PPW Merits

PPW Merits can be earned in two different "categories": Print and Service. This Chart of Merits document lists all the ways that you can earn a merit.

Print & Digital Image Merits

PPW image merits and trophy merits can be earned through Image Competition at the PPW Annual Educational Spring Conference. To learn more about Trophy Goals here. To see Past Image Winners, click here.

Service Merits

Service merits are primarily earned through volunteering time to PPW. Various duties earn between 1 and 6 service merits. A complete listing of service merits is outlined in the downloadable Membership Directory. For more information you many contact the Citations chairperson on the State Officers page.

Service Merits may also be earned by full participation at certain PPW sponsored educational events. Different events have different merit values.

Whole or partial merits may also be earned through attending qualifying PPA events. Each member is responsible for reporting to the Citations Chairperson when they attend a qualifying event and must make that report within 12 months of the event.

Business MERITS

PPW business merits can be earned through participation in the PPW business program. For more information, click here.

PPW Degrees

Fellow of Photography Degree (FP)

The Fellow of Photography degree is the highest degree awarded by the PPW and is earned after 50 merits are accumulated, with no less than 25 print merits and no less than 15 service merits. A neck ribbon with the Gold FP medallion is presented at the annual conference and the degree title "FP" may be used after your name (i.e. "Jane Doe, FP").

Gold Bar Awards

A Gold Bar is awarded for every additional 25 merits earned after 50. The gold bar is attached to the FP degree ribbon.

Associate Fellow of Photography Degree (AFP)

The Associate Fellow of Photography degree is awarded after 25 merits earned (at least 10 of service and the rest are either service or print merits). A neck ribbon with the Silver AFP medallion is presented at the annual conference and the degree title "AFP" may be used after your name (i.e. "Jane Doe, AFP").

Silver Bar Awards

A Silver Bar is awarded for every additional 25 merits earned after the first 25 and is attached to the AFP degree ribbon. Silver bars acknowledge members who continue to earn merits but do not have the necessary print or service merits to earn the FP degree. Upon achievement of the FP degree, the silver bars are exchanged for gold bars.

ELITE FELLOW OF PHOTOGRAPHY DEGREE (EFP)

The Elite Fellow of Photography degree is for a Fellow of Photography Degree holder. The recipient much earn 7 image competition images scoring 85 or higher; earn 4 teaching merits through PPWEdu Classes; earn 4 PPW service merits and be a PPW member for 3 or more year of PPW.

FELLOW OF BUSINESS DEGREE (FB)

The Fellow of Business degree is a additional degree for a PPW Member who earns 25 business merits from the Business Institute; 15 PPW service merits and a combination of 10 other merits of any category.  They also must demonstrate basic proficiency in the following areas: Profitable pricing; Sales strategy and systems; Marketing planning and implementation, Operations systems, Outsourcing & managements; and Understanding business metrics. Click for more details on The Business Program.

“The 100 Club” Pin

A special Award pin to current members who have earned 100 or more merits in print competition over the years.