Hi everyone,

A few of you have asked me why I haven't done a blog since January and have also been wondering whether I'd stopped taking photographs!

The answer is no, I haven't stopped (perish the thought) - I've been busy preparing my panel in order to apply to become a Licentiate of the Royal Photographic Society. This involves selecting 10 photographs which meet the criteria in terms of composition and the ability to use a variety of techniques. Sounds straightforward but it's actually a lot of hard work and it has taken me hours! As well as getting each photo as close to perfectly presented as I can, I've also had to take a range of images - abstract, close up, slow exposure, fast exposure as well as my usual landscapes. This has taken me well out of my comfort zone.

Anyway, my day of judgement was last Friday and I travelled to Bristol to watch 5 judges discuss my panel and make their decision. I cannot remember when I've been more nervous. Daft since I take photographs for pleasure but then again, nobody wants to fail! 

I am absolutely delighted to say that I passed and now I'm just waiting to receive my certificate in the post.

I thought I'd share my 10 images with you, starting with the hanging plan which shows how they were hung for the judges to consider - the layout has to hang together and look good as a whole - that is part of the judgment.

Joyce James LRPS Hanging Plan (1)

1iris_    2Rock and stone

3Glencoe

4mouse

5Deer

6Peopleinthe rain

7LakeDistricttree

8sunriseandfrost Glencoe mountains

9sea abstract

10canal

Hope you like them. 

Grateful thanks to my mentor Alan Ranger who supported and advised me throughout the process

All the best

Joyce

x