One of the biggest benefits to NANPA joining forces with ASMP is on the Advocacy front. And a few weeks ago in December 2025, we had an exceptional victory that will help all NANPA and ASMP Members, as well as all photographers across the country. This advocacy effort was spearheaded by Sean Fitzgerald, Past-President of NANPA, and Thomas Maddrey, CEO of ASMP. Sean’s work was instrumental in bringing this legislation to life! Much more to come on this in 2026, but below please find the press release issued by ASMP in December.
San Francisco, December 17, 2025 — The American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) announced its strong support for the introduction of the Visual Artists Copyright Reform Act of 2025 by sponsor Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and co-sponsor Senator Peter Welch (D-VT). This legislation, the result of years of effort from ASMP and its sister organizations, represents the largest step forward in recent history to modernize and simplify the copyright registration process for photographers and all visual creators; thereby allowing these artists to finally receive the promise and protection of copyright law.
“VACRA breaks down the barriers that prevent so many creators and photographers across the country from being able to protect the fruits of their life’s work and passion,” ASMP Chief Executive Officer Thomas Maddrey notes. “These sorely needed and common-sense reforms are long overdue and are a first step in bringing so many artists back into the very copyright system that is designed to support their efforts in the creative economy. ASMP applauds Senator Blackburn and Senator Welch for their leadership and support of VACRA, and the far-reaching effects this bill will have on photographers and all visual creators in this country.”
Focusing on four key areas where modernization of copyright registration is most needed, including increased limits for group registration submissions, deferred registrations, subscription models, and third-party registries, VACRA is focused on alleviating the most widespread pain points faced by hundreds of thousands of creators.
VACRA is a result of the efforts of, and supported by, many of the leading groups representing these visual artists, and this widespread support speaks to the longstanding need for such legislation. “ASMP and NANPA have worked closely with PPA and many others in the Coalition of Visual Associations to get to the point where this legislation is now a reality. But the work is not yet done, and we will be asking not only our 7,200+ Members, but all photographers and visual creators, to do their part to help support this bill as it takes the next steps to becoming law,” Maddrey says.
