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Reputation & Badges

How reputation is earned

Reputation in the 12img community is auto-awarded based on the ways you actually help other photographers. There's no voting, no admin assignment, and no buying it — it just shows up next to your name as you do the work.

The five levels

  • ·

    Newcomer

    0–49 pts

    Just getting started in the community

  • ✦

    Contributor

    50–199 pts

    Actively participating and sharing

  • ◆

    Helper

    200–499 pts

    Known for helping others succeed

  • ★

    Expert

    500–999 pts

    Recognized authority in the community

  • ♛

    Legend

    1000+ pts

    Community pillar and trusted voice

How to earn points

ActionPoints
Posting a thread
Each published post in any community channel.
+2
Replying to a thread
Each top-level comment or reply in a thread.
+1
Reaction received
When another member reacts (clap, fire, helpful, etc.) to your post or comment.
+1
Marked best answer
When the original poster of a question marks your reply as the best answer.
+5
Referral booked
When a referral you posted in #referrals leads to a confirmed booking.
+10
Gig completed
When a #gigs second-shooter post you took on completes.
+5
Location added
When you contribute a vetted location to the #locations channel.
+3
Emergency backup
When you respond to a same-day backup request from another photographer.
+20

Points are calculated by database triggers — there is no manual award process. Adjustments happen only for spam or guideline-violating posts after admin review.

Other badges

Founding Member

Awarded to the first 100 photographers who claim the lifetime founders pricing. Permanent, never expires, displayed alongside your reputation level. Numbered #1–#100.

See current founding members

Editorial Team

Members of the 12img editorial team (Maya, Jordan, Riley, Sam, Avery) get a team badge. Their posts are clearly marked so members know which advice is from working photographers vs. the editorial voice.

Meet the editorial team

Hall of Fame

Threads voted into the annual Hall of Fame earn the original poster a permanent recognition badge for that year. Voting opens each December and finalizes in January.

Browse the Hall of Fame

Start earning today

The fastest way to earn your first badge is to introduce yourself in the community and answer one question someone else asked.

Visit the community