Royal Photographic Society
There are 3 levels of distinction available - Licentiateship,
Associateship, and Fellowship.
One of the functions of the Aperture Group is to help Members prepare work for Distinctions. We are very happy for you to prepare for a distinction, even go to an Advisory Day, but not actually sit the Assessment as it is very good motivation to improve and extend your photography.
There is an Advisory Day on Saturday 8th November at Foxton (email ann@pin-sharp.co.uk for details)
Licentiateship (LRPS)
This is the first level of distinction and is awarded for 'a good level of basic skill and competence'.
You will need to present 10 images, either prints, slides or digital images.
Here are some examples of panels that have resulted in the award of LRPS to the applicants.
Barry Badcock LRPS
Chris Fell LRPS
Paul Ashley LRPS
Sylvie Gummery LRPS
Ken Bingham LRPS
Liz Hale LRPS
Associateship (ARPS)
The Associateship is awarded for a 'high standard of technical competence and individual creative
ability'. You will need to submit 15 images, either prints, slides or digital images.
For an Associateship, you will need to submit your work into one of the following categories:
Applied (incorporates documentary, portrait, record, theatrical, journalism, wedding.);
Contemporary and Conceptual; Natural history; Printing; Science; Travel; Pictorial (unmanipulated) and Creative.
For more on these categories, see the RPS Website.
Again here are a few examples of successful panels from club members
Alison Rawson ARPS (Applied)
Clive Downes ARPS (Applied)
Ian Wilson ARPS (Creative - was Visual Arts)
Paula Horrobin ARPS (Pictorial)
Richard Nicoll ARPS (Natural History)
Shelagh Wooster ARPS (Pictorial was Visual Arts)
Tim Harris ARPS (Creative was Visual ARts)
Allan Hale ARPS (Creative)
Fellowship (FRPS) is awarded for 'exceptional standards of excellence and distinguished ability'.
You will need to already hold an ARPS and to submit 20 prints or slides in one of the above categories..
Ann Miles (Creative)
Photographic Alliance of Great Britain
The PAGB has 3 levels of distinction: CPAGB, DPAGB and MPAGB
All applicants must pre-qualify by supporting their Federations photographic events. (see http://eaf.org.uk/downloads/AppEligibilityCPAGB.pdf for eligibility criteria).
Applicants are required to submit a number of prints or digital images. You may not mix
prints and digital images. These pictures are mixed with all the other applicants’ pictures
to be judged in rounds. This ensures that each picture is judged entirely on its own merits, and not
as the work of a particular photographer.
Six judges will judge your work. Each print, slide or digital image will be scored from 2 - 5 by
each judge, and the total score for each picture will be recorded.
There is an advisory day in Fulbourn on Sunday 11th October - see http://www.eaf.org.uk/
CPAGB (Credit PAGB)
The standard required is 'Good club photography'. This is defined as being photographs that could
be expected to do well in club competitions and/or represent a club in federation competitions.
Applicants are required to submit 10 prints, slides or digital images. A score of 200 or more out
of a possible 300 is needed to gain the distinction.
DPAGB (Distinction PAGB)
The standard required is that of 'Open exhibition photography'. It is defined as photographs that
could be expected to get a high rate of acceptance in open exhibitions.
Applicants are required to submit 15 prints, slides or digital images. A score of 300 or more out
of a possible 450 is needed to gain the distinction.
MPAGB (Master PAGB)
The standard required is that of 'the highest standard of amateur photography'. It is defined as
photographs which display a very high standard and could be expected to have a considerable
level of success at international exhibitions, including 'consistent and frequent acceptances' and
likely to win awards.
Applicants are required to submit 20 prints, slides or digital images. A score of 450 or more out
of a possible 600 is needed to gain the distinction. You must have held the DPAGB for at least 11
months on the date of adjudication.
