Paying for membership of RPS

stumac said:
I'm the least qualified you can be
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Yes, but still more than most and it shows you have some desire to prove your worth, unlike all those that never bother and argue they are a waste of time because a) they are stupid, and b) they couldn't even get an L anyway :D

If you're in business they can help, if you're a hobbiest then they are worthwhile as the journey to getting letters can be helpful but once achieved - not so much

Its a bit like gym membership - great if you use it and put some effort in, but for the majority its a waste of money that'd be better spent on beer & burgers

Dave
 
DG Phototraining said:
Yes, but still more than most and it shows you have some desire to prove your worth, unlike all those that never bother and argue they are a waste of time because a) they are stupid, and b) they couldn't even get an L anyway :D

If you're in business they can help, if you're a hobbiest then they are worthwhile as the journey to getting letters can be helpful but once achieved - not so much

Its a bit like gym membership - great if you use it and put some effort in, but for the majority its a waste of money that'd be better spent on beer & burgers

Dave
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I agree to all I've the above . I do tell potential clients I am a qualified photographer and it probably does help (I think)
 
DG Phototraining said:
b) they couldn't even get an L anyway :D
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That might just be because their work doesn't conform to the RPS requirements and not because it isn't good. It could be argued that getting an L or whatever shows a lack of originality in one's work and having such a distinction only impresses people who don't understand how worthless it is. I mean it's not as if it's a qualification like a degree or summat. :D :D
 
Ed Sutton said:
That might just be because their work doesn't conform to the RPS requirements and not because it isn't good. It could be argued that getting an L or whatever shows a lack of originality in one's work and having such a distinction only impresses people who don't understand how worthless it is. I mean it's not as if it's a qualification like a degree or summat. :D :D
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This is just being provocative. There's scope for all sorts of work in a panel. ;)
 
DemiLion said:
But you're not. None of the societies provide qualifications, they are distinctions or awards - which are completely different.
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Your comment made me go and check and the bipp home page mention 3 qualifications so I'm sticking with plan A . I'm a qualified photographer :)
 
DemiLion said:
But you're not. None of the societies provide qualifications, they are distinctions or awards - which are completely different.
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The BIPP distinctions are referred to as qualifications...

However, way back when I qualified as a photographer the then IIP (Institute of Incorporated Photographers which became the BIPP) had qualification exams, I hold the IIP Intermediate as well as a City and Guilds 744 in applied photography after studying photography full time for three years, I went on to obtain an honours degree. In the 80's I 'qualified' as an Associate of the BIPP, my membership of the BIPP has now lapsed so I am, quite rightly, no longer entitled to use the letters after my name.

The BIPP in its three previous guises was always the professional qualifying body, but is far more than just that... I simply didn't see any benefits in my field and as an employed photographer.

The RPS as stated is more a distinction although the process is similar you have no need to be a practicing professional (that is probably true of the other organisations/societies these days).

It is down to the individual whether the cost of membership and obtaining a distinction is worth it to them, it is after all a form of compliment to be awarded an L, A or ultimately an F by your peers.
 
antc said:
I have been having this same conversation with myself over the last few weeks. I got my renewal letter through the other day. I did my LRPS a few years ago. I have been to a handful of events in my local area, aside from that there is hardly anything of interest going on in my local area. A lot of events all seem to be around HQ in Bath, which is a long way and even more expense to get to. I get the magazines and read them when I get chance but currently I am sat here a good 6 months behind. I really feel, and I am not trying to start an argument, but I feel its more aimed at the older person, with plenty of time and money on their hands.

Its £120 a year, then each talk at my local group is £10 a go, workshops are min £99 a go, distinctions cost a little bit, but what I am saying here is it mounts up and quickly.

At the point of writing this post and having thought a lot about it, I do not think I will be renewing my membership.

I really enjoyed the process of creating my LRPS panel though and its a worthwhile process for anyone to go through.
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Yep expensive just to show letters and a mag. you pay 10 pounds to see the half dozen local events, which is same as a non member.
 
stumac said:
Your comment made me go and check and the bipp home page mention 3 qualifications so I'm sticking with plan A . I'm a qualified photographer :)
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Does it come under OfQual oversight, because if not, they are telling porkies?

They aren't qualifications, they're membership levels/distinctions/awards. In the same way that MRICS/ARICS/FRICS aren't qualifications (although MRICS sort of is) but membership levels of the RICS.

Apart from the educational route (degrees/HND/HNC etc) there are only a couple of areas in photography were true qualifications exist.

One was the now defunct NCTJs for press photographers (which was a diploma) and another is medical illustration/clinical photography.

Everything else is just flummery.
 
DemiLion said:
Apart from the educational route (degrees/HND/HNC etc) there are only a couple of areas in photography were true qualifications exist.

One was the now defunct NCTJs for press photographers (which was a diploma) and another is medical illustration/clinical photography.
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Does that rule out IIP Intermediate and City & Guilds 744/745?

These were mandatory requirements for many posts within photography both in industry and government service, C&G being the minimum requirement for most, a post I worked in for a high street photographer needed qualifications back in the good old days.

The BIPP in all its previous guises was considered to be the professional qualifying body, sadly very diluted now...
 
DemiLion said:
Does it come under OfQual oversight, because if not, they are telling porkies?

They aren't qualifications, they're membership levels/distinctions/awards. In the same way that MRICS/ARICS/FRICS aren't qualifications (although MRICS sort of is) but membership levels of the RICS.

Apart from the educational route (degrees/HND/HNC etc) there are only a couple of areas in photography were true qualifications exist.

One was the now defunct NCTJs for press photographers (which was a diploma) and another is medical illustration/clinical photography.

Everything else is just flummery.
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No idea but if they call it that them I'm going to
 
Ed Sutton said:
That might just be because their work doesn't conform to the RPS requirements and not because it isn't good. It could be argued that getting an L or whatever shows a lack of originality in one's work and having such a distinction only impresses people who don't understand how worthless it is. I mean it's not as if it's a qualification like a degree or summat. :D :D
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I'm guessing you've never read the requirements for an L then - which, RPS especially, is nothing to do with original work and everything to do with showing competency in a variety of subjects and/or techniques all to a reasonable standard. Some of your 'My rubbish' images are easily good enough for an L, you just need more variety in subject and technique and you're sorted :) Like many TPers your work is close to, or good enough, for an L, but applying yourself to shoot for a panel is a different challenge and where many don't make it

The As are where originality and real skill starts

Dave
 
PhilH04 said:
Does that rule out IIP Intermediate and City & Guilds 744/745?

These were mandatory requirements for many posts within photography both in industry and government service, C&G being the minimum requirement for most, a post I worked in for a high street photographer needed qualifications back in the good old days.

The BIPP in all its previous guises was considered to be the professional qualifying body, sadly very diluted now...
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C&G stuff comes under educational & is regulated by OfQual. :)
 
DG Phototraining said:
I'm guessing you've never read the requirements for an L then - which, RPS especially, is nothing to do with original work and everything to do with showing competency in a variety of subjects and/or techniques all to a reasonable standard. Some of your 'My rubbish' images are easily good enough for an L, you just need more variety in subject and technique and you're sorted :) Like many TPers your work is close to, or good enough, for an L, but applying yourself to shoot for a panel is a different challenge and where many don't make it

The As are where originality and real skill starts

Dave
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I did actually look into the RPS distinctions at one time, but just as this thread started out I thought the concept of having to pay to continue to use the letters was just a clever way for the RPS to maintain a steady income. I also realised that it would feel like a box ticking exercise to me. Although I can appreciate how people who don't have a background in the visual arts could benefit from the discipline of completing a distinction as away to develop their photography,

However, I think aspiring photographers would be better served learning how to develop a way of looking at things as a means to forming their personal style instead of mastering a variety of techniques or subject matters.
 
DG Phototraining said:
I'm guessing you've never read the requirements for an L then - which, RPS especially, is nothing to do with original work and everything to do with showing competency in a variety of subjects and/or techniques all to a reasonable standard. Some of your 'My rubbish' images are easily good enough for an L, you just need more variety in subject and technique and you're sorted :) Like many TPers your work is close to, or good enough, for an L, but applying yourself to shoot for a panel is a different challenge and where many don't make it

The As are where originality and real skill starts
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Only if you're doing the ARPS by getting them to look at images.
 
What a fascinating thread. I suppose I was vaguely aware that some people put letters after their names, and it wasn't that long ago that these things had meaning, at least in some professions. I thought these letters were just for photo club members so that they could strive for honours and letters, so as to show off or prove themselves to other club members. The thought that they could be useful marketing tools had never crossed my mind. I suppose there may still be some people who would respect letters, even if they didn't know what they meant, but I doubt that many of them are thinking of getting married or having babies or doing any of the other things that might require the services of a photographer. Maybe as a present to their grandchildren?
I think the norm nowdays is to prove yourself by what you do and very few people would be impressed by random letters. I, for one, would regard it as a negative rather than a positive.
 
middlearthimages said:
Yep expensive just to show letters and a mag. you pay 10 pounds to see the half dozen local events, which is same as a non member.
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Totally agree with you buddy. And thats something else that annoys me a tiny bit too surely you would think non members to RPS talks would have to pay more but they don't. Oh well, thats what I will do if I ever see anything of interest in my local region, pay as a visitor. Hope you are well, long time no see!
 
Bollygum said:
What a fascinating thread. I suppose I was vaguely aware that some people put letters after their names, and it wasn't that long ago that these things had meaning, at least in some professions. I thought these letters were just for photo club members so that they could strive for honours and letters, so as to show off or prove themselves to other club members. The thought that they could be useful marketing tools had never crossed my mind. I suppose there may still be some people who would respect letters, even if they didn't know what they meant, but I doubt that many of them are thinking of getting married or having babies or doing any of the other things that might require the services of a photographer. Maybe as a present to their grandchildren?
I think the norm nowdays is to prove yourself by what you do and very few people would be impressed by random letters. I, for one, would regard it as a negative rather than a positive.
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In engineering, you need a CEng to be eligible for certain jobs. It's expensive, but it's non-negotiable but proves a society membership which in turn proves you've been judged safe and have the relevant insurance.

I can't see the point in paying for ROSS though, even if it is the top one they offer without the need to see any of my photos.
 
Non members often have to pay more for events, advisory day’s etc.
 
viewfromthenorth said:
I don’t know what ROSS is, and don’t understand the point you make after it, can you elaborate?
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Sorry, meant RPS, phone autocorrect.

The RPS give out technical LRPS, ARPS and FRPS. These are based on patents, publications etc. rather than images.
 
st599 said:
The RPS give out technical LRPS, ARPS and FRPS. These are based on patents, publications etc. rather than images.
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What? I honestly have no idea what you're on about here :(

Those distinctions all require panels of photos, 10, 15 and 20 for the F

So I'm looking forward to reading what you actually mean there - ta :)

Dave
 
DG Phototraining said:
What? I honestly have no idea what you're on about here :(

Those distinctions all require panels of photos, 10, 15 and 20 for the F

So I'm looking forward to reading what you actually mean there - ta :)

Dave
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Nope, you don't need to produce a single image to get any of them. Check their website for the Imaging Scientist versions of the awards.
 
st599 said:
Nope, you don't need to produce a single image to get any of them. Check their website for the Imaging Scientist versions of the awards.
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Actually, to quote the RPS website which states you get the distinction on award:

Imaging Scientist Qualification

For those that work in the fields of engineering, science and technology.

RPS Imaging Scientist vocational qualifications are open for application from those who have professional careers within the fields of engineering, science and technology.

Photographic and imaging techniques are used increasingly in practically all walks of life; the image is as important as the printed word. The science and technology that make this possible come from imaging scientists working in a wide range of disciplines and applications. To recognise achievements in this field, and to enhance career prospects by recognising professional competence, The Royal Photographic Society offers professional Imaging Scientist Qualifications.

These provide a structure leading to professional qualifications for engineers, scientists and technologists whose professional activities are concerned with scientific imaging, quantitative or mechanistic aspects of imaging systems or their applications. They are recognised by the imaging and science community as essential benchmark qualifications benefiting all sections of the imaging world. The relevant academic disciplines (scientific imaging, chemistry, engineering, physics, computer science, imaging science, colour science etc.) and their applications will be interpreted as widely as possible.

*Those members who acquire an Imaging Scientist Qualification will also receive a Society Distinction.*



ISQ Prices

£32.50 (QIS & LRPS) Qualified Imaging Scientist

£50 (GIS & ARPS) (AIS & ARPS) Graduate Imaging Scientist & Accredited Imaging Scientist

£75 (ASIS & FRPS) Accredited Senior Imaging Scientist
 
st599 said:
Sorry, meant RPS, phone autocorrect.

The RPS give out technical LRPS, ARPS and FRPS. These are based on patents, publications etc. rather than images.
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They’re a bit like the various levels of membership of the professional engineering bodies. After my degree I was AMIEE, then when I became chartered I became MIEE (now MIET), and if I rose to a prominent position I could apply to become FIET. Either way, you still need prior degree level qualifications.

In this sense, the RPS also acts as a professional body, although doesn’t have the backing of a quango like the Engineering Council.
 
viewfromthenorth said:
They’re a bit like the various levels of membership of the professional engineering bodies. After my degree I was AMIEE, then when I became chartered I became MIEE (now MIET), and if I rose to a prominent position I could apply to become FIET. Either way, you still need prior degree level qualifications.

In this sense, the RPS also acts as a professional body, although doesn’t have the backing of a quango like the Engineering Council.
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Indeed, which is why I can't see the point of the RPS ones. My CEng was given to me after 5 years of appraisal by my management plus a long interview with experts in the field.

From this thread, it's quite apparent that people think the RPS distinction is a measure of photographic ability. However, I could apply for FRPS according to their guidelines based on technical knowledge, but am definitely not that level a photographer.
 
st599 said:
Actually, to quote the RPS website which states you get the distinction on award:

Imaging Scientist Qualification

For those that work in the fields of engineering, science and technology.

RPS Imaging Scientist vocational qualifications are open for application from those who have professional careers within the fields of engineering, science and technology.

Photographic and imaging techniques are used increasingly in practically all walks of life; the image is as important as the printed word. The science and technology that make this possible come from imaging scientists working in a wide range of disciplines and applications. To recognise achievements in this field, and to enhance career prospects by recognising professional competence, The Royal Photographic Society offers professional Imaging Scientist Qualifications.

These provide a structure leading to professional qualifications for engineers, scientists and technologists whose professional activities are concerned with scientific imaging, quantitative or mechanistic aspects of imaging systems or their applications. They are recognised by the imaging and science community as essential benchmark qualifications benefiting all sections of the imaging world. The relevant academic disciplines (scientific imaging, chemistry, engineering, physics, computer science, imaging science, colour science etc.) and their applications will be interpreted as widely as possible.

*Those members who acquire an Imaging Scientist Qualification will also receive a Society Distinction.*



ISQ Prices

£32.50 (QIS & LRPS) Qualified Imaging Scientist

£50 (GIS & ARPS) (AIS & ARPS) Graduate Imaging Scientist & Accredited Imaging Scientist

£75 (ASIS & FRPS) Accredited Senior Imaging Scientist
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TBH I doubt that a lot of people achieve an award through this quite specialised route. I'd expect the vast majority of photographers would do the normal route whether they are scientists or not. That said the RPS is keen to grow membership so maybe it is actively trying to push this route within scientific circles?
 
Wayne Els said:
TBH I doubt that a lot of people achieve an award through this quite specialised route. I'd expect the vast majority of photographers would do the normal route whether they are scientists or not.
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Exactly - I know quite a lot of RPS members with various distinctions and none of them did this, hence I didn't even know it was possible

Dave
 
DG Phototraining said:
Exactly - I know quite a lot of RPS members with various distinctions and none of them did this, hence I didn't even know it was possible

Dave
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Yes, totally concur. I'd like to know why this route is half the price of the normal members route to each distinction though? I'd assume that confirming an individuals academic record and experience would take longer than looking at a set of images.
 
I haven't checked, but a few years ago an A level in photography was a way to an automatic LRPS. I don't know if this is still the case.

I have had a long held suspicion that certain FRPSs that I've encoutered as authors over the years obtained their FRPS by this route.
 
StephenM said:
I haven't checked, but a few years ago an A level in photography was a way to an automatic LRPS. I don't know if this is still the case.

I have had a long held suspicion that certain FRPSs that I've encoutered as authors over the years obtained their FRPS by this route.
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There are no exemptions for the FRPS. Unless of course you get awarded an Honorary FRPS, but that’s a different story!
 
viewfromthenorth said:
There are no exemptions for the FRPS. Unless of course you get awarded an Honorary FRPS, but that’s a different story!
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That's not the way I read the RPS site just now; apply for (with referees etc. an ASIS and get an FRPS thrown in for £75. Presumably I need to read far more carefully to avoid this misconception, but to be honest I'm not bothered either way as the RPS leaves me cold. I always make a point of looking at Focus/The Photography Show and I've never felt any desire to join.
 
StephenM said:
That's not the way I read the RPS site just now; apply for (with referees etc. an ASIS and get an FRPS thrown in for £75. Presumably I need to read far more carefully to avoid this misconception, but to be honest I'm not bothered either way as the RPS leaves me cold. I always make a point of looking at Focus/The Photography Show and I've never felt any desire to join.
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Wayne Els said:
The CIQ/ISQ route does appear to automatically bestow a F upon anyone successfully meeting the criteria for those awards.
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I was referring to the Photographic distinction rather than the Photographic Imaging / Science one, as that is the one more likely to be of interest to amateur (and maybe the odd pro) photographers that read Talk Photography[emoji3]
 
antc said:
Totally agree with you buddy. And thats something else that annoys me a tiny bit too surely you would think non members to RPS talks would have to pay more but they don't. Oh well, thats what I will do if I ever see anything of interest in my local region, pay as a visitor. Hope you are well, long time no see!
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Good thanks ant, Happy new year to you!
 
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