RPS Photographic Distinctions - What are they all about ?

The purpose of the RPS photographic distinctions are to give accreditation to photographers who are able to achieve a specific level of competence in photography. There are three levels of distinctions each with an increasingly higher standard than the previous. The photographers work is assessed by a panel of 5 or 6 experienced RPS appointed judges, each of whom have already attained a very standard of photography in their own right.

Requirement

For the LRPS distinction the photographer will need to submit a panel of ten photographs each one of your own choosing, however the photographs must form a cohesive panel. If one or more photographs are not up to the required standard or the panel does not reflect the standard of LRPS distinction, then the submission will be rejected.

The Submission

Your submission can be made in two methods, firstly a set of PDI (digital) files these will be assessed onscreen by the panel of judges. Secondly, a set of mounted prints which are presented together on a display board and assessed by the panel of judges. Also, you will need to submit a "Hanging Plan" showing the order and position in which your photographs should be displayed.

What to know more....?

LRPS - Standard Expected

For an LRPS submission the judges will be looking for a cohesive display of photographs, that is to say the panel as a whole could be described as the 11th picture, does it look good and do the photographs work together i.e. are there any that look out of place. It's a concept that is sometimes difficult to understand but take a look at the work of others (RPS Website) and eventually you will get the idea.

The judges will also be looking to see if the photographer is able to utilise the concepts of good photography to produce a body of work that shows he/she is able understand and apply various techniques used in photography. The judges will be looking at the following aspects in the work you have produced.

The Photograph

• Composition & Design
• Use of lighting
• Appropriate Sharpness
• Positioning of subject/s
• Correct Exposure
• Colour Rendition

Techniques

• Depth of Field
• Shutter speed

Lastly

It is essential to pay attention to the quality of each photograph the judges will be looking for the slightest fault. They will be looking for a variety of skills and techniques, avoid repetition in the panel. Also consider the viewpoint and the use of inappropriate backgrounds and distractions.

Show them you know how to use your camera.