One year ago today, my heart was pounding and I was gripping the hand of my ever-supportive husband rather too hard for his comfort! What momentous event could have prompted this anguish, I hear you cry? Merely the awarding of a Royal Photographic Society (RPS) distinction! I know, perhaps a bit of an overreaction, but it was the culmination of nearly a year’s planning and I didn’t want anything to go wrong. Besides, watching a panel of ten of your favourite images being assessed by five distinguished photographers in front of a roomful of other photographers would be nerve-wracking for anyone!
The Royal Photographic Society offers three levels of distinction. I was being assessed for the entry level, success at which would make me a Licentiate of the RPS, known for short as LRPS. This is my panel. Each image and the panel as a whole have to satisfy a list of technical and visual criteria. First the five judges look at the whole panel as hung and then approach more closely to examine the images individually. Fortunately, they were quite quick in their deliberations on my panel so I wasn’t kept on the rack too long! It’s a great feeling when they announce your name and everyone claps. My husband commented on what a supportive bunch he found the other photographers to be.
Afterwards, many people asked me if I was going to move on to the next level, or Associateship. But I was happy with my LRPS and just wanted to bask in that feeling for a while. A year on and I am starting to think about the next step. I have some ideas brewing at the back of my mind…
If you fancy a new challenge, then a RPS distinction might be for you. If you want to know more, the RPS website has lots of information. Also, if you put them in a comment to this post, I will happily answer any questions.
Focused Moments 
Wonderful post Rachael, such great letters to have after your name in photography terms. So well deserved in my opinion, for what that is worth x
Thanks, Karen. I am sure you could put together a lovely panel from your library of images. Have you thought of trying?
I thought about it a while ago, but do not feel confident enough about it just yet!
Yes I agree, wonderful inspiring post. I have also just looked at your images, Karen – they are really lovely. I love the teddy on the washing line and also the eggs/nest. Nice to see you are an ex T189er – I did the course back in 2008 which made me progress from the good old auto mode on my 350d! Great course, I wish the OU would offer a second level photography course!
So do I!
Me too, I keep looking for something to follow on, but nothing I have seen so far really appeals…..yet!
Your LRPS was so well deserved Rachael – am looking forward to the images you create for the next level. I have thought about having a go but not sure I have the discipline (she said after studying for two degrees with the OU! LOL). I think it’s the thought of experts accessing a series of photos I sweated blood over that’s scary too…
Knowing your photography as I do, I don’t think you should have any problems. You can take your panel along to an advisory day and get some advice before committing yourself to doing it. Do let me know if you decide to try as I would be happy to share my experience, for what it’s worth.
I am mulling over the idea of entering for the ARPS in the book category. I thought I might make a book of the articles I did last year about the Wey Navigation… We’ll see.