In their own words, the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) is the world’s largest nonprofit photography association organized for professional photographers, by professional photographers, with 35,000 creative members in more than 50 countries.

​

Professional Photographers of America has a long and storied history, dating all the way back to 1868. With the field of photography still in its infancy, some early trailblazers set out to gather the best minds in this young profession. Their goals were simple; they wanted to promote:

​

• An active exchange of ideas

• The sharing of knowledge and experience

• The elimination of the prejudiced opinions towards photography as an art and science

​​

Sabrina has been a proud member of the PPA since 2019, the year when she also obtained her professional certification with the institution (CPP). Holding a CPP requires a commitment to continuous education and holding yourself to the highest standards of professional and ethical practice in the industry.

​

One of Sabrina's favorite events of the year is Imaging USA, organized by PPA, which is one of the largest conventions in the world for professional photographers. Sabrina received her Master of Photography at the Award Ceremony during Imaging USA 2023 in Nashville, TN.

TPPA is a non-profit association serving professional photographers and photographic enthusiasts from across the US and beyond. First organized in 1898, TPPA is a vibrant and active organization offering multiple opportunities to develop skills in various areas within the photography industry, including its TPPA Annual Image Competition.

​

They define their purpose as follows: "Our mission is to provide all photographers with an opportunity for success regardless of their professional aspirations, creative desires, or personal interest in the craft of photography. Everything we do is done to provide our members an outstanding experience and to help them become better photographers, better small businesses, and better connected."

​

One of Sabrina's favorite events at TPPA is Texas School, which happens once a year in Dallas, Texas, and offers deep dives into technical fields with a full-week immersion in small groups working with top teachers and leading-edge professionals.

Founded in 1950, the Professional Photographers Guild of Houston has grown to become one of the largest guilds in the United States. The Professional Photographers Guild of Houston is an Affiliate of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). It is one of the most active guilds in the country.

​

PPGH comprises professional portrait photographers, wedding photographers, videographers, and commercial photographers, as well as electronic image makers and photographic artists, students, and individual firms servicing the photographic industry.

​

The PPGH offers monthly meetings, providing unique training opportunities and networking, all of which are complemented by additional education opportunities in small-group workshops led by some of its most active members.

​

This year, Sabrina has the honor of being one of the selected speakers for the evening program, joining a roster of vetted professionals. Sabrina's class will be on May 21st at the PPGH monthly meeting.

​

The PPGH image competition, with its year-long format and monthly presentations, provides a unique opportunity for photographers to test innovative ideas and develop their skills. Beyond talent, the competition requires consistency and endurance to create winning images, a challenge that has attracted photographers since its first edition in 1979.

​

Sabrina's hard work, talent, and dedication earned her the very distinguished award of Master Photographer of the Year 2023 on her first participation as a Master.

 

Adding to her achievements, the year 2023 saw Sabrina hit a perfect 100 score merited image, which is such a unique occurrence that the previous one was 13 years before. This outstanding image carried Sabrina to claim the only award cross-categories of the competition, the 2023 Highest Scoring Image by a CPP.

The International Photographic Competition (IPC) is an annual competition hosted by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA).

​

While IPC is not a separate entity or organization like the PPA, the TPPA, and the PPGH, its relevance as one of the largest photographic competitions for professional photographers deserves a dedicated spot on our list.

​

In its most recent format, the competition has 16 categories and offers $26,000 in cash prizes.

​

The IPC evaluates digital entries using the 12 Elements of a Merit Image. A panel of 36 jurors from across the United States selects the top photographs from over 5,000 total submitted entries. Finalist images are judged head-to-head live at Imaging USA.

​

Sabrina's latest participation in IPC got her to become one of only 32 finalists. Sabrina participated in two categories, including Natural Portrait, where she earned a Bronze Medal, and Commercial Photography, where she earned a Gold Medal.