Bicester portrait photographer achieves professional qualification 

Sarah Plater of Kingsmere, Bicester, has just been awarded her Licentiateship of the Master Photographer Association (MPA) with a stunning panel of images in the Portrait category, which is Sarah’s speciality.

The judges’ comments given to Sarah included words like ‘sheer quality’, ‘impact’, ‘stunning’, ‘outstanding’ and ‘unique’, which described the strength of the whole panel.

Ray Lowe, chairman of the MPA, said, “Huge congratulations to Sarah. Licentiateship of the MPA is the hardest qualification to achieve within the photographic profession, and it takes a great deal of time, work and dedication to your art to reach this level.”

Sarah has been photographing people and their pets for nearly twenty years, and has co-authored two books on portrait photography, both published by Ammonite Press. She joined the MPA in March this year and was awarded her Licentiate qualification on Wednesday 16 May in a ceremony in Coventry, where the judging also took place.

External recognition

Sarah said, “Although I have been creating portraits for a long time, getting official, external recognition in this way is an incredible boost to my confidence and business. I am so honoured to be trusted by my clients to deliver fun and relaxed photoshoot sessions that lead to beautiful portraits which they can share, display and treasure forever. I hope that my Licentiate demonstrates my ongoing commitment to being the best photographer I can be, so I can continue to serve my clients to the very best of my abilities.”

Ray Lowe added, “Reaching the required high standards of this qualification is a massive achievement. Not only do you have to submit an extensive panel of photographic images, which are displayed and judged in front of five highly respected Fellows of the industry, but you also must produce an in-depth working profile about your work and business practices. This document covers everything from workflow to Health & Safety and professional insurances.”

“This is the reason why the public should only book a qualified professional photographer to photograph those precious memories in life, their wedding, pets or family and children, as it’s the only way they have of knowing they will get the best creative photographs and personal service possible.”

About the MPA

Established in 1952, the Master Photographers Association (MPA) is one of the longest standing photographic associations in British history. The Master Photographers Association is run by photographers for photographers who have many years of experience behind them. With a qualification and mentoring system designed to promote continual professional development, the MPA are recognised leaders in setting the standards of professional photography today. Offering a wide variety of membership benefits and a tiered membership system, the MPA strives to develop both the professional photographer as well as the aspiring photographer just embarking on their fledgling career.