PPA's Awards and Degree Ceremony, held during Imaging USA each year, honors professional photography and the individuals who set themselves apart in the industry.

Who is honored?

Photographer of the Year

A PPA member who earns a merit for each of the four images included in their print case for the International Print Competition is an incredible accomplishment. The level of the Photographer of the Year Award is determined by how many of those four images receive the highest possible honor: acceptance into the PPA Loan Collection. The Loan Collection travels the world for one year and is displayed at print exhibitions, conventions, and other photography events.

Master of Photography

The Master of Photography degree (M.Photog.) is conferred upon those within PPA who have shown photographic excellence through competition and the continued desire to learn and serve the photography community.

Photographic Craftsman

PPA members achieve the degree of Photographic Craftsman (Cr.Photog.) through their committment of service to the profession as an orator, author, or mentor. By giving back to the industry, these PPA members share their knowledge and expertise with those who wish to improve their skills and stay successful in business.

Master of Electronic Imaging

PPA members who pursue the Master of Electronic Imaging (MEI) not only further their profession through service and education, but choose to highlight their expertise in electronic imaging (computer graphics and enhancements to images) through competition.

Imaging Excellence Award

This award is presented to those who have achieved not only the Master of Photography degree, but have continued to excel in the International Print Competition. These individuals have placed 13 images in the renowned Loan Collection. 

Imaging Excellence Bar

This bar is presented to those who have achieved not only the Master of Photography degree and the Imaging Excellence Award, but have continued to excel in the International Print Competition. These individuals have placed an additional 13 images in the renowned Loan Collection after receiving their Imaging Excellence Award.

Ross Sandall International Award

This award is presented to individuals who have made major contributions is promoting and developing professional photography on an international level.

Gerhard Bakker Award

This award may be presented annually to an individual, school, company or organization who best epitomizes outstanding service through education in the field of photography and visual communications. The award is not necessarily conferred each year.

Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual whose life’s work has enriched our profession.

Directors Award

The Directors Award is conferred by the Board of Directors of the PPA to individuals in recognition of outstanding service to professional photography performed usually through Association service. This award was established in 1958, and is not necessarily awarded each year.

Harold Bovee PPA Jurors Meritorious Service Award

This award is given in recognition of outstanding service to the profession and dedication to the improvement of the Professional Photographers of America, Inc. PPA International Photographic Competition and Annual International Exhibition of Professional Photography, and is not necessarily conferred each year.

Helen K. Yancy Award

This award is presented to individuals for distinguished service to photography. The Award is a token of high esteem to an individual who by their ability, ingenuity and gracious sharing of talents has bequeathed to photography an achievement of service of far reaching value. The award is not necessarily conferred each year.

Charles H. (Bud) Haynes Award

This award is presented in recognition of distinguished service to PPA and its members for encouraging business awareness and practices in the field of professional image-making. The award is not necessarily conferred each year.

PPA Charities Legacy Award

The PPA Charities Legacy Award recognizes outstanding service and commitment to PPA Charities and philanthropic endeavors.

Vendor of the Year Award

The Vendor of the Year Award is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to PPA and the photographic industry.