Why become a qualified photographer?
Becoming a qualified photographer can open up a world of opportunities. It not only enhances your skills and knowledge, but also boosts your abilities and confidence. By gaining an accreditation, you can showcase your expertise and have the capabilities to deal with the multitude of challenges that we face on a day to day basis as photographers.
Improving job prospects and increasing earning potential are among the most common reasons for qualifications. By obtaining a qualification, you can demonstrate your expertise and stand out from the competition. Whether you're looking to advance your career or simply a journey of personal development, pursuing an accreditation is a smart choice.
Categories
All submissions must ensure they fall within the relevant criteria
Advertising and Commercial
This category is designed for commercial use in promoting, marketing, or advertising a product, brand, service, or individual. It includes aerial, automotive, food, product, still life, personal branding, music covers, and corporate photography. Both composite and non-composite images, as well as retouched images, are permitted within this category. Images must not contain any text or graphic elements that were not part of the original capture.
Architectural & Industrial
Architectural entries are designed to accurately document structures while also embracing artistic approaches, such as capturing distinctive angles or creating abstract images from the building's form. In contrast, industrial photography specifically caters to businesses in the industrial sector, serving engineering firms, manufacturers, factories, and high-tech startups with precision and expertise.
Classical Wedding
Images should be taken during the wedding celebration, whether it’s a single-day or multi-day event, capturing the atmosphere and personalities while highlighting the photographer's creativity, posing, technical skills, and light management. Minor retouching, cropping, colour adjustments, and cleaning are allowed, as well as the use of HDR for a broader tonal range.
Composite Creation
Composite photography entails combining two or more different images to form a new one. All images must be the original work of the author, elements such as textured backgrounds are allowed. However, you must have captured or created all parts of the final image yourself and may not source any element from 3rd parties, e.g. stock imagery or AI generators.
Documentary
Documentary photography provides a clear representation of people, places, objects, and events, often used in reportage. It chronicles significant historical events and everyday life, practiced as photojournalism or as an artistic pursuit.
Documentary Wedding
The ability to capture unposed moments as they unfold on a wedding day is essential. These images should be genuine, reflecting actual moments rather than posed or staged scenes, ensuring authenticity in every shot. Photographs can be taken during the wedding day or throughout the celebration, including multi-day ceremonies, without removing the couple to create/capture shots.
Environmental Portrait
An environmental portrait is a portrait executed in a natural environment, such as in their home, workplace or on location.
Fashion & Beauty
Fashion photography highlights a lifestyle, sparks interest and encourages customers to purchase products, businesses or fashion brands. This category often features clothing, fashion accessories, makeup and styling. In contrast, beauty photography focuses on the beauty of a person or object and can be either artistic or commercial, often utilising glamour-style portraiture.
Fine Art
A fine art portrait is created by an artist, not just taken by the camera. The photographer's vision is essential to the final image and should also demonstrate exemplary post-production techniques in the final image.
Landscape
Landscape photography includes natural and artificial landscapes, urban landscapes, cityscapes, sunsets and astrophotography. All images must be presented as single-frame shots. However, panoramic images created through photo stitching, focus stacking, multi-exposures taken in the same location within a short time frame and HDR for an extended tonal range, are permitted.
Macro
Macro photography are images where the subject is captured at life size or greater magnification. This style often features slightly larger subjects while showcasing the details typical of extreme close-up photography for a dramatic effect. It focuses on making small objects, like insects, flowers or food, appear much larger than they are in reality.
Natural World
This category focuses on nature photography, encompassing plants, animals, natural scenes and underwater photography. Animals that are not in their natural habitat, such as pets, farm animals, zoo animals or trained animals, should be submitted in the Domesticated Animals category.
Newborn
This category is for newborns up to 8 weeks old at the time of capture. For images of babies and children older than this, please submit them to one of the other portrait categories. Parents or caregivers may not be included in the image unless they are used as props, as fingers or shoulders.
Pets & Domesticated Animals
This category is for animals not found in their natural habitat, including pets, farm animals, and those living in zoos. Animal portraits can be taken in a studio or on location. Please note that animals photographed in natural habitat should be submitted to the separate Natural World category.
Portrait & Digital Creation
This genre is designed for artistic photographers and is the only category where purchased stock and AI-generated images can be used as composite elements to enhance the main photograph. However, the primary work must be the photographer's own and proof may be required if questioned.
Press & PR
This category of photography is all about choosing the perfect photo to accompany a pitch for an article, case study or press release. It's vital because images amplify the content, catching the reader's eye and prompting their curiosity.
Sport
This category is for all sports-related photography, editorial or artistic, featuring any competitive or recreational sport, sport-people and activities.
Studio Portrait
The studio portrait category includes adults, teenagers, children, toddlers, families and self-portraits. This genre focuses on artistic images that capture the unique personalities and characteristics of individuals or groups, showcasing the photographer's creative vision and technical skills.
Qualify with the
British Photographers Alliance
Three Accreditation options to choose from
In Camera
All main body of work has been produced in camera with basic post production and no elements added in post production.
Composite
All main body of work has been produced in camera by the author, including the composite elements used.
Artistic
All main body of work has been produced by the author. Elements that are used for compositing can be purchased stock or generated in AI. Proof of the authors main body of work may be requested digitally before viewing by the judges.
Licentiate (LBPA)
1st level of accreditation
We've made it easier than ever to apply for your Licentiate accreditation. Our online application process allows you to submit your application and required materials, including 10 digital images together with a contact sheet, all from the comfort of your own home.
We always recommend starting with the Licentiate, unless you're an experienced photographer, in which case you may choose to apply for our Associate Accreditation first.
If you're applying for the Licentiate, your submission should consistently demonstrate an understanding of light control, colour harmony and balance, thoughtful composition which adds to the subject, also In camera skills exhibiting exposure control aligned with post production.
Guidelines for Submitting Digital Images - Licentiate
- 10 images in JPEG format sequentially numbered 01 to 10 with no prefixes whatsoever.
- A separate contact sheet of all ten images must also be included, showing a copy of your presentation order.
- Each file should not exceed 2 MB
- Keep the images to 2000 pixels on the longest edge.
- The files should be placed in a single folder and inserted into a zip folder for electronic Transfer.
- Submission type will be either In Camera, Composite or Artistic and must be included in the folder name.
- The folder should be named as follows : Your_Name_Category_Submission_Type_LBPA
- When you have your digital submission completed and are ready to submit for judging, please make your payment (a receipt will be immediately issued and forwarded to you). Forward your submission (and a copy of your presentation order), to head office for FREE via We Transfer – [email protected]
In the case of all submissions, your application should be in a singular discipline, i.e. LANDSCAPES, DOCUMENTARY, SPORT, PORTRAIT etc.
Please note: for digital submissions your images will also be presented one at a time in numerical order. This will be done twice.
We're here to support you throughout the process, so please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns. ([email protected])
Further advice on submissions and the requisites for a successful Licentiate application is available via the ‘Pathway Mentoring’ programme.
Applying for your Licentiate Accreditation has never been easier thanks to our online application process and you can enter your images as digitals straight away.
£80.00
Associate (ABPA)
2nd Level of Accreditation
To obtain the Associate accreditation, applicants must submit a body of work or project that demands a higher degree of skill. Moving on from licentiateship we expect to see 15 digitals or prints, that are exhibiting a creative use of the camera which will need great attention to detail, use of depth of field, shutter speeds and a higher level of light manipulation.
Seeds of a style becoming evident to assessors viewing the submission that will exhibit the work of a craftsman, you should also demonstrate a consistent post-production style and the ability to prepare files for print, including output knowledge and the correct choice of printing media (if applicable). The panel should hang together as a cohesive piece of work. The qualification panel can only be submitted digitally or in print. Supporting evidence maybe required and should be submitted digitally, if requested.
Associate Criteria
- A Statement of Intent that clearly outlines the purpose of the work, along with its aims and objectives.
- A unified body of work that illustrates and conveys the aims and objectives outlined in the Statement of Intent.
- A collection of work that expresses an individual's vision and understanding.
- A strong level of technical skill utilising techniques and photographic practices suitable for the subject.
- An appropriate understanding of craft and artistic presentation.
Guidelines for Submitting Digital Images - Associate
15 images in JPEG format sequentially numbered 01 to 15 with no prefixes whatsoever.
A separate contact sheet of all 15 images must also be included, together with the Statement of Intent.
Each file should not exceed 4 MB.
Keep the images to 2000 pixels on the longest edge.
The files should be placed in a single folder and inserted into a zip folder for electronic Transfer.
Submission type will be either In Camera, Composite or Artistic and must be included in the folder name.
In the case of all submissions, your application should be in a singular discipline (Category), i.e. LANDSCAPES, DOCUMENTARY, SPORT, PORTRAIT etc. and also a singular Submission Type (In Camera, Composite or Artistic)
The folder should be named as follows : Your_Name_Category_Submission_Type_ABPA
Keep the images to 2000 pixels on the longest edge.
When you have your digital submission completed and are ready to submit for judging, please make your payment (a receipt will be immediately issued and forwarded to you). Forward your submission (including the ‘statement of intent’ and a copy of your presentation order), to head office via We Transfer – [email protected]
Please note: for digital submissions your images will also be presented one at a time in numerical order. This will be done twice.
Guidelines for Associate Print Submissions
- A submission of 15 prints are required at 16” x 12” mounted onto board not thicker than 8mm. Please use the download templates, to confirm the sequence for presentation of your submission (please ensure that on the reverse of each mount, it clearly shows the following information: Your_Name_Category_Submission_Type_ABPA
- Layout Template: Option One (select to download pdf template)
- Layout Template: Option Two (select to download pdf template)
When you have your print submission completed and are ready to submit for judging, please make your payment (a receipt will be immediately issued and forwarded to you).
Forward your submission (including the statement of intent and a copy of your presentation layout), to head office (we would recommend making use of one of the ‘Recorded Delivery’ providers/ services). Alternative delivery methods may be an option, please contact the office direct, for details.
In the case of all submissions, your application should be in a singular discipline (Category), i.e. LANDSCAPES, DOCUMENTARY, SPORT, PORTRAIT etc. and also a singular Submission Type (In Camera, Composite or Artistic).
Should you require assistance with your printing, contact Adam Edwards at One Vision Imaging: [email protected]
Further advice on submissions and the requisites for a successful Associate application is available via the ‘Pathway Mentoring’ programme.
£120.00 - £190.00
Fellowship (FBPA)
3rd Level Of Accreditation
Fellowship is the highest accreditation awarded. At this level we expect to see imagination, that stands out as individual and encompassing all the previous attributes. However, this must be of the highest order, originality, combined with workmanship, exhibiting all the skills one would expect for this award. This submission necessitates the utmost attention to detail. Imagery should link from image to image, outlining the thought process that has been applied. Strong composition, good use of light that is sympathetic with the subject. Post-production will need to be impeccable, the final mounted print will need to reflect your artistry through presentation and excellent print quality.
Fellowship Criteria
- A submission that showcases a unique body of work.
- A Statement of Intent that clarifies the purpose of the work, outlining its aims and objectives.
- A cohesive body of work that illustrates and conveys the aims and objectives outlined in the Statement of Intent.
- A body of work that conveys an individual's vision and understanding.
- The highest level of technical skill employing techniques and photographic practices suitable for the subject.
- A strong and appropriate understanding of craft and artistic presentation.
Guidelines for Fellowship Print Submission Only
- A submission of 20 prints is required, minimum of 20x16 mounted onto board not thicker than 8mm
- Please use the download template, to confirm the sequence for presentation of your submission.
- Layout Template (select to download PDF template)
- Please ensure that on the reverse of each mount, it clearly shows the following information: Your_Name_Category_Submission_Type_FBPA
In the case of all submissions, your application should be in a singular discipline, i.e. LANDSCAPES, DOCUMENTARY, SPORT, PORTRAIT etc. and also a singular Submission Type (In Camera, Composite or Artistic).
When submitting an application for the FBPA accreditation, your submission should consist of the very best, this is your opportunity to showcase your skills and abilities as a skilled professional, so it's important to choose your images carefully, concentrate on one area of expertise and excellence only.
Should you require assistance with your printing, contact Adam Edwards: [email protected]
Further advice on submissions and the requisites for a successful Fellowship application is available via the ‘Pathway Mentoring’ programme.
When you have your print submission completed and are ready to submit for judging, please make your payment (a receipt will be immediately issued and forwarded to you).
Forward your submission (including the statement of intent and a copy of your presentation layout order), to head office (we would recommend making use of one of the ‘Recorded Delivery’ providers/ services). Alternative delivery methods may be an option, please contact the office direct, for details.
£190.00
Already achieved your levels with another industry body?
Lets bring you over to the BPA
Licentiateship
For photographers that have already achieved their Licentiateship Level, we are delighted to confirm that we will award like for like with our LBPA accreditation. Please forward via email, confirmation of your qualification. No charges applicable.
Associateship
For photographers that have already achieved their Associateship Level, upon receipt of a digital submission of 15 images for assessment by our senior judge to confirm eligibility for us to acknowledge your level of achievement and award like for like with our ABPA. Please forward via email, confirmation of your qualification. A submission fee of £60 is applicable and must accompany your submission.
£60.00
Fellowship
For photographers that have already achieved their Fellowship Level, upon receipt of a digital submission of 20 images for assessment by our senior judge to confirm eligibility for us to acknowledge your level of achievement and award like for like with our FBPA. Please forward via email, confirmation of your qualification. A submission fee of £85 is applicable and must accompany your submission.
£85.00
FAQ
There is NO subscription fee to join the British Photographers Alliance.
You do not have to be a member of the ‘Develop’ platform to take your accreditations with the BPA, however membership does have its benefits including professional guidance, to place you in a better position to achieve success with your submission.
We believe that after investing your time and effort into your accreditations, the success you have achieved should be yours to retain for life and not be something that your entitled to use subject to membership of our ‘Develop’ platform.
The benefits available to subscribers to the ‘Develop’ platform enables them to gain access to the professional educational content that may be sufficient to inspire and assist on your accreditation journey and in addition, further support is available, through our ‘Pathway Mentoring’ programmes.