FREE Mentoring Programme for SWPP & BPPA members
Improving your photographic skills
Read what people say about the 'Mentor Me' Programme
Read what members say about the SWPP & BPPA
The Society
of International School and Event Photographers
Qualifications/distinctions available: LSISEP, ASISEP & FSISEP
The Society of International Fashion and Glamour Photographers
Qualifications/distinctions available: LSIFGP, ASIFGP & FSIFGP
The British Professional Photographers Associates BPPA
Subject matter: Fine art, pictorial and general photography
Qualifications/distinctions available: LBPPA, ABPPA and FBPPA
We appreciate that some subjects could easily apply to more than one of the
‘Societies’ we recommend that you send some sample images and our advisors will
guide you.
Submissions
Licentiate submit 20 Electronic or prints can be submitted minimum size 10 inch
max 12 inch on the longest side. (Prints must be mounted)
Associate submissions contain twenty 20”x16” (50.8 x 40.6 cm) mounted prints
(Maximum size 20 inches on the longest side inclusive of mount/border)
Fellowship submissions must be printed to 20”x16” (50.8 x 40.6 cm) and contain
20 prints (Maximum size 20 inches on the longest side inclusive of mount/border)
How do I apply?
Firstly, read the following pages and decide which level of qualification you
wish to apply for but please note that the system is progressive. Therefore it
would be neither logical, advisable nor even permissible to consider a direct
application for Associate or Fellow without having your feet on the first rung
of the ladder (Licentiate).
If you are not sure if your work is up to any of the required levels, simply
utilise the benefits of the ‘Mentor Me’ Programme, details of which you will
find in this handbook. If you are not working digitally, you can send a
selection of small proof prints and a contact sheet. Be aware that these are not
normally returned. You also will be sent a report of your images by email.
PLEASE NOTE: THIS ADVICE DOES NOT GUARANTEE SUCCESS but is intended to let you
know if your work is in the right ballpark.
When do I apply?
Licentiate qualifications are judged on a month basics. All other qualifications
(Associate, Fellowship, are judged quarterly please contact Head Office for
further information.
Some general points
If your submission is to be judged as a printed panel, please supply a diagram
of how you wish the prints to be arranged.
The identity of the photographer must remain anonymous except by means of the
application form.
Images should be present the same care and consideration, as you would do for
any of your clients.
All photographs should be presented in a uniform size (except craftsman). Please
refer to the further notes in this manual.
Presentation will be taken into account and images should ideally have been
taken in the previous eighteen months.
The decision of the judges is final.
If I pass?
You will receive your certificate and a letter of congratulations. Time to get
out the champagne and arrange some press coverage.
If I fail?
You will receive your prints back together with a critique. Re submissions are
judged on the same dates as listed earlier.
I already have qualification with another Organisation
In certain situations Reciprocal qualifications may be awarded. In the first
instance you should contact head office with details of what, where and when
your qualifications were acquired. Please note that you will be asked to provide
evidence and that an administration fee will be applied for certification.
LICENTIATESHIP
LSWPP - Licentiate of the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers
LSISLP - Licentiate of The Society of International Sport & Leisure
Photographers
LSINWP - Licentiate of The Society of International Nature and Wildlife
Photographers
LSITTP - Licentiate of The Society of International Travel & Tourism
Photographers
LSIMPP - Licentiate of The Society of International Media & Press Photographers
LBPPA - Licentiate of the British Professional Photographers Associates
LSICIP - Licentiate of The Society of International Commercial and Industrial
Photographers
LSISEP - Licentiate The Society of International School and Event Photographers
LSIFGP - Licentiate The Society of International Fashion and Glamour Photographers
What we expect of a Licentiate
The ‘Societies’ are doing their best to lead the way in the accessibility of
qualifications by acknowledging the importance of a digital submission.
Access to this qualification is best attained by making full use of the ‘Mentor
Me’ programme during which we are able to give you positive advice in support of
your application.
What we expect of a Licentiate…
We are looking for images that show the applicant is in full control of the
medium. The images should show correct camera technique, full control of the
lighting and the final production of the finished image. Many images fail at the
last hurdle because the final digital file or print quality is poor, showing
banding from ink jet prints, blemishes that should have been retouched or poor
presentation. Very often colour balance is wrong. We expect to see that the
photographer is in control of the subjects portrayed and in the case of people,
that they are posed in an attractive manner and good expressions obtained.
The images should be presented in such a way that if the judges were members of
the public they could not reasonably be rejected. In other words they are “of
marketable quality”.
There are therefore two routes you may opt for…
Digital Submission for Licentiateship - Guidelines
We are mindful of the needs of our members, who for the most part operate within
the digital arena. Therefore, it makes perfect sense to open up the
accessibility of submission for qualification in a more contemporary and
practical manner by allowing panels of high quality digitally captured images to
be presented on CD.
To try and avoid any confusion in making a digital submission on CD for your
Licentiateship qualification we feel that it is essential to lay down a number
of guidelines.
Unless otherwise agreed with the ‘Societies’ management team a digital
submission will take the form of 20 Images in JPEG format, sequentially numbered
1 to 20 with no prefixes whatsoever.
· Each file should not exceed 4MB and ideally the colour space should be Adobe
1998.
· The files should be placed in a single folder and cut to a CD.
· The CD must be clearly marked with your name and membership number.
· All CD’s should be sent to The Society headquarters in Rhyl for assessment.
· Ideally your files should be prepared by opening individual 10”x10” PSD
canvases at 300dpi which should be filled either white or black commensurate
with your style. Each individual image should be placed on a canvas after
careful colour correction, cropping, composition and final retouching (if
necessary). The application of a 3 to 5 pixel stroke edge to the main image is
desirable but not essential to enhance the presentation of your images. Finally,
each PSD should be flattened, saved as a JPEG and numbered sequentially.
CD’s sent for assessment, which are not in the correct file format will not be
assessed and your CD will be immediately returned and you will be asked to
submit a further CD in the correct format.
It is essential that you provide a LANDLINE telephone number and a current email
address so that the Qualifying Judges may provide you with proper feedback and
support in the event of a failure or borderline case.
Ideally you should enclose a short note stating your current position,
experience, aspirations and outlining any relevant training you may have
undertaken.
Further advice on submissions and the requisites for a successful Licentiateship
application is available via the Mentoring Programme.
Print Submission for Licentiateship
What it costs
SUBMISSION FEES LICENTIATE £60
RE-SUBMITTED PANELS £30
(Provided they are submitted within 6 months)
ASSOCIATESHIP
What we expect of an Associate submission
ASWPP - Associate of the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers
ASISLP - Associate of The Society of International Sport & Leisure Photographers
ASINWP - Associate of The Society of International Nature and Wildlife
Photographers
ASITTP - Associate of The Society of International Travel & Tourism
Photographers
ASIMPP - Associate of The Society of International Media & Press Photographers
ABPPA - Associate of the British Professional Photographers Associates
ASICIP - Associate of The Society of International Commercial and Industrial
Photographers
ASISEP - Associate The Society of International School and Event Photographers
ASIFGP - Associate The Society of International Fashion and Glamour Photographers
Print Submission for Associateship
A submission of twenty prints is required 20” x 16” of a uniform size and flush
mounted. In the case of an SWPP (ASWPP) submission your application should
consist of either wedding or portrait images from at least ten commissions.
(mixed wedding/portrait panels are not acceptable).
In the case of all other submission your application should be in a singular
discipline i.e. Landscapes, pictorial, illustrative, commercial etc. If in doubt
please contact head office for advice.
In both cases a submission of twenty prints is required 20” x
16” of a uniform size and flush mounted. Submissions should consist of various
subject matter of the applicant’s choice.
What we expect of an Associate
The notes for Licentiate submissions also apply to Associate images, but with
the added requirement that we wish to see far more creative interpretation,
better choice of location, more thought and faultless technique. We recommend
participation in the Mentoring Programme to assist you in making an application.
If in doubt please contact head office for advice.
What it costs
SUBMISSION FEES ASSOCIATE £95
RE-SUBMITTED PANELS £45
(Provided they are submitted within 12 months)
FELLOWSHIP
What we expect of a Fellow
FSWPP - Fellow of the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers
FSISLP - Fellow of The Society of International Sport & Leisure Photographers
FSINWP - Fellow of The Society of International Nature and Wildlife
Photographers
FSITTP - Fellow of The Society of International Travel & Tourism Photographers
FSIMPP - Fellow of The Society of International Media & Press Photographers
FBPPA - Fellow of the British Professional Photographers Associates
FSICIP - Fellow of The Society of International Commercial and Industrial
Photographers
FSISEP - Fellow The Society of International School and Event Photographers
FSIFGP - Fellow The Society of International Fashion and Glamour Photographers
Fellowship of the ‘Societies’ is the highest distinction and recognizes you as a
master of your craft, able to create work of the highest standard both
technically and artistically. It is essential that applicants take serious
advice from a recognised Mentor at the level of Fellow to ensure that the
application is at the highest level of content and presentation. If in doubt
please contact head office for advice.
Print Submission for Fellowship. Our highest Accolade
In both cases, a submission of twenty prints is required 20” x 16” flush mounted
on board no thicker than 8mm.
Submissions should consist of in the case of an SWPP application (FSWPP), the
very best of either wedding or portrait images from as many commissions as you
wish as this must be an ultimate expression of your skills and abilities as a
consummate professional. (Mixed wedding/portrait panels are not acceptable). In
the case of a all other application you must concentrate on one area of
expertise and excellence only.
What it costs
SUBMISSION FEE £150
RE-SUBMITTED PANELS £75
(Provided they are submitted within 12 months)
Taking the Credit for you work
IMPORTANT NOTE: It may take up to a month to receive feedback from the
Qualifying Judges depending on the time of year and workloads. Please be
patient, as we will make our best endeavours to get back to you as speedily and
efficiently as we can.
Payments may also be made in US Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Danish Kroner, Euro,
New Zealand Dollar, Swedish Krona, Swiss Francs or Australian Dollar
Notes for submissions
Information on submissions for Qualification
Qualifications must conform to the following criteria:
All submissions must be accompanied by a completed application form, and the appropriate
fee. Each print must have the appropriate label attached to the rear as supplied by head
office. Cheques should be payable to SWPP The Qualification that you are applying for must
be clearly marked on the outside of the packaging or inner packaging where applicable.
Adequate packaging and return postage must be included if you require your prints to be
returned. Your submission will be judged as it is presented, so please ensure
that it is adequately and securely packed. If your entry is to be judged as a panel, an
appropriate diagram should be included. Each print in the panel will also be examined in
isolation. Presentation will be taken into account and the photographer is expected to
have mastered the chosen effect, technique, or process that is selected. The submission
should comprise examples of the member's own commissioned work, in which they themselves
have made an obvious contribution to the end product, over and above the directions and
services provide by third parties. Each print must be numbered on the back. Each print
(excluding mount) will be a minimum of 10"x 8" in size. All prints in the
submission must have been taken within the eighteen months prior to the submission date.
The identity of the photographer must remain anonymous except by way of the application
form. The decision of the chairman of the Panel of Judges is final and no correspondence
will be entered into. However, all applicants will receive a critique indicating and
outlining any major failure points Failed panels may be re-submitted within six months at
a reduced fee.
Image requirements for the Mentor Me Programme:
20 jpeg high res (300 dpi) aprox 10 x 8
Topics:
Freelance, Photojournalists, Weddings, Portraits, Children, Animal, Equestrian, Digital,
Commercial, Fashion & Glamour, Landscape, Nature, Sport, Medical, Scientific, Press,
PR, Architectural, Industrial, Forensic, Natural History, Research,
Return of prints
Second class/recorded delivery return postage must be included with the submission.
Board thickness
Board thickness may be from 1/8 inch thick to 1/2 inch thick, with the average
thickness being 3/8 of an inch. This allows mounting on mount board or Fome-Cor
materials.
Mounting
All photographs should be securely mounted to a board not to exceed 1/2 inch
thickness. The entry may not be framed or boxed in any other fashion for viewing. All
photographs should be securely mounted to a board.
Good Taste
All prints will be viewed by staff and judges and therefore need to offer a basic
level of professionalism
Print surfaces
Glossy, matte, or canvas surfaces are allowable. The image may be printed
conventionally, using photographic materials, or the print may be output digitally, using
a digital output device.
Packing your prints
We highly recommends sending your prints in hard-shell print cases. These will provide
the safest environment for your entries. All prints should have a divider/separator
between the boards so they do not stick together or damage each other. Foam rubber inserts
make ideal print dividers.
What the Judges are looking for in your submission
The judges will base their decision on a combination of the following: creativity,
impact, storytelling, technical excellence, lighting, posing, expressions, print quality
and composition.
Technical aspects
Highest quality technical execution
Proper exposure for the mood and subject matter conveyed. Flawless
presentationexcellent spotting, retouching and finishing technique with clean,
professional mounting and matting.
Creativity
Fresh and imaginative approach to the subject matter.
Impact
Does the photograph have strong visual impact?
What elements hold the viewers eye within the confines of the print?
Composition and posing
Is the placement and arrangement of subject matter handled well?
Is the posing believable and flattering?
Are the fine points of the posing, hands and feet, for example, handled well?
Style
What makes this photograph different from the other entries? What makes it stand out?
Is the image uniquely different?
Does the image possess individuality and originality?
Presentation Tips
Use of creative mounting can enhance the impact of your photograph.
Matting or submount colors should enhance and modify the print image.
Print presentation should be flawless; mounting, spotting, retouching, matting, etc.
Use of creative mounting techniques can amplify the quality of your print.
Mounting and presentation techniques should never overpower your print.
Lighting
Excellent control of the lighting with full range of tones and detail throughout.
Good modeling on the subject.
Does the light create a mood?
Communication value
Does the print communicate a message or impart information in a visually interesting
way.
Does the design of the image support the subject matter?
Strong story-telling statement should be apparent.
Interpretive
Print Quality
Excellent range of tones and optimal print contrast.
Colour fidelity and true color quality of skin tones.
Unnoticeable burning and dodging
Photo Quote: Photographs are perhaps the most mysterious of all the objects that make up, and thicken, the environment we recognize as modern. Photographs really are experience captured, and the camera is the ideal arm of consciousness in its acquisitive mood.- Susan Sontag