Q Programme

Introduction

The NZIPP Qualification programme (Q certificates) exists to establish a standard of quality in the businesses of the institutes’ members.  It identifies NZIPP members to the public as photographers who have attained a credible quality standard. It is not designed to exclude photographers from the organisation but rather helps to ensure that they are in NZIPP for the right reasons which stem from a commitment to running their businesses in a professional way, with skill and knowledge. This is what separates the NZIPP from associations and groups with no entry restrictions.

A Q certificate is required before a member can advertise themselves as a member of the Institute and use the  NZIPP logo in any of their advertising. At present there are three Q categories; Wedding, Portrait, Commercial. Members without any Q are required to submit at least once per year until they achieve at least one Q.

Q applicants are encouraged to attend Q workshops to assist them through the application process. The Commercial and Wedding & Portrait directors can provide details on the workshop and scheduled dates.

Q certificate assessment takes place regularly and dates are published in advance in PROReport and on the NZIPP website. Provisional members are required to apply for a Q in their primary area of work i.e. Wedding, Portrait, or Commercial within their first 12 months of membership. Images created while under instruction are not eligible for inclusion.

Assessment

The assessment is carried out anonymously.  Applicants are asked to provide a random four digit pin number with their application form to ensure confidentiality of the submission.  The panel will preferably consist of 5 judges, but no less than 3 at any Q Assesment.  In addition, at least 60% of the panel should be made up of Associates, Masters, or Fellows of the Institute.

Judging Criteria

Your Q submission will be assessed on the following criteria: (NB: the panel is looking for a competent standard of work – not award winning images).

• Presentation: encompasses the first impression of the submission (this is less important for a commercial submission)
• Composition, Positioning and Lighting. Needs to demonstrate the applicant’s thorough understanding of all of these elements.
• Print control and image quality (print) or exposure accuracy/control for commercial submissions of transparencies.  Well exposed and well printed images.
• Creativity, style, expression and emotion where appropriate. The applicant should show a variety of creative knowledge and skills
• Finally the question, how the judges feel overall is: “Would I send a friend, relative, or colleague to this photographer?”
• A seventy five percent (75%) pass is required for Qualification (ie 75% of prints, digital files, or transparencies submitted must be judged to be of a professional standard)

Applicants will be notified by phone or email whether they have passed or have been unsuccessful within 5 working days of the panel meeting. A written evaluation will be sent to the applicant.  The evaluation is intended to be constructive. If the submission was unsuccessful, recommendations from the judging panel will go to the applicant.

Please refer to the Submission Guidelines for an overview of submission requirements.

Fees

Upon joining the NZIPP all Provisional, Employee, and Overseas members must also pay for one 'Q' application fee in advance, which will be invoiced after the membership application has been processed. This fee covers the 'Q' application in the first year, and is paid whether a Q application is made by the member or not. Each subsequent year a Q application fee is invoiced until a Qualification is achieved. Additional Q applications in the same financial year are subject to an additional payment.

For any further information please contact either of the Directors listed below.