Professional Photographers of America degrees are professional credentials that show your dedication to photography and help build client trust. PPA offers four separate professional degrees for photographers. Each degree is earned by collecting merits—credits you earn by creating strong work, helping others, or instructing your fellow photographers.

• Master of Photography: For photographers who demonstrate creativity and technical excellence in their images.
  Requires 13 exhibition merits + 12 merits of any type for a total of 25 merits.
• Master of Wedding Photography: For wedding photographers who elevate storytelling through expert technique and style.
  Requires 13 wedding exhibition merits + 12 merits of any type for a totalof 25 merits.
• Master Artist: For creatives who excel in retouching, photo editing, and digital artistry.
  Requires 13 artist exhibition merits + 12 merits of any type for a total of 25 merits.
• Photographic Craftsman: For speakers, teachers, and mentors who educate and uplift other photographers.
  Requires 13 speaker merits + 12 merits of any type for a total of 25 merits.

• Exhibition Merits
  These merits are earned by submitting your photos to the Merit Image Review (MIR). Photographers can submit up to four images per degree category each month, February -November.Images are reviewed by trained PPA jurors who offer expert feedback and assessments of your work. Each image is evaluated using the 12 Elements of a Merit Image to help you grow in your image making abilities.If your image meets the standard you’ll earn an exhibition merit!
  *There are two exhibition merit subcategories: artist exhibition and wedding exhibition merits. These merit subcategories are counted toward the master artist degree and master of wedding photography degree.
• Speaking Merits
  These merits are earned by teaching a class or event held by PPA or one of our Community Network partners.
• Service Merits
  These are earned by volunteering or attending PPA events such as Imaging USA.
  *Please note: Service merits can be used toward the 12 additional merit requirement of any degree.

To learn more about PPA Degree opportunities in PPWV, please contact:

Bo Wriston, CPP

PPWV CPP Liaison

wristonphoto@gmail.com

(304) 629-3735