I qualified as an Associate of The Royal Photographic Society (ARPS) of Great Britain in September 2003.
The Royal Photographic Society, founded in 1853, is the most prestigious international photographic Society, and has long been recognised for the promotion and maintenance of high photographic standards around the world. Since moving its headquarters to Bath in 1980, it has established itself worldwide, through its programme of touring exhibitions, events and special interest groups. The awarding of Distinctions is fundamental to the Society’s promotion of standards of excellence, universally respected by amateur and professional photographers alike to whom RPS membership is open.
In order to gain a Distinction a photographer has to submit a portfolio for approval by a highly qualified Panel of Society Fellows or hold one of the acceptable photographic qualifications.
Photographers interested in joining the Society should contact the Distinctions Department at the Society. The Society’s website is at https://www.rps.org.
You can take a look at the portfolio I submitted for my Distinction award to get an idea of what might be expected of you.