Do photo clubs need insurance, incorporation?

[dsphotog]

I'm vice pres. of a small local photo club, (about 22 members) do we need to incorporate?
Do we need liability insurance?
Any recommendations for insurance companies?

[SMBooth]

Not sure what country your in but you do in Australia.

[dsphotog]

Not sure what country your in but you do in Australia.

We are in California, USA.
Thanks

[Michael Kadillak]

We have had a large format B&W photo club in Denver for over three years now and the thought of incorporation and insurance never once came up.

Why in God's name would one need to consider such actions? Here in Colorado we get together once a month to show prints and receive critique and participate in an occasional photo show. Rather like going to a cafe to drink coffee and talk photography. We have all learned from the process.

[Bob Salomon]

We have had a large format B&W photo club in Denver for over three years now and the thought of incorporation and insurance never once came up.

Why in God's name would one need to consider such actions? Here in Colorado we get together once a month to show prints and receive critique and participate in an occasional photo show. Rather like going to a cafe to drink coffee and talk photography. We have all learned from the process.

Watch what happens if someone falls during one of these get togethers and is injured, or worse and consults an Attorney, or if their insurance company decides to get reimbursed.

[dsphotog]

Watch what happens if someone falls during one of these get togethers and is injured, or worse and consults an Attorney, or if their insurance company decides to get reimbursed.

Exactly our concern. We have been an active group for 30 years, holding meetings at members homes, presenting gallery shows, taking group field trips, etc.
I'm wondering if having everyone sign a release or waiver would be suitable protection.

[rdenney]

Exactly our concern. We have been an active group for 30 years, holding meetings at members homes, presenting gallery shows, taking group field trips, etc.
I'm wondering if having everyone sign a release or waiver would be suitable protection.

If the only attendees are members, then it's probably no issue. Most organizational liability insurance only protects against injury to non-members. If it's a member-based organization, members may not be able to sue on the principle that one cannot sue himself. (Where I knew such law, there was a clear distinction between owner-run corporations and member-run corporations. Most social groups are member-run corporations--it's the members rather than the stockholders who elect officers--and therefore are responsible for their own safety as a group. If someone is injured as a result of the negligence of another member, as it was explained to us, they would have to sue that individual. My wife and I carry personal umbrella liability insurance to protect against things like that, and it is quite inexpensive because the exposure is low.)

For gallery showings, I think it depends on the gallery and what sort of insurance they carry. If it's a public gallery, the responsibility for safety is probably theirs. If it's a makeshift gallery in a school auditorium, then see my previous post.

Rick "who had to deal with this last year when a member had a medical emergency that ruined a carpet at a retirement home where we were performing" Denney

[Richard Johnson]

Rick "who had to deal with this last year when a member had a medical emergency that ruined a carpet at a retirement home where we were performing" Denney

Please don't leave us hanging like that.

[rdenney]

Please don't leave us hanging like that.

He lived.

Rick "but lost about a quart of blood" Denney

[dsphotog]

Thanks, Rick "Great info as always" Denney

Great info, as always.