In the Herald - Talented duo raise the Bar

Date Published 
Wed 3 Mar 2021

PRESS RELEASE International Recognition for Local Photographers

Local photographers Michele & Alan Campbell who are members of Irvine Camera Club have been granted membership of the 'Photographers Bar'! 

Membership of the 'Photographers Bar' is a unique distinction only awarded to those photographers who have successfully had images assessed by the Guild of Photographers over the course of a year and have attained a score that evidences an exceptional level of professional skill and consistency, throughout that a full year. 

The Guild of Photographers is a highly respected association for all photographers, and its competition attracted over 16,000 entries in 2020 – all judged by an expert Panel of Judges each month. Points are allocated to entries and these are then totalled at the end of the year. Those who reach the required threshold are then awarded membership of the 'Photographers Bar'. 

Membership of the 'Photographers Bar' is a distinction that is exceedingly difficult to achieve - in fact only about 250 photographers have achieved it in the 7 years since its inception, during which time over 75,000 images will have been entered for assessment by photographers across the UK and from overseas. 

The Award was announced at a Virtual Awards ceremony on Saturday 6th February 2021. 

Steven and Lesley Thirsk (the Directors of the Guild) said – “We are delighted for Alan & Michele as this is a great achievement! Submitting and having images assessed every month for a year and reaching the required standards to become a member of the Photographers Bar is very demanding. It illustrates their commitment, skill, and consistency. They should be immensely proud of what they have achieved”. 

On hearing the news Michele & Alan said .... We are delighted to have gained this recognition with Michele being awarded 2 Photographers Bars in the “Pet” Category and in The “People”Category, and for myself being awarded 1 Photographers Bar in the “natural world“ Category.

Michele was also in the Top 10 International Pet Photographers which is a high accolade in itself

Members of the Guild of Photographers are committed to achieving the highest standards of professionalism and to a journey of continuing professional development. You can find out more about the Guild at its website (www.photoguild.co.uk