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Please note: RPS House is currently closed. We will be open again from the week of 14th October 2024.

Natural Abstracts Koi Carp Commotion

Your Committee

Western Region Committee and Team - 2024

The Western Region is run by a small team of volunteers who plan and organise the various activities within the region, including our monthly meetings, various social activities, and other projects such as exhibitions, competitions etc. Scroll down to meet the Western Region committee

Regional Committee

CREDIT: © Jo Shepherd ARPS
Jo Shepherd MA ARPS

Regional Organiser

I’ve had a camera around my neck for over fifty years now but it was only once I retired that I became serious about my photography.

In 2017 I gained my Licentiateship (LRPS) and in 2020 I achieved my ARPS (applied). Both distinctions benefitting greatly from attending advisory days.

I have just finished an MA in Photography with Falmouth University. 

Email Jo : western@rps.org

CREDIT: © Deborah Hammond
Deborah Hammond LRPS

Regional Secretary

I am excited to become the new Secretary for your region, simultaneously to "give something back" and to learn more about and participate more in my region. I firmly believe that we only get out of anything that we put in. Since taking up photography about 10 years ago  (not long after retirement)  it has become a most fulfilling hobby, but I appreciate there is always more to learn and enjoy. 
My working life was in finance, the last 20 years within the Prison Service, where there is little scope for creativity. During this time I did a lot of textile work, dying, screenprinting and stitching and the love of colour formed here has led to my Photography. 
I achieved my LRPS in 2019 and am now working on my ARPS. My main interests lie in Nature and Landscape, but I recently had an old camera converted to Infrared and I find the "false colour" acquired in post-production the most appealing. Another current interest is Slime Molds, so small they are almost invisible to the naked eye. They take some finding so they are challenging my photographic skills, another learning curve! 
I look forward to meeting many members in our region and making new friends in the process.

Email Deborah : westernsecretary@rps.org

CREDIT: © Denise Bailey
Denise Bailey LRPS

Regional Treasurer

After leaving Bath University I qualified as an accountant and spent many years working as an accountant and auditor for an accountancy practice in Somerset. In later years I joined some of my colleagues managing the finances and business enterprises of a prominent West Country family.

I have been interested in photography since the age of eleven when I had my first ‘box Brownie’ camera. On retirement this interest was rekindled, first by joining various photography groups through the U3A, this then lead me to doing the RPS/Open University Certificate in Photography, which is how I came in contact with the RPS. 

I achieved my LRPS distinction in March 2024. I was the very last person to gain a licentiate with prints as from April all LRPS submissions will be digital. I am now thinking about my ARPS Distinction.

Email Denise : westerntreasurer@rps.org

Richard Olpin LRPS
CREDIT: © Richard Olpin LRPS
Richard Olpin LRPS

Regional Training Advisor; Social Media

An RPS member for more than 10 years, Richard is a professional photographer and tutor from Gloucestershire. 

Email Richard : westerntraining@rps.org

Paula Hillier
CREDIT: © Paula Hillier
Paula Hillier

Regional Web Editor

With a lifelong passion for photography, I have enjoyed spending time outdoors with my camera for as long as I can remember. Since joining the RPS in 2019, I have taken part in many in-person and online workshops and found inspiration through the varied programme of online talks.

I’m excited to join the Western Region committee as Web Editor to share our local events and connect with other photographers in the region.

Email Paula : westernweb@rps.org

Regional Officer Vacancies

Placeholder female
Events Coordinator

Vacant, interested in this role just email western@rps.org

Placeholder female
Exhibition Coordinator

Vacant, interested in this role just email western@rps.org

Placeholder female
Publication Editor

Vacant, interested in this role just email western@rps.org