A brief guide to photographic societies
Dawlish & Teignmouth Photographic Club (DTPC) is affiliated to the Western Counties Photographic Federation (WCPF). WCPF is a member of the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (PAGB) which co-ordinates activities (e.g. judges and lecturers) for photographic Clubs.
We take part in the South Devon Photographic League (SDPL), which is an entry by the club as a whole.
The WCPF holds an annual Members’ Exhibition (for individual entries). The WCPF also holds the Annual Kingswood Salver (for club entries) and the Knightshayes Trophy (for individual entries).
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The best work from the Members’ Exhibition represents the WCPF at the inter-Federation Exhibition (involving Federations across Great Britain).
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The PAGB has a system of awards for photographic merit. Credit (CPAGB) Distinction (DPAGB) and Master (MPAGB). It is for individuals to apply. Entry is by a set of images (DPI or print) which are assessed individually.
The Royal Photographic Society holds talks, open competitions and exhibitions. It is international and its distinctions are sought-after worldwide. There are regional meetings and special interest groups. There are three levels of Distinction: Licentiate, (LRPS) Associate (ARPS) and Fellowship (FRPS). Applications are by individuals. Entry is by a panel of images (DPI or print) which are assessed as a coherent set of work. LRPS looks for a variety of work, but ARPS and FRPS require a body of work on a theme or genre, accompanied by a statement of intent. FRPS is defined as a distinctive body of work at the highest level of technical ability.
Other Societies:
Both have a distinctions system and hold frequent exhibitions.
There are quite a few more societies across the world, many offering distinctions.
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