Distinctions

The Irish Photographic Federation’s distinctions system is a great way of measuring the standard of your photography – and of re-appraising and improving your standards.

There are three levels of distinction, which must be attained in ascending order.

Licentiate (LIPF) - Associate (AIPF) - Fellowship (FIPF)

To be eligible to apply for the Licentiate, the first rung on the ladder, you must be an active member of an Irish Photographic Federation club, i.e. as a Mullingar Camera Club member.

 

Your Licentiate application will consist of a panel of 10 images, which will be assessed by a panel of at least 7 judges. A straight majority vote decides whether the application is successful.

Later, if you are successful in your Licentiate application, an Associate application will consist of 15 images. The Fellowship requires 20 images.

Needless to say, even the Licentiate requires a good standard of image, but the Club will be on hand to assess your images and give advice before you apply.

While the Licentiate seeks to certify that a candidate has reached a good level of photographic competence, an Associate application, naturally, looks for a progress from this level, including the beginnings of a distinct photographic style. Ultimately, the Fellowship requires photography of the highest quality.