On Tuesday 24th November I travelled down to Buckinghamshire to the British Institute of Professional Photographers (BIPP) to be judged on my Associateship panel.
There are 3 levels of Qualifications within the BIPP
Licentiateship (LBIPP)
An Entry level qualification, showing an established professional level of skill and competence. I achieved this back in 2013.
Associateship (ABIPP)
A high standard of craftsmanship and creative ability
Fellowship (FBIPP)
Attainable for distinguished and exceptional ability and creativity
Im am over the moon to say that not only did I achieve my Associateship but I became the first person in BIPP history to achieve it in purely Newborn Photography.
So many people said that it couldn’t be achieved with just newborn images and I was very apprehensive myself when I first decided to do it. But as newborns are my main business I was adamant that this was just what I was going to do.
It has taken blood, sweat and tears and over 6 months to put this all together and unlike many of the other associations, the BIPP is very different and is one of the hardest associations to achieve your qualifications with.
What it took
First of all I had to compile a portfolio of over 25 images, I submitted 29 (other associations just ask for 20 images) They all had to show the standard and consistency of my work.
Each image had to be printed. I chose to print mine to 14″ x 11″ on Hahnemuhle paper and mount them. They were presented in a beautiful portfolio box. (other associations only require your to send the images digitally).
I also had to compile a working profile which told the judges all about myself, my work and my achievements. This also had to contain each photo with a description of how I achieved it. So for example, I had to talk about my set up, camera settings and description of how I achieved the pose. Again this is so different form other associations who don’t require this information.
The working profile had to be presented in a book bound photo book.
Here is my panel:
Throughout this process I have had the complete support of my fantastic husband, who even took the day off work to drive me the 2 1/2 hours to BIPP HQ because I would have been a compete wreck driving there by myself.
Its non stop now on the run up to Christmas. I still have a few newborns to photograph this year and already 2016 is looking to be a fantastic year.
Now to get working on my Fellowship panel.
