PPA’s International Photographic Competition
To enter the IPC, photographers submit prints, electronic files and physical and/or digital albums to be judged by a panel of qualified experts. Competitors must designate the category under which each image is being submitted. The three categories include photographic open, artist competition, and wedding competition. Submissions will either merit or not merit and are judged against a standard of excellence using PPA’s “12 elements of a merit image”. Images that merit are then judged for the opportunity to become part of PPA’s prestigious Loan Collection—the best of the best in photography.
The PPA Loan Collection Book
Simply put, the Loan Collection exhibits the best of the best from the IPC. These amazing images are collected into a gorgeous and massive, hardcover Showcase book. This book is made available for purchase to collectors all over the world. Most importantly, it is known for being a collection of images that set the standard for quality in our industry. These gorgeous books are published by one of PPA’s partners, Marathon Press.
PPA – 12 Elements of a Merit image
When defining a “merit image”, PPA’s International Photographic Competitions Committee (IPCC) applies 12 distinct criteria. PPA-approved judges are trained to be aware of these 12 elements when judging images to the PPA merit level. These 12 elements bring together both the historical and modern practice of our profession.
While every image will have traces of some of these 12 elements, only the best of the best will have them all.
- Impact
- Technical Excellence
- Creativity
- Style
- Composition
- Presentation
- Color Balance
- Center of Interest
- Lighting
- Subject Matter
- Technique
- Story Telling
Source: www.ppa.com
Professional Photographers of America
Professional Photographers of America (PPA) is the largest international non-profit association created by professional photographers, for professional photographers. Almost as long-lived as photography itself, PPA has roots that date back to 1869. It assists more than 30,000 members through protection, education and resources for their continued success. See how PPA helps photographers be more at www.ppa.com
