Glossary of Photographic Distinctions

Below is a basic list of photographic distinctions available from various photographic organisations.  These distinctions are achieved either by entering competitions run by the organisation or by applying directly, in accordance with their specific requirements.

As requirements and regulations can change over time, it is recommended that you consult the relevant organisation’s website for the most up-to-date information on the rules and criteria for each 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 -

• BPAGB, Badge Award of the PAGB, the first level of award, judged on 7 pictures, with a standard of 'good club photography'

• CPAGB, Credit Award of the PAGB, judged on 10 pictures, with a standard of 'good club photography'

• DPAGB, Distinction Award of the PAGB, judged on 15 pictures, with a standard of 'open exhibition photography'

• EPAGB, Excellence Award of the PAGB, judged on 15 pictures, with a high standard of 'open exhibition photography'

• MPAGB, Master Award of 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 or 21 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

Organisations that support national and international photography exhibitions:

• BIPP : British Institute of Professional Photography

• BPIA : British Photographic and Imaging Association

• MPA : Master Photographers Association

• PSA : Photographic Society of America