Jim and Deb Chagares have met the standards of excellence set by the Professional Photographers of America, and have both been awarded the Master of Photography Degree in recognition of superior photographic competence, demonstrated through success in photographic competition, advanced education, and service to the profession.

Jim and Deb have also been awarded the Photographic Craftsman Degree. This degree is in recognition of their service to the photographic profession as orators, authors and mentors.

Jim has also earned the Master of Electronic Imaging Degree. To qualify for this degree photographers are required to pass a comprehensive written examination measuring their technical expertise and submit images for critical review. The entries must be created electronically and may consist of computer graphics, electronic still images or other electronically created, manipulated or enhanced images.

Both Jim & Deb are nationally approved photographic exhibition judge.