MARTIN HEATHCOTE LRPS PANEL

Having gained my CPAGB in Nov 2016 I realised that simply producing 15 individual images for an attempt at DPAGB was not particularly appealing. I wanted to try something different with fresh challenges. It quickly became apparent that the RPS distinctions provided that. In particular having to create a cohesive panel comprising of images of merit and good print quality.

However, I was not sure if the quality of my work was up to the required standard and I certainly had precious little idea of producing a panel, so the first task was to explore these key areas. Happily, the RPS East Region had organised a workshop at Wymondham in Feb 2017, seemingly just for people like me being open to non RPS members and covering those topics. That proved to be immensely valuable and gave me confidence that LRPS was achievable.

So, by now, having joined the RPS I attended an advisory day in June 2017 as an observer. This was an excellent learning experience and work on the panel started in earnest. A very positive advisory day on Nov 2017, as an active participant, led to the booking of my assessment day.

During this final period of selection, processing and printing I received superb advice from RPS members and friends from my club, Colchester, which, fortunately, included RPS Fellows. All given with tremendous generosity of time, wisdom and candour. This aspect was so important to me.

My final panel had at it’s core my favourite subjects of flowers and seascapes/landscapes. I added, a church interior and some portraits including, what turned out to be an important anchor image in the overall panel balance, one of my daughter taken during a rare visit home. These additions were essential in demonstrating the required variety of techniques. Equally vital was consistency of post processing and printing to give the panel that essential cohesive feel across colour and mono images.

Ultimately, I attended the assessment day feeling that my panel fairly represented my work, albeit increasingly apprehensive and doubtful of success. Happily, those doubts proved groundless and being second in the running order I was able to relax and enjoy other applicants panel submissions.

Overall an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

So, ARPS next? What that would comprise of remains a mystery although several people have suggested I develop my flower portraits. We shall see.