Your web browser is out of date. Update your browser for more security, speed and the best experience on this site.
Find out more

Visitor Information: The RPS Gallery and coffee shop will be closed on Saturday 7 December

Bruce Deacon LRPS Image 10

A Learning Experience

by Bruce Deacon LRPS

Bruce, have you always been a keen photographer?

"It would be no exaggeration to say that I have had a keen interest in photography for well over 50 years, starting in my makeshift darkroom set up in the bedroom.

Although my photography waned for a few years while I was at college, it soon took off again especially when I bought my first digital camera, a Canon 50D."

Bruce Deacon LRPS Image 01
Bruce Deacon LRPS Image 05

Have you also been an RPS member for many years?

"No, I joined in October 2017.  Looking back, I suppose I was somewhat anti RPS Distinctions.

This was probably my own naivety as I hadn’t really understood what the aim of the distinction process was and what I would get out of it."

What changed your mind?

"Curiosity really.  I decided to investigate and having carefully read the LRPS guidelines I went along to an Advisory Day as a spectator.

Enthused by what I heard and saw, I sorted through a number of prints which I felt would meet the brief of an LRPS panel."

Where did you go from there?

"I initially put my selected images before two colleagues who had already gained their LRPS and who were willing to give me their honest opinions."

 

1400 Bruce Deacon LRPS Image 03 Copy

Don’t be disillusioned if at first you don’t succeed, take on board the advice you are given and try again

Bruce Deacon LRPS Image 02
CREDIT: Bruce Deacon LRPS
Bruce Deacon LRPS Image 04

Did this informal advice help you along the way?

"Yes, although my images demonstrated a good range of camera techniques, there were a number of processing flaws which I hadn’t appreciated.

With help and guidance I was able to develop my processing skills to the point where I was confident and ready to attend a couple of Advisory Days."

Bruce Deacon LRPS Image 06
Bruce Deacon LRPS Image 09
CREDIT: Bruce Deacon LRPS
Bruce Deacon LRPS Image 07
Bruce Deacon LRPS Image 10

 

How important were the Advisory Days to your success?

"Listening to the advisors and acting on their advice was paramount and, although there may have been some differences of opinion, I came away confident that I was ready to prepare my final panel of ten images.

The day of my Assessment arrived and I was delighted to be awarded my LRPS."

 

What advice would you pass on to others?

"From my own experience, my advice would be to firstly read the RPS Guidance on what your panel is expected to demonstrate.

Attend an Advisory Day as a spectator and once you feel confident that you have images that meet the requirements of the guidance and are technically spot on, submit your panel to an Advisory Day."   

(Advisory Days are continuing and can be attended virtually via Zoom see below)

2000 Bruce Deacon LRPS Image 08

The LRPS journey is well worth the effort and I certainly found that it improved all aspects of my photography

Lrps Hanging Plan

Since Bruce gained his LRPS, distinction advice and assessment have moved online.  Here are some useful links to get you started on your LRPS journey...

LRPS Guidance

1:1 Advice

LRPS Information and Resources

RPS Distinctions Facebook Group