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Photographic Distinctions

Sometimes the letters after a photographers name are longer than the name itself!.

To help you through this maze of photographic distinctions we have made up a short guide to the most common ones.

LRPS Licentiate of the RPS is the first level award for photographic merit. Can be gained by assessment of a panel of 10 photos, or via the exemptions sceme, with a City & Guilds or 'A' Level in Photography
ARPS The next level of achievement is the Associateship, this time the judges are looking for more personal involvement by the photographer, by assessing a panel of 15 photos. Exemptions can be awarded if you have a Degree in Photography.
FRPS Fellowship, the highest level of distinction, awarded for 20 photographs exhibiting exceptional originality and individual style
HonFRPS The Honorary FRPS is awarded, at the Council's discretion, to people who have shown outstanding service to photography
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CPAGB Credit, awarded by assessment of 10 photos, scoring a total of 200 or more
DPAGB Distinction, awarded by assessment of 15 photos, scoring a total of 300 or more
MPAGB Master, awarded by assessment of 20 photos, scoring a total of 450 or more.
N.B. The above awards are subject to certain pre-qualifications, for more info see the PAGB website
APAGB Meritorious Service Award, gained in recognition of services to photography via your local Federation.
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BPE1*

1 Crown; 25 acceptances in the BPE ciruit of exhibitions.

BPE2* 2 Crowns; 50 acceptances.
BPE3* 3 Crowns; 100 acceptances
BPE4* 4 Crowns; 200 acceptances.
BPE5* 5 Crowns; 300 acceptances. Exhibitors who gain a BPE5* will be sent details of the requirements for APBE and FBPE awards.
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AFIAP

Artiste FIAP - based on number of acceptances in International Salons with FIAP patronage

EFIAP Excellence FIAP - based on number of acceptances in International Salons with FIAP patronage. Candidates may continue to participate in salons to gain the following distinctions: EFIAP(B), EFIAP(S), EFIAP(G), EFIAP(P), the Excellence (Bronze, Silver, Gold & Platinum) respectively
MFIAP Master FIAP - can only be awarded to those who hold the EFIAP, candidates must submit a complete CV and a portfolio of 20 prints (mono or colour)
ESFIAP Excellence for Service
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APSA (Associate) - awarded for material contributions to the advancement of photography, whether resulting primarily from proficiency and achievement, or for service. Photographic achievement must be combined with elements of service
FPSA Awarded for outstanding contributions to the advancement of photography, involving a high degree of proficiency and achievement, combined with such elements of service as the dissemination of acquired knowledge through lecturing, judging, instructing, and publishing of articles or papers.
Hon.PSA (Honorary Membership) - the recipient of this honor need not be a member of PSA. It is awarded for outstanding service to photography, particularly through organizational or similar work.
Hon.FPSA (Honorary Fellow) - this is the highest designation awarded by the Society. The recipient need not be a PSA member, and the honor is awarded only for unique or outstanding contributions of major importance to photography.
PPSA Awarded in recognition of a member's photographic achievements in International Exhibitions sanctioned by the Society. A member who has attained five stars in a single Division or a total of ten stars in any or all Divisions may apply for the PPSA honor
EPSA Awarded in recognition of a member's photographic achievements in International Exhibitions sanctioned by the Society. Members who have attained five stars in each of three Divisions, or three levels beyond five stars (for example: three galaxies in CSD or PhotoTraveler III) in a single Division, may apply for the EPSA honor.

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