Mainly through the initiative of the YPU, the formation of an alliance of all photographic bodies was promoted and resulted in the creation of the PAGB in 1930.

This is an umbrella organisation of all regional federations throughout the country and as well as holding an annual exhibition, provides a panel of judges and speakers, and represents the societies at meetings of the international body FIAP. The Alliance also makes awards for photographic merit.

PAGB awards for photographic merit

The awards are open to all members of affiliated clubs and are at three levels: Credit (CPAGB),  Distinction (DPAGB) and Master (MPAGB) They are held for life without any annual fee and holders are entitled to use the designated letters after their name.

Applicants must pre qualify by showing their support for the YPU by having submitted entries for the annual exhibition for a minimum of two years and  20 points for the CPAGB, three years and 30 points for the DPAGB and five years plus 50 points for the MPAGB. You are awarded one point for each picture submitted, one point for each picture accepted and an additional point for any award or an Alliance acceptance (maximum of three points for any picture). Adjudications are held twice a year at various venues throughout the country, where a panel of six judges, selected from the PAGB list, judge entries. Each picture is judged individually and scored between 2 & 5 points by each judge but only the total score is announced. Adjudications are normally held in April & November and the closing date for applications will be 28 Feb and 30 Sept respectively. More specific details can be obtained from the YPU awards officer:

Pat Reed, CPAGB: Tel 01904 470232

She also arranges workshops for potential entrants from time to time, but is always ready to give advice at any time.

CPAGB:
1 - The standard is that of ‘Good Club Photography’
2 - Applicants must have supported the YPU exhibition for two of the preceding ten years.
3 - The entry fee is £50.
4 - 10 slides or 10 prints are required and a total score of 200 points or more will gain the award.

DPAGB:
1- Application can be made for the DPAGB without first gaining the CPAGB
2 - The standard of entry is that of ‘Open Exhibition’
3 - The entry fee is £604 - 15 slides or 15 prints are required and a total score of 300 points will gain the award.