Common terms/jargon: some of those abbreviations
When you first become involved with organised photography you find that there are many strange abbreviations in use - it's probably the same in many other hobbies. Many of ours are about other organisations and recognition that you can earn. Here is a list of some of the most common abbreviations in the amateur photographic world.
Organisations and distinctions
- KCPA : Kent County Photographic Association, the 'umbrella ' organisation for clubs in Kent
- PAGB : Photographic Alliance of Great Britain, the 'umbrella' organisation for the regional federations/associations in GB. There are a number of awards for individual photographers, as follows -
- CPAGB, Credit from the PAGB, the first level of award, judged on 10 pictures, with a standard of 'good club photography'
- DPAGB, Distinction from the PAGB, judged on 15 pictures, with a standard of 'open exhibition photography'
- MPAGB, Master from the PAGB, judged on 20 pictures, with a standard of 'the highest standard of amateur photography'
- APAGB, PAGB award for meritorious service, based not on pictures, but to people who have given outstanding service to photographers who belong to member societies
- RPS : Royal Photographic Society, a society open to individual amateur and professional photographers. there are a number of distinctions, as follows -
- LRPS, Licentiate of the RPS, the first level and judged on a panel of 10 pictures
- ARPS, Associate of the RPS , judged on a panel of 15 pictures
- FRPS, Fellow of the RPS, judged on a panel of 20 pictures
- Hon FRPS, Honorary Fellow of the RPS, awarded for services to the RPS
- DPS : Disabled Photographers' Society, a registered national charity promoting photography for people with disabilities, or their carers, or groups or anyone with an interest in helping the disabled.
- Like the RPS above, it offers distinctions at the Licentiate (LDPS), Associate (ADPS) and Fellowship (FDPS) levels
- BPE : British Photographic Exhibitions, with awards made to individual photographers for the number of acceptances gained in relevant competitions/exhibitions
- BPE1* ("BPE one star"), for 25 acceptances
- BPE2*, for 50 acceptances
- BPE3*, for 100 acceptances
- BPE4*, for 200 acceptances
- BPE5*, for 300 acceptances
- FIAP : Federation Internationale de l'Art Photographique, a worldwide federation to develop relationships amongst photographers (PAGB is affiliated to this organisation)
- AFIAP, Artist of FIAP, the first level of award for photographic merit in international competition
- EFIAP, Excellence of FIAP
- MFIAP, Master of FIAP
- BIPP : British Institute of Professional Photography
- BPIA : British Photographic and Imaging Association
- MPA : Master Photographers Association
- PSA : Photographic Society of America
Other
- PDI: an abbreviation for Projected Digital Image. That is: showing a digital photo on a screen by means of a PC/laptop and digital projector.
