The 2024 AWPF Assessment took place on 3rd November at the Talbot Green Community Centre, and it was heartening to see so many attendees from across the country supporting this significant event in Welsh photography. I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who came to witness the assessment process and to those who contributed to its success.
I am pleased to report that this year’s AWPF assessment had a total of 18 candidates: 16 submitted printed panels and 2 submitted digital panels. It was inspiring to see the quality of work presented, with 11 out of 16 print submissions meeting the rigorous standards required for the award, resulting in a 69% success rate in the print category. While the digital submissions were not successful this year, the overall success rate for the assessment was 61%.
Congratulations to the following candidates who achieved the AWPF distinction for 2024:
| Candidate | Club | Theme |
| Elisa Best | Monmouth | Big Cats of South Africa |
| Allan Pick | Afan Nedd | American Classics |
| John Nash | Cleethorpes |
Lincolnshire Insects |
| Liz Clayton | Morriston | Dead Structured |
| Pat Frewin | Colchester | Moments in Time |
| Ken Jacob | Abergavenny | Bisking – Street Musicians |
| Jan Wilson-Chalon (1) | Mold | Backlighting of Wildlife |
| Roger Harrison | Barry | Churches & Cathedrals of England & Wales |
| Steve Greening | Maesycwmmer | Nature |
| Jan Wilson-Chalon (2) | Mold | Birds of Prey |
| Melvyn Frewin | Colchester | Intimate Landscapes |
Assessors
The day was led by a panel of experienced assessors who brought their expertise, fairness, and insightful feedback to each candidate. We are grateful to:
- Leigh Woolford, AWPF DPAGB EFIAP BPE4 HonFWPF (Chairman)
- Jenny Hibbert, MPAGB AWPF EFIAP/G BPE3
- Gary Shinner, LRPS EFIAP/s MPSA2 AWPF BPSA GAPU A.APS CMD for PSA in Wales
- Peter Brisley, DPAGB EFIAP BPE2
- Sue O’Connell, DPAGB EFIAP/d3 ABPE MPSA ABPE
Each assessor took the time to provide thoughtful critiques, ensuring candidates understood the high standards of the AWPF distinction and offering guidance for continued growth.
Acknowledgements
This event’s success relied on the dedication of numerous volunteers who generously contributed their time and effort. Special thanks go to:
- WPF President Ron Lines for opening and closing the proceedings.
- Cliff Emery for providing display stands.
- Dave Condon and Dave Lewis for transporting equipment.
- Dave Condon, Del Jones, and Guy Butler-Madden for setting up and organizing the prints for display.
- Cliff Emery and Peter Young for managing the laptop and projector.
- Martin Smith, who provided refreshments throughout the day, and to Mrs. Smith for the wonderful cakes enjoyed by assessors and helpers.
- Guy Butler-Madden for serving as the official photographer for the event.
Mentorship and Support
This year, the high quality and the success rate is a testament not only to the hard work of the candidates but also to the invaluable mentorship they received. I would like to extend my gratitude to mentors Peter Young, Dave Condon, Julie Morgan, Suzanne Slee, and Les Loosemore, whose guidance played a crucial role in the success of many candidates. Their encouragement and constructive advice reflect the supportive spirit of the WPF community.
To those candidates who did not achieve the distinction this year, we commend you on your efforts and urge you to continue pursuing your photographic journey. The assessors provided valuable feedback, and we hope it will serve as inspiration for future submissions.
In closing, the 2024 AWPF Assessment Day was a resounding success, showcasing the talent, dedication, and collaborative spirit that define the Welsh Photographic Federation. Thank you to everyone involved in making this event a memorable one. Your contributions help uphold the high standards of the AWPF distinction and inspire the wider photographic community.
Paul James, AWPF