Panel awaiting judging
IFSWPP - Illustrative Fellowship 2022
With the return of Convention 2022 at the London Photo Show ran by The Societies, I decided to apply for a second Fellowship with the Societies based on my Red Squirrel Project.
Letter from H.R.H The Prince of Wales
My Red Squirrel Project had started as a personal photography project, but took on a much more important role in highlighting species decline of the Red Squirrel in the UK. From an initial pool of over 3 million, it is now believed that less than 120,000 Red Squirrel remain the UK, and with current rates of decline, the Red Squirrel could be extinct in the UK within 8 years. The work was published in magazines and national press, attracting film crews from ITV and the BBC, broadcasting on news channels and nationally broadcast TV programs.
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales commenting in a letter that he was heartened by the work and my passion for the species and my conservation efforts for the Red Squirrel.
Due to the use of props in some of the photographs, and after taking advice from the Qualifications Director, Terrie Jones, I applied in the category of Illustrative.
Layout Plan
Judges and Chair at the end of the Assessment
Scrutiny of print quality by judges
Then followed countless hours of image selection and paneling arranging, which was helped by my mentoring sessions with Steve Allen. It is important that the work sits well as a cohesive panel, so a few of my personal favourites could not be included as they were of a different colour palette and composition.
With a print submission, the paper choice needs to suit the content and printing needs to be of the highest standard it can be. So after trying several papers I decided on Fotospeed PhotoSmooth Pearl 290. A white paper with a slight sheen that gives crisp colours and bright whites while holding blacks well and supporting faithful colour representation. Tim Jones, Vince Cater and Toby Herlinger at Fotospeed offering great support as always.
The panel was printed in A3 size paper and mounted in 20x16 double mounts from Cotswold Mounts.
The panel was judged by 5 qualified judges all having a minimum of one Fellowship and all working professionals.
After around 20 minutes of assessment which seemed to last much longer, the result was a successful one.
Qualification and Distinction applications are one of the greatest personal development activities one can be involved in. A time of deep personal development that can only be gained by partaking in the process and one I would encourage everyone to consider.
Camera Equipment
All the work was photographed in Sony A1, A9 and A7riii cameras, with a variety of lenses including Sony G Masters 400mm, 70-200mm, 85mm, 135mm, 24-70mm and 16-35mm.
Lighting
Some pictures required lighting and for this I used Rotolight AEOS continuous lighting.
Printing
Printed on Fotospeed Photo Smooth Pearl 290 paper for best results.
Image courtesy of Barnett Photo Studio