Case Study - Mary Hamilton - LRPS | RPS Distinctions Panel
Mary Hamilton LRPS Layout
RPS Distinctions
Mary’s journey to her LRPS has been a brilliant example of what happens when persistence meets proper structure. She first joined me in August 2024 on a workshop, then came back in October 2024 for one-to-one Zoom support with Lightroom Classic before progressing into distinction mentoring.
Like many real-world mentoring journeys, this one wasn’t a perfectly straight line. We had a few stop-start moments while navigating tech hiccups, resets, and the occasional “Dropbox chaos” episode. But once we got through the early clean-up phase, Mary settled into a consistent rhythm of Zoom sessions and really started to build momentum.
What stood out throughout was her patience, humour, and willingness to learn the process properly—moving from random preset-clicking to confident, intentional editing from scratch. That shift is a huge part of distinction success, and Mary embraced it with real determination.
I’m genuinely chuffed for her. She stuck with it, took feedback on board, and produced a well-balanced, diverse panel that she can be proud of. Massive congratulations, Mary—fantastic achievement. Onwards to the next stage… and ideally with no more Dropbox resets.
Interview with Mary Hamilton — LRPS Distinction Success Story
Distinction Achieved: LRPS - Dec 2025
Mentor: Alan Ranger
Interview Date: 26 Jan 2026
Why did you want to gain a distinction with the Royal Photographic Society (RPS)?
As a member of a camera club, I observed several members go through the process of getting a panel of images prepared for RPS submission. I noticed that their photography skills improved as they went through this process. I also wanted the recognition and credibility of achieving a well-regarded, and internationally recognised, qualification.
Why did you choose Alan to mentor you for a distinction, and had you worked with him before?
I had not worked with Alan before mentoring sessions. I chose him because of his high-quality images and his excellent academy.
Describe how you found the RPS Mentoring Classes
I found the format of the mentoring classes both flexible and structured. For years, I have floundered with the technical aspects of Lightroom. Alan was very patient when I struggled with, for me, the non-intuitive Lightroom workflow and cataloguing. One-hour sessions allowed for focus and spaced repetition. I did not put a timescale on achieving the LRPS, I trusted Alan to guide me to the point of submission.
Do you feel you got the right level of support from the sessions?
I found the sessions both person-centred and collaborative.
Did you feel you were already good enough to gain a distinction before starting the mentoring course?
Before I started the mentoring course, I knew I was not good enough to gain a distinction. Over the years, I spent considerable time, and cash, on photography workshops where techniques taught (I now realise) resulted in over processed images. After a few sessions with Alan, my processing improved considerably. I am still working with Alan to improve Lightroom workflow and organisation.
What distinction did you apply for, and were you successful?
I applied for the Licentiate; my first attempt was successful.
What was your experience like on the RPS Assessment Day?
I did not attend an Assessment Day.
Did you seek independent feedback before your final panel assessment?
Before submission, I took the opportunity of a personalised on-to-one virtual review session with a panel judge. I found this both helpful and reassuring.
What advice would you share with others pursuing an RPS distinction?
The course propelled me from unconscious incompetence to acquiring skills and abilities of a proficient photographer. My advice would be - don’t hesitate to undertake the course and assessment.
What was the hardest part of gaining your distinction — and why?
As a technically challenged individual, I found the realisation that it would be beneficial to gain a knowledge of Lightroom quite daunting
Has working towards a distinction helped you progress as a photographer?
I have progressed as a photographer considerably. This is apparent when I review images which were processed before Alan’s input.
Any other comments you’d like to add?
Alan provides honest, tailored guidance while promoting self-sufficiency.
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If you are interested in attaining an RPS distinction I can support you with my RPS Courses for distinctions
Summary
- Produce a panel of images for an RPS Distinctions Qualification
Zoom - Online
Evening Class - 19:00 - 21:00. Six classes, you choose dates, within a twelve-month period to suit
From £295 Or also available as a series of 1hr 1-2-1 Zoom Sessions
Having supported many clients through a journey of development and improvement, with their photography, over the past few years, this mentoring course is for those who are already technically competent (or at least are on the path to mastering it) and are able to demonstrate good design and composition in their photography.
You are not expected to be a master or even polished to attend. This RPS Distinctions course is to help support you in improving in all three areas of image production:
Technical - The mechanics of it
Creativity - The reason for it
Output - The editing and publication of it
You will be expected to understand and demonstrate or be willing to learn;
Good exposure of photographs
Good compositional awareness
A range of techniques and styles (L) or specific themed body of work (A)
Ability to edit images to a "reasonable" standard.
Over the course of 12 months, where you will attend six RPS Distinctions classes at intervals suited to you, there will be professional input, feedback and support to help you progress towards either the A or L distinction with the RPS
Photography Tuition comes in all shapes and sizes - you may be one of those who prefers practical or theory - you may be someone who can't attend classes in the Midlands or in the evenings. You may live abroad or just have limited time or money. Whatever your constraints remember that I can provide a varied package of photography tuition to suit anyone's needs and budgets.
Learning is so much easier and more fun when done with the support of a professional and the friends you will make whilst doing it. Please contact me for a free no obligation chat about taking your next step in improving. 0781 701 7994 or email info@alanranger.com