Qualification Structure - Qualify

The Society has a number of levels of qualifications/distinctions for photographers, which are awarded: Licentiate, Associate and Fellowship with Craftsman being available to wedding photographers only.

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.

Licentiate details here
Associate details here
Fellow details here
Craftsman details here

Qualifications can be applied for the following Societies:

The Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers - SWPP
Subject matter: Weddings, portraits, fashion, glamour, children, babies, school and all other social photographic subjects.
Qualifications/distinctions available: LSWPP ASWPP, CrSWPP, FSWPP

The Society of International Sport & Leisure Photographers - SISLP
Subject matter: Events, all sports and leisure activities.
Qualifications/distinctions available: LSISLP, ASISLP and FSISLP

The Society of International Nature and Wildlife Photographers - SINWP
Subject matter: Landscape, wildlife, nature, seascapes, insects and bugs, astronomical, marine and all other natural scenes, animals or plants
Qualifications/distinctions available: LSINWP, A SINWP and FSINWP

The Society of International Travel & Tourism Photographers - SITTP
Subject matter: Continents, countries, cities, towns, national parks and places of interest
Qualifications/distinctions available: LSITTP, ASITTP and FSITTP

The Society of International Media & Press Photographers - SIMPP
Subject matter: Press, photojournalism, advertising, media, PR and all news related images
Qualifications/distinctions available: LSIMPP, A SIMPP and F SIMPP

The Society of International Commercial and Industrial Photographers - SICIP
Subject matter: Products, corporate, construction, banking and finance, industrial, commercial
Qualifications/distinctions available: LSICIP, ASICIP and FSICIP

The Society of International School and Event Photographers - SISEP
Qualifications/distinctions available: LSISEP, ASISEP & FSISEP

The Society of International Fashion and Glamour Photographers - SIFGP
Qualifications/distinctions available: LSIFGP, ASIFGP & FSIFGP

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 monthly basis. 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 presented with 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).
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.

Licentiate details here
Associate details here
Fellow details here
Craftsman details here

Further helpful information here

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

Photographic Qualifications Recognition

As from February 2009 all qualifications and distinctions must be applied for through submission of work.

Read the article: To be or not to be? – (Qualified) – The final question!

Photo Quote: A true photograph need not be explained, nor can it be contained in words. - Ansel Adams