Click here to see the whole photo: ‘Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi’ by Andreas Klatt
In January, Chairman of the Royal Photographic Society Visual Art Group (RPS VAG) and member of our Photographic Society, Andreas Klatt ARPS gave a presentation, with audience participation, on how he approached working towards his RPS Distinctions. There are three Distinctions – LRPS (Licentiate), ARPS (Associate), and FRPS (Fellowship). For the Licentiateship, a panel of 10 photos is presented on Assessment Day, which is an assigned date by the RPS. A cohesive panel is required, being mindful that the panel as a whole is to make the ‘11th image’.
For this evening, Andreas proceeded to lay out a set of some 30 unmounted prints on a table and asked those present to select 10 to make up what he might have done for his panel. It was clear that they found it as difficult as he did. He advised there are at least three key items to bear in mind for making up a panel – symmetry; a need to know how your camera works; and purpose or direction of flow. After about 10 minutes, and much interaction, Andreas put everyone out of their misery and set out his successful ‘L’ panel on to a print stand. Symmetry in choice of landscape and portrait images was demonstrated, as were colour and subject matter. Andreas advised to not stint on print quality for the final result. He took about two years to arrive at his successful panel.
From his ‘L’, Andreas went on to work on his ‘A’ panel, which was based on what he termed ‘architecture to the glory of God’. This time, 15 images are required, to be accompanied by a Statement Of Intent, which is as important as the panel of images. Andreas’s consisted of 38 words out of a 150 word-allowance – not required for the ‘L’ – and is to be read out at the assessment. Andreas attended an Advisory Day, where panels are scrutinised and judged, and at which you are not told what to do but what is not going to work. Andreas put up his first proposed ‘A’ panel, mounted on black foam, and asked which images would people consider to change. He then then changed out the panel to present a beautiful and cohesive panel of images taken in the Middle East. With gentle humour, Andreas gave us an inspiring insight into achieving Licentiate and Associate Distinctions, which everyone greatly appreciated.
December’s photo topic was ‘Odd One Out’, and January’s was ‘My Best Three Images of 2019’, which produced a varied and interesting set of images.
The next presentation will be given on Wednesday, 5th February by Nathan Barry, entitled ‘Landscape Thought Process’, at 7.30pm in the Apricot Room, Cartwright Hotel, Aynho OX17 3BE – everyone is most welcome to attend.
Wendy Meagher LRPS