PPA Print Competition Basics

It’s no easy feat to jump right into PPA Print Competition, especially if you are in the dark about how things work. I’ve compiled a list of a few questions (and answers) that should hopefully give you a better understanding of PPA Print Competition.

How do you sign up for print competition? Signing up for print competition is really just a matter of filling out a case entry form and submitting your case entry fee.  The form submission method will vary depending on which PPA affiliate competition you enter.  For example, the National PPA print competition has an online form (found on their Print Competition page prior to the case entry deadline).   My local, state, and regional print competitions all still use paper entry forms.  These are usually turned in with the case before the entry deadline.

Are there rules? Yes, there are rules — please check out the PPA website for print competition rules.

How does your case get to the judging location? If you are nearby the judging location and case drop-off location, you can usually hand deliver it prior to the deadline.  If, however, you are unable to attend, or the distance is further than convenient, you can mail your case to the specified address.  Just make sure to account for shipping/transit time so your case gets there before the deadline!

How should I ship my prints? PPA has a page detailing “approved” competition cases. For more information, check out their approved print cases information page.

How do you earn merits? PPA merits are earned when qualifying prints are submitted to the International Print Competition, held yearly.  Judging at the national level is done on a thumbs voting method (as opposed to local/regional levels, where prints are given a numerical score).  If a print is deemed merit worthy by the majority of judges on the PPA international judging panel, it will receive a PPA merit.  If you have previously submitted a print to a PPA regional print competition, and it has earned a Merit Seal, then simply submitting it to the PPA international print competition during the same calendar year will earn that print a PPA merit.

Where are the competitions? Most PPA affiliate groups hold competitions, one each year.  For example, my local DPPA (Detroit) affiliate holds theirs in Southeast Michigan, usually during the month of November.  My state affiliate PPM (Michigan) holds theirs during the first part of the year, during the convention — the location of which varies each year.  Regional competitions usually are comprised of several state affiliates, so your location may cycle from state to state each year.

What district should I enter for competition? PPA has published a diagram showing the different districts (which are replacing the previously used “regions”). Check out this post on PPA’s print competition districts.

Is there a list of upcoming competitions? Specific details for upcoming competitions can be found by contacting your PPA affiliate group in your area, or by perusing the PPA upcoming events calendar.

Should I wait until my images are better to start entering? The sooner you enter, the sooner you should start to see an improvement in your work. Part of print competition is looking at your images and seeing what should be improved and what could be done better next time. It’s amazing to see yourself improve in leaps and bounds as you become old pro at print competition.

Are there more resources available? Yes! For a basic understanding of what the judges are looking for in a print, consult the 12 Elements of a Merit Print. The PEC committee (they’re in charge of print competition) also released an article, Clearing Up Some Confusion, about entering print competition. Better yet — just ask someone who has already entered competition!  If you see a photographer with “m.photog.” after their name, that means they earned at least 13 PPA merits at print competition (learn about the various PPA degrees and how you can earn them).

Have more questions? Leave a comment and I’ll do my best to add answers and/or clarify the answers already given!