Home > Competitions > External Competitions > Photographic Alliance of Great Britain > Awards for Photographic Merit

The Awards for Photographic Merit (APM) are open only to members of Clubs affiliated to the PAGB through their Federations.

Applicants initially apply through their Club. There are qualifying periods of membership for the different levels (currently 2 years for CPAGB).

There are three levels:

• Credit (CPAGB)  which is described as Good Club Photography standard
• Distinction (DPAGB) which is described as Open Exhibition Photography standard
• Master (MPAGB) which is described as Highest Standard of UK Amateur Photography

Note that the PAGB are very clear that the standard across Clubs varies considerably as does the entry standards for Exhibitions (particularly foreign exhibitions). 

Consequently success in an internal club competition does not guarantee that you are at a CPAGB standard and success at Exhibition level (particularly foreign exhibitions) does not guarantee success at DPAGB. 

The L&CPU run a mentoring scheme which is highly successful and strongly recommended for members considering applying for one of the awards.

Members are also advised to seek guidance from fellow members who are familiar with the process. A list of the members with relevant qualifications (that we are aware of) is available on the website.

There is a wealth of detail, including several helpful leaflets, on the PAGB website.

Tim Gilbert, External Competition Secretary
January 2022 

View the PAGB Website