Our Qualifications
Three qualification levels to get accredited status with one of the highest respected qualification pathways in the industry. Join the communityWhy get accredited?
Over the years, the reasons for completing a qualification, or moving up through the three levels, have been vast. The most common reasons for completing qualifications and gaining accreditation are listed here:
For proof of skill
Clients can look for accreditations and qualifications as proof of skill in a specific genre, showing to them that you are not only serious about your professional output, but that you’ve been vetted by a third-party who has certified that you are able to product a certain level of work. It builds trust.
For confidence
As professionals, it can be a minefield knowing when you are ready and able to charge money for your work because the barrier for entry into professional work is very low. Qualifications are fantastic for your confidence, showing you and your clients that you are working at or above professional standard.
For a challenge
After working in the industry for many years, it’s often great to have a challenge to work towards in along the way. Associate and Fellowship qualifications specifically are often completed for the pure challenge of achievement, as the standard required surpasses standard professional practice.
Our accredited levels
…and what they mean to you and your clients:
Licentiateship
A client will be confident knowing they have booked a professional photographer with good all-around skills.
Show a consistent professional level of skill and competence in all aspects of photography, including light control, composition and cropping across a panel of 20 images. The supporting evidence should show that the photographer has a sustainable business model, which shows that the business operates in a way that can be associated with the BIPP. Qualifications at this level can be submitted in print or digitally.
Associateship
A client can rest assured that your work is above the standard level required for professional practice, and you have a solid handle on your photographic craft.
Show a high standard of craftsmanship across the use of light, composition, print framing and cropping. The assessors are looking for skills, abilities, and a panel reflecting a signature style, look or brand the photographer has started developing. 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.
The panel should hang together as a cohesive piece of work. The qualification panel can only be submitted in print. Supporting evidence submitted digitally.
Fellowship
A client can have, without a shadow of a doubt, the knowledge that this photographer is at the top of their game.
Show exceptional level of professionalism in their work and all-round technical ability, preparation and production of flawless mounted prints clearly showing personalised style and creativity.
The application process involves submitting a portfolio of work that demonstrates originality. Each image should be able to stand alone as a piece of work and work together as a body of photographs, showing the highest level of excellence in their chosen qualifying field. Submission of a printed portfolio of 20 images. Supporting evidence supplied digitally.
Who is eligible?
In order to apply for a professional qualification with the BIPP you will need to meet the following criteria:
Membership Status
You must be a Professional Member of The BIPP. See more about membership here.
Professional by Income
You must earn a living in the creative and media market sector as a creator of your own photography or video
Skilled in your Craft
You must fulfil the necessary requirements in technical and creative skills to achieve the Institute’s professional standard
Operate (or work within) a sound Business
You must satisfy the requirements for sound and professional business practice
Comply & align with our Code
You must accept and uphold the BIPP Code of Professional Conduct
Be fully insured
You must be professionally insured, with Public Liability and Professional Indemnity
I believe achieving qualification with recognised professional photography organisations such as the BIPP shows that I have been accepted by my peers in the photography industry and the standard of my photography is professional. Hopefully this is something the public will think about when they are looking for their perfect photographer.
The photography industry is now extremely saturated and unfortunately there are no governed regulations to who can call themselves a professional photographer. The disappointing truth is that more and more people are receiving technically substandard photographs and this is something that needs to change. Photography is an art, and of course everyone has a budget. However, like photography, anyone can call themselves a cook but there is a huge difference between fast food and a michelin star restaurant.”
Our process
Step 1: Register
We strongly recommend that you obtain advice from an Approved BIPP Mentor prior to booking in your panel. Call the BIPP Office for further information on the mentoring system and to get invovled.
Step 2: Book In
Only Professional Members are eligible for this step. For the grades of Associate & Fellow, you need to book a Qualification Assessment date. This may be done through email or phone.
Step 3: Send Everything
Four weeks prior to your Assessment you will need to digitally submit your 20 images – correctly numbered – and all your supporting evidence. See the Qualification Guide for details.
Step 4: Attend the Assessment
On the day of your Assessment for ABIPP & FBIPP, you will need to attend in person with your prints. The judging is then completed and results given there and then. For information, check the guide!
Successful applicants recieve the right to use the letter associated with their qualification level after their name for the future duration of their membership as is industry norm. They also receive access to judging and mentoring pathways within the organisation, the right to vote in specific Institute affairs, and receive a page on this website with a do-follow backlink to their own website. The BIPP website has a very healthy domain ranking and as such this SEO boost should not be overlooked for potential applicants.
You can view a selection of previous successful panels below:
Successful LBIPP Panels:
Successful ABIPP Panels:
Successful FBIPP Panels:
Our craft-based benefits
If we narrow in our sights on the member benefits that are related directly to development of your craft, including qualifications, the list is vast:
For Development
A range of benefits which exist for your development in your skills and craftsmanship.
Mentoring
A cornerstone of the membership, any member can request mentoring from some of the very best photographers operating within their niche, or they can request un-linked mentors for a new perspective. All qualifications usually begin with mentoring.
The Photographer Magazine
As one of the longest running photographic magazines, the Photographer has been through many changes over the decades, but the quarterly volume never fails to impress.
Workshop Days
Although educational in nature, there is nothing better to find like-minded people than joining a workshop in-person.
Member Meet-ups
Shoot&BIPP, Photowalks and Studio days all exist to act as social opportunities paired with skills development.
The Weekender
The Weekender crosses over into growth & development but is primarily a social event for like-minded photographers to come together, learn and make friends for life.