Qualifications

Our Assessment Process

GET QUALIFIED

We believe the Guild’s assessment processes are the most industry relevant for photographers today.

You don’t need any qualifications to join the Guild of Photographers, as you can join us as a ‘Registered’ member.  Certification, relevant logos and letters that can be used after your name are issued on achieving each level.

Car on a road at night from above

Overview and Context

People working in crafts have organised themselves into ‘Guilds’ as far back as the Saxon times, and by the medieval period, ‘Guilds’ had a fundamental role to ‘protect the quality and reputation of a trade’. Most ‘Guilds’ would consist of those seen as being able to produce a good standard of work (those ‘Qualified’ to work in the trade), those who were very skilful and experienced (the ‘Craftsman’), and those who could go beyond even that and create a Masterpiece (the ‘Master Craftsman’).

The Guild of Photographers is no different than the original Guilds in that it wishes to protect the quality and reputation of our trade or craft (photography), hence our assessment structure in each of the above areas is aligned to that historical context.

two small children painting a picture

How the assessment process works: 

Some see photography-related qualifications as a controversial issue, for how do you judge an art form?  The Guild of Photographers is unique – by aligning our levels to the original ‘Guild concepts’, we can apply assessment criteria that reflect their underlining principles of competence and skill.

Membership levels are – Registered (untested), Qualified, Craftsman, Master Craftsman and are available in four main sections:-

  • The Guild of Wedding Photographers
  • The Guild of Newborn & Baby Photographers
  • The Guild of Professional Photographers (covering all other professional areas but weddings, newborns & babies)
  • The Guild of Photographers (for those not in business).

There is also a Guild of Photographers Business Qualification.

Qualified Member Badge

Qualified

Our Qualified Status is aligned to standards that reflect a level competence.  ‘Qualified’ indicates knowledge of the craft to a level where the Guild of Photographers is willing to recognise the photographer as an Ambassador of the Association.

Craftsman Qualification Badge

Craftsman

Our Craftsman Status is aligned to standards that reflect a level competence.  ‘Craftsman’ indicates knowledge of the craft to a level where the Guild of Photographers is willing to recognise the photographer as an Ambassador of the Association.

Master Craftsman Qualification Badge

Master Craftsman

Our Master Craftsman Status is aligned to standards that reflect a level competence.  ‘Master Craftsman’ indicates knowledge of the craft to a level where the Guild of Photographers is willing to recognise the photographer as an Ambassador of the Association.

Transfer of Qualifications attained from other respectable organisations can be considered.