The choice of the recipient is left to the individual state, regional and national affiliates. It may be given to a member or non-member, to someone in or outside the field of photography.
The award is made available on a yearly basis. It need not be awarded every year if no suitable candidate is found. The award will be presented at the VPP's annual awards function.

The selection of a new recipient is made by the National Award Committee which is composed of all living recipients of this award. The first National Award ever presented by Vermont Profesional Photographers was to Eudora (Dot) Patch of Randolph, Vermont in 1959.