Is PSS membership worth the while?

[quinton]

I was looking at the PSS for a while now, but cannot decide what can they really offer an amateur like me.

Being a uni student, I don't think I fall into their <18 cat for cheaper membership. Even so, their courses are on average $200+ for members.

Just wanted to hear frm ple who are members or were members, how did the PSS benefit you? Or for those who had considered but decided not to, what made you decide PSS wasn't worth your while?

Thanks.

 

[ipin]

I'm a member. If you intend to take courses from PSS, then the membership is worth while.
The course fees for multiple session courses are $100 cheaper if you're a member.

Networking, meeting and getting to know other photographers, knowledge, experiences gained, Distinctions (e.g. LPSS, APSS, FPSS) would make it worth while if these are what you're looking for.

 

[pai]

hi, an honest question, hope it doesn't sound bad: what are the reasons for going after those distinctions? in the industry, portfolio matters more right? any other reason besides setting yourself a target to work towards and getting some self-satisfaction?

 

[ipin]

hi, an honest question, hope it doesn't sound bad: what are the reasons for going after those distinctions? in the industry, portfolio matters more right? any other reason besides setting yourself a target to work towards and getting some self-satisfaction?

Then got right to charge extra! :lovegrin: :bsmilie: :bsmilie:
The titles may help the photographer clinch certain jobs.

 

[Yatlapball]

Yes. Look at Nikon's quarterly freebie mag. Uh.. Focus?. Haha. You can see someone's name complete with all the weird titles which mean nothing to me.

Afterthought: It's just a comment on "Why the need for so many titles?". Nothing personal against the person in question.

 

[lsisaxon]

hi, an honest question, hope it doesn't sound bad: what are the reasons for going after those distinctions? in the industry, portfolio matters more right? any other reason besides setting yourself a target to work towards and getting some self-satisfaction?

It's called ego.. these people with such titles will not become professional photographers. Professional photographers have different titles.

 

[sykestang]

It's called ego.. these people with such titles will not become professional photographers. Professional photographers have different titles.

Titles like? ;p

Sorry, no offense.

 

[quinton]

I personally don't see anything wrong with getting these distinctions. The pictures taken by some of these photographers are indeed stunning. No harm that the industry has some amount of distinction and "certification", I think it helps the industry develop and mature.

 

[Andy Ang]

We actually cannot comment too much on this issue, as they can easily sue us if we cross the line.

Need more discussion about this, perhaps you can use the PM.

 

[Edgar Su]

It's called ego.. these people with such titles will not become professional photographers. Professional photographers have different titles.

So, just curious here, what kind of titles will professional photographers have?

 

[Paul_Yeo]

So, just curious here, what kind of titles will professional photographers have?

"Director of photography" ? :embrass:

always saw this title in movie credits

 

[eikin]

"Director of photography" ? :embrass:

always saw this title in movie credits

:bsmilie:

thanks for the laugh

 

[ipin]

So, just curious here, what kind of titles will professional photographers have?

Apart from those mentioned in my previous post (#2), there are The three levels of Distinction from The Royal Photographic Society:

Licentiateship: The Licentiateship (LRPS) is normally the entry level Distinction and is awarded for a good level of basic skill and competence.

Associateship: The Associateship (ARPS) is awarded for a high standard of technical competence and individual creative ability.

Fellowship: The Fellowship (FRPS) is awarded for exceptional standards of excellence and distinguished ability.

The award of a Distinction entitles members to use the letters LRPS, ARPS or FRPS after their name.

 

[laughingstation]

I was looking at the PSS for a while now, but cannot decide what can they really offer an amateur like me.

Being a uni student, I don't think I fall into their <18 cat for cheaper membership. Even so, their courses are on average $200+ for members.

Just wanted to hear frm ple who are members or were members, how did the PSS benefit you? Or for those who had considered but decided not to, what made you decide PSS wasn't worth your while?

Thanks.

Yo, bro I guess i was in your shoes abt a yr ago. I'm a member of pss n took their studio course. IMO, i think it din really help much. cos the instructors tend to be more reserved ... maybe we are bewbie n they dun wanna bombard us with a lotta info, but I din learn much frm those sessions, those they taught i think could be found in readings
why not join ur uni's society, they will have basic course & darkroom, I use my uni's facility more often now