Going to ‘L’
Way back in March, when I was talking about the Royal Photographic Society Exhibition in which I have an image, I mentioned that I was working towards obtaining the RPS Licentiate Distinction (LRPS) and then said no more. So to redress that…
The Licentiate or ‘L’ is the first level of three that set recognised standards of achievement within the RPS. You are required to put together a panel of 10 images that reflect your ability as a photographer. The panel must show variety in approach and techniques, but not necessarily in subject matter. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? Believe me, it’s not! My first problem was choosing 10 images plus 5 spares from the vast array that I have amassed over the last few years. Not only do the images have to show a variety in approach and techniques, but they have to sit well together forming a ‘balanced’ portfolio. That took weeks and much head scratching.
Once the images were chosen, I had to have them printed to the highest standard possible - cue choosing the appropriate paper. Who knew there were so many - more head scratching. After making a decision and receiving the prints, they had to be mounted. That was the easy bit!
The RPS run Advisory Days to provide guidance to those who are considering applying for a Distinction. They offer an opportunity for attendees to view successful submissions and receive personal guidance on the standard of their work and preparation of their panel. You can take along a minimum of 15 prints that you consider could form the basis for an L panel. This enables the advisors to comment on the quality of your work and also offer advice on how the prints work together as a coherent panel. So I duly booked onto an Advisory Day in Bridge of Allan, near Stirling, at the end of June to have my proposed panel and spares considered.
I found the day itself absolutely nerve-racking; and I was there voluntarily! Most of the attendees had brought along a prospective panel. Each person puts their proposed panel and spares on display shelving and then stands at the side whilst a group of Distinctions panel members intensely scrutinises their images. During this time, looking at the panels as they went up, I lurched from thinking ‘mine looks ok’ to ‘mine doesn’t make the grade’ and back again. It was after lunch before my name was called, by which time the butterflies were dancing in my stomach and my blood pressure was rising. My nerves really got the better of me and I was shaking when I went forward - so much so that someone held my images as I put them out so I didn’t drop them. It seemed to cause some amusement that I was in such a state, but you feel very vulnerable (at least I did); it’s like you’re baring your soul. And I don’t like to fail. Comments were made and suggestions given by the panel - it’s just as well they were written down (and a friend was taking additional notes) as most of what was said to me went in one ear and straight out the other!
So, encouraged by the feedback, I booked the assessment date of 6th November and made the final tweaks suggested, which included swapping in some of my spare images in place of others. I was set to go. The panel has to be sent to Bristol where the headquarters of the RPS are located. You can attend in person, but I opted not to - no annual leave left and, even if I had had the time, the thought of sitting through the actual assessment was too much! The panel has to be in Bristol a minimum of two weeks prior to the assessment so I sent mine off in good time. I handed it over at the Post Office and then instantly regretted it - I think I then went through every form of self-doubt possible from that moment until the 6th of November. And then the moment when I got the email telling me that my submission had been successful - absolute relief!
Why did I put myself through all that? Simply, it was something to work towards - not to mention the years of grief I have been getting from some folks, who will remain nameless, for not doing it! It was a challenge and along the way I learned new skills, which is only ever a good thing.
Next step will be to attain the Associate level…..but not for some time I think!!
The final panel submitted as per the hanging plan (click on the image to see it full size) :
