FREELENS e.V.

FREELENS is the largest and most member-strong professional association for photographers in Germany, founded in 1995. The association represents the interests of over 2,000 members and is committed to professional, legal, economic, and social issues of photographers[4][5].

• Legal and Tax Advice: FREELENS offers its members comprehensive legal and tax advice, particularly in the areas of usage rights, licensing models, and terms and conditions of image agencies and image portals.
• Further Education and Workshops: The association regularly organizes workshops, webinars, and seminars on topics such as photo book production, e-invoices, and specific legal aspects of photography.
• Industry-Specific Information: FREELENS informs its members about current developments in the industry, such as changes in the freedom of panorama for aerial photography and the exhibition criteria for the nationwide press ID[1][3].
• Social Security: The association supports its members with the Artists' Social Security Fund (KSK) and other social security measures to promote the economic and social stability of photographers.

The main mission of FREELENS is to promote the appreciation of the work of photographers and to strengthen their cultural political significance. The association advocates for the interests of its members and works to improve the professional conditions for photographers. FREELENS stands for transparency, fairness, and the promotion of high-quality photography[1][5].

• Legal Clarifications: FREELENS is involved in legal disputes to protect and clarify the rights of photographers. An example of this is the recommendation for action regarding the BGH ruling on the freedom of panorama for aerial photography[3].
• Market-Standard Compensation: The association participates in the collection and publication of market-standard compensation for image usage rights to ensure fair payment for photographers.
• Professional Political Representation: FREELENS works closely with other associations and institutions to represent the interests of photographers at national and international levels. This also includes participation in the awarding of the nationwide press ID[2].

• Exhibitions and Events: The association regularly organizes exhibitions and events, such as the exhibition opening "Steindamm Atlas" by Alexandra Polina, to showcase the work of its members and promote the photography scene.
• Webinars and Workshops: FREELENS continuously offers webinars and workshops to support the professional and legal education of its members. Examples include webinars on the topics of "Usage Rights" and "E-Invoices"[3].

FREELENS is a central anchor point for photographers in Germany, providing not only professional support but also a community and platform for creative and professional development.

• 1 - https://freelens.com/ueber-uns/vorstand/
• 2 - https://taz.de/Neuer-Presseausweis-ab-2018/!5362769/
• 3 - https://freelens.com
• 4 - https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freelens
• 5 - https://www.creative-city-berlin.de/de/network/member/freelens/