Thank you to the British Institute of Professional Photography for such a great honor. I truly value the qualification system and how it encourages photographers to achieve higher levels throughout their careers.

Best Associateship Panel 2009

Last week I was notified about my qualification as an Associate for the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP).   They are a premier qualifying body highly recognized and regarded across the world for its standards.  My qualification is based on my architectural and interior design specialty.  I’m proud to be able to display ABIPP with my name.

This is more of a personal achievement.  I wish more photography organizations would have qualifications, I feel it can bring more credibility to the industry.  Unfortunately when I mentioned this idea on a photography forum recently it wasn’t received well, at least with those who spoke up.  The qualification process is very difficult and not only judges the photographer’s images but also checks on background info.  Enough said on that but hopefully the qualification idea makes sense to not just the British.

BIPP has three levels of qualification: Licentiate, Associate and Fellow.  Each level is based on certain criteria but it goes from a basic professional ability to a more advanced development of style.  Of course I’d love to be on the Fellowship level but I had to start from the beginning.

Since I’m a new member who qualified for Licentiate and Associate within an eight month period, I don’t have much work left to submit for the next judging in the near future.  I need to start pushing myself to the next level and this is the whole idea of qualifications.  These are achievements that make photographers stop and think more about the direction of their work and thrive for higher standards.  I hope photographers out there find new ways to push themselves forward.  Whether it’s some kind of qualification, contest or that dream client, this is something positive to strive for and be proud of.