Print Merits
Print merits are earned by entering images in the annual print competition at the state Educational Conference. Images judged by a panel of jurors who score images on a 0-100 scale. When an image scores 76 or above, a print merit is earned. Additional print merits may be earned for a single image by being awarded trophies or other awards; If image wins an award in its classification, 1 additional merit is earned. Memorial trophy winning images earn 2 additional merits.

Service Merits
Service merits are primarily earned through volunteering time to PPW. Various duties earn between 1 and 6 service merits. A complete listing of service merits is outlined in the downloadable Membership Directory. For more information you many contact the Citations chairperson on the State Officers page.

Service Merits may also be earned by full participation at certain PPW sponsored educational events. Different events have different merit values.

Whole or partial merits may also be earned through attending qualifying PPA events. Each member is responsible for reporting to the Citations Chairperson when they attend a qualifying event and must make that report within 12 months of the event.

Fellow of Photography Degree (FP)
The Fellow of Photography degree is the highest degree awarded by the PPW and is earned after 50 merits are accumulated, with no less than 25 print merits and no less than 15 service merits. A neck ribbon with the Gold FP medallion is presented at the annual conference and the degree title "FP" may be used after your name (i.e. "Jane Doe, FP").

Gold Bar Awards
A Gold Bar is awarded for every additional 25 merits earned after 50. The gold bar is attached to the FP degree ribbon.

Associate Fellow of Photography Degree
The Associate Fellow of Photography degree is awarded after 25 merits of any kind are earned. A neck ribbon with the Silver AFP medallion is presented at the annual conference and the degree title "AFP" may be used after your name (i.e. "Jane Doe, AFP").

Silver Bar Awards
A Silver Bar is awarded for every additional 25 merits earned after the first 25 and is attached to the AFP degree ribbon. Silver bars acknowledge members who continue to earn merits but do not have the necessary print or service merits to earn the FP degree. Upon achievement of the FP degree, the silver bars are exchanged for gold bars.

Volunteer of the Year Award
The recipient of this award is chosen by the Executive Board in recognition of extraordinary volunteer service to the PPW that has been done within the last 12 to 18 month period.

Distinguished Service Award
The coveted Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor and recognition that the Professional Photographers of Washington can bestow. The recipient is chosen by the previous 3 award winners and honors members who, for a period of many years, have given their talent, time, loyalty and professionalism to advance the PPW membership.

National Award
The highest award that can be given by the International PP of A, Inc. "For Service to Professional Photography"... a five word summation of the respect, admiration and appreciation earned by one individual. The National Award is given to outstanding individuals as chosen by PP of A State and Regional Affiliated Associations. While only one award is available on a yearly basis, an individual may not receive more than one National Award from the same Affiliated Association during his or her lifetime.

• $500 towards a PPA Affiliated School
• $350 towards a PPA Affiliated School
• $300 towards the Pacific Northwest School of Professional Photography