry. SAA holds that the best business models for photographers are those that manage usage and protect intellectual property.

Last year, an SAA survey of its members revealed a need to expand the organization's scope and influence, in response to the broadening and diversification of members' stock photography businesses since SAA's founding five years before. Although rights-managed licensing is still the central business model for most SAA members, developments in the marketplace have led some to feel that it is essential to address the full range of opportunities and issues that face stock photographers today.

To reflect its larger mission, SAA also has revised its membership qualifications. Any independent professional photographer who is involved or interested in stock photography is invited to apply. Reduced membership dues for students and emerging professionals also are available. For more information, visit stockartistsalliance.org.