I have 19 service merits and 9 speaker merits. Do I qualify to apply for a Craftsman degree?
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I have 19 service merits and 9 speaker merits. Do I qualify to apply for a Craftsman degree?
Karen, To get the Craftsman degree at least 13 must be speaking merits, so you need 4 more speaking merits to qualify. But then all the leftover service merits can start adding up to your Master's.
Do you earn merits attending classes at Imaging USA?
You will receive one service merit for attending IUSA.
Additional merits are possible if you take the pre-convention classes (you pay extra for those.)
Or..you could volunteer and I believe you can earn a service merit for that as well.
Jeff
Yes, the year I attended I had scheduled to help put up the print display. While there, I offered to take down, also. I did not expect a second merit but got one so....got three for that week.
I've had a hard time finding information about the degrees on the website. How are the degrees awarded? Do you apply after meeting some requirements or is it automatic after you complete the requirements?
I'm interested in the Master of Photography degree but I don't know what it entails entirely. Where can I find more detailed information about the degrees, their requirements, how merits are awarded and for what?
Marc, when you have received all the proper merits for your degree, PPA will notify you that you qualify and will send you the proper papers to fill out to receive your degree. You need, for the Masters, 13 Exhibition merits and 12 additional merits, such as attending Imaging USA, attending Super Mondays, speaking, attending affiliate schools, and volunteering for PPA events, just to name a very few. Once you reach the 25 merits, Cristel's office will contact you.
Then, once you accept/confirm your degree, your name will show up for voting at the council meeting during IUSA and you're in!
For more information, go to the top of this web page, click on Benefits and select Merits and Degrees.
Marc,
Once you have met the requirments and are eligible for the degree, you will recieve a letter from PPA. It's been awhile since I got my last degree so I don't remember exactly but I do believe there is a sort of application - but it's more just a registration that you are attending the ceremony or not - how your name should be written on the certificate, who your sponsor is etc. The PPA council does vote on the list of degree recipients each year. The actual degree is presented at an awards ceremony at IUSA. Your sponsor accompanies you on stage and actually hangs the ribbon around your neck. The sponsor is traditionally someone you feel has been instrumental in your reaching your degree. It does NOT have to be a PPA member but it is required to be an adult - no children.
To be eligible, you must have 13 print merits and 12 other merits. It used to be a challenge to earn those 12 other merits but now they practically give them away for attending certain seminars etc. I think you also have to have been a member for 2 or 3 years. You can earn those extra 12 merits by service, speaking, education or additional print merits. Print merits are received from having prints accepted for the exhibition at IUSA. Judging for that takes place in June or July every year. Each accepted print earns one merit. A print selected for Loan collection gets 2 merits.
Hope this helps. If you have more questions just ask.
Keith
I've looked at that and it really isn't helpful. There is more information on the credential programs page.Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael_Gan
Where or at what level of print competition are the merits awarded that are needed for the degree?
What is the significance of purpose of the voting stage? Just curious as to why that apparent formality is included.
Also, what is the history or significance of the sponsor thing?
- trr
Todd, the voting, as I understand it, is where any objections can be raised (and the degree applicant has the chance for rebuttal if there is an objection).
Marc, if you are going to Imaging, you should sign up for an Image Critique -- this would be a great way to get you started in the process of figuring out what images to enter. Also, you should check out the Exhibition while you are there... it has on display most of the merit images (except any that couldn't be safely hung).
Todd,Quote:
Originally Posted by Todd_Reichman
one big no- no is saying you have achieved the degree prior to receiving it. Another might be an ethics situation.
Jeff
I've heard in the past that objections would come up due to some ethics such and so...Quote:
Originally Posted by Todd_Reichman
Oh and when a recipient starts claiming (attaching the initials/advertising that they are) that they've earned the degree already during that year that you earned the merits but not marched yet.
Also, if new evidence of say cheating were to come into light. Example, turns out you did same subject in the same year but no one caught it. Or the instructor of the class you were in would object since you entered a print created during a class.
Complainers then calls their councilor, now that councilor has to bring it up. It would be really mean though if this happens during imaging week and the recipient and their families have already there room/flight/vacation already vested.
Those are the situations I could think of. I've attended 4 of the last council meetings and I've never seen a complaint. I've seen a last minute addition though last year. Something about a miscount on the merits and it turns out whoever it was had enough so they added her name to the list and let her March.
All degree candidates must be approved by council.
Once the names have been sent out there is a time limit as to when objection have to be made to a recipient. Usually it's on the basis of an ethics issues. There might be other situations.
Where do I look on the PPA website to see how many merits I have earned? Can't find it...
Phillip,Quote:
Originally Posted by Phillip_Colwart
When you log in at www.ppa.com, you should see a section on the left hand side of the screen (you must be logged in to see this) with links like 'My Merits,' 'Edit My Membership Record' etc... Click on My Merits to display (and possibly print) your merit record.
Just what I need...more merits !
It's a pretty easy system to understand...each degree has it's own colored ribbon. When you see people with multi colored ribbons then it signifies that they have multiple PPA degrees.
Master Photographer - gold ribbon
Craftsman - blue ribbon
Master Artist - white ribbon
Master of EI - red
Then each state has it's own degree system and it's own colored ribbons on top of all that. You just have to assume that when you see someone with a lot of bling that they have worked pretty hard to get where they are. Orin my case...bought some stuff on ebay... :) !
Imaging Excellence is for 13 loan prints. I think that has to be above your master's degree...I think. Not sure on that point. Once you get your first 13 you get a different colored medallion (black) with a diamond in the center.
Each 13 after that you get a bar.
The arrowheads are for photographer of the year. Each has a different level and different designation. From meriting all four prints up to the diamond which is the highest for all four prints going loan.
Master's Degree 13 print merits and 12 service or speaking or judging merits for a total of 25
Craftsman Degree 13 speaking merits with another 12 from other sources such as above for a total of 25
EI Degree 13 EI print merits with the other 12 from a variety of service, speaking, and judging for a total of 25.
Each 25 after that you get a gold bar.
That's the short version...
Pretty much correct Mike. The 12 merits can be including, or any other merits (Most will reserve their degree merits though - for example, not use exhibition merits towards the Craftsman, etc.).
Oh, BTW, and this goes for all certifieds. There is no "PPA Certified" anymore. We are trying to get the word out to all CPPs that it is now "CPP". You are all certified under the CPPC (Certified Professional Photography Commission).
I was reading vital signs and remembered this thread and thought I would post the link to this article, in case anyone missed it. This gives detailed information about what is need for each degree.
http://www.ppa.com/articles/310/Vita...-Get-There.php
Interesting degree discussion - I joined last year, taking my CPP in March, and heading for the Master, and eventually Craftsman degrees.
I noticed a degree no one has spoken of... MASTER ARTIST. See here:
http://www.ppa.com/findaphotographer...hp#DiffDegrees
Photographic Craftsman
Master of Photography
Master Artist
Master of Electronic Imaging
Now, I checked out the link Ed Provided and guess what? Master Artist isn't there! Anyone know what's up with this?
Additionally, ASSUMING I host 2 Super Mondays a year, and Present a program at my State conf. (which I assume would be an affiliate program) and am LUCKY enough to get an article published... I might pull off six meits in one year - if I got REALLY lucky!!!
I would just like to understand more about creating opportunities and finding ways to share/present - make the degree more of a reality. I'm more than willing to work for it, just wish there were more ops to speak/teach. Are there no other ways to gain these points outside of Super Mondays, and/or Prof. Photog magazine articles? My state's newsletter is sewn up... :O) I'm looking for opportunities to help with IUSA to gain points also...
I have a background in corporate training, and am comfy in front of a crowd and LOVE LOVE LOVE to teach.
Thanks!
(BTW - I had planned to add the CPP info just like Phillip did when I get the official nod... Glad I read this post!)
You won't find the Master Artist requirements on the web site since the degree is no longer available. Master Artist was a degree for Artists and retouchers working in "conventional" media - those being pencils, oils, dyes, etc. As conventional retouching and artwork has been replaced by digital artwork, the Master Artist degree has been replaced by the Master of Electronic Imaging degree. Interest in the conventional Art-Tech competition waned and the last year it was offered, there were no entrants in the Art-Tech category. Art-Tech merits were required for the Master Artist degree.Quote:
Originally Posted by ninabeheim
There are a lot of ways to earn merits within PPA. You already know about merits for speaking at conventions, Super Mondays, and articles in the Professional Photographer magazine. You can also earn service merits by volunteering to work at the PPA National Convention assisting the Program Talent and assisting the staff do other necessary jobs to run the convention. You can also receive a (1) service merit for serving as a member of the PPA Council for your state. If you become your State association's President or State Convention Chairman, you receive 2 PPA service merits for your service to the profession by leading your state association (but no one takes on these kinds of jobs just for the merits, since being a PPA Councilor or an Association President or Convention Chairman takes up a heck of a lot of your time). If you are selected to be a judge at one of the annual state convention print competitions, you will receive a merit for that service. Another opportunity is to volunteer to work at the PPA International Print Judging, or at the convention putting up and taking down the print exhibit. There are lots of opportunities to earn PPA merits, but accumulating merits is not a quick thing - it takes time and dedicated service...
Some of you may be able to answer this - is there a particular department that handles these degrees?
I just looked up my merits and I have 15 speaking merits (actually should be 17 but one of the state PPA conventions are not listed on there - though I do have the paper certificate) and also have 18 service merits. This should qualify me for Craftsman Degree, correct?
I'm wondering if the application or something got lost in the mail or mixed up with my name change (got married last year).
Thanks for any guidance!
Yes you have enough, but as the degrees won't be confered till IUSA next January you won't be contacted until probably October or November. If you want confirmation call PPA and ask for the merits and degrees coordinator.
Keith
Thanks Keith for the info!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Keith_A_Howe
I actually had most of these since 2007/2008 so I'm not sure why I was not contacted back then? I got married in 2009 and my last name changed, but not my address so I would have still received stuff in the mail but I honestly do not remember anything ever coming.
Here's what I have (or should have) for speaking/authoring:
1/16/07 - Imaging USA Speaker - 5 merits
6/27/07 - Chicks that Click Speaker - 5 merits
10/9/07 - PPA SC Conference Speaker - 2 merits
12/1/07 - Article Professional Photographer Magazine - 1 merit
2/5/08 - PPA Michigan Speaker - 2 merits
1/20/08 - PPA Nebraska Speaker - should have merits for this but I don't see any listed. I have my speakers contract and the wooden plaque in the shape of Nebraska, but no merits shown on my merits page. I think I have the certificate around here somewhere too. I remember this one quite clearly. On 1/19 we had a flight canceled an the entire ATL/SE area airports shut down for a snow storm. We rented a car and drove 20+ hours to get from Atlanta to Nebraska in time for me to speak, no only 1-3 hr sleep. I was very grateful for a friend there to help me drive through the snow all day Saturday. We only had 25 hrs or so to get there and the drive was about 20 hrs in the snow.
Then I've got the various 18 service merits.
I suppose there is some confusion on my account due to my name change perhaps I'll just call next week and find out. They're supposed to consolidating my accounts right now (so my maiden name PPA stuff goes with my PPA records since I got married).
I honestly never paid much attention to the merit part of all this until this year - I just spoke where called to. Now there's so many photographers coming into the market - it makes sense to pursue these degrees to set yourself apart.
Thanks for your help!!
I have to admit I'm a tad discouraged lately because although I have enough speaking engagements to earn my merits, I always seem to have a problem actually getting the merits! I always ask for them up front and remind them about my ppa # just prior to the event, but so many of the guilds simply don't request them in time... It's driving me crazy because I've gotten in my car and driven up to 7 hours for one engagement and still haven't gotten that merit! I've actually considered giving up on the whole thing because there's really no recourse to get the merits that I've already worked for or at least it's my understanding that speakers are really at the mercy of the guilds...
Cindi - Thank you for bringing this up. I just did my first speaking engagement last week. My merits for that were showing on my record when I checked 2 days later, which was amazing to me. Since it seems that other groups may not request the merit in such a timely manner - I would like to know how this whole "request a merit" thing works so that I may keep abreast of what should be happening within what timeline.
I have just enough engagements scheduled this year to earn my Craftsman and have it awarded in Jan 2011. I would surely hate for one group to hold that up.
Can you or anyone explain how this process works?
Thank you.
There's no big secret to how requesting a merit works. The association manager fills in a form and sends it to PPA. PPA will check the group's merit allocation to assure that they have the merits to give, then PPA Headquarters issues the merit. Some associations order the merits in advance of the program and have the certificates on hand to award at the conclusion of the program. Some associations request the merit after the program has been presented in which case PPA will credit the merit to the members account and mail them the certificate.
Also be aware that just because you have not received a merit certificate, it does not mean that you did not receive the merit. I have some service merits (from the PPA-PEC for working at the national judging) credited to my account that I have never received the certificates for (maybe they just got lost in the paper shuffle or lost in the mail) - but the merits were credited to me on my merit report, so I did get the merits.
Cindi - you may want to check your merit report to see if they were credited to your merit record - you may have the merit and just be missing the paper certificate.
I have never received a paper certificate for any merits I've earned. I heard recently that the PPA was discontinuing issuing paper certificates. (Just photographer gossip - nothing official.)
How does one get the paper certificates and is that important to have?
Nobody has ever asked me to see my paper merits. The only thing I ever use the paper ones for is to copy and send to my state fellowship chairman so I get my state credits towards my state degrees. The only time a paper merit might be important is if you have one but it never shows up on PPA records.
As far as not getting merits from different associations that promised them. I assume you have a contract with the association? It should state in the contract how many merits you should get. It's not a great idea to speak without a contract. If you have sponsorship, they will want a copy of the contract for verification. If you don't get your merit from the association get on the phone and call them once a week until you do get it. That's not harrasment, that's making them do what they have promised in your contract.
I do know that sometimes I get a paper merit and sometimes I don't. I am not sure what the difference is, except it seems like if PPA is giving you the merits directly ( like from national comp, working print crew at national judging etc etc) you don't get the paper copy, it just shows up on your record. If you are getting a merit from an affiliate association ( speaking for them, being a state or local president) then PPA sends them a paper merit to present to you. Not sure if this is right but that's what it seems like to me.
Keith
I've had to do this in the past. Kind of a pain, but sometimes necessary. Keep in mind that these associations, especially if you're speaking for a small guild, are all operated by volunteers, and sometimes some folks bite off more than they can chew :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Keith_A_Howe
I'm not saying it's right, just saying it's not uncommon. I haven't had issues like that at state or regional levels, only with the small guilds. If they don't get it done, become the squeaky wheel. One set of merits took me 4 months to receive - and that was after lots of emails and phone calls. And, as a side note, PPA national can't really do anything to help in that situation - it's between you and the guild.
For speaking gigs to count, do they have to be to other photographers?
Like in October I'm speaking to our local artists association about copyright.
Would things like that count?
The only way that you can receive a merit is to do a program for a PPA affiliated organization or for an event that is sponsored by a PPA affiliate. Your local artists association is probably not a PPA affiliate. The PPA affiliate organization has to send in the merit request to PPA in order for you to receive a merit for speaking before their group.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cindi_Delaney
Keep in mind as well that you local affiliate is limited to the amount of merits they recieve from PPA per year. It is proportional to the amount of PPA members that are in your local affiliate to some degree.
Jeff
Joe,Quote:
Originally Posted by Joe_Campanellie
Conventions are unlimited in the sense that they dont count against your allocation. I did not bring that up so as to not confuse anyone!!
Yes, for an annual convention by a state affiliate, the merits are basically unlimited and do not count against your yearly merit allocation. But some local affiliates, like guilds, don't have annual conventions, so for those groups, they have to operate on their yearly allotment of merits based on their membership numbers...
To clarify ways in which one can receive merits:
For PPA members who participate (speak or volunteer) at a state annual convention, a PPA member can receive a maximum of four merits per person, per annual meeting for non-state members and a maximum of two merits in any one calendar year to a member of the state issuing merits.
While the state affiliate does not use their allotment for annual conventions, there are PPA by-law rules governing the number of merits that a PPA member can receive at an annual convention.
Hope that clears up any confusion!
Cheers,
Christel
I attended WPPI (gasp) in 2008 and 2009. Is it possible to get a merit for that? Is there a form to fill out? What is the process... Thanks