1998 awards and honors recipients.

The Photographic Society of America bestows honors upon selected individuals each year in recognition of their contributions to the advancement of the arts and sciences of photography through personal achievement and/or service. These honors may take the form of an Honorary Fellowship (Hon. FPSA), Honorary Membership (Hon. PSA), Fellowship (FPSA), Associateship (APSA), or a special memorial or service award. Honorees commonly append their names with the abbreviation of their status. The following dedicated people were honored at the 1998 PSA International Conference of Photography in Orlando, Florida.

For twenty-eight years of making practical photographic information, especially in the nature realm, available to all who chose to pursue it,

For presentation of many seminars and workshops to promote the skills of the nature photographer in the United States, Canada, and Singapore,

For publishing informative books that go beyond the basics to enhance photographic documentation of our natural environment,

For dedicating thirteen years to a monthly column in a photographic magazine to guide readers toward innovative and practical ways to enhance nature slides and prints,

For successful development and availability of user friendly accessories to extend the photographer's ability,

And for substantial support and participation in the formation and development of the North American Nature Photographers Association to further communication on imaging our worldly environment,

The Photographic Society of America, Inc. is proud to present its highest award, the Progress Medal for 1998, to George D. Lepp.

I am very honored to be the recipient of the Photographic Society of America's Progress Medal. To me this award validates my work in sending the message that photographing nature is a worthwhile and important endeavor. Photographing the natural world brings us all closer to the source of life and allows us to share the details with those around us. Many members of PSA have shared in my programs and implemented the techniques I've been privileged to have published and I look forward to continuing my association with all of you in the years to come.

These are exciting times. I've been involved in photography for over 40 years and the improvements in the field we're seeing today in both the traditional and digital fronts are unprecedented. Cameras have sophisticated metering systems and autofocusing that is activated by where the photographer looks. Lenses have better sharpness and zoom ranges that solve nearly any creative effort. Image stabilization extends the ability of the user to photograph in lower light as do the new films that are faster, sharper and truer in colon All these advancements ask us to take better and more significant images.

Should we fear the digital revolution in photography? Not if we see it as a tool to improve and expand our traditional photography. We now have more control over the final image than ever before, and the resulting images are clearer and more vivid than ever before. Expanding our view, like the stitching of numerous images in the computer into a panorama that better represents the scene before us, is another way digital is an exciting addition to our hobby and livelihoods. It is a positive sign to see the amount of interest in digital photography here at this annual meeting. It's obvious that many members of PSA have embraced this exciting direction for imaging.

With all the new processes before us and the needed techniques to keep up with advancing equipment, I look forward to spending many more years disseminating the information and trying to live up to the award that you have bestowed on me.

So much to photograph, so many ways to do it.

George Lepp is a professional natural science photographer who has made a life career of providing practical information available for all photographers who want to gain from it. In this sense the published information, with photographs, the designed practical equipment, the seminars plus workshops can lead users of them to further their skills, and therefore expand their know-how. This is within the realm of personal progress for many followers.

From early school days George Lepp was a photographic enthusiast. As a grade school student he learned to handle a Grown Graphic camera to make pictures for the school's annual book. He received a degree in photography from Brooks School of Photography, Santa Barbara; then went on to assist instructors at University of California, Davis. With photographic skills to enhance scientific images in agricultural media, his career led to publication of two books describing nature photography know-how. Their guidance goes beyond the basics to improve photodocumentation of our natural environment. The scope of Mr. Lepp's creativity is described in the Progress Medal Citation printed herewith.

George Lepp, his wife, Arlie, and son Tor are the major part of Lepp Associates, Los Osos, California, on the Pacific Coast almost 200 miles north of Los Angeles 

DeWitt Bishop, Hon. FPSA

Certain Society Awards

The Certain Society Awards (PSA Appreciation, John Doscher, Victor Scales, and Harold Lorimor) were presented at the 1998 Photographic Society of America International Conference at Orlando, Florida. There were no nominees for the 1998 Stuyvesant Peabody Award.

John Doscher Memorial Award

The John Doscher Memorial Award was established in 1981 by Barbara Doscher and Arthur P. Henricks Jr., Hon. PSA, FPSA, in memory of a husband, friend, and longtime member of the Society. The award is presented annually to the PSA member who has made an outstanding or unique contribution to classical photography.

The 1998 recipient of this award is Aftab Ahmad, FPSA. Aftab has been involved in printing using the Tone Separation Technique since 1962, having received more than 1000 acceptances in prints made by this process. He has subsequently introduced this technique to color printing as well. Having command over many darkroom techniques (including high contrast, screen textures, solarization, bas refief, dye-toning and multiple printing), Aftab has been in the Top 24 monochrome print exhibitors since 1992. He has won more than 400 international awards including the "Pride of Performance" medal presented by the President of Pakistan. In addition to judging in and outside Pakistan, lecturing and organizing photographic workshops and demonstrations in collaboration with the Pakistan National Council of the Arts, he has published photographic books in Urdu and English. These are but some of the contributions to classical photography for which he has received this award.

Victor Scales Memorial Award

The Victor Scales Memorial Award was initiated in 1962 and is presented to the Society member who has provided service to PSA over an extensive period. Victor Scales epitomized the conditions of this award through the many positions he held in PSA.

The 1998 recipient of this award is James H. Parsons, FPSA. Since joining PSA in 1963, Jim has provided a multitude of services to the organization including Area Representative, District Representative and Zone Director. He has chaired the Photo Travel Division, served as Program Director ICC at seven PSA Conferences and Program Director PTD for four conferences. Jim has been on the PSA Nominating Committee, and is currently serving as the Director of the CSD Photo Essay Contests and Vice-Chair of the PSA National Honors Committee. Jim is a major presence in New England through his active participation in the New England Camera Club Council and other local club activities. He is an excellent writer, lecturer, and color slide program presenter. Because of his enthusiasm, dedication, and many past contributions and continuing service to PSA, Jim Parsons has been honored with this distinguished award.

PSA Appreciation Award

The PSA Appreciation Award was founded in 1972 by Drs. Samuel and Evelyn Ross, former students of Helen Manzer, FPSA, in recognition of their admiration of her teaching and as a continuing tribute to others who have given freely of their time and talents in the field of teaching. This award is presented annually in recognition of outstanding service in the advancement of photography through teaching with no financial compensation.

The 1998 recipient of this award is M. Craig Carver, FPSA, for sharing knowledge with others through extensive lectures, programs and articles. Craig's list of subjects include flower, glassware, black light and rock slab photography presented as full slide presentations in addition to instructional slide sets donated to the PSA Color Slide and Techniques Divisions. Through his lectures at PSA Regional Conventions and International Conferences and his articles in the PSA Journal, he has further shared his photographic expertise with others. These endeavors have made him most deserving of this prestigious award.

Harold D. Lorimor Memorial Award

The Harold D. Lorimor Memorial Award was established to recognize a person who has been a member of PSA for between five and ten years who, by both enthusiasm and initiative, has benefited the Society to an exceptional degree over a consistent period of time through teaching, enlisting new PSA members, creating photographic programs, demonstrating photographic competency and leadership.

The 1998 recipient of this award is Sharp Todd. Since joining PSA in 1988, Sharp has amassed a Three-Star rating in Color Prints and Four Stars in Color Slides. He has been a frequent presenter at various conventions and conferences including those of the Columbia Council of Camera Clubs, PSA Gem State Chapter, New England Camera Club Council and PSA International. Sharp has been a contributor to the PSA Journal and a frequent judge of both slide and print competitions at the local club, regional and PSA International salon levels. He has been active in Boise Camera Club serving two years as president and eight years as a board member, as well as on the board of directors of Gem State Chapter. Sharp is also an active recruiter for PSA within his local club. For these numerous activities performed within a ten-year span, this prestigious award is being made.

Charles Keaton Memorial Award

Kenneth M. Deitcher, MD, FPSA, is this year's recipient of the Charles Keaton Memorial Award. This award is in recognition for long term and extensive contributions of feature articles to the ISA Journal.

Ken's contributions cover a span of at least seventeen years and it includes twenty-nine articles. His writing covers a wide span of photographic interests. Some articles have been of the "how to" variety. Techniques such as derivations and creative copying are part of the mix. Travel articles, including those that deal with nature subjects, are also regular elements of his contributions.

His latest article published in the July 1998 issue is "Good Sports" which touches on photojournalism, community service, Photo Society and PSA member activity. His writing is well done and appeals to many of the membership on a regular basis.

This award is presented in memory of Charles Keaton, FPSA. Charles was active over an extended number of years in various Society activities and was particularly well known in the Mid Atlantic Zone for his activities and involvement in exhibitions.

Byron Hindman. FPSA

Elmore R. Chatham Memorial Award

DC Belanger is the recipient of this year's award for the best feature article in the PSA Journal in 1997. The winning article appeared in the January issue. "Backgrounds on a Budget" is an easy to follow "how to" article that can be utilized by beginner and experienced photographer alike. The information can be applied inside or outdoors and, perhaps making it even more valuable, it opens the door to an almost infinite number of possibilities for background options. Add the concept of minimal expense and it fits the budget requirements for everyone.

The winner is a relative newcomer to the craft but has studied well and is currently studying for a Masters Degree in Fine Arts. She is also involved with several PSA portfolios and serves as an Assistant Director. She has also written other material for the PSAJ.

This award was established in memory of a very popular program presenter and Mid Atlantic Zone Director. His contributions of time, energy and effort in so many ways is greatly appreciated.

Byron Hindman, FPSA

Country Representative of the Year

The lone "CR of the Year" awardee for 1998 is Tan Lip Seng, APSA, EPSA. As chairman of the first "PSA's Best of Singapore," Tan Lip Seng has worked with other CRs for nearly a year collecting slides from PSA members in Singapore, arranging meetings, helping with the selection of top entries, single handedly duplicating all entries, and making title slides for two audio/visual sets. The first show was presented at PSA's 1998 International Conference of Plotography in Orlando, Florida, with sets to be scheduled for worldwide showing.

As one of the world's top slide exhibitors, he lectured at the 1998 Orlandk Conference, as well as in several Southeast Asian countries. He also has judged in the Northern County International in the United Kingdom and a few other competitions locally and in the Far East.

As a CR, Mr. Tan has continued to recruit members for the Society in Singapore.

Greg Tansiongkun, FPSA, EPSA, Chairman International Affairs Committee

FPSA

The Fellowship is awarded for outstanding contributions to the advancement of photography involving a high degree of proficiency and achievement, combined with such elements of service as the dissemination of acquired knowledge through lecturing, judging and publishing articles and papers. Personal achievement alone does not qualify a candidate for this honor. A three-fourths vote of the Honors Committee is required for the Fellowship.

Stanley B. Ashbrook, APSA

For his many positions in the Society and the Central Florida Chapter and for his excellent lecturing and judging, covering all of the Southeastern part of the United States.

Fran Cox, APSA

For her unselfish, tireless and energetic PSA activities, items published, and her unending practice of helping others with her judging and lecturing in the Santa Clara Valley of California.

Laura Jane Davies, APSA

For her untiring work in the Color Slide Division, and for her seemingly endless activity as judge and lecturer in the North Central States branching out from the Twin Cities of Minnesota.

Robert B. Deen Jr., APSA, EPSA

For his excellent work as PSA Secretary of the Executive Committee, for judging, lecturing and writing, and for excelling as a Star exhibitor in Color, Photo Travel, and Photojournalism.

B. S. Sundaram, APSA

For his outstanding contribution and services to photography in and around Bangalore, India, with excellence in monochrome photography.

APSA

The Associate Honor is awarded for material contributions to the Advancement of photography, whether resulting primarily from proficiency and achievement or service alone. As with the Fellowship, photographic achievement must be combined with elements of service. The Associate may be awarded by a majority vote of the Honors Committee.

James A. Baker

For the numerous positions held in the Columbia Council of Camera Clubs, for his prominent record of PSA jobs held, including newsletter editor, his work in motion pictures, monochrome prints and instructional services in public schools.

Marie-Francoise Brasquies

For her extensive work for the Society, running the Stereo Slide Circuits, with the distribution of programs, pictures exhibited by invitation, Star ratings and international liaison with the French Stereoscopic Society.

James E. Carr

For his many positions held in the Society's Pictorial Print Division, editorial Stars earned and for his gracious performance as a judge and lecturer in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota.

Barbara A. Covey 

For her noteworthy services in promoting, judging, and publishing of papers, for travel programs tendered, and her successful exhibition record in Stereo Photography.

Robert W. Ehrhart

For his appreciative and considerate sharing of his technical expertise in solving the audio-visual photography problems of others, for his colossal number of workshops and travel programs presented in and out of Sacramento, California.

Joanne Flis

For her devotion to photography and service through teaching and judging, with leadership in administration, for her competition activity both locally and nationally, working from the area of the Connecticut Chapter.

Marjorie T. Forrest

For her abundance of positions held in the New Jersey Federation of Camera Clubs, with extensive service in judging, for her achievements and Stars earned in Color, Nature, Photojournalism and Photo Travel Slides in the international exhibitions.

Eric Goh Wee-Seng

For his dynamic work as lecturer, judge, and writer of photographic articles, his Star ratings in Color Slides, his achievement of many worldwide photographic titles, and his photographic activities in and around Singapore.

Claude Hennart, EPSA

For having held an abundance of positions in the French Regional Federation, for earning a considerable number of worldwide honors, for writing articles, giving lectures and holding a remarkable exhibition record, with Stars in Nature, Photo Travel and Color Slides.

Vedasiromony Justin

For his top-quality lectures, judging assignments, articles written for the journal and books published on photography, working out of India.

Jim Kingwill, PPSA 

For his numerous positions held in many camera clubs, for the immense number of awards earned in international competitions, and for achieving Stars in Photojournalism, Nature and Color Slides.

David R. Laronde

For his extensive work in PSA's Color Slide Division, with a sizable number of judging jobs performed, and for the numerous articles written, with plenty of awards and honors received, working in Southwestern Canada.

Edgar R. Lower

By being involved in all aspects of photography by judging, teaching and lecturing in both the North Central Camera Clubs Council and the Central Illinois Camera Club Association, excelling in Color, Nature and Stereo Slides.

James R. Martin

An industrious worker in all phases of photography with his judging, lecturing and presenting of workshops in the Great Northwest section of the United States, his competition earning him Stars in Nature and Color Slide.

Don E. Pederson

For serving as director of the International Club Competition for the Color Slide Division, and for his judging, publishing and newsletter writing, advancing photography from the Houston, Texas, area.

Vivean J. Peller

For her splendid record as judge, for lectures submitted, programs presented, papers written, and success in the international exhibitions in Photojournalism, Nature and Color Slides.

Peter Phoon Yiew-Kwong

For photographic work in Singapore, earning a vast number of foreign honors, taking on judging assignments, presenting an abundance of quality lectures, and excelling in Stars earned in Color Slide.

Abraham J. Reisman

For his tireless work in all phases of photography, for his judging, and for his many lectures presented for all in the New England Camera Club Council area.

Dr. Russell A. Rohde, PPSA

For his sizable coverage of all scopes of photography, helping others with his numerous lectures, Journal articles and published papers, and for his personal achievements in Nature, Color Slide and Large Color Print exhibitions.

Roland E. Smith, Ph.D.

For his many Society positions held, the overall manner of lectures tendered, for an abundance of photographic papers published and for excelling in the international exhibitions in Color Slides and Photojournalism.

Willy Spegelaere

For his prodigious teaching and lectures presented, his judging record, and articles written and earning Stars in Color, Nature, Photo Travel and Photojournalism, working out of Belgium.

Donald P. Wratten

For his considerable work in stereo photography, predominantly in the United Kingdom, helping others by issuing many lectures and invitational programs, and for his top-quality record in stereo international exhibitions.

T. Y. Wu

For his judging, with a great number of lectures and programs submitted to various organizations in the Michigan area, with many Stars earned in Monochrome and Color Prints and in Nature Slides and Prints.

RELATED ARTICLE: Honorary Membership

The Honorary Membership (Hon. PSA) is awarded for outstanding service to photography, particularly through organizational or similar work. It may be recommended by a three-fourths vote of the Honors Committee and requires a majority vote of the PSA Executive Committee for approval. Proficiency in the use of the photographic medium is not a requirement, and the candidate need not be a member of the Society.

Russel A. Kriete, FPSA

For his energetic, enthusiastic service and leadership in a broad range of varied organizational, executive and administrative skills with extensive lecturing, writing and community service activity to photographers of the Society and the Chicago area.