Recognition, titles: Fostering improvement or vanity and gatekeeping? - e.g. Royal Photographic Society's ARPS and LRPS

[Arthurwg]

Thanks for that perspective @MattKing. Mind you, I don't contest the usefulness of professional associations, nor of associations like CAPA or RPS, which I recognize. I'm very specifically addressing the question of the utility of titles and other formalities that I find hard to connect to the otherwise useful activities and benefits of such organizations.

Seems very British to me.

 

[djdister]

taken from the RPS website: -

Licentiate (LRPS)

To become a Licentiate of The Society, applicants must show variety in approach and techniques but not necessarily in subject matter. Demanding but achievable for most dedicated photographers.

Associate (ARPS)

Requires a body of work/project of a high standard and a written Statement of Intent. Strong technical ability using techniques and photographic practices appropriate to the subject.

Fellowship (FRPS)

Our highest level of Distinction. Requires a distinctive and cohesive body of work/project accompanied by a written Statement of Intent.

There is value to such an organization and the various distinctions within it so long as the members and others (institutions, galleries, customers) place a value on them. The standards of the 3 different levels seem reasonable, with the exception of the "Statement of Intent," which does not seem to convey or reflect any level of technical, professional or creative skill (other than creative writing).

 

[Arthurwg]

My question: Would a photographer like Miroslav Tichy be admitted?

 

[cliveh]

There is value to such an organization and the various distinctions within it so long as the members and others (institutions, galleries, customers) place a value on them. The standards of the 3 different levels seem reasonable, with the exception of the "Statement of Intent," which does not seem to convey or reflect any level of technical, professional or creative skill (other than creative writing).

I would take issue with this, as the statement of intent indicates your thought process of what you are trying to achieve.

 

[djdister]

I would take issue with this, as the statement of intent indicates your thought process of what you are trying to achieve.

What you are trying to achieve either shows in the work or it doesn't. How does a written statement alter or augment that? In some cases, a Statement of Intent may show that the photographer did not realize what he had intended to portray. Side note, I think "Artist's Statements" are a waste of time.

 

[cliveh]

What you are trying to achieve either shows in the work or it doesn't. How does a written statement alter or augment that? In some cases, a Statement of Intent may show that the photographer did not realize what he had intended to portray. Side note, I think "Artist's Statements" are a waste of time.

If I showed you this image, you could take it at face value or dismiss it, but if you know the meaning behind it, you may change your mind about the value of the image: -

 

[MattKing]

What you are trying to achieve either shows in the work or it doesn't. How does a written statement alter or augment that? In some cases, a Statement of Intent may show that the photographer did not realize what he had intended to portray. Side note, I think "Artist's Statements" are a waste of time.

This tells me that you have never been a curator or run a gallery.
The Artist Statements are like a synopsis of a book - they help viewers or readers make decisions about where they will cast their attentions.
They also speak more to a series then they do to a single image.
Poor ones don't help. Good ones help the curious and inquisitive and those who wish to learn more.

 

[BrianShaw]

Plus they help the adjudicators as they review portfolios for these prestigious awards and titles.