EDUCATION
- Continuing Education
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As a VPPA member, you will be exposed to the latest advances in the photography field through monthly meetings, the Fall Seminar and the Annual Convention. Nationally acclaimed speakers present programs that can improve your existing skills and teach you new techniques. Your annual membership dues cover all VPPA-sponsored gatherings with no separate registration fees. The Convention is held in a centrally located site. Other meetings take place in various locations around the state and cover a wide variety of topics.
- Scholarships
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As a Professional or Life member, you are eligible for scholarships that allow individuals to study at PPA Affiliated Schools which are found in many nearby states. The Association provides thousands of dollars in scholarships and awards annually to promote and enhance members continued image excellence and business skills.
Scholarships and Awards we offer:
- Memorial Under 3
- Memorial Over 3
- Polly Frye
- Bruce Hobbs
- PPA National Award
- Virginia Award
- Renny Cave Volunteer Award
- Annual Image Excellence Awards
- Degree Program
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As a member, you have the opportunity to earn image credits and service/education credits toward VPPA Degrees. These credentials identify you as an outstanding professional imagemaker, worthy of recognition by your colleagues. Virginia offers two degrees: Fellow of Photography (FP) and Service of Photography (SP).
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’s annual competition.
Members who wear the SP Award (Scarlett Ribbon with Gold SP Medallion) have earned a total of 85 or more total credits, of which at least 43 must have been earned for service to the association.
For every additional 85 credits earned, a gold bar is awarded for either degree. There are no service or blue ribbon restrictions on bars. Bars are attached to the FP ribbon. Degree recipients are announced each year at the Banquet held during the statewide Convention.
- Image Competition
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Submitting your best images to a panel of nationally qualified judges allows you to see how your work compares to that of other professionals in the state. You will have an option at PhotoConnect-VA in February to enter Image Competition and to have your images critiqued, at an additional fee, by PPA Affiliate Judges. At ImageFest-VA in August and occasionally at the District level, you may have your images critiqued by experienced professionals and learn ways to improve your images before entering image competition.
- Incentive Awards and MasterMind Groups
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The Cardinal Recognition Award was created to recognize participation and service to our photographic community through image submission, service and education. This award can be earned annually and will inspire members to become, and stay active, in our professional community.
PixelTHISTM is a Mastermind alliance with the core focus on sharing images and getting feedback from our fellow members. Rely on us for support as you pursue your dreams and overcome your struggles. Sharing and discussing your photography will make you a better photographer and transform your vision.