Name: Mark A Phillips
Volunteer Role: Chair, Documentary Group
What attracted you to volunteering for the RPS? Having been a member of the RPS for many years, I felt it was time to give something back, but also in a way where I could help take a group forward.
What do you enjoy most about your role? I’m fortunate to have a good team of volunteers, both in the regional sub-groups and the main committee. The small team produces an excellent online magazine (Decisive Moment), newsletters, online and major competitions and local events. We have also started to work on developing the group to reflect current day practice and engage with external groups to help inform and to provide different approaches. We plan to continue this, with a range of activities and workshops focussed on documentary practice.
What advice would you have for anyone who may be considering volunteering for the RPS? I have been on club committees in the past and vowed never to do anything like that ever again. But this is different. It is not like a local camera club, the RPS remit is much wider. Do it because you really want to, and because you believe you can make a difference. I believed it was important to help take RPS Documentary forward, to develop its reputation, and to engage with the wider documentary photography community.