Among its many purposes, the APPA is dedicated to the advancement of the photography profession by promoting and fostering relationships whereby a member can benefit by the sharing and exchange of information. The APPA provides educational opportunities, and offers an arena in which photographers can improve their skills by participating in print competition. This group recognizes achievement by offering two degree programs modeled after PPA National programs.

The APPA offers two degree programs:

1) The Apple Award: Based on merits earned in print competition or a combination of print competition merits and service merits (25 total merits - a minimum of at least 8 service merits is required)

2) The Artisan Award: Based on merits earned for contribution in service to the association (25 Service Merits).

APPA Merits are accumulated as follows:

Service

Executive Director………….10 President……………………..6 Newsletter Editor………….…6

Board Member (Officer)…….5 Board Member (Director)…...3 Committee Chair…………….2

Serving on a Committee……1 Local Member Speaker……..2 Appature Article…………...1

Prints

Scoring 80 and Above…1 Prints accepted into the APPA Loan Collection....1

Merits are awarded to active members at the annual Convention banquet. Anyone qualifying for a degree will be recognized and awarded the degree ribbon at the banquet.

APPA will typically host a two-day annual convention, a “Summer Sizzler”, and a “Fall Festival” and other educational day long seminars. You must pay annual membership dues to belong to APPA.

REGIONAL - RMPPA – Rocky Mountain Professional Photographers Association

This is the regional affiliate and is comprised of six states: Arizona,Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah and Wyoming. Each state has its own Professional Association which holds meetings, photography competitions and social events. If you are a member the Arizona State affiliate (APPA), you are automatically a member of RMPPA. If you are a dues paying member of PPA, you may receive print merits toward your Masters Degree awarded by PPA through competition at the regional or national level.

NATIONAL - PPA – Professional Photographers of America

This is the national association which certifies photographers (Certified Professional Photographer – CPP) and grants Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman degrees through a system of “merits” earned on a national level. You must be a PPA member to qualify for certification or degrees. Visit PPA's web site for additional information on PPA degree programs.

Creativity - The concept as well as the print itself should demonstrate creativity on your part. the image should show that you did more than just copy some other photographer’s style.

Unique & Interesting Style - This goes along with the initial impact. Does your print reflect a style of photography that is interesting and unique?

Correct Composition - A dead-centered, static-looking print will never fly. Utilize the “rule of thirds” when composing your image. The viewer’s eye should naturally be drawn to the center of attention.

Good Color Balance - Colors should be realistic and lifelike. White areas should be white and black areas should be black. Colors should harmonize and not clash.

Correct Lighting - Basic lighting principles should be followed. If a subject needs short lighting, it should be used. If a subject needs broad lighting, then it should be used. The light used for “modeling” should be properly placed and should show you have a firm command of correct lighting technique.

Outstanding Subject Matter - Judges see tons of prints of women and children and brides because those seem to be the most popular types of subject matter photographed and entered. So, if you photograph something that a lot of other people are using, try to find a subject that is really extraordinary and that stands out among all the rest.

Exceptional Print Quality - If your lab is unfamiliar with printing competition prints, find one that is! Remember that a good print starts with a good negative (or digital file). It must be properly exposed before the lab can do the best job of printing. You should view your prints under lighting conditions similar to those at the print judging itself to make sure it will not “wash out” under the bright juding lights. Also, avoid the traditional flat matte finish. Consider a very high gloss finish.

Make a Statement or Tell a Story - A print that tells a story or makes a statement is more exciting and interesting than just a nice print of a nice looking person. The image should stir the emotions and imagination of the judges. Therefore, the title can often be as important as the print itself. Be as creative as possible when coming up with a title. Make sure it goes with the image.

Center of Attention - The judge’s eyes should naturally be drawn to a center of attention which is the main subject matter. Any leading lines should lead to that point without making the judge’s eyes jump back and forth around the image.

Watch Out For - Watch out for poor subject matter, poorly posed hands, cropping that is too close, poor clothing selections, obvious artwork and titles that don’t match the image.

Most Important - Follow the rules to the letter!