Paignton Photographic Club has offered
club members the chance of gaining a Club Diploma by submitting a body of work for many
years. The work is assessed by a panel of senior club members and if the work meets the
required standard the Photographer is awarded a Club Diploma.
All photographers must firstly apply for a General Diploma, consisting of 10 images (not on a
theme), that demonstrate that that they understand and can use the basic controls of the
camera, by producing 10 images each with a pleasing composition.
The work must stand up not only on an individual basis but all 10 images must harmonize
and hang together well.

The work can be shown as a panel of prints, or digital projected images.
Once the candidate has achieved a General Diploma, they can then go on for Specialized
Diploma. You must submit 15 images and the work should be on a theme such as
Landscape, Nature, Portrait, Sport and so on. Also the photographer must submit a
statement of intent to support the work.

In recent years Contemporary Work and Books are also permissible for submission.
You are encouraged to seek the help of a senior member of the club who can offer
mentoring on a “one to one” basis to help you prepare the work for submission.
Many club members having gained the confidence with the club diploma system gone on to
gain national distinctions from either the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (PAGB) or The Royal
Photographic Society (RPS).

If you wish to challenge yourself and move your photography onto the next level you should
strongly consider doing a Club Diploma.
Rod Fry

Example Diploma Panel – Credit, Alison Stokes

Diplomas Awarded in 2026

Congratulations to Alison Stokes (with distinction), Richard Townsend, David Sneyd and Maureen Townsend (photo to follow) for achieving their General Diplomas and to Robbie Clymo for achieving a Specialist Diploma with credit.