Distinctions

The Bangladesh Photographic Society (BPS) Distinctions are prestigious accolades awarded to photographers for their technical mastery, artistic vision, and contributions to the field of photography. The primary honors, i.e., Licentiateship (LBPS) and Associateship (ABPS)are granted to the Applicant Photographer after ensuring fulfillment of specific criteria. Fellowship (FBPS) is granted after a rigorous evaluation of a candidate’s portfolio by a panel of experts. In both cases, the applicants must submit a body of work that demonstrates originality, technical excellence, and creative storytelling, while adhering to international standards. These distinctions not only validate a photographer’s skill but also elevate their standing within the global photographic community, fostering cultural exchange and inspiring photographers of Bangladesh to pursue artistic excellence. BPS distinctions symbolize a commitment to advancing photography as both an art form and a medium of documentation.

Licentiateship (LBPS) – Merit Distinction

Licentiateship (LBPS) is the first Distinction BPS offers to photographers. After fulfilling the following criteria, a photographer may apply for Licentiateship (LBPS) Distinction.

  1. Any photographer may apply for Licentiateship (LBPS). If he/she is a Bangladeshi Photographer, he/she must be a regular member of BPS.
  2. Active for at least 03 years in photography.
  3. At least 20 national or international Acceptances with evidence.
  4. 05 different images (Either Black & white, color, or a mix of both) accepted in national or international contests/exhibitions to be submitted with the application as evidence of the applicant’s understanding of photographic techniques and visual aesthetics. The images must not be the same or similar. Resolution of the images: 1920 x 1080 pixels, JPEG format.
  5. Evidence of at least 03 years of involvement in photography is required. Applicants must either be a regular BPS member for at least 03 years, or submit at least 02 photographs (out of the 05 required submissions) that were taken at least 03 years prior to the application date.
  6. A photographer with an AFIAP Distinction can apply directly for LBPS with a single-page application. He/she need not submit any Acceptance or images. He must submit a copy of the AFIAP Certificate with the application.

Associateship (ABPS) – Merit Distinction

Associateship (ABPS) is the second merit distinction of BPS. A Photographer may apply for the Associateship (ABPS) Distinction after fulfilling the following criteria.

  1. Any photographer may apply for Associateship (ABPS). If he/she is a Bangladeshi Photographer, he/she must be a regular member of BPS.
  2. Active for at least 05 years in photography.
  3. At least 30 national or 50 international Acceptances with evidence.
  4. 10 different images (Either Black & white, color, or a mix of both) accepted in national or international contests/exhibitions to be submitted with the application as evidence of the applicant’s understanding of photographic techniques and visual aesthetics. The images must not be the same or similar. Resolution of the images: 1920 x 1080 pixels, JPEG format.
  5. Evidence of at least 05 years of involvement in photography is required. Applicants must either be a regular BPS member for at least 05 years, or submit at least 04 photographs (out of the 10 required submissions) that were taken at least 05 years prior to the application date.
  6. A photographer with EFIAP Distinction can apply directly for ABPS with a single-page application. He/she need not submit any Acceptance or images. He must submit a copy of the EFIAP Certificate with the application.

Fellowship (FBPS) – Merit Distinction

The highest level of Merit Distinction, the Fellowship, is awarded for excellence and evidence of distinguished ability. Technical excellence is essential, but if the applicant’s work is interpretive, the quality should be appropriate to the subject and intent. At this level, it is expected that the applicant will demonstrate individuality, with strong personal input and an element of originality or freshness in their approach. 10-20 Photographic Works of a photo story or single subject portfolio (Either Black & White or Color or Mixed of Both) to be submitted with the application. A person who is active in the field of Photography for at least a period of ten (10) years, with good Technical knowledge and having ABPS Distinction for at least 2 years, is eligible to apply. A copy of the ABPS Distinction is to be submitted with the Application. Evidence of at least 50 Club/National or 200 International Acceptances will be a credit. Bangladeshi applicants must be a regular member of BPS.

Distinctions Awardee

All distinctions awardee names have been listed in a directory. You may check the list on the Distinctions Awardee page.

Notes for applying for the distinctions

  • Successful Applicants for any Merit Distinction will receive a Diploma and BPS badge, and after that, he/she can use the title LBPS/ABPS/FBPS after his/her name.
  • Bangladeshi Applicants for any BPS Merit Distinction must be a regular member of BPS.
  • After receiving applications for LBPS and ABPS, the Qualification Secretary will assess the applications and ensure they meet the required criteria, on the basis of which the successful applications will receive the distinction.
  • After receiving applications for FBPS, the Qualification Secretary will assess the application and arrange a review of the application and the submitted Photo Story or Portfolio by the Qualification Assessment Board, who will be ultimately take the final decision whether to approve or decline the application for FBPS.
  • Applications for the LBPS and ABPS Distinction will be received and processed throughout the year.
  • Applications for FBPS will be received throughout the year, but will be processed twice a year – the 1st time in January for applications received in December of the preceding year, and the 2nd time in July for applications received in the preceding June.
  • Pay slip of Distinction processing fee to be submitted with the Application. Without the Distinction processing fee, the application will not be considered.

Application Submission

To submit your applications, please upload all the required documents to Google Drive or OneDrive, then email the link to contact@bpsbd.org.
Please download the application form and fill out Sheet A, Sheet B, and Sheet C of the Spreadsheet.

  • Page A for Applicant’s information and Signature
  • Page B for the Submitted works list
  • Page C for the List of Acceptance file FIAP and BPS.
  • Scan copy of AFIAP, EFIAP, or other Distinctions Certificates.
  • Submitted works/Images should be in 1920 x 1080 pixels.

Application Fees

There is a fee for applying for distinctions. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable, regardless of whether your application is accepted. The application fee includes the certificate post charges.

  • For Bangladeshi nationality application fee will be as follows:
    • LBPS: BDT. 5,000 (Five Thousand)
    • ABPS: BDT. 7,000 (Seven Thousand)
    • FBPS: BDT. 10,000 (Ten Thousand)
  • For other Nationalities
    • LBPS: USD. 50 (Fifty)
    • ABPS: USD. 70 (Sevenry)
    • FBPS: USD. 100 (One Hundred)

Distinction Application Form

Please click on the button below to download the Distinction Application Form.

Download application form