What is a Print Case? Where Can I Buy One?

One of the requirements when entering physical prints into image competition is an approved print case. If you ship your competition prints anywhere in a cardboard box or other unapproved case, your prints will more than likely not be returned to you. If we prance on over to the PPA website, we can see the …

Where Can I See Previous Print Competition Entries? 5 Inspirational Resources for Competitors

This is a often-asked question. It’s kind of hard to know what you’re doing in the beginning with print competition and taking a gander at some previous entries is quite helpful. Currently, these are your options: 1. IUSA Image Exhibit All entries that received merits or loans are displayed at the PPA’s national convention, Imaging …

Judging – The Images that Haunt: “Permanent Bond”

I’d heard a judging colleague of mine once talk about the images you take home with you. Figuratively speaking, of course. And after judging my first image competition earlier this year, I think I understand what he meant. I’d been asked to judge for The Professional Photographers of South Carolina and welcomed the February trip …

How to Build Your Image Competition Advisory Network (PP of OHIO BONUS ARTICLE)

Introducing…. the Image Competition Advisory Network. I. CAN. (pause for groaning) OK, that’s enough, I’m being serious, here. Basically, here’s the deal. If you are participating in print competition, you want to associate with other competitors. You want to have a team of people who understand what it is you are doing that can give …

3 Print Competition Tips from Jurors-In-Training (& CPPs!)

Jurors-in-training are PPA members and print competitors and who have completed the PPA Judge’s workshop as part of the process in becoming a PPA Affiliated Juror. After the workshop, students who have their Master’s Degree are eligible to begin judging print competitions at a state level. Like anyone else – we have opinions and advice …

Diamond Photographer of the Year: GO!

The other day I wrote about an image by a Diamond POTY (see HERE ) and yesterday’s mail brought the January 2015 issue of Professional Photographer Magazine, which featured all the Diamond Photographers of the Year. Diamonds must be in the air – so we’ll just continue along that theme. Not too long ago, I …

When Judging Makes You Cry…

… you know you’re looking at something pretty special. Last August I took the 2013 Judges’ Workshop (read about it HERE) and in the spring of 2014 I began to judge at state level competitions in order to start squaring away my requirements to become a PPA Affiliated Judge. I’m considered a Juror-In-Training until I …

Why I Require My Print Competition Mentorees to Pursue Certification (CPP)

In the past, one was required to have a CPP before they could receive their Master’s degree from the PPA. This didn’t seem to be a popular prerequisite and I remember seeing that the list of Master’s degree recipients was quite a bit longer than normal the first year this requirement was banished. Some folks …