7 Earn a photography distinction

Have a go if you think you’re good enough…

Just how ‘good’ are you at photography? It can be hard to know what level you’re at, and what you need to work on. Joining a camera club is one way to get feedback, but it might not be that in-depth.

A great option is to aim for a distinction from a national photography organisation, such as the Royal Photographic Society (RPS) or the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers (SWPP). The RPS, for example, offers three levels. The Licentiate-ship (LRPS) requires you to show you can use a camera properly to take technically competent, creative images; the Associate-ship (ARPS) requires you to submit themed images along with a statement of intent; and the Fellowship (FRPS) is only given to candidates who show a very high level of technical and creative skill.

The process is anonymous, and you are encouraged to submit images for informal feedback first, so it’s a great way to get your work seen by experts. Pass and you get letters to put after your name; fail and you know what to work on! The photo above is from Terry Holmwood, who recently got his LRPS.

Get started today

* Most national bodies allow you to go along to view an assessment day so you can see what level of photography is required, and why images pass or fail. * You’re strongly encouraged to attend an advisory day first, where experts give initial feedback on your images so you can present the best possible selection on the big day. * While your images need to be of a high technical standard, you don’t need to use top-end SLRs. Your images just need to be of an acceptable size and resolution. * You are judged on the presentation of your images too – prints or projections or even photo books – so it’s a great printing boot camp if you mainly view or share your images on screen.