On Saturday I travelled down to Birmingham for the Focus on Imaging 2010 exhibition not only for some new suppliers but to attempt to get my licentiate qualification from the Master Photographers Association. I was attempting to gain my licentiate in the category of weddings and had to submit 20 images with 10 being from one wedding and 10 from others. I also had to put together a working profile supporting my business and picture choices to allow judges to know more about me and how I work.
The judging panel consisted of 5 Fellows, who are currently at the highest level of qualification possible. It was quite nervous on the day, I turned up to the MPA stand and left everything and was told to return at 1PM for my result and feedback. My pictures were going to be assessed for composition, control and lighting of the subject. Sound technical competence would also be expected.
At 12:53pm (yes it was that exact hehe) I walked back to the MPA stand and was taken into the judging area to be informed I was succesfull at gaining my licentiate qualification. As much as this was an honour, the feedback I recieved from Desi Fontaine, the qualification and MPA president was nothing but inspiring and extremely rewarding, an experience I will not forget soon.
So, what next? Well I am now known as Chris Wright LMPA DipPP, qualified master photographer and this is an important step both for my business and all of my clients. Qualifications are very important in this business, it is easy to say one is prefessional but to be qualified means you know there is a minimum level of competence which has already been judged. I’m occasionally asked by clients, friends and family why photography costs so much. To that I say the labour costs are more than they may think. Yes I may be at a wedding for 6-8 hours but there is far more hours put in on top of this. I have seen myself spening a whole day colour correcting every image to make sure that the white wedding dress is the same colour throughout the day. Then there is the album to design and make up. I use strictly professional equipment and suppliers and I am professionally insured for public liability as well as indemnity insurance.
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