Guild of Wedding Photographers - Qualification
'Qualified' Status with the Guild of Wedding Photographers
I’ve just received some fantastic news. The panel of 21 images I submitted to the Guild of Photographers has been reviewed by the Panel of Judges and I have now achieved ‘Qualified’ Status with the Guild of Wedding Photographers. I can now use the letters QGWP after my name - a Qualified Wedding Photographer.
“'Qualified' status is aligned to standards of competence and understanding that
reflect a level where the customer should be 'delighted with the results' of a
tradesman (the photographer in our case). In other words 'Qualified' indicates
professional 'competence' to a level where the Guild is willing to recognise the
photographer as an ambassador of the association, so those who achieve that level
should be proud of doing so.”
After working hard last year to improve the weddings I’ve shot, I do feel extremely proud of this recognition. It was so difficult trying to select the images as they had to be from 3 different weddings, and show images from different parts of the day – so some of my favourite images unfortunately had to be cut – but it does show a consistency across the whole day whilst demonstrating a wide range of skills and technical ability.
The images I selected had to consider the following:
· Subject and Story Telling
· Composition and Creativity
· Lighting
· Technical and Post Production
· Congruence or Harmony
· Presentation
The Guild of Photographers stated:
"Local Photographer, Lee Jones, of Phi-tography, has achieved the distinction of becoming a ‘Qualified’ member of the Guild of Wedding Photographers, the highly regarded national photographic body whose members are dedicated to enhancing their skills in the art, craft and profession of photography. Lee is also an Assistant Scout Leader at Roberttown Scout Group – the place that inspired his photographic obsession whilst working as the District Media Development Manager and taking photographs at events.
Becoming ‘Qualified’ with the Guild involves a very rigorous assessment process as not only is photographic talent assessed but customer service as well - probably the most demanding test of all! The award is granted only to photographers who can evidence that they deliver high quality images, products, and customer service. Lee is now one of only around 70 people in the Country to hold this title, which shows how good an achievement this award is!
Members of the Guild are committed to achieving the highest standards of professionalism for the benefit of their customers. They pledge themselves to delivering the highest standards of customer service and to a journey of continuing professional development.
The Guild website (www.photoguild.co.uk) lists members throughout the country who offer this commitment, along with advice on how to choose a photographer that will meet your needs. "
I would like to thank my Guild Mentor, Paul Haley for his advice and feedback. I also couldn’t have done it without the support of my other half, Jill, and also the photographers I have assisted and second shot for along with other members of the Guild of Photographers for their comments and critique. Most of all, I couldn’t have done it without you guys! Thanks for all your bookings and referrals, I really do enjoy being a part of your special day and capturing your memories.
I can’t wait to continue to push my photography further, and with your help, along with some further training and mentoring I hope to take your images to the next level!
