The Associateship APSM
The Associateship is awarded for material contributions to the advancement of photography, resulting primarily from proficiency and achievement. It is open to members and non-members who possess a high degree of proficiency in photography.
A portfolio of 15 works numbered from 1 to 15 (black & white or colour, in JPEG files) is required. The portfolio must be coherent from its conception to its realisation and presentation. A written statement of intent and a hanging plan must accompany the application. The text may be in English or Mandarin.
The Fellowship FPSM
The Fellowship is awarded for outstanding contributions to the advancement of photography, involving a high degree of proficiency and achievement combined with elements of service — such as the dissemination of acquired knowledge through lecturing, judging, instructing, and the publication of articles and papers. Personal achievement alone does not qualify a candidate for this honour. The Fellowship is open only to members who are already Associates, or who are Associates or Fellows of the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain (ARPS/FRPS), and it denotes distinguished ability in a particular field.
A portfolio of 20 works numbered from 1 to 20 (black & white or colour, in JPEG files) is required. The portfolio must be coherent from its conception to its realisation and presentation. A statement of intent describing the works and a hanging plan must accompany the application. The statement may be written in English or Mandarin.
PSM Honors Hon.FPSM
PSM Honors are awarded in recognition of contributions to the advancement of the arts and sciences of photography, within or outside PSM. Such contributions may be of a service nature and/or of photographic proficiency and achievement. Personal achievement alone does not qualify a candidate unless combined with substantial elements of service; equally, service may contribute substantially to the advancement of photography even where the candidate’s photographic proficiency is limited. PSM Honors are not a recognition of proficiency alone.
Hon.FPSM is not open for application. It is occasionally conferred by the Society on members or other persons who have made distinguished contributions to photography or to the work of the Society. The conferring of Hon.FPSM is reviewed by the Council of Award and a majority of the PSM committee, and each nomination must be proposed by a minimum of two PSM members.
Awarding a PSM Distinction is considered, in all countries, a favour and not a right. All PSM Distinctions are awarded for life, and holders may append the corresponding initials to their name. Should a holder commit a serious offence against PSM or against a national federation affiliated with PSM, the distinction may be cancelled by the PSM Award Council, with no appeal.