Interested in joining BAPC?

Here is an overview of our organization and the membership selection process.

About BAPC

The Bay Area Photographers Collective (BAPC) is a curated group of fine art photographers from across the San Francisco Bay Area, established in 1999, and known for fostering artistic excellence and professional growth. Membership in BAPC is selective, typically ranging from 25 to 30 artists, all dedicated to advancing contemporary photography through critical dialogue, curatorial collaboration, and public exhibitions.

At the core of BAPC’s mission is the photographic print as a final artistic form. Members participate in monthly in-person reviews, fostering a rigorous and supportive environment for artistic growth.

Our annual membership dues of $250 support professional exhibition venues, independent curators, rental spaces for monthly portfolio critiques, and collective publishing efforts such as exhibition catalogs and yearbooks. All members are expected to take an active role in the collective’s operations and are assigned to one of five organizing committees.

BAPC presents 1–2 major exhibitions annually, curated by recognized professionals and hosted by reputable Bay Area institutions such as the Berkeley Art Center, Harvey Milk Photo Center, Arc Gallery, and Minnesota Street Project. These exhibitions provide a platform for public engagement and critical recognition of members’ work.

BAPC members’ work is regularly exhibited in prominent galleries across the U.S., featured in international photography festivals, and recognized with prestigious photography awards.

Membership Selection Process

We seek applicants who demonstrate professionalism, a strong commitment to fine art photography, and a willingness to actively participate in the collective. The review process includes:

  • Preliminary phone conversation with the Chair of the Membership Committee
  • One-on-one portfolio review (two printed portfolios, 15–20 images each) with a Membership Committee member
  • Review of the submitted portfolios by the full Membership Committee
  • Attendance at a Peer Review meeting as a guest to observe the format and group interaction
  • Presentation of one portfolio to the full membership, followed by a collective acceptance decision.

Candidates who successfully complete all stages of the process are accepted into the collective. Upon admission, each new member is assigned to one of the organizational committees and receives a dedicated profile page on the BAPC website as official confirmation of their membership.

If this sounds like you, and you are interested in becoming a member, contact the Membership Committee.