The ASP Honorary Educational Associate is a distinction awarded by the Board of the American Society of Photographers to recognize outstanding service to the Society or exceptional contributions to the field of photography. Unlike the ASP Honorary Fellowship, which honors broader influence on the art and image of photography, this accolade is specifically service-oriented, highlighting individuals whose efforts have meaningfully supported the mission and advancement of ASP. This recognition may be conferred upon individuals regardless of ASP or PPA membership status and may also be awarded to those who already hold the Educational Associate or Fellowship degree. Reserved for those whose past service reflects uncommon dedication, generosity, and impact, the Honorary Educational Associate is a lasting tribute to those who have helped shape the Society through their commitment and leadership.

The ASP Educational Associate is awarded to individuals who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to the advancement of photographic education, actively promoting the ideals and philosophies of the American Society of Photographers beyond their initial recognition as members. This esteemed honor is available to all active, life, honorary life, and international members who hold the PPA Photographic Craftsman degree. Eligibility requires that applicants be ASP members in good standing, hold the PPA Craftsman degree, and have earned 30 additional speaking, teaching, or writing merits after receiving their degree, during consecutive years of ASP membership. Applicants must also have completed a minimum of three consecutive years with ASP prior to application and judging. As part of the rigorous evaluation, candidates must submit a scholarly paper of no fewer than 3,500 words. This written work must demonstrate thoughtful research and individual insight, supporting a new idea, development, or trend that reflects both mastery of the field and a meaningful contribution to the future of photography education. The ASP Educational Associate represents the Society’s deep respect for educators, visionaries, and thought leaders whose work shapes the photographic arts and inspires the next generation.

The ASP Honorary Fellowship is the highest distinction the Society may bestow in recognition of selfless, unwavering dedication to the advancement of professional photography. Reserved for individuals whose contributions have profoundly elevated the image and influence of the photographic arts, this honor may be awarded to those within or beyond the profession—regardless of membership in PPA or ASP. This rare accolade is not granted lightly. Only one Honorary Fellowship may be awarded in a given year, and only after two consecutive years of unanimous approval by the ASP Board of Governors. Nominations may be submitted to the ASP Board of Fellowship Committee for thoughtful consideration. The Honorary Fellowship stands as a tribute to those whose vision, advocacy, and enduring impact have left an indelible mark on the photographic world.

The Fellowship of the American Society of Photographers (F-ASP) represents the highest earned honor bestowed by the Society. Reserved for members who exemplify extraordinary artistic vision, technical mastery, and a sustained commitment to the ideals of ASP, the Fellowship recognizes not only excellence in photographic achievement but also a profound dedication to the advancement of the profession. More than a distinction, the ASP Fellowship is a call to leadership—a recognition of those who actively contribute to the growth, education, and inspiration of the photographic community. It is awarded to members who, having already achieved the prestigious PPA Master Degree, continue to reach new heights in creativity and service. Instituted to inspire PPA Masters toward deeper artistic exploration, the Fellowship serves as a testament to the transformative power of imagery. It stands as a symbol of personal evolution, peer recognition, and the lasting impact of those whose work uplifts both the industry and the public it serves.

The ASP Photographic Artistry Award recognizes and celebrates the remarkable imagery created by members of the American Society of Photographers. This distinction is awarded to those who demonstrate consistent excellence and creative achievement through a range of ASP image competitions. To qualify, members must accumulate a minimum of 30 image points, with at least 16 earned from Round 2 of the ASP Images of Distinction competition. Points may also be collected from the ASP State Elite Award, District Medallion Award, and the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medallion Awards. Upon receiving the initial Photographic Artistry Award, members may continue to earn distinction through Photographic Artistry Bars. Each bar is awarded for an additional 30 image points, with a minimum of 16 points again required from the Images of Distinction competition. <ul> <li><b>Emerald Bar:</b> +30 points beyond the initial award</li> <li><b>Ruby Bar:</b> +60 points beyond the initial award</li> <li><b>Sapphire Bar:</b> +90 points beyond the initial award</li> </ul> <p class="elementor-image-box-description">Each bar reflects an ongoing pursuit of artistic mastery, honoring members whose dedication to excellence continues to elevate the standard of professional photography.</p>

The ASP International Award is presented annually to an individual or organization whose contributions have meaningfully advanced the ideals of professional photography as both an art and a science on a global scale. This distinguished honor reflects ASP’s commitment to recognizing those whose influence transcends borders, elevating the craft and inspiring excellence within the international photographic community.

The Robert D. Golding Award is one of the rarest and most revered honors bestowed by the American Society of Photographers. Created in tribute to Robert D. Golding, this award recognizes individuals whose selfless service and unwavering commitment have profoundly advanced the mission and values of ASP. Reserved for those whose contributions reflect uncompromising dedication to the betterment of the Society, this accolade may only be presented ten times in total, after which it will be permanently retired. Its exclusivity underscores the extraordinary impact made by each recipient.

The ASP Bronze Medallion is awarded to the second runner-up to the Gold Medallion, selected from the esteemed ASP Best of the Best Image Collection. This recognition honors an image that exemplifies exceptional quality, creativity, and craftsmanship, placing it among the top three entries in ASP’s most prestigious body of work. The Bronze Medallion celebrates the artist’s remarkable achievement and their contribution to the standard of excellence upheld by the American Society of Photographers.

The ASP Silver Medallion is awarded to the first runner-up to the Gold Medallion, selected from the prestigious ASP Best of the Best Image Collection. Representing exceptional artistry, technical excellence, and creative impact, the Silver Medallion honors an image that rose to the final round of distinction and reflects the extraordinary talent within the American Society of Photographers.

The ASP Gold Medallion Award is presented to the creator of the single best overall qualified image from the ASP Best of the Best Collection. This distinguished collection represents the pinnacle of photographic excellence, drawing from ASP’s Images of Distinction competition as well as the winning entries from the State Elite Award. Selected by a panel of esteemed judges, the Gold Medallion recipient stands at the very forefront of artistic achievement within the American Society of Photographers. This honor reflects not only technical mastery, but a profound ability to inspire through imagery.

The ASP District Award honors outstanding photographic excellence across five geographic districts within the United States, based on where entrants compete. One image from each district is selected by a panel of judges from the Best of the Best Image Collection, curated from ASP’s Images of Distinction Competitions. Each recipient is awarded the ASP District Award Medallion, a distinguished emblem of creativity, craftsmanship, and achievement. This award celebrates not only the individual artist, but also the exceptional talent represented throughout the ASP membership nationwide.

The PPA National Award, established by Professional Photographers of America, stands as the highest honor an affiliate organization may bestow. Reserved for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary service to professional photography, the award recognizes those who go above and beyond, selflessly supporting the craft, their peers, and the broader photographic community. Each year, PPA makes this distinction available to its affiliate organizations - state, regional, national, and international - who, in turn, select a recipient whose dedication and impact are deemed truly exceptional. Chosen by their peers, honorees of the PPA National Award embody the spirit of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of our industry.

The ASP State Elite Award honors the ASP member in good standing who earns the highest scoring entry at their state-level image competition. This distinguished accolade has become one of the most coveted among our membership, celebrating artistic mastery and dedication to craft. Generously sponsored for many years by Miller’s Professional Imaging, a leader in handcrafted products for professional photographers, the award reflects the power of partnership in advancing photographic excellence. ASP deeply values Miller’s continued support, and we invite members to explore their offerings at <a href="https://www.millerslab.com/" target="_blank">www.millerslab.com.</a> Please review the award rules carefully. For questions, contact your State Representative or State Elite Committee Chairperson, Dennis Hammon

The American Society of Photographers Service Award honors those whose generous spirit, tireless dedication, and quiet leadership have helped shape the strength and success of our organization. Earned through the accumulation of service points, this recognition celebrates members who have devoted countless hours volunteering on behalf of ASP and its mission. The black ribbon and distinctive medallion are not only symbols of commitment, but a reflection of the selfless character of the individual who wears them. The Service Award Medallion signifies to both peers and clients a steadfast dedication to excellence, community, and the continued advancement of professional photography. It is encouraged to be worn with pride at photographic events, educational programs, and official presentations. Members who achieve 25 service points receive the Service Award Medallion at our annual Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony, held in conjunction with PPA’s Imaging USA. Continued contributions are further recognized through Service Bars, awarded for each additional 25 service points earned. These bars are proudly displayed on the medallion’s ribbon, a lasting tribute to ongoing leadership and support within ASP.