Author: Leigh Woolford

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Sharon is New UK GPU Representative

We have received this from Sharon Prenton Jones who has become the GPU representative for the UK.

I want to introduce myself as I am the new GPU (Global Photographic Union) Representative for the UK.

In this role I am particularly interested in encouraging fellow photographers to obtain distinctions. GPU operates its own photographic distinctions scheme. There is something for everyone whether you enter international salons or not.

Photographers collect points from acceptances, mentions and awards in international exhibitions (CROWN and VIP distinctions) or by submitting their own portfolio and gaining titles (Aphrodite, Hermes, Zeus and the recently added highest title of Grand Master).

We (Rob and I) joined GPU just over three years ago and have been impressed by the friendly and supporting Group – it feels like a world-wide camera club. We joined the Photo Festival last year in Krakow it was such good value for money and a great way to meet everyone.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if I can be of any assistance with anything

GPU related. My email is: prentonjonesphotography@gmail.com

Best wishes and Happy New Year – Sharon.

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Story of an Image – Busy Day Sacre Coeur

Busy Day Sacre Coeur

Like many of you I have thousands of images stored on a number of external hard drives and yes, even on CD’s ! Recently I have been looking through some of these and discovering that some captures which I have overlooked, but not sent to the recycle bin, that are worthy of further work. This often because over the 20 plus years since I started digital photography with Photoshop 5.5 massive improvements have been made and so many more useful plug-ins and alternative systems are available for us to use.

This image was taken 10 years ago when we spent a few days in Paris. I was using a Nikon V1 camera converted to Infra red with exposure 1/800 sec, f5, ISO 200. Bringing it in to my current version of Photoshop I was able to apply a few tweaks especially to darken the sky.  I entered this into the Photo Travel section of a PSA recognised Salon in Bangladesh where it scored top points and was awarded a Gold medal. The image was also accepted in the 2025 PSA International.

So, do you have gold lurking away in folders on your hard drives. I recommend having a look through and see what you can find you may be pleasantly surprised.

Ian Ledgard, GPMSA/b

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PSA Successes July to October 2025

Below is the list of people who achieved PSA successes from July 2025  to the end of October 2025.

  • Ian Ledgard – Gold Medal x6, Silver x2, Jury Choice x1, Chairman’s Award x1, Merit x1, Diploma x2 & 11 HM’s
  • Tont Grubb 2 Star Colour Print Level Achieved
  • Paul James – Gold Medal x1,  Merit x1, & HM’s x4
  • Rhodri Phillips – Best Portrait Award & Ribbon Award.
  • Gary Shinner – Gold Medal x1, HM x1.

Congratulations to all members listed above, who reported back to me with their recent awards, medals and other successes in the PSA affiliated salons. If there are any other members of the PSA have some successes – then please e-mail me directly – gary_shinnerlrps@sky.com (Note the underscore)

Anyone out there wants to find out any more about the PSA, please again contact me, I’ll do my best to help you. However you can also go to their website. Good luck to everyone with their photographic journeys.

I wish ‘everyone’ reading this letter, Compliments of the Festive Season, and also a happy, healthy & prosperous New Year in 2026.

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Laurence ‘Laurie’ Saurin

We have this week received sad news from Rhondda Camera Club of the passing of one of their past president and well respected elder statesmen, Laurence Saurin (known to all as Laurie).

Laurie served Rhondda Camera Club for many years as president and was well known by many for his services as a proud Welsh Guardsman and protector of the Royal family.  One of his many claims to fame was that he was the first guardsman to model for Queen Elizabeth 11 the guardsman’s fur hat, commonly known as the Busby, which is still worn with pride.

He was a true gentleman who will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Laurie’s funeral will take place at Glyntaff Crematorium, Pontypridd at 1:00pm. on Monday 15th December, 2025 for those wishing to pay their respects.

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AWPF Assessment Results 2025

Congratulations to all those who achieved their AWPF distinction as the recent Assessment day. You can see a list here.

The WPF Executive wish to extend a huge thank you David Lewis who has now stepped down as AWPF distinction Co-ordinator after many years service.

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Applications for MFIAP – Concession for 2025

FIAP have recognised that changes to the rules for the application of MFIAP were introduced at short notice and could adversely affect those who are already working towards application for MFIAP.

The new rules for 2026 require applicants for MFIAP to have achieved EFIAP/platinum to qualify for application for MFIAP whereas previously the applicant was only required to have achieved EFIAP.

Those who have already achieved EFIAP but not EFIAP/p are invited to apply for MFIAP as soon as possible. The closing date for receipt of such applications is 1st December 2025.

If you would like to apply for MFIAP please contact your FIAP Liaison Officer as soon as possible as there are processes to be completed before the application can be submitted to FIAP by the FIAP Liaison Officer.

The FIAP Liaison Officers are:

  • England, Northern Ireland and North Wales – Howard Tate – fiap@btinternet.com
  • Scotland (SPF) – Libby Smith – spfflo1@gmail.com
  • Wales (WPF) – Peter Young – fiap@thewpf.co.uk
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Brian Coleman AFIAP AWPF APAGB Hon.FWPF

We are very sad to report the passing of another past-President of the WPF,

Brian was the 33rd President of the Federation and served from  2011-2013. His obituary will follow.

Funeral arrangements: Brian was cremated in a private family ceremony.

Thanks to Paul James for this lovely image that illustrates Brian’s character so well.

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Baglan Bay Anniversary Trophy & Virtual Exhibition

We’ve received this from Susan Surridge at Baglan Bay Photographic Society.

On Tuesday 30 September we held our Anniversary Trophy Competition, our PDI of the Year. There was a very full room with 18 BBPS members present all eagerly anticipating our judge’s remarks and scores. Dennis Russ was on form, describing each of the 64 images with comments referring to sharpness, colour and diffused backgrounds. He told us that he had enjoyed viewing them all and awarded scores of no less than 16. He held back 10 images, 6 of which were later awarded a score of 19. The final 4 all scored 20. However, The Anniversary Trophy winner was Kev Robertson with ‘In The Red Corner’. The Runner Up was David Condon with ‘Whitford Lighthouse’. Dennis presented Kev with the Anniversary Trophy Slate and a memento. Dennis also awarded Dave with a memento. Many congratulations to you both. Very well done to all those with held back images. Our huge thanks to Dennis for the difficult task of judging for us. It was a great evening, and we had cake too!

View all the images in our Virtual Exhibition here.

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