SWPP

http://www.swpp.co.uk




The Fastest Growing Worldwide Association for Professional Photographers.

The SWPP & BPPA currently represents photographers who specialize in the following areas of expertise: Freelance, Photojournalists, Weddings, Portraits, Children, Animal, Equestrian, Digital, Commercial, Fashion & Glamour, Landscape, Nature, Sport, Medical, Scientific, Press, PR, Architectural, Industrial, Forensic, Natural History, Research, Lecturers, Digital imaging technicians, The Professional Imagemaker is the magazine of the Society of Wedding & Portrait Photographers and The British Professional Photographers Associates.

I became a member of SWPP after achieving a grade A at A-level Photography, which also qualified me as a Licentiate of the BPPA so I officially have the first grade of professional qualification and am entitled to put LBPPA after my name should I so wish.

The licentiateship is described as follows:

"The primary level of 'Licentiate' is benchmarked to inspire customer confidence in the ability and quality of work expected of a 'Professional Photographer' operating in the UK market. Without the benefit of such benchmarking we are unable to promote with confidence or with validity and integrity, an average standard of professional imaging."

The motivation to do this was to be a part of a professional body representing the views, businesses and professional development of professional photographers in the UK and worldwide. The ethos is summarised as follows:

"If you are a newcomer to the industry or considering a career change then we offer the most comprehensive range of educational seminars by cutting edge speakers in the UK and Europe. The profile of our membership contains many individuals who have enjoyed active careers in many of the traditional 'professions' and to whom 'professionalism' is second nature. We are dedicated to providing quality training and mentoring to all who ask and want to progress in Professional Photography without prejudice or discrimination. If you are already in practice and want to gain that all important edge over your competitors, then we can help you too. And what is more, your qualifications will be accredited in respect of your past achievements."

The SWPP runs a Mentor Me programme which any member can become involved in. The idea behind this is that you submit a number of images which are assessed by the programme's leader Martin Graham-Dunne. Feedback is specific and designed to help you develop both personally and professionally. Although I have not participated in this programme as yet I see it as an invaluable option should I wish to gain more experience within the commercial world of professional photography.