PPA's 12 Elements of a Merit Image: Technique

Posted by WPPAweb on Nov. 9, 2025  /  12 Elements  /  Subscribe 0

12 Elements of a Merit Image: Technique

The Professional Photographers of America’s (PPA) 12 Elements of a Merit Image are designed to help photographers elevate their craft and produce competition-worthy work. Used to evaluate images in PPA’s International Photographic Competition, these elements offer a blueprint for both artistic expression and technical execution.

According to the PPA website:

"What does it take to get your photograph into the prestigious Imaging Excellence Collection (formerly Loan Collection)? Images in PPA’s International Photographic Competition are judged on 12 criteria. Master these and you win not only PPA merits but a spot in the Imaging Excellence Collection exhibit."

In this final stretch of our 12 Elements series, we explore Technique, a foundational element that affects every aspect of image creation.

Again, from PPA: 

"The approaches used to create the image—lighting, posting, capture, presentation—work together to be effective."

Let's dive in!

(motion blur: photo courtesy of Robert Lowden Photography)

What is Technique?

Technique refers to a photographer’s control over your tools, methods, and processes used to create the final image. While creativity and emotion are vital, a merit image must also be executed with technical precision. Technique ensures that the photographer’s vision is carried out clearly, competently, and professionally.

This includes everything from camera settings and lens choices to advanced post-processing skills and in-camera artistry. Technique also reflects the photographer’s familiarity with their equipment, their understanding of exposure and focus, and their ability to deliver consistently high-quality results.

Ultimately, strong technique creates a seamless viewing experience. It removes distractions and supports the story or mood, allowing the subject and message to shine without technical flaws getting in the way.

Examples of Strong Technique in Photography

A technically excellent image demonstrates intention at every stage, from capture to post-production.

Here are some ways you can display strong technique in your photography work:

• Sharp Focus and Depth of Field: Whether it’s shallow to isolate a subject or deep to keep everything in focus, the result should feel deliberate and appropriate.

• Correct Exposure: Highlights are not blown out, shadows retain detail, and the overall tonal range is balanced.

• Clean Post-Processing: Editing enhances rather than distracts. Retouching, cloning, and color grading are done with finesse and subtlety.

• Creative Camera Use: Intentional use of long exposure, panning, double exposure, or in-camera filters can elevate an image when executed skillfully.

• Control of Motion and Timing: Whether freezing a moment or intentionally blurring it, the choice should suit the story and show mastery over shutter speed and timing.

Each of these examples highlights the photographer’s technical fluency, which is something judges can spot instantly in a competition setting.

(leading lines: photo courtesy of PetaPixel)

Refining Your Technique

Becoming technically excellent requires time, repetition, and a willingness to analyze your own work critically.

Here are some practical steps for photographers looking to improve your technique:

• Study the Fundamentals – Revisit topics like exposure triangle, white balance, and dynamic range regularly to keep your skills sharp.

• Use Purposeful Settings – Avoid relying on auto mode. Understand what each setting does and why you're choosing it.

• Watch the Details – Zoom in on your images during editing. Are they sharp where they need to be? Is there sensor dust? Sloppy retouching?

• Practice with Constraints – Give yourself a creative or technical limitation (one lens, one aperture, etc.) and see how well you adapt.

• Ask for Feedback – Share your work with experienced photographers or competition judges who can identify issues you might overlook.

A well-executed image doesn’t draw attention to how it was made. It simply works. That kind of invisible skill only comes with time and commitment.

(photo courtesy of Kate Backdrop)

For Clean, Confident Photography Technique, Consider the following

When assessing technical strength, look for the following indicators in your work:

• Is the image sharp, well-exposed, and cleanly edited?

• Are advanced techniques, if used, executed smoothly and intentionally?

• Does the final image feel polished and distraction-free?

In the world of merit images, strong technique doesn’t mean “perfect." It means purposeful.

Every creative choice should be supported by your skills to make it happen. If creativity is the voice, technique is the articulation that brings it to life.

Catch up on the other 12 Elements with our blog series: Creativity -- Technical Excellence -- Impact -- Style -- Composition -- Presentation -- Color Balance -- Center of Interest -- Lighting -- Subject Matter

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