What’s With All the Letters After Joan's Name?

AKA: The Fancy Stuff That Proves We Know What We’re Doing (Even When Covered in Dog Hair)

We get it—those long strings of letters after our names can look a little... extra. But every acronym in this “alphabet soup” represents late nights perfecting our craft, international recognition, and years of leveling up in a field where continuing education is everything.

These degrees, titles, and awards aren’t just for show—they’re proof that we’ve worked hard (and been judged very harshly by people with clipboards) to create exceptional, timeless artwork for dog-loving families like yours.

So if you’re wondering whether we’ve got the credentials to back up the wagging tails—oh yes, we do.

Imaging Excellence Award (IE)

This award is one of the highest honors in the photography industry. To receive this award, a photographer must earn 13 Image Excellence awards from submissions to PPA's MIR. Walker was one of nine creators to receive the award in 2024.

Service Award (ASP)

The American Society of Photographers Service Award was created to recognize members who volunteer within the organization. It is achieved by earning points through countless hours of service. In order to recognize and show appreciation for the time, talent and expertise generously contributed for the benefit of the American Society of Photographers and its members. The black ribbon and distinctive medallion is not just a symbol of hard work, but an indication of the selfless character of the person who wears it.

Master Artist (M. Artist)

The Master Artist (M.Artist) degree is awarded by PPA to photographers for their superior artistic skills in digital and traditional art, advanced education, and service to the industry.

Master of Photography (M.Photog.)

The Master of Photography (M.Photog.) degree is awarded to photographers for their superior photographic skills demonstrated through the Photographic Open category of PPA’s International Photographic Competition, advanced education, and service to the industry.

Photographic Craftsman (Cr.)

The Photographic Craftsman degree is awarded to photographers for their service as a speaker, author or mentor. This degree shows that you have gone beyond the creation of images and dedicated your time to move the industry forward and encourage education.

Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)

Every industry has its benchmark. The Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) designation is the professional benchmark for the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). No matter the photographer's specialty, the CPP is a fundamental step in mastering their craft. The CPP requires the passage of both a written exam and an image submission.

Florida Degree of Artistic Excellence (FDAE)

FDAE - GOLD RIBBON

Florida Degree of Artistic Excellence -

The FDAE is also earned through competition, but only through images entered in the Electronic Artistry category. A total of thirty (30) merits are required, with a minimum of 16 earned through competition (scoring 80 or higher). The remaining may be either service merits or competition merits (in the EA category).

As of 2023, there are only 23 photographers awarded this degree in Florida.

Florida Degree of Photographic Excellence (FDPE)

FDPE - LIGHT BLUE RIBBON

Florida Degree of Photographic Excellence

The FDPE is a degree earned primarily through the FPP’s annual image competition. A total of thirty (30) merits are required, with a minimum of 16 earned through competition (scoring 80 or higher). The remaining 14 merits may be service merits or competition merits.

Fellow of Photography - Virginia Professional Photographers Association (FP-VA)

Members who wear the FP Award (Silver Ribbon with Gold Medallion) have earned 85 or more credits. At least 43 of these credits must come from images winning blue ribbons at our state competition.

Fellow of Photography - Professional Photographers of North Carolina (F.Ph.-NC)

F.Ph. - Red and Black Ribbons

Red ~ Awarded for photographic excellence in print competition

Black ~ Awarded for service to the photographic community

A FEW ADDITIONAL THINGS...

PPA Councilor Florida 2nd Term

The new Councilors officially took office on July 1, 2024. These volunteers act as a voice for members in their state and help set policy by discussing and voting on changes to PPA by-laws, procedures, and leadership. They are also vital in helping PPA get important messaging out to its more than 31,000 members.

Elections are held every 3 years (ballots are sent and tabulated electronically) beginning in the spring. All PPA Professional Active, Additional Active, Canadian, Life and Retired members have the right to vote. PPA is a member-supported and member-driven organization, and its members run PPA, in great part, through their elected representatives.

Once elected, PPA council members represent all PPA members in their respective states. A Councilor's duties include attending state and local association meetings, encouraging membership in PPA, and maintaining a constant connection between the nonprofit’s members and its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. Councilors must attend one annual meeting at Imaging USA, the organization’s signature photography trade show and convention.

State Representative (Florida) for ASP

ASP is a society of professional photographic artists who aspire to maintain the highest level of excellence by adhering to ethical standards, stimulating creativity and continually refining technical competence. The goal of the organization is to promote education, foster fellowship and perpetuate the ideals of photography as a science and an art and membership is by invitiation only.

The position of State Representative was added in 2022, and is an appointed position with numbers varying by state size. Florida has three representatives.