Distinguished Awards of TNPPA

National Award

The National Award is the highest honor given at the state level to a photographer who has performed outstanding service to the profession. It is conferred annually by the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association at the Awards Banquet.

TN Certified Degree and Service Degrees

Created in 1980, TNPPA offers two degrees to honor members for exemplary achievement in the areas of service to the organization and excellence in photographic skill.

The service degree is earned through volunteering time to the organization by serving on committees, assisting with setup and breakdown of conventions and workshops, by volunteering to chair a committee, writing for the newsletter, or other tasks that contribute positively to TNPPA.

The Tennessee Certified Degree is earned by entering the State Image Competition and receiving exceptional image scoring, thus earning Image Competition Merits or awards. This degree is awarded to those who show exceptional creative works of art in their imagery and are technical experts in their field of photography which is evident through their photographic skills. The individual earning this degree is honored with a gold medallion with a green ribbon. Members are encouraged to keep track of their merits for this Degree in the TNPPA Degree Book which can be acquired online.

President's Award

The President's Award is bestowed by the current TNPPA President to an individual who has personally assisted the President and contributed in numerous ways to help the President reach their goals and duties during their term.

Lifetime Award

The Lifetime Award is TNPPA's most Prestigious Award and is granted by the Board of Directors to a long-time member who has given "above and beyond" service to TNPPA over many years. This honor is bestowed by the previous year's winner and is presented with a heartfelt speech about examples of how the honoree's commitment and service has supported TNPPA into the organization it is today and its path for future growth!

Mama Moss Award

The "Mama" Moss Award is presented to someone, other than an active member, who has contributed outstanding service to the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association. It is bestowed at the Awards Banquet.

TN Top Ten Award

The Tennessee TOP TEN Award is given to the top ten photographers who have the highest image entry/case average score in the image competition. This is one of TNPPA's most coveted honors.

Hall of Fame Award

Hall of Fame is awarded to one photographer who has shown photographic excellence and who has contributed to photography as an art form.  An album of the Hall of Fame recipients work is displayed at the Convention.