Media Release
Udupi, Sep 8: Senior photojournalist and internationally acclaimed photographer Astro Mohan has been awarded the prestigious Excellence (EPSA) distinction by the Photographic Society of America (PSA), USA, marking another major milestone in his more than three-decade-long photographic career.
The PSA has officially confirmed the distinction and issued the certificate in the name of Astro Mohan under Certificate Reference ROPA-1788842125.
Established in 1934, the Photographic Society of America is an internationally recognised organisation dedicated to promoting, educating and advancing the art and appreciation of photography. Its distinctions are widely respected among photographers participating in international photographic exhibitions.
The EPSA distinction is part of PSA’s Recognition of Photographic Achievement (ROPA) programme, which has six progressive levels — QPSA, PPSA, EPSA, MPSA, MPSA2 and GMPSA.
A photographer must earn a minimum of 700 verified acceptances in PSA-recognised international exhibitions, along with the required Star Rating certificates, to qualify for the EPSA distinction.
An acceptance is awarded when an image submitted to an international exhibition is selected by the appointed jury for inclusion. Reaching 700 qualifying acceptances therefore represents years of consistent participation and achievement before international panels of judges.
Astro Mohan’s qualifying record includes work across several photographic divisions, particularly photojournalism, nature and photo travel. He received the PPSA distinction earlier in 2026 and has now advanced to the excellence level.
Astro Mohan began his professional photographic journey in 1994 and joined Udayavani in 1997. He currently serves as a senior news photographer, with more than three decades of experience documenting major events, people and the cultural life of coastal Karnataka.
His camera has captured major news events, natural calamities, social movements, sporting events, religious celebrations and numerous moments from everyday life. His work has also extensively documented the region's rich cultural traditions, including Kambala, Yakshagana, Bhootha Kola, temple festivals, folk rituals and the lives of working communities.
Known for combining journalistic authenticity with strong visual storytelling, Astro Mohan's photographs often go beyond merely recording an event, capturing the emotions, struggles and decisive moments that give deeper meaning to a story.
Over the years, his photographs have secured more than 1,500 international acceptances and numerous awards, including multiple PSA Gold Medals, in exhibitions held across more than 32 countries.
The latest EPSA distinction is particularly significant as it complements Astro Mohan’s earlier APSA (Associate of the Photographic Society of America) honour, which he received in 2021.
While APSA recognises significant service and contribution to photography and the PSA, EPSA acknowledges sustained photographic achievement through PSA-recognised international exhibitions.
Together, the two distinctions reflect different aspects of his journey — his achievements as an exhibiting photographer and his contribution to the promotion and development of photography.
Expressing his happiness over the recognition, Astro Mohan said the EPSA distinction was a deeply fulfilling and proud moment in his photographic journey.
“Receiving the EPSA distinction is a deeply fulfilling and proud moment in my photographic journey. It is not merely another set of letters after my name; it represents years of travelling, observing, waiting and responding to life through my camera. Every acceptance has a story behind it, and every photograph carries a part of my experience as a photojournalist,” he said.
He added that the distinction reinforced the importance of consistency, patience and honesty towards one's subject.
“I sincerely thank the Photographic Society of America, exhibition organizers, jury members, my mentors, editors, colleagues and photographer friends who have encouraged me throughout this journey,” he said.
Astro Mohan dedicated the achievement to his family, particularly his wife Praveena Mohan, for her constant understanding and support.
Besides his professional work in photojournalism, Astro Mohan has actively contributed to the photographic community as an organizer, educator, salon jury member and mentor.
He currently serves as assistant country membership director for PSA in India, helping promote PSA activities and supporting photographers interested in international exhibitions and distinctions.
He has conducted numerous photography workshops, lectures and training programmes for students, medical professionals, journalists and emerging photographers. He is also associated with several photographic organisations and has held leadership positions in photography associations at the state and national levels.
His other distinctions and honours include APSA, EFIP, MAPS, FIIPC, AFIAP, FFIP and IIG/P, besides several honorary photographic titles from organisations in India and abroad.
The EPSA distinction adds another significant international chapter to Astro Mohan’s lifelong commitment to photography — not merely as an artistic pursuit, but as a powerful medium for documenting society, preserving cultural memory and communicating the human experience.