Disappointed

Since applying last December for an assessment with the RPS at Associate level it finally happened today, but disappointingly I was not successful. It all started off swimmingly with very positive comments on my 15 print panel and the prints themselves judged technically fine, but in conclusion it was decided I should resubmit with a couple of photos changed to give more variety. The next assessment is in November (and another 110 quid) so another long wait, the trouble is I am finding it difficult to move on and do other things photographically whilst this is still going on, as I thought the project was done and dusted. Oh well.

Did it occur to you that part of the assessment might be your willingness to persevere? After all, elite clubs like to preserve their eliteness. Of course another fee for the privilege helps to smooth the process.

Good luck and don't give up. Your determination will reap success.

More variety needed? Perhaps the assessors have been watching Rankin on TV...

Seriously, though, you're almost there so keep at it and it will happen. As for doing other things, might it help to view 'more variety' as a challenge to get out and do something new photographically while waiting for the next assessment?

Good luck!

Steve

Having no idea what the criteria involves to be part of the RPS, maybe a little flavor of the year is what’s required to make your submission current along with your collection of your best images of the past . Technically you stated that your images were up to standard , so it might be a case for some new images to confirm your eligibility

Thanks all, an Associate assessment has to be in one of several categories with a written statement about the particular topic - mine is the physical and mental health benefits of allotments particularly during the pandemic, as highlighted by a recent scientific study. This has to be supported by 15 high quality images in a display panel, the layout of which is also judged for cohesiveness, often described as the sixteenth image. You can opt for digital display or mounted prints which are typically about A4 size.

My problem is that now I no longer have the free access to the local site which I enjoyed previously, so I will need to get those winning shots on just one or two occasions; however as you know it is those unplanned-for serendipitous moments that come up trumps, it is much harder to come up with something unique to order. Rankin did it all in one day on an allotment visit but then he had rather awed subjects whom he directed like models and a team who carried lights, edited on the spot, printed the results and displayed them in the evening!

If you haven't done it already, how about using your photographic project as a subject - didn't the act of photographing the allotment benefit your mental health? Some scope for photographic equipment among the vegetables? (I'm not suggesting a selfie in a plot of cabbages! )

Steve

Actually that might not be a bad idea!

I'm debating going for mine next year as I think I've missed this years submission dates. You can attend a roadshow where you can take along your images to show as a panel to gain an insight how they'll work?

I'm pretty sure my ego wouldn't cope well with that sort of exposure so kudos to anyone who puts themselves through it.

K.

+1 and respect to you, Rob, for trying.

Jon

Gareth, it is helpful to attend such a session to get a measure of requirements, you can also watch assessments by Zoom and when ready you can book a Zoom 1-2-1 session with one of the assessors.

Why put yourself through this? A measure of recognition perhaps, vanity, hard to say. I certainly don’t need any qualification or certification as I don’t intend to turn professional. I will say though that the process definitely helps develop your technical and aesthetic skills and most importantly become objective and detached in evaluating your own work. Many of those who succeed call it a journey which although a bit trite is as good a description as any.

Part of my professional training involved regularly presenting my work to an audience of tutors and colleagues for which you very quickly grow a thick skin, which has proved useful for these RHS submissions. The advisors and assessors all give their time freely and see their role as encouraging others to develop but also to maintain standards so not everyone succeeds.

As Groucho Marx once said "I wouldn't want to belong to any club that would have me as a member"

I feel the same about camera clubs obsessed with competitions.