Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society (FRPS)
The FRPS is the top distinction of the RPS and for many (not all) it is the ultimate goal and accolade. For me I am still pinching myself that i have a Fellowship, on top of that my Fellowship was awarded the best one for 2018. To be awarded the Fellowship its a similar process to the ARPS. The panel required is made up of either 20 or 21 images which gives you latitude in how you construct the panel. As before the panel needs to go together and look likes it all belongs. A statement of intent is provided which explains what you panel stands for, why you did it.
For me i was never looking to go for a Fellowship, i didn t think I was good enough. I was working on various projects, and one i felt was good and put it in for ARPS in an advisory day and was advised to old the panel for a Fellowship. So i had to find 5 more images and a whole new ARPS project. Which I did. If i was to give any advice on Fellowship it would be to work on projects, and one day one will feel good. Most Fellowships I know came about like that. As in the ARPS there are different categories, mine was in Fine Art.
I was awarded my FRPS in October 2018.
My statement of intent was as follows:
FRPS Fine art submission
19th October 2018
Statement of intent.
I live in a rural area. My garden is full of natural and cultivated plants. In spring and summer these plants present a lovely sight. I chose these plants as the subject for my panel. The question was how to produce a panel that was original, reflected me and stood out in a subject that is very much in fashion.
The inspiration for this panel is from two sources. For over thirty years I have been a professional radiographer and amateur photographer, which are similar and compatible skills. As a result I visualise subjects from their exterior and the structures within that are concealed by the surface. I combined my skills and vision with inspiration gained from how the 18th century botanists recorded plants using charcoal, pencil and paper.
The result is my simple panel entitled: “The plants from my garden, an alternative view”.