Honours Explained
Understanding PSSA's prestigious photographic honours system and how photographers can achieve recognition for excellence.
Licentiateship (LPSSA)
The LPSSA is the entry level Honours and is awarded for a high level of basic skill and competence. This is where your journey towards photographic excellence begins.
Available in: Digital, Audio Visual & Prints
Associateship (APSSA)
The APSSA is awarded for a high standard of technical skill, competency and creative ability.
Prerequisites: Must already hold either a LPSSA or a 3 Diamond Rating in the medium in which the application is made.
Available in: Digital, Audio Visual & Prints
Fellowship (FPSSA)
The FPSSA is awarded for excellence and distinguished ability. This represents a significant achievement in photographic mastery.
Prerequisites: The applicant must already hold an APSSA in that medium.
Available in: Digital, Audio Visual & Prints
Master (MPSSA)
The MPSSA is PSSA's highest award and represents the pinnacle of photographic achievement.
Prerequisites: Must hold a FPSSA in that medium, plus various other criteria must also be met.
Available in: Digital, Audio Visual & Prints
Special Recognition Awards
Versatility (Vers)
A (Vers) may be applied for when three honours at the same level have been achieved. The intention is to show versatility, so the three panels must demonstrate this.
A combination of honours may be used, but if they are in a single medium, then a minimum of two panels must be specialized (e.g., nature, pictorial, and sport photography).
Dux (Dux)
At the Fellowship level, acknowledgement in the form of a (Dux) may be applied for upon achieving three Fellowships in different mediums.
There are four possible mediums, and to be awarded a (Dux), a Fellowship must be achieved in at least 2 of the 4: Projected media, Prints, Audio-Visual & Applied.
Application Process
Honours applications require submitting a carefully curated panel of images that demonstrate your skill level and artistic vision. Each honour level has specific requirements and assessment criteria.
Contact SAVAS for guidance on preparing your portfolio and understanding the application process for PSSA Honours.