PPANI Qualifications
The PPANI has a qualification process which is designed to help photographers grow in their craft. We have 3 level of qualifications (Licentiateship, Associateship & Fellowship) which means there is a level of practise for every working professional.
When you join the PPANI we ask that you submit a Licentiate panel within 12 months. The Licentiate is normally submitted online either in November or April.
Associateship and Fellowship panels are judged as printed panels consisting of twenty 20x16 inch mounted prints. This judging only takes place once per year, at the competition print judging in February.
Cost of Qualifications
LICENTIATE - £100
(this cost also upgrades you to full PPANI membership)
ASSOCIATESHIP - £120
FELLOWSHIP - £180
Qualification Categories
Licentiate
The Licentiate qualification is our entry requirement. By gaining this qualification you are really showing that you are qualified to be at professional standard and shows you are way above a basic level. You should be able to show control of the subject, posing (if relevant), lighting, storytelling, editing technique and composition.
Ciaran McGuckian
“Images must show be of good saleable work consistent with standard professional practice. Judges are looking for a good use of skill and technique in most applicable elements (see What are the Judges looking for? For a full list of elements) in a minimum of 16 out of the 20 images submitted. For this level of qualification we require a minimum of four different commissions/sessions to be included in each submission, to achieve a good use of skill and technique over a variety of sessions shows the consistency we are looking for to award Licentiate.”
Associateship
At Associate standard, the judges look for the same structure as Licentiate, though you need to show a much higher standard. Imagination, creativity and presentation all come in as important factors. Submissions at this level should be considered and scrutinised and built upon for quite some time. By achieving this standard you are showing separation from normal everyday practise and showing an individual style.
Images must show be of good saleable work consistent with standard professional practice. Judges are looking for above average skill and technique in most applicable elements (see What are the Judges looking for? For a full list of elements) in a minimum of 16 out of the 20 images submitted, with the remaining 4 images reaching the requirements of Licentiate level for the panel to be passed. For this level of qualification we require the images ‘sit together’ as a body of work representative of the photographer’s unique style, creativity and skills.
Fellowship
Holding a Fellowship is the pinnacle of the structure of qualifications. Very few photographers gain this qualification and it is known throughout the industry as highly difficult to achieve. This often takes many years of hard work, mentoring and creative advancement before being able to submit. At this level you are showing not only the highest degree of professional practise, but that you have developed a style that is pushing boundaries and showing craftsmanship at outstanding level.
“Images must show be of excellent saleable work and be above the standard expected with professional practice. Judges are looking for Excellent use of imagination, skill and technique in most applicable elements (see What are the Judges looking for? For a full list of elements) in a minimum of 16 out of the 20 images submitted, with the remaining 4 images reaching the requirements of Associate level for the panel to be passed. For this level of qualification we require the images ‘sit together’ as a body of work representative of the photographer’s unique style, creativity and skills. Fellowship Qualification submissions are usually a personal project shot by the entrant specifically for the purpose of presenting the images for assessment.”
Presentation
Printed panels will be judged in 2 rows of 10 as per the image below. Images can be portrait or landscape, or a mix of both. Presentation as a factor in the judging so make sure they all look like a panel of images and don’t regard each image as individual pieces of work only. Printing should be exceptionally done and paper choice should fit the panel and presentation.
Mentoring
We highly recommend you seek mentorship with any panel being submitted. Please get in touch with the honorary Secretary or President of PPANI if you require a mentor. You are welcome to find your own, but make sure they are aware of the specific rules and hold fellowship qualifications.
Categories
WEDDING
Licentiate - a digital submission of 20 images all resized at 20x16inch (or 16x20) at 72 DPi. Images can have a border. Must show 10 images from one wedding and another 10 images from at least 4 more commissions. Must show competence and control throughout the wedding day i.e from church (or equivalent), bride or groom alone and have at least one group. Product shots should not be used. Only images from the day the register was signed - no pre or post wedding images.
Associate & Fellow- a print submission of twenty 20x16 (portrait or landscape) mounted images. Images can be matt mounted of mounted on 3-5mm card mounted). Should be made up from at least 5 commissions and show your unique style. Pre or post wedding images allowed as long as notification has been given.
PORTRAIT
Licentiate - a digital submission of 20 images all resized at 20x16inch (or 16x20) at 72 DPi. Images can have a border. Must show images from at least 5 different commissions. Must show competence and control throughout the shoot i.e different poses, lighting set ups
Associate & Fellow- a print submission of twenty 20x16 (portrait or landscape) mounted images. Images can be matt mounted of mounted on 3-5mm card mounted). Should be made up from at least 5 commissions and show your unique style.
NEWBORN
Licentiate - a digital submission of 20 images all resized at 20x16inch (or 16x20) at 72 DPi. Images can have a border. Must show images from at least 5 different commissions. Must show competence and control throughout the shoot i.e different poses, lighting set ups
Associate & Fellow- a print submission of 20 20x16 (portrait or landscape) mounted images. Images can be matt mounted of mounted on 3-5mm card mounted). Should be made up from at least 5 commissions and show your unique style.
COMMERCIAL
Licentiate - a digital submission of 20 images all resized at 20x16inch (or 16x20) at 72 DPi. Images can have a border. Must show images from at least 5 different commissions. Must show competence and control throughout the shoot i.e different poses, angles, lighting set ups
Associate & Fellow- a print submission of twenty 20x16 (portrait or landscape) mounted images. Images can be matt mounted of mounted on 3-5mm card mounted). Should be made up from at least 5 commissions and show your unique style.
ILLUSTRATIVE
Licentiate - a digital submission of 20 images all resized at 20x16inch (or 16x20) at 72 DPi. Images can have a border. Must show images from at least 5 different commissions. Must show competence and control throughout the shoot i.e different poses, lighting set ups
Associate & Fellow- a print submission of twenty 20x16 (portrait or landscape) mounted images. Images can be matt mounted of mounted on 3-5mm card mounted). Should be made up from at least 5 commissions and show your unique style.
FASHION
Licentiate - a digital submission of 20 images all resized at 20x16inch (or 16x20) at 72 DPi. Images can have a border. Must show images from at least 5 different commissions. Must show competence and control throughout the shoot i.e different poses, lighting set ups
Associate & Fellow- a print submission of twenty 20x16 (portrait or landscape) mounted images. Images can be matt mounted of mounted on 3-5mm card mounted). Should be made up from at least 5 commissions and show your unique style.