In order to get the most bang for my buck, when is the best time to join the Masterpiece Membership? Near the beginning, middle, or end of the month?
Anytime! No, really... there is always something going on in the Masterpiece Membership. What's more, the monthly missions give you plenty of time to jump on board at anytime. Also, the previous missions and many other resources will be available in the archives. You will be able to browse and comment upon member photos, listen to archived teleseminars, read special members-only materials, and so much more.

REQUIREMENTS

Are there any requirements?
Yes, there is one requirement - commitment. In order to get the most out of this program, you need to be committed to doing each monthly assignment, uploading photos, critiquing and commenting on photos, and self-editing your work.

How difficult will the assignments be? Will they only be for advanced, experienced photographers?
No. We will make sure there is something for photographers of all skill levels. Each month, I will give at least two assignment choices. This will allow members to select the assignment that feels most appropriate and inspiring.

Do I have to be a pro to participate in the Masterpiece Membership?
No! This inner circle group is open to all who: a) love photography b) are committed to improving their photographic technique, and c) would like to feel the joys of creative expression on a daily basis.

Do I have to be able to create masterpieces now?
Of course not. That is what this program will help you accomplish. You'll soon get to a place were you feel confident in your ability to be creative and able to make at least one masterpiece each month.

What if I don't create a masterpiece one month?
No problem. We are just using the masterpiece goal to give ourselves direction in our efforts to grow. It's a worthy goal to aspire toward, and one that will cause each of us to create many beautiful works of art, improve with every assignment, and have a great time in the process.

I still don't have an SLR and feel like I won't be at the same level. Should I wait?
There's no time like the present! Although Jim highly recommends using SLR cameras for their creative control, ease, and scalability, you don't have to have an SLR to participate.

Can I join if I haven't taken any BetterPhoto courses?
Absolutely! Masterpiece Membership will offer the camaraderie similar to courses, but more general assignments, and strength of a group with a long term commitment to your success.

I am considering a course. Can I take a course at the same time?
We hope you do! The features offered with Masterpiece Membership are totally separate from your course. A great compliment to your course assignments, students that share in the learning experience reach their goals sooner!

Is it necessary that you have fast Internet service?
If you are still on dial-up, we do recommend that you upgrade. If you have anything faster than that, you should be fine. Uploading photos on dial-up will cause you to curse the gods, kick the dog, and pull your hair out. And we don't want that.

Can I participate in the teleseminars if I don't live in the USA?
Yes! The teleseminars will be available from outside the USA and all calls will be recorded for future reference. The number for teleseminars and private call in code will be sent only to Masterpiece Members. (Members calling from outside the USA are responsible for long distance fees).

Can I use a BetterPhoto contest winning image in the Masterpiece of the Month?
YES!

HOW IT DIFFERS

How does this compare to Basic Membership?
Basic Membership at BetterPhoto gives one a beautiful photo gallery, as well as the ability to discuss uploaded photos, ask questions, and access high-quality resources at BetterPhoto.com.

The Masterpiece Membership gives you all that, plus:

• Access to the focused group of photographers seriously interested in creating beautiful works of art.
• A monthly newsletter where Jim will select Masterpiece photos and offer his feedback.
• Occasional "Fireside Chat" teleseminars with Jim.
• Exposure as "Masterpiece Photo of the Month" winners throughout the BetterPhoto site.
• And so much more...

The Basic Membership costs $49 per year (about $4/month). The Masterpiece Membership costs $49 per month.

How does the Masterpiece Membership differ from an online photography course?
In a course, each of your assignment photos will be critiqued by the instructor. In the Masterpiece Membership, you and your peers will comment and vote on uploaded photos. With this feedback and interaction, you will be empowered to decide which of your many uploads you would like to submit as your one Masterpiece of the Month. Of these submissions, Jim will select several photos and include them in our monthly newsletter, along with his expert feedback. In this way, you will quickly find your skills increase, your inspiration overflow, and your confidence strengthen. And you'll have a fantastic time getting to know your new friends from around the world.

Will you be offering phone support?
We always strive to provide excellent service but with Masterpiece Membership we plan to go above and beyond. We're pulling out the white gloves and are here to make your experience exceptional. We will be checking in on you via email and can reply to your questions by phone if that's best for you. The call will always be on us and you can all us anytime toll free at 1-888-927-9992

Will I get to ask questions of Jim?
You will benefit from what Jim has learned from leading BetterPhoto since 1996! Jim will share tips on improving your photography and in special open forums, you can ask your most important questions to Jim himself!

Will we meet in person?
We encourage all Masterpiece members to attend a BetterPhoto Summit! We will send you early announcements on BetterPhoto in-person events so you can plan for the Summit that is most convenient to you or at a location you are most interested in photographing.

How many months will the Masterpiece of the Month classes continue?
Indefinitely. As long as the program is being of benefit to its members, we plan to continue. That's the joy of photography - it always continues to offer new adventures, new challenges, new rewards as well as an ever-increasing sense of creative satisfaction and joy.

Do the BetterPhoto family-friendly rules apply?
Our family values remain the same at Masterpiece Membership. You can be safe here to post family-friendly photos and ask questions. Our standards will, as always, ensure a constructive and honest environment.

PHOTOGRAPHY SUBJECTS AND INTERESTS

I like to take pictures when I travel. Is this only for nature photographers?
Since we will meet you on your path, our motivating assignments will apply to all types of photographers.

What kinds of photography will be explored in the Masterpiece Membership?
The list of subjects you can shoot include (but are not limited to):

• Nature
• Landscapes
• Outdoors
• Travel / Place / Culture
• Cityscapes
• Seascapes
• Flowers
• Macro
• People and Lifestyles
• Children
• Animals / Pets / Wildlife / Birds
• Graphic Elements
• Buildings and Architecture
• Abstract / Patterns / Design

Basically, we're focusing on the artistic, creative (and FUN!) side of photography. Our standard is family-friendly works of art. If you shoot images of other subjects, you can still benefit a great deal from our work together. But our primary focus will be on nature, outdoors, landscapes, flowers... you get the idea.

Who is this NOT for?
Jim is not a photo journalist, and, for the purposes of this program, is not especially interested in product photography. This program will definitely not be about soul-less commercial work. Shooting because you "have to" is a sin in Jim's book. As long as you are photographing what you love or finding the joy in your photographic endeavors, you're in. If a journalistic photo or commercial shot can qualify as a work of art, then it would especially fit within the vision of this Membership.

We will also not be primarily focusing on weddings, fashion, food photography.

This program is not directly about making money - but we can certainly address this topic for those interested in earning a living, or at the very least paying for your expensive equipment.

Can I trade the Basic BetterPholio that comes with my Masterpiece toward a Deluxe or Pro Betterpholio?
We will not be able to apply the cost of your free Basic to a Deluxe or Pro. The main idea behind the free Basic is that everyone should have a way to share photos at BetterPhoto.

What is your refund policy?
You can stop your Membership at any time. What's more, we have a 100% "better than money back" guarantee which allows you to try out the Membership for a month. If you are not totally thrilled, you can cancel and get a full refund.