A Sidmouth-based photographer is celebrating after being recognised for his camera skills by the prestigious Royal Photographic Society, a leading authority on photography since 1853.

Michael Ginsberg LRPS, Sidmouth resident and vice-chairperson of Sidmouth Photographic Club (SPC), is the latest club member to have been awarded a distinction from the RPS when he achieved Licentiate (LRPS), during lockdown this year.

Sidmouth Herald: Michael's sunset photo used for the front cover of the Visit Sidmouth 2021 brochureMichael's sunset photo used for the front cover of the Visit Sidmouth 2021 brochure (Image: Michael Ginsberg LRPS)
LRPS is the first of three levels of distinctions offered by the society which it describes as “demanding but achievable for most dedicated photographers”. Successful candidates are required to demonstrate a variety in approach and techniques in a panel of 10 images, scrutinised individually and as a whole by expert assessors to ensure the photographer meets the required standards for the distinction.

The assessment of his work was carried out via an online Zoom meeting with an audience of fellow photographers.
Michael said: “There was a large online attendance for the event and the standard of the entries were so high I was increasingly nervous about my own chances. Each submission is thoroughly critiqued by the judges who then vote amongst themselves on whether to award the distinction and so I was hugely relieved and delighted when my panel was accepted.”

He went on to describe how members of SPC had supported him: “I would thoroughly recommend aiming for a distinction with RPS for anyone as it provides a positive focus for your enthusiasm and gives a great sense of achievement. However, I would have found it much more difficult without the support of SPC and the number of members with higher distinctions who gave invaluable advice, in addition to the excellent guidance and peer support provided by the RPS itself, and I would thoroughly recommend joining RPS and a club such as SPC if you want to take an interest in photography further.”

It has been a busy year for Michael who has also enjoyed seeing his image of a sublime sunset over Sidmouth selected for the front cover of the Visit Sidmouth 2021 brochure. Also featured in the brochure are images from Sidmouth photographers, Sarah Hall and Kyle Baker.

More details can be found at www.sidmouthphotoclub.co.uk and RPS.org

Sidmouth Herald: Unexpected MenaceUnexpected Menace (Image: Michael Ginsberg)


Sidmouth Herald: Jurassic DawnJurassic Dawn (Image: Michael Ginsberg)


Sidmouth Herald: Five-a-dayFive-a-day (Image: Michael Ginsberg)


Sidmouth Herald: Lock Keeper’s HouseLock Keeper’s House (Image: Michael Ginsberg)


Sidmouth Herald: Forest FloorForest Floor (Image: Michael Ginsberg)


Sidmouth Herald: The ScoopThe Scoop (Image: Michael Ginsberg)


Sidmouth Herald: UnderpassUnderpass (Image: Michael Ginsberg)


Sidmouth Herald: Two Small LeavesTwo Small Leaves (Image: Michael Ginsberg)


Sidmouth Herald: Feathered FriendsFeathered Friends (Image: Michael Ginsberg)


Sidmouth Herald: No Rush HourNo Rush Hour (Image: Michael Ginsberg)