PPA.com Masters Program, is it worth it?
David Williams • August 2, 2025
Professional Photographers of America Master Program, an honest review.
Standing out in the competitive world of photography is no small feat—and for many, earning credentials is one way to gain an edge. After earning my Master’s Degree through PPA, I’d like to offer an honest critique of their program.
A Master's Degree consists of 25 merits.13 must be obtained via the MIR or Merit Image Review. 12 images can be earned by taking classes or continuing to earn image merits. Photos are submitted online and critiques are delivered online as well. The MIR is completed through PPA.com, but it's intended that you get involved with the local chapter, mine was called IPPA. Local chapters have monthly meetings, contests, guest speakers etc. It’s offers a great way to network but the merits must be earned though PPA.com not the local chapter.
The MIR process allows you to submit 4 images per month February thru November at a cost of $25 + $10 if you want a recorded video of the critique. So in other words, $140 per month for 4 images with video. A panel of 4-6 people judge the images submitted and give you 3 outcomes: No Merit, No Merit but Potential, or Merit. You may make edits and resubmit images with potential. You also have the possibility of earning an 'IE' which stands for Image Excellence and is PPA's highest award. I have included some IE images here in this article.
The judges use 12 Elements to judge an image: impact, technical excellence, creativity, style, composition, color balance, center of interest, lighting, subject matter, technique and storytelling. You must score well in all 12 areas to receive a Merit. Critiques include what is right with the image and what improvements are needed, even if the merit is earned. The critique is where the magic is, a huge learning opportunity.
I am primarily an African Wildlife Photographer, but I break a lot of rules, shooting into the sun, selective focus, blurring, etc. so I thought it would be easier to submit only Landscape photos to the MIR where everything is in focus and the lighting is even. It worked.
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