The long journey to achieving my Licentiate Qualification (LSWPP)
Long Journey
February 2023, I received a telephone call from the Personal Development Manager at The Societies of Photographers.
Being someone who suffers from imposter syndrome. Setting goals is very important for me, it gives me direction and I love training. Putting time and effort into my Personal Development means that I can deliver a better service to my clients.
COME VERY CLOSE TO GIVING IT ALL UP.
In October 2021 my Mother died after a short illness and my world fell apart.
Being the eldest daughter has to do, telling the family, arranging a funeral, speaking to solicitors, etc.
COULD MY LIFE GET ANY WORSE?
Well, it could and it did. Just nine days after Mummy’s funeral, I went to the stable to see my horse Spyda, and go out for a ride. Having owned Spyda from a foal he was now a fit and healthy 23-year-old.
Not going into details… I was at his stable door when he had a massive heart attack in front of me and died.
For the next six months, I was in a bad place with my mental health. No Mum… No Horse!
MY BAD PLACE RECOVERY
My Mum was very proud of me for following my passion for horses and photography.
Picking up my cameras again, photographing clients horses. I knuckled down and fifteen months later, in February 2023, I gained my Licentiate with a panel of twenty horse portraits from photo sessions with clients horses.
Dedicating my Licentiate Qualification to my Mum and Spyda.
WHAT IS A LICENTIATE QUALIFICATION?
As a photographer who is a member of The Societies of Photographers, I have the fabulous opportunity to be part of their Mentoring Program. This is designed to help photographers develop their knowledge and skills and provide support on this journey.
My Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is very important to me. Being part of The Societies of Photographers Mentoring program offers me a continuous cycle of evaluation of my work with a written appraisal of the work and advice for progression. The Mentors are a dedicated team of Fellow, Master, and Grand Master Photographers.
The images are assessed by 5 of the industry’s experienced Judges, all of whom hold Fellowship distinctions and have a minimum of 5 years of training to assess images.
I am very proud to have been awarded a Licentiate Qualification (LSWPP) from The Societies of Photographers
I would like to give a BIG Thank You to my clients and their beautiful horses, without them this would not have been possible.
If you are on your phone, please rotate your phone to view it larger.
I would also like to thank Neil Speight the Editor or Thurrock News Nub (on-line Newpaper) for publishing my story which you can read here Shiralee battles through tragic moments to achieve one of her life’s goals