Entering your local district competition is one of the best ways to push yourself to be more. You'll learn where you stand—how your photography matches up with your peers. You'll learn about the 12 elements of a merit image, and start incorporating them into your daily photography. You'll learn what it takes to create a merit image, and if you stick with it, work your way up to the Loan Collection. You'll learn you're capable of so much more than you imagined. It's perfectly normal to be a little nervous going in, but don't be afraid of getting better. It's easy to get involved. First, find your district. Then, fine-tune your four best images and submit either prints or digital copies. And if you can, make sure you attend the judging. All photographic competitions are open to the public, and it's the best way to maximize your learning potential. Whether you've entered images or not, watching is a great way to grasp what the judges are looking for. The PPA-approved jurors are some of the best in the business—photographers who truly care about raising the bar in the industry. You can even pick their brains during breaks!
As a PPA member, you're assigned a district based on where you live (Southwest, Northcentral, Western, Northeast and Southeast). Don’t know yours? Check out this handy map.
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