Photography Qualifications

Master Photographers Association:

The MPA is the professional trade body for Master Photographers. If you are looking for a wedding, portrait or commercial photographer in your area, then one of our 1,800 fully qualified members will assure you of the highest professional service. All qualified members adhere to a strict Code of Conduct and have undergone qualification

Established over 50 years ago, the MPA is unique in that it only allows full-time professional photographers to remain in membership. Each must have undergone a rigorous assessment of their work

The British Institute of Professional Photography :

BIPP professional photography qualifications are highly regarded and are recognised across the world as a benchmark of excellence. There are three levels of photography qualifications, each reflecting increasing levels of experience, skill and achievement.

Established in 1901, the British Institute of Professional Photography has gained international recognition as the leading qualifying body for professional photographers. There are over 3500 members covering every type of photography from aerial photography to underwater photography.

The Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers:

Established in 1988 under the Chairmanship of Derek Avery, the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers was founded to service the needs of professional wedding and portrait photographers, whether in full or part time occupations.

Founded at much the same time, the British Professional Photographers Associates under the leadership of Nigel Greenstreet, were working with similar goals but encompassed a broader range of photographers.

Early in January 2000, the now Chief Executive of SWPP Philip Jones, was delighted to announce the merger between these two prominent organisations, under the umbrella of the SWPP. In a joint statement they believed that the new society would form one of the strongest photographic organisations in the UK, and their commitment to improving already high standards would be of benefit to all.

The Society has seen its membership grow rapidly over the last year, with not only UK members but international photographers have also been keen to associate themselves with SWPP and BPPA. A testament to the success of the Society as a whole.



The SWPP & BPPA currently represents photographers who specialize in the following areas of expertise:

Freelance, Photojournalists, Weddings, Portraits, Children, Animal, Equestrian, Digital, Commercial, Fashion & Glamour, Landscape, Nature, Sport, Medical, Scientific, Press, PR, Architectural, Industrial, Forensic, Natural History, Research, amongst others.