Photography can be a rewarding career, but it’s often a solo journey. That’s why PPA created programs to help you grow, connect, and get recognized for your hard work.

Two of the best ways to level up as a professional photographer are the PPA Degree Program and the Merit Image Review (MIR). These two programs work hand-in-hand to help you sharpen your skills, build your reputation, and reach new milestones in your photography career.

What Is the PPA Degree Program?

PPA offers four professional degrees:

• Master of Photography (M.Photog.)
• Master of Wedding Photography (M.Wed.Photog.)
• Master Artist (M.Artist.)
• Photographic Craftsman (Cr.Photog.)

Each degree requires 25 merits that you earn by:

• Submitting images for review (Exhibition Merits)
• Speaking or teaching other photographers (Speaking Merits)
• Volunteering or attending events (Service Merits)

Exhibition Merits

To earn exhibition merits, a photographer submits professional pictures—digital files or albums—into the Merit Image Review. A panel of trained jurors evaluates the images based on the 12 Elements of a Merit Image, which focus on artistic skill, technical proficiency, and the ability to create images that meet the highest industry standards.

• For the Master of Photography Degree, photographers need 13 exhibition merits plus an additional 12 exhibition, service, or speaking merits.
• The Master of Wedding Photography Degree requires 13 wedding exhibition merits—images captured solely on the wedding day—plus 12 additional merits.
• The Master Artist Degree focuses on computer-applied techniques and digital artistry. Photographers must submit images demonstrating their editing, manipulation, and rendering skills. This degree requires 13 artist exhibition merits plus 12 additional merits.

Speaking Merits

Speaking merits are earned by sharing knowledge and expertise with others in the industry. Photographers can acquire these merits by hosting a PPA Photo Workshop, speaking at Imaging USA, and teaching classes for Community Network partners or instructing for Community Network School sessions.  
These merits are essential for the Photographic Craftsman Degree, which requires a combination of 13 speaking merits and 12 exhibition, service, or speaking merits. 
While a photographer pursuing their Photographic Craftsman Degree doesn't necessarily have to enter images into the MIR to earn merits toward their degree, it's highly recommended that they do, for reasons we'll get into later. 

Service Merits

Service merits are awarded to photographers who give back to the professional photography community. Whether volunteering at Imaging USA, attending PPA Community Network Events, or participating in PPA initiatives, service merits acknowledge photographers for their contributions to the industry.

How the Merit Image Review Helps You Earn a Degree

The Merit Image Review (MIR) allows photographers to earn Exhibition Merits, which are required for most degrees.

From February through November, PPA members can submit up to 12 images per month for professional review. A maximum of 8 exhibition merits can be earned through the MIR per year. A panel of trained jurors evaluates your work based on the 12 Elements of a Merit Image, which focus on creativity, composition, technique, and more. 

When your image meets the standard, you earn a merit. If you choose to receive a critique, jurors will even provide video feedback to help you improve. 

Even If You’re Earning the Photographic Craftsman Degree…

You don’t have to enter MIR to earn the Photographic Craftsman degree, since this degree focuses on Speaking Merits. However, MIR can still help you:

• Improve your image-making abilities
• Gain valuable Exhibition Merits that count toward your 12 “additional” merit requirement
• Grow more confident in your creative and technical skills
• So even if your main focus is speaking or teaching, submitting your work to MIR can still give you a leg up!

Why These Programs Matter

Whether you want to take better photos, grow your business, or connect with a bigger community, the Degree Program and MIR are here to help.
When you earn your degree, you’ll get recognized on stage at Imaging USA—celebrated by your peers and honored for your dedication. That moment starts with just one photo.

Take the First Step Today

Start submitting your images into the MIR and learn more about the PPA degree program! Get started at PPA.com/Degrees