and the site receives a small commission
LRPS - worth having?
- Thread starter simonkit
- Start date
grumpybadger
Alan Rickman
- Messages
- 4,638
- Name
- Paul Beastall
- Edit My Images
- Yes
I've got my ARPS and enjoyed the challenge of getting a panel together and the sense of achievement having passed. It's also a nice record of some of my best images mounted and well presented.
Beyond that though, it's like any paper qualification. Irrelevent except for the experience you gained in getting it.
Beyond that though, it's like any paper qualification. Irrelevent except for the experience you gained in getting it.
- Messages
- 4,016
- Name
- Duncan
- Edit My Images
- Yes
All comments spot on so far.
I'll add that very occasionally I've found LRPS useful - it's a statement that someone else thinks my photography is of a good standard.
ARPS is more than a simple step up as it requires originality and creativity as well as competence. I'm on version two of what I think I should do for an ARPS panel - the journey is significant part of an accepted panel......
I'll add that very occasionally I've found LRPS useful - it's a statement that someone else thinks my photography is of a good standard.
ARPS is more than a simple step up as it requires originality and creativity as well as competence. I'm on version two of what I think I should do for an ARPS panel - the journey is significant part of an accepted panel......
grumpybadger
Alan Rickman
- Messages
- 4,638
- Name
- Paul Beastall
- Edit My Images
- Yes
Good luck on your ARPS Duncan. I failed my first and then passed my second unanimously. It's a rewarding journey though and I am now thinking about the Fellowship
- Messages
- 4,016
- Name
- Duncan
- Edit My Images
- Yes
FRPS - that's a mega step!!!!!
To even be thinking seriously about F says a lot about your skills!
My A-panel idea was criticised because it was too specialised.
It was very abstract texture and pattern shots. Lots of variety in terms of composition and feel but not enough variety in terms of technique. Under the new anti-themed panel regime that's frowned upon - grrrrrrr.
They suggested I might consider submitting under Applied instead of Visual Art - DOH.
Regards the OP - I believe the L-panel can be thought of as a demonstration of your competence which also hints at your originality and creativity.
It sounds really easy but it isn't and it's actually a pretty good accreditation method.
It's not just your 10 best piccies as they have to work together as a panel as well as being good when viewed in isolation.
I was told, and my experience bears this out, that you should start by gathering about 60 of your best images.
Some will get put aside as when looked at hyper-critically they are not up to the standard.
Others will be simply too different to hang in a panel. Two of my longtime favourite images fell into this category and I was a bit gutted at the time; but the advice was right.
Then when you are working out a hanging plan you inevitably end up looking for something like a horizontal format image with a hint of red in it which doesn't seem to be in the remaining candidates. It's either a different hanging plan or go back and search the archives for something that fits.
A really good thing to do is to attend an RPS L-Panel Workshop. It doesn't cost much, you don't have to be an RPS member and the feedback to you and others will be invaluable in getting a successful panel.
To even be thinking seriously about F says a lot about your skills!
My A-panel idea was criticised because it was too specialised.
It was very abstract texture and pattern shots. Lots of variety in terms of composition and feel but not enough variety in terms of technique. Under the new anti-themed panel regime that's frowned upon - grrrrrrr.
They suggested I might consider submitting under Applied instead of Visual Art - DOH.
Regards the OP - I believe the L-panel can be thought of as a demonstration of your competence which also hints at your originality and creativity.
It sounds really easy but it isn't and it's actually a pretty good accreditation method.
It's not just your 10 best piccies as they have to work together as a panel as well as being good when viewed in isolation.
I was told, and my experience bears this out, that you should start by gathering about 60 of your best images.
Some will get put aside as when looked at hyper-critically they are not up to the standard.
Others will be simply too different to hang in a panel. Two of my longtime favourite images fell into this category and I was a bit gutted at the time; but the advice was right.
Then when you are working out a hanging plan you inevitably end up looking for something like a horizontal format image with a hint of red in it which doesn't seem to be in the remaining candidates. It's either a different hanging plan or go back and search the archives for something that fits.
A really good thing to do is to attend an RPS L-Panel Workshop. It doesn't cost much, you don't have to be an RPS member and the feedback to you and others will be invaluable in getting a successful panel.
grumpybadger
Alan Rickman
- Messages
- 4,638
- Name
- Paul Beastall
- Edit My Images
- Yes
It will take a few years and there's every risk I won't turn out to be good enough!
It is a tough balance. Mine is in nature but they still like variety.
Really good advice and I think it is worth working in prints and not projected images as the panel discipline is a great learning process. My ARPS panel started with 100 images and I still have a couple I'm not convinced are my best but they fit the panel well.
Great advice - certainly a good way to get advice on what they are looking for.
Depends what for. BIPP are also interested in your work as a professional photographer whereas RPS are interested only in the images. BIPP is more commercial so nature, landscapes, etc don't really feature as options. Depends what you shoot and what you want to get out of it
- Messages
- 249
- Edit My Images
- Yes
Hi,
Having just just recieved the results of my C&G 7511 - level 3 photography course (4 distinctions and a credit) I qualify for an LRPS using what they call an exception, so if you meet a certain set of criteria (type of qualification and grades) you can get the award. Details here http://www.rps.org/licentiateship/LRPS-Exemptions. The course I did is the replacement for the C&G 6924 qualification mentoined on the page.
It's quite expensive for general membership though; £98 for the year, but a discount on the award application fee if you go down the exemption route. I will apply though as I'd like the kudos of having letters after my name for the first time in my life
.
Cheers,
JimLin LRPS (pending)
Having just just recieved the results of my C&G 7511 - level 3 photography course (4 distinctions and a credit) I qualify for an LRPS using what they call an exception, so if you meet a certain set of criteria (type of qualification and grades) you can get the award. Details here http://www.rps.org/licentiateship/LRPS-Exemptions. The course I did is the replacement for the C&G 6924 qualification mentoined on the page.
It's quite expensive for general membership though; £98 for the year, but a discount on the award application fee if you go down the exemption route. I will apply though as I'd like the kudos of having letters after my name for the first time in my life
.Cheers,
JimLin LRPS (pending
)
- Messages
- 18,182
- Name
- Geof
- Edit My Images
- Yes
if you want to do the FRPS you will need to do the licentiateship
i did it and got a kick out of seeing my name on a 'qualification'
latterly it doesnt matter
- Messages
- 23,200
- Name
- Richard
- Edit My Images
- No
TBH I think you pretty much get given an LRPS just for signing up and sending in a set of pictures. Do you know of anyone who has failed? I don't. It was introduced as a membership drive (he said somewhat cynically, but truthfully ).
An ARPS means you can do a bit and is worth having, and an FRPS is something to be really quite proud of.
).An ARPS means you can do a bit and is worth having, and an FRPS is something to be really quite proud of.
- Messages
- 3,134
- Name
- Andy
- Edit My Images
- No
I'm currently working on an ARPS panel, never bothered with the LRPS as I already have a body of work that's of a half decent standard, although I'm still having to do quite a bit of extra work on it all.
As for the FRPS, you need to already have an ARPS before you can apply for it.
As for the FRPS, you need to already have an ARPS before you can apply for it.
- Messages
- 18,182
- Name
- Geof
- Edit My Images
- Yes
- Messages
- 3,134
- Name
- Andy
- Edit My Images
- No
^^^ Which means what, exactly?? :shrug:
grumpybadger
Alan Rickman
- Messages
- 4,638
- Name
- Paul Beastall
- Edit My Images
- Yes
TBH I think you pretty much get given an LRPS just for signing up and sending in a set of pictures. Do you know of anyone who has failed? I don't. It was introduced as a membership drive (he said somewhat cynically, but truthfully
Yes, I know people who have failed an LRPS.
The thing is, like many of these areas, they have a specific set of criteria they are looking for and if you don't hit the nail on the head, you won't pass.
- Messages
- 3,134
- Name
- Andy
- Edit My Images
- No
An RPS distinction is well regarded at club level, not sure about beyond that. It gives you something to work towards if you're not following an academic route. I'd highly recommend attending one of the RPS distinctions workshops where you'll get some good advice and see the kind of level of work that people are putting in. Some stuff we saw was of a very good standard at LRPS, other stuff less so. There's much more to it than just mounting a few of your favourite prints and sending them in.
Personally, I'd already shown some work to a couple of FRPS's who used to be on a distinctions panel and they advised me to go straight for the ARPS, and this was backed up at the RPS distinctions workshop in Manchester last year. As a consequence, I'm currently working on the ARPS panel with a mentor, again another former member of a distinctions panel who is giving me some very good advice on image selection, adjustments to be made, etc.
Personally, I'd already shown some work to a couple of FRPS's who used to be on a distinctions panel and they advised me to go straight for the ARPS, and this was backed up at the RPS distinctions workshop in Manchester last year. As a consequence, I'm currently working on the ARPS panel with a mentor, again another former member of a distinctions panel who is giving me some very good advice on image selection, adjustments to be made, etc.
ChrisGaskin
Getting itchy
- Messages
- 480
- Name
- Christopher
- Edit My Images
- No
ive been thinking about this for a while now, i think ill go to a workshop first though.
TBH I think you pretty much get given an LRPS just for signing up and sending in a set of pictures. Do you know of anyone who has failed? I don't. It was introduced as a membership drive (he said somewhat cynically, but truthfully
An ARPS means you can do a bit and is worth having, and an FRPS is something to be really quite proud of.
Hello, this is my first post here and thought I would try and clarify the situation regarding RPS distinctions. I went to Bath when I submitted for my LRPS and I saw many unsuccessful panels, I think the success rate was something like 60-65%.
Most people work very hard to achieve their 'L', each image has to be competent in its own right, no blown highlights, blocked shadows, sharp in all the right places etc. demonstrate good printing and presentation and then they have to look good as a panel - certainly not a foregone conclusion.
There used to be a feeling that the one 'bad' image would be ignored, this is no longer true, I saw several good panels fail because one image did not come up to the required standard.
As has already been said the best thing to do is go to a workshop - I found that to be a very good opportunity to get one on one feedback.
As to whether it is worth having, well I think thats down to the individual.It demonstrates a basic photographic cometence which can be useful in some situations. I suspect for most people, including me, it is the challenge and the satisfaction of working towards something and being successful. I only ever use my letters when I submit for exhibitions but I feel very proud to have them- I am now working towards my 'A' which really is a big step from an 'L' in term of creativity and originality but I am enjoying the journey.
I hope this is helpful
Z
- Messages
- 1,602
- Name
- Mark
- Edit My Images
- Yes
Slight thread revival here but as it is I will say something.
I am currently looking at submitting for the 'L' RPS. I can't help feeling it's a little like learning to pass the driving test. I.e. learning how to take a photo that will please the panel, or board, and be technically correct. There doesn't seem to be any leeway for that amazing image that breaks all the rules.
That said I'll be sticking it out until I've got the letters after my name. I'm not a quitter
I am currently looking at submitting for the 'L' RPS. I can't help feeling it's a little like learning to pass the driving test. I.e. learning how to take a photo that will please the panel, or board, and be technically correct. There doesn't seem to be any leeway for that amazing image that breaks all the rules.
That said I'll be sticking it out until I've got the letters after my name. I'm not a quitter
- Messages
- 1,649
- Edit My Images
- Yes
I.M.H.O. Great if you are into Camera Clubs....For kudos and judging stuff...Not for me.. Letters after my name I already have.
- Messages
- 23,200
- Name
- Richard
- Edit My Images
- No
Welcome to TP and well done to you Zuiko
But with respect, the basic competence you have described is nothing more than absolutely anyone can achieve with a point and shoot and prints made by Boots.
Mere technical competence comes with the camera these days and it is impossible to asses any level of ability just from that aspect. I would sincerely hope that even a modest LRPS panel would have to rise considerably higher than that, and prove a level of understanding beyond basic P settings, as well a creative subject interpretation.
- Messages
- 1,120
- Name
- Steffan
- Edit My Images
- No
Alternatively you can just do an A level in Photography (which is p*ss easy if you ask me) and all you have to do is send off for it with a photocopy of your certificate with a membership form and your in. Not posted mine yet but I'll get around to it when Royal Mail get off their bottoms.
- Messages
- 5,092
- Name
- James
- Edit My Images
- No
I think Messiah Khan from TP was knocked back, and he wasn't a bad shooter.
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=32478
I've never looked into it in detail, but they do seem to have a certain type of photography that is deemed 'correct'. Some shockers in the FRPS galleries.
- Messages
- 4,016
- Name
- Duncan
- Edit My Images
- Yes
That's not always the case.....
I went to my L workshop with a photo-buddy who had a very graphic style and the prints in her panel all had blown highlights, blocked up shadows and the focussing wasn't always 100% spot on. She was crapping herself when the workshop started with the little lecture about technically perfect prints. So she managed to force her panel to be second up just so she could get the pain out of the way and she could go off shopping instead. However, they loved her images! She was the only person in the workshop the panel gave her an application form before she left the room for the private critique. It was the same result on the actual acceptance day - they were blown away and it easily passed.
They were amazing images though......
On the other hand a panel failed which I thought was rather good. A post processing treatment had been used to give the images an overall look - all purples and browns. It didn't pass. Maybe the difference is that those were conventional photography given a whacky PP treatment as opposed to something that started life as a very graphic image then juiced up by the PP treatment.
I guess what I'm saying is that I think you can get away with the image that breaks all the rules - as long as it does it successfully and sits well in the rest of the panel.
I am surprised. I always think his stuff is very good.
- Messages
- 5,092
- Name
- James
- Edit My Images
- No
I think the whole forum was surprised.
- Messages
- 3,134
- Name
- Andy
- Edit My Images
- No
Best advice I can give is to get some proper advice from someone who has sat on an assessment panel, they will have an idea of the kind of things that panels look for. Don't go into it blind, you'll likely be wasting your money.
ChrisGaskin
Getting itchy
- Messages
- 480
- Name
- Christopher
- Edit My Images
- No
i dont think im ready yet, im looking at going down the pagb route myself, is cheeper and you get to keep the letters without paying each year for the privilage.
Messiah Khan
Santa is your dad
- Messages
- 2,666
- Name
- Alasdair Fowler
- Edit My Images
- Yes
Thanks guys. Yeah, I was knocked back from my LRPS. Can't say I took the rejection too good tbh, as I was desperately looking for jobs at the time, and felt that an LRPS would be very useful in filling a hole on my CV. Now I have the job I was after (without that bit of paper), I am no longer upset by the rejection, but do question the use/purpose/validity etc of the RPS. As you say Jayst84, there are some FRPS panels that I find to be very poor, both technically and aesthetically and on the flipside, some panels that have been rejected that I find very good.
Ultimately I don't think my problem is just with the RPS, but with the whole concept of quantifying something so personal and subjective as photography. If you work commercially, you should shoot to please your customers (Or shoot what you want and hope that your customers agree). If you shoot for yourself, then you and only you are the one who can make a true judgement of your own work. Putting your work in front of a panel of judges may teach you things and make you see things differently, but them saying something is right, wrong, good or bad should not make any difference. It is your work, and you work alone.
Welcome to TP and well done to you Zuiko
But with respect, the basic competence you have described is nothing more than absolutely anyone can achieve with a point and shoot and prints made by Boots.
Mere technical competence comes with the camera these days and it is impossible to asses any level of ability just from that aspect. I would sincerely hope that even a modest LRPS panel would have to rise considerably higher than that, and prove a level of understanding beyond basic P settings, as well a creative subject interpretation.
Hi and thank you for the welcome.
I think I may have mislead you when I spoke about the basic competencies, it is possible to achieve all of these with a point and shoot camera, the equipment used is totally irrelevant, indeed I believe that an 'L' has been achieved using a mobile phone. The thing that matters is the final image and whether it sits comfortably into the panel.
As has already been said there are certain types of photograph in which blown highlights etc are perfectly acceptable and neccessary, the assessment panel will recognise these photographs and give credit, as has already been mentioned. But I think many people will be surprised at how many submitted panels did display these basic errors and consequently failed. This is part of the reason I believe the pass rate is only 60-65%
However this is just the starting point and there are other criteria against which the photographs are judged. Rather than me ranting on I have attached this link which is available from the RPS website and gives a more detailed explanation of the requirements, with examples.
http://www.leopalmerphotography.co.uk/RPS Licentiateship.htm
I dont think there are many people who apply for the distinctions just because of the letters, if they did it would be a waste of time as you very rarely use them, it is what can be learnt along the way. If I put a photograph I thought was a good one before I started, next to one after 9 months of working towards an 'L' it would be obvious how far my photography had moved. Yes I could achieve that by many other means, there are lots ways to skin a cat, but for me this was the most convenient as I did not have to commit to a course or travel to lectures etc which, with work and other commitments, would have been impossible.
For all sorts of reasons they are not for everybody, but as I was already a member of the RPS and choose to continue to be so, regardless of my 'L', the issue of membership was not a problem for me. Yes there is a cost, but having looked into photography courses available and at other options I do not believe them to be unreasonable, indeed I think they represent excellent value for money and you are able to tap into a lot of free advice and help along the way. Some of those who helped me towards my 'L' have continued to show a close interest in my work and continue to offer excellent advice and friendship.
I hope I have expressed my understanding of the process more clearly than I did in my first post.
Steve Smith
Joe
- Messages
- 9,284
- Edit My Images
- No
I think the RPS distinctions are great if you want to do one as a personal project but apart from that, they are almost as pointless as being a member of MENSA.
Steve.
- Messages
- 18,182
- Name
- Geof
- Edit My Images
- Yes
^
^
^
my bad..i cant remember what i meant...i think i was just being foolish
apologies
grumpybadger
Alan Rickman
- Messages
- 4,638
- Name
- Paul Beastall
- Edit My Images
- Yes
Fully agree Steve and that is what my Associateship Panel was - a personal project. And, when the time is right, I plan to do a Fellowship project as well. Of course it is subjective and part of the project is to produce images in the style and with the content required by the panel. Just because they don't like something doesn't mean it isn't good - it just meets it doesn't meet their criteria.