In June 2022 I was awarded Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society; the highest distinction awarded by the society. To achieve this distinction, a photographer must present "a distinctive and cohesive body of work" comprising 20 or 21 images demonstrating "the highest level of technical ability combined with a high level of understanding of craft and artistic presentation."
Below is the layout of my prints as presented for assessment, followed by the statement of intent and individual images.
Statement of Intent:
When photographing, I draw more satisfaction and enjoyment from using in-camera techniques to create impressionistic images than I do from making a literal record of the scene in front of me.
I live next to a marine lake that is regularly used for dinghy sailing, windsurfing and other water sports. Activities take place throughout the year; sometimes just one or two craft and sometimes more. Once a year the lake is the venue for an international sailing competition during which dinghies compete around a tight course marked by buoys.
I am not a sailor or windsurfer myself, but I enjoy watching and photographing the action, whether from my balcony or at the lakeside.
My work, created almost literally on my doorstep, portrays dinghy sailing in its different moods; whether in the serenity of a calm summer’s evening or the thrill of a brisk breeze or a competition.
Individual images (click to enlarge):