Below is a basic list of Photographic distinctions available from various Photographic organisations. They are obtained either by entering competitions sponsored by the organisation or applying directly to the organisation, adhering to their specifications of what is necessary to obtain that distinction. The requirements can change over time, so it is best to look at the relevant organisations website to see the current requirements and rules for any given distinction. PAGB : Photographic Alliance of Great Britain, the 'umbrella' organisation for the regional federations/associations in GB. There are a number of awards for individual photographers, as follows - CPAGB , Credit from the PAGB, the first level of award, judged on 10 pictures, with a standard of 'good club photography' DPAGB , Distinction from the PAGB, judged on 15 pictures, with a standard of 'open exhibition photography' MPAGB , Master from the PAGB, judged on 20 pictures, with a standard of 'the highest standard of amateur photography' APAGB , PAGB award for meritorious service, based not on pictures, but to people who have given outstanding service to photographers who belong to member societies RPS : Royal Photographic Society, a society open to individual amateur and professional photographers. there are a number of distinctions, as follows - LRPS , Licentiate of the RPS, the first level and judged on a panel of 10 pictures ARPS , Associate of the RPS , judged on a panel of 15 pictures FRPS , Fellow of the RPS, judged on a panel of 20 pictures Hon FRPS , Honorary Fellow of the RPS, awarded for services to the RPS DPS : Disabled Photographers' Society, a registered national charity promoting photography for people with disabilities, or their carers, or groups or anyone with an interest in helping the disabled.
Like the RPS above, it offers distinctions at the Licentiate (LDPS), Associate (ADPS) and Fellowship (FDPS) levels BPE : British Photographic Exhibitions, with awards made to individual photographers for the number of acceptances gained BPE1* ("BPE one star"), for 25 acceptances BPE2* , for 50 acceptances BPE3* , for 100 acceptances BPE4* , for 200 acceptances BPE5* , for 300 acceptances FIAP : Federation Internationale de l'Art Photographique, a worldwide federation to develop relationships amongst photographers (PAGB is affiliated to this organisation) AFIAP , Artist of FIAP, the first level of award for photographic merit in international competition EFIAP , Excellence of FIAP MFIAP , Master of FIAP BIPP : British Institute of Professional Photography
 BPIA : British Photographic and Imaging Association
 MPA : Master Photographers Association
 PSA : Photographic Society of America
