RPS distinctions - my journey - first stop - the 'LRPS' - GOT IT :)

DG Phototraining

DG Phototraining

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Bullied on by a pal I finally agreed to go down the route of joining the RPS (yesterday) and going for a distinction, starting with the LRPS

As I don't like to do things half arsed, I first contacted and had a meeting with my local Regional Director of the RPS (last week prior to joining), which was very worthwhile and informative - so my first TOP TIP, go straight for the horse's mouth rather than trying to figure it all out yourself

And I've also booked onto an Assessment Day in May to go see what level others are submitting for their L; but in a nutshell, the 'L' seems to be more about if you can use a camera in a variety of different ways and to shoot a variety of different subjects, while keeping to the 'rules' of RPS presentation

Having 'announced' this on Facebook yesterday too I've been surprised by how many are also thinking of both joining the RPS and going for their distinctions too, so I thought what better to do than let you all know here on TP - then you can possibly learn something from my success/failure, and take your own inspiration/run off and forget it - from me :D

Brave or stupid - not sure yet :lol:

More updates as & when something is worth adding

Cheers to anyone else in the same boat, and Good Luck too if so :thumbs:

Oh - and I'm not doing this on my 'Pro' work but on my private/hobby side of my photography - so if you can add any help, or wish to simply take the pee, feel free :)

Dave
 
Dave you should have no trouble pasing your L and you can't be far from your A! I think joining an association is good from a personal level. Pushing you to be the best you can be. I joined the SWPP and got my L in weddings but getting an A is a whole new ball game. I think all of the associations are much of a muchness. Some prefer one to another and some are members of a few as getting awards can be used to blog and create business.

I like it from a personal point though and for me the SWPP offered the right training (and the annual convention was absolutely fantastic)!

Good luck with the RPS - you'll do well :)
 
Good luck!
 
You could also get an idea of the expectations by going and watching the assessments that are taking place at FOCUS - think it happens on both the Sunday and the Monday. I found going to an advisory day helpful - taking my stuff their on Sunday.Tad nervous. Good luck.
 
Look forward to hearing about your journey
 
Hi. I've been down that route and a fellow member of my camera club has recently achieved a L too. The challenge of putting a 10 pic panel together is a great achievement in itself! Not always about your 'best' pics but about a set that works and shows a variety of competence. Presentation is important as is quality of prints. I don't think there are rules about presentation other than it should be done well. Prints don't have to be a set size, for instance. Good luck.
 
Photodiva certainly makes a good point re your 'best' not necessarily being a good idea, the advice so far suggests an outstanding shot could make the others looks poor by comparison and hence weaken the 'panel' - which needs to work as a composition in its own right too

Interestingly - the LRPS needs to show competency and avoid repetition, which is apparently one of the commonest reasons for failure - so you can't for instance simply put in 10 similar seascapes; yet strangely, that's exactly what you can do for your A & F, which can run on a very narrow theme indeed it seems

But yes - no holds bared comments on my progress :D

Dave
 
Dave

I wish you all the best on your journey! I skipped the 'L' and went straight for the 'A', as I'd been advised that my work was of a high enough standard. It might be something you want to look into, I'd advise going on a distinctions workshop to get some advice.

I blogged about my journey to the ARPS distinction a couple of years back, the first one is here: http://thevoicefromthenorth.wordpre...ty-portfolio-part-1-getting-some-good-advice/ , there are 5 or 6 more posts that follow it from memory.
 
I am surprised at the weighting that the Statement of Intent is having on the award process these days. I've heard of more than one panel that has gone to appeal recently to be told that they need to re-write their statement.
 
Good luck Dave, as I said elsewhere, I just became an LRPS, but on an exemption due to my LBIPP, but I am thinking of going for an A later in the year/early next year based on a full panel. So, I will look forward to seeing how your journey progresses. :thumbs:
 
The advice I was given btw, when I was first considering it nearly 2 years ago, from a local photographer that is an FRPS and has been on assessment panels, was 'keep it simple' for the L - demonstrate you understand exposure [deliberately blown highlight areas for artistic effect were a no-no that was mentioned, keep that for your A/F] and composition across a range of subjects [which is where your non repetitive comment comes in] but also make sure your panel flows in an obvious & pleasing way. Also to make sure that mounting and presentation is excellent. Definitely a good move to have booked to go and visit an assessment day, I was told to do that too. As it turned out, I did it through the back door [as it were] but I want to do something with the non work stuff, so yes, will follow with interest ;)
 
I'll be having a go for the "L" later in the year just for the fun of it, so will watch your progress with interest. Good luck Dave.
 
Cheers guys

I know of another for whom a blown highlight nearly cost her the L - it was an arty back-lit shot and obviously couldn't have been otherwise

And as a 'photographer' the emphasis on the actual print and worse the mount does surprise me :( That a FAB shot could be marked down for a dusty let alone slightly damaged mount seems odd to me

Having a poor statement less so though, in club comps (which I'm used to) if a FAB shot doesn't fit the theme it may be knocked or even score nil - so I kinda get that the statement has to be reflecting the pics well

Dave
 
I've just realised, I could merely "apply" for LRPS if I wanted to, based on my qualifications... no portfolio necessary. How does that work? I know many people with my quals who quite frankly... are less than err... good. :)
 
Pookeyhead said:
I've just realised, I could merely "apply" for LRPS if I wanted to, based on my qualifications... no portfolio necessary. How does that work? I know many people with my quals who quite frankly... are less than err... good. :)
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Basically, you fill out the normal downloadable pdf application form, there is a bit for exemptions, checking when the next assessment days are and choosing your date. Send it off together with membership fee [if not already a member] and the admin charge, which as an existing member was £25 for me [but read the small print, just in case, I think its the same flat fee across the board] and proof of your quallies and then sit and wait :thumbs:

They may get in touch requiring extra stuff before they can assess, but that is a 'play it by ear' thing.
 
Well I never. That amazes me... the RPS being such sticklers on technical quality just allowing someone to "apply" based on certain quals. The qualifications they list are interesting too. BTEC ND, HND, HNC and Foundation Degree... A level?? Really? No mention of BA(Hons).... Kind of nails their colours to the mast a little :) You can get in with a A level but not with a degree?

I'm still shocked that you can have a A level and just walk in.... I've seen so many A* students who can't even use a camera on manual!!!

For what it's worth.... I think they should make everyone submit a portfolio. I'd feel as if I was cheating getting LRPS without submitting any work... anyway... I don't mean to derail the thread... I just thought that was interesting.
 
Pookeyhead said:
I've just realised, I could merely "apply" for LRPS if I wanted to, based on my qualifications... no portfolio necessary. How does that work? I know many people with my quals who quite frankly... are less than err... good. :)
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Think the LRPS is more a basic competency thing, i.e. focus correct, basic composition, demonstrated understanding of aperture etc, etc ... you don't have to go for the L before going for an A, which seems to be more about style, expression etc than the L ...
 
Yep... I was just shocked they deem an A level evidence of that :) My experience with A level students paints a very different picture.




@Dave.... you clearly have nothing whatsoever to worry about.. you're clearly capable of the A I would suggest.
 
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Pookeyhead said:
Well I never. That amazes me... the RPS being such sticklers on technical quality just allowing someone to "apply" based on certain quals. The qualifications they list are interesting too. BTEC ND, HND, HNC and Foundation Degree... A level?? Really? No mention of BA(Hons).... Kind of nails their colours to the mast a little :) You can get in with a A level but not with a degree?

I'm still shocked that you can have a A level and just walk in.... I've seen so many A* students who can't even use a camera on manual!!!

For what it's worth.... I think they should make everyone submit a portfolio. I'd feel as if I was cheating getting LRPS without submitting any work... anyway... I don't mean to derail the thread... I just thought that was interesting.
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They always have done, waaaaaay back in the mid-90's when I was doing a C&G photography course, if you completed and achieved passes in the full 5 modules, it got you an L - that was a course that did concentrate on both the technical and artistic side, so I can understand the reasoning.

The A-level thing does surprise, simply because my daughter has done the AS [grade A] and is currently completing the A level and frankly, without my help on stuff like shutter speeds, apertures, she wouldn't have a clue technically. They are simply not taught anything like that, yet spend hours being shown how to do OTT 'arty' stuff in photoshop! I despair, I really do. HOWEVER, it is a discussion for another thread, we perhaps shouldn't derail Daves with taking it off at a tangent ;)
 
Yv said:
HOWEVER, it is a discussion for another thread, we perhaps shouldn't derail Daves with taking it off at a tangent ;)
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Agreed... I just thought anyone reading this may not be aware of the "off the shelf" option :)

Carry on....
 
I think the 'journey' to an L is the way to go. Exemptions are all very well butno where near as satisfying. Dave, presentation is really important - if you dont show you value your work, why should the panel?
 
"Interestingly - the LRPS needs to show competency and avoid repetition, which is apparently one of the commonest reasons for failure - so you can't for instance simply put in 10 similar seascapes; yet strangely, that's exactly what you can do for your A & F, which can run on a very narrow theme indeed it seems"

At Focus last year I sat in on one of the Panel Assessments as two of my friends were being assessed for the L.(One passed and one failed). One of the other successful L panels was a selection of 10 big cat pictures which had clearly been taken in a zoo. Although each was of a different breed of lion, tiger, leopard but still all the same style of image using the same technique. To my mind this was a breach of the rules and we were mortified to find it had passed! My mate who failed was rightfully p*ssed off.
 
Pookeyhead said:
@Dave.... you clearly have nothing whatsoever to worry about.. you're clearly capable of the A I would suggest.
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Smooth talkier :D



And I don't think its gone off at a tangent at all guys :thumbs:


Years ago a pal of mine & I were both considering RPS membership and distinctions, we'd both won everything at club level and were basically just beating each other all the time and wanted something more challenging

We then discovered one of our club members had just got their LRPS - and we basically bullied them into putting on a presentation as to how. It turned out to be because of an A-level of what we considered very poor work (this person came nowhere in most club comps), and that put us both right off at the time

I have a number of pals who'd all like the idea of going for the LRPS, and I'm helping another to do this with me, so even if I can skip the 'L' I don't want to as that'd not help my pals :)

10 cats at a zoo though ??? Yup I'd be well Pee'd off too :(

Dave
 
DG Phototraining said:
Smooth talkier :D
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I'm serious :) We may have had creative differences in the past, but you clearly know what you are doing.

Good luck... even though you don't really need it :)
 
Pookeyhead said:
I'm serious :) We may have had creative differences in the past, but you clearly know what you are doing.

Good luck... even though you don't really need it :)
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In the past ??? :lol:

We both appreciate a good discursive argument :thumbs: You should have seen the raised voices at last Sunday's club meet, all pals once the Pee taking has finally subsided - so long as I win :D

Dave
 
DG Phototraining said:
Smooth talkier :D



And I don't think its gone off at a tangent at all guys :thumbs:


Years ago a pal of mine & I were both considering RPS membership and distinctions, we'd both won everything at club level and were basically just beating each other all the time and wanted something more challenging

We then discovered one of our club members had just got their LRPS - and we basically bullied them into putting on a presentation as to how. It turned out to be because of an A-level of what we considered very poor work (this person came nowhere in most club comps), and that put us both right off at the time

I have a number of pals who'd all like the idea of going for the LRPS, and I'm helping another to do this with me, so even if I can skip the 'L' I don't want to as that'd not help my pals :)

10 cats at a zoo though ??? Yup I'd be well Pee'd off too :(

Dave
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There is of course an argument to say that by going back and starting with your L, you are doing yourself a world of good by just getting back to basics. I actually think its probably quite hard for an experienced photographer to do that, artistic styles tend to have already developed and our considerations and critique of our own work can be completely different to how others see it and of course, the opinion of the assessors will be just that, an opinion - as the zoo shots story shows - though one would like to think that overall they are fair when making judgement. Last night I looked through the successul F panel for a BIPP member and whilst I thought it was stunning, I know posting them here would get extremes of opinion because they broke so many of the photographic 'rules' we often told about. Conversely, the FRPS chap I know, lovely guy who knows his stuff and I can talk to for hours but his own work, whilst I can appreciate the technical merit, doesn't inspire me at all, it's just not my 'thing' but I can appreciate why others would see it in that light.
 
Important to note that even if you put up ten marvellous seascapes and pass your L you cant use the same images plus five more gor your A. Save those iages for later! L is about competency, A is about your style developing
 
Dave, have you thought about the BIPP? They represent the higher-end portrait, wedding, and commercial photographers and have a renowned pedigree. An L with the BIPP is a whole different ballgame to the other bodies but you would pass I'm quite sure. You can arrange a portfolio assessment with them without being a member, you'll get some great advice and guidance and you can then decide if you want to take things further.

I do also belong to the RPS and it's a lovely organization, but on the one occasion I met other members I was told that I and my work didn't fit in (I think the comment was based on the fact that I am a full-time portrait photographer who actually has to work for my living, rather than passing my time travelling through exotic places). Just something to bear in mind. They work very closely actually with the BIPP but there is a different flavour.
 
Lindsay D said:
Dave, have you thought about the BIPP? They represent the higher-end portrait, wedding, and commercial photographers and have a renowned pedigree. An L with the BIPP is a whole different ballgame to the other bodies but you would pass I'm quite sure. You can arrange a portfolio assessment with them without being a member, you'll get some great advice and guidance and you can then decide if you want to take things further.

I do also belong to the RPS and it's a lovely organization, but on the one occasion I met other members I was told that I and my work didn't fit in (I think the comment was based on the fact that I am a full-time portrait photographer who actually has to work for my living, rather than passing my time travelling through exotic places). Just something to bear in mind. They work very closely actually with the BIPP but there is a different flavour.
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Hi Lindsay

Say I am aware of the BIPP - in fact I think the BIPP is replacing the MPA as the 'go to' Pro organisation

But I am deliberately going for the RPS as a 'non-Pro' route simply because they have that different criteria and outlook - and also because there is a different business orientated motivation too behind it :)

Cheers

Dave
 
Just got back from a distinctions workshop at my photographic society to get a review of my proposed F panel. It was a timely reminder that the art of preparing a panel is as much an art as photography. Once you've got a long shortlist of images, you then have to create a coeherent panel that hangs together, and you may end up sacrificing images that you are proud of simply because they just don't fit.

One thing I will say is that the journey to the A, and my current journey to the F (hopefully) has been more important than the destination. I've already got plenty of letters after my name, so I didn't do it for that reason, but I've got so much out of the journey in terms of looking at images, preparing images to a high standard, printing, etc, that the award really became the icing on the cake. I was mighty relieved to get the A though, as it was hard work!
 
viewfromthenorth said:
One thing I will say is that the journey to the A, and my current journey to the F (hopefully) has been more important than the destination. I've already got plenty of letters after my name, so I didn't do it for that reason, but I've got so much out of the journey in terms of looking at images, preparing images to a high standard, printing, etc, that the award really became the icing on the cake. I was mighty relieved to get the A though, as it was hard work!
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I completely agree with this. The journey will challenge you in ways you never thought possible and your photography well develop beyond recognition. I found my Associateships (I have two, one in portraiture and one in nature photography) to be the toughest, as you say it is very hard work and it is not given out lightly. By the time I achieved my BIPP Fellowship I was familiar with the qualification process and could concentrate on defining my style more - and this is key, at Fellowship level the Judges are looking for a unique personal style.
 
Yes printing yourself is a double edged sword. On the one hand you have more control over your output and can pretty much match what you have on screen, or adjust accordingly. On the other hand, it can become a money pit, especially if you're printing A3, although that was my on choice. I'll caveat all that by saying I was printing black and white which is a bit of a slightly different proposition to colour.
 
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