LWPF & MWPF Applications Invited
The Welsh Photographic Federation is delighted to invite applications for their new Licentiate (LWPF) and Master (MWPF) Distinctions, the assessment day for which will be the 6th June 2027.
These new prestigious awards will be open to a maximum of 20 applicants annually and to all photographers from around the world. Achieving the LWPF requires the applicant to submit a selection of 8 images for assessment, whilst the MWPF requires the applicant to submit a selection of 20 images for assessment. In both cases the images will be assessed on their own individual merit by three highly regarded, experienced photographers. (More details can be found in the Distinction Handbooks – see below).
The WPF will now be one of the few Federations within the PAGB to offer these highly sought-after distinction along with it successful AWPF Distinction. Successful candidates earn the lifelong privilege of using the letters LWPF or MWPF after their name. These new distinction along the AWPF will provide photographers with a clear pathway to excellence and will a visible testament to their photographic proficiency from club level photographer to international standard photographer.
52nd Smethwick International
52nd Smethwick International Open for Entries
Closing Date: 26th October 2026 (prints should arrive by 30th Oct). Patronage: FIAP 2026/318, GPU L260072, PAGB 2027-007
3 Print Sections: Open Colour, Open Monochrome, Nature. (Prints can be forwarded to Southampton international.
3 Projected Image Sections: Open Colour, Open Monochrome, Nature,
150 Medals and Ribbons to be won
On-line entry system NOW OPEN at www.smethwickinternational.com
Online Catalogue to all entrants. A4 printed colour catalogue to each UK entrant. Overseas entrant can order printed catalogue. Low entry fees. Only pay for each section entered.
Thanks to Nigel Thomas
Story of an Image
Story of an Image – Burned & Abandoned / Dreaming by Sian Davies
We’ve received this story from Sian Davies via Gary Shinner, PSA CMD for Wales.
Because of a recent illness I haven’t been out with my camera for two years and I needed images to try and get some Galaxy awards. Looking through my archive, I came up with two unused shots. ‘Burned and Abandoned’, which was was taken in Oradour, and ‘Dreaming’ which was taken just before my illness was diagnosed.
As I particularly needed mono images, I converted them and was later very please and surprised they both received gold medals; “Burned and Abandoned” in the multi-national Amazshots Circuit and “Dreaming” in the Bangladesh Awards Circuit.
WPF Convention Speaker – Caroline Preece
WPF Convention Speaker – Steve Varman
PAGB Inter-Federation Competition and Exhibition 2026
Exhibition – The following WPF prints have been accepted into the PAGB Inter-Federation Competition and Exhibition 2026.
Congratulations go to:
Owen Edmonds LRPS AWPF (Bargoed) – Solitude (also received a Judge’s Award from Ralph Snook).
Annette O’Connell AWPF EFIAP CPAGB (Gwent) – Racing Vultures
Paul James AWPF CPAGB EPSA (Bridgend) – The Silence of Surrender
Christine Tidman EFIAP/b BPE4* CPAGB (Gwynfa) – Curious Cows
Emma Woodhouse (RPC) – Having a Splashing Time
The exhibited prints will be returned around this time next year.
The exhibition can be seen at The Old School House, Churchbridge, Oldbury, B69 2AS until 2-Aug-26. I’ve been to see it. I do urge you to go to see what other parts of the UK are doing.
Returns – I also have the returns of the prints not accepted for this year’s exhibition and those accepted into the 2025 Exhibition. The score attained by each print is recorded on its back. I have returned or have arranged for the return of prints to Afan Nedd (6 prints), Morriston (3), Gwent (2), and Bridgend & District (12).
Please will someone from the following clubs contact me to arrange for returns: Abergavenny (2), Baglan Bay (1), Cardiff (1), Gwynfa (7), Merthyr Tydfil (1), Monmouth (7), Rhondda (6), RPC (2), Tenby (5), Vale (3) and Western Valley (1).
Peter A Young HonPAGB
Email: execmem6@thewpf.co.uk
William Patrick (Bill) Grundy
We have received the sad news that Bill Grundy passed away peacefully on Friday 10th July, aged 94 years.
Bill was one of four original members who started Hay Camera Club in the 1940s. His accomplishments included numerous international awards and honours, including global gold medals. He and his wife June, who passed away in 2020, were also members of Merthyr Tydfil CC for many years.
Bill’s funeral service will take place at Hereford Crematorium on Friday 7th August at 11.15am. Family flowers only.
For further information contact A.W. Hughes & Son Funeral Directors on 01544 370217 or 01544 267778.
WPF Presenter Information
