Destinctions

I think the main benefit is in personal satisfaction. If you mean in a professional environment, then I would doubt it very much. As photography is a freelance business, work is going to go to those who can get the shots - not those who have got the qualifications, per se.

The RPS is a recognised society with a certain amount of gravitas. Personally, I am working towards an LRPS distinction, because it marks a sense of photographic achievement for me.
 
Sorry couldn't resist it...
P-Plod's right, no photographer ever got a job on the back of his/her academic qualifications, but working towards any degree in your chosen field does force you into taking directions with your work that you might not otherwise have done - it's all good...
 
I've got an ARPS in Nature. Won't help me get a job as a nature photographer but to be honest I don't want one - I couldn't afford the pay cut!

But, I found developing a co-ordinated, themed panel of 15 images quite challenging and enjoyed it on a personal level. Long term, I hope to reach the standard to get a fellowship.
 
My L panel is in January. I don't see it as something that is going to benefit me professionally per se but it's not going to do any harm. It will also do me a lot of good professionally to learn more about finishing images to their very best.

I'm also submitting an L panel for SWPP probably later in Sept into Oct.

The differences are quite marked. The RPS (for L) is 10 images, any genre. The SWPP is 20 images, taken across at least three weddings and can only be of weddings. Portraits is a different L so would have to submit separately for that, or architecture, or nature..........revenue stream anyone :)
 
I think one key difference to note Alison is that the SWPP is 20 images and the RPS is a single panel. They are judged not only as individual images but also as a panel so presentation, orientation, colour, brightness between images are also a factor.

The "A" and "F" panels are themed in the RPS and are 15 and 20 images respectively. I had about 70 candidates that were all technically suitable but still struggled to get 15 that flowed properly as a panel.

RPS distinctions workshops are great for advice if you are thinking about it. If I can be of any help, having been through the Associate process recently, then please drop me a line.
 
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