The article illustrates perfectly why only a Qualified Master Photographer should be considered to photograph their wedding. Wedding photography as an industry is completely unregulated in the UK. Anyone can buy a camera, set up a website and call themselves a ‘professional wedding photographer’ without the requirement to provide proof of photographic ability, training, qualifications, integrity or insurances. The Master Photographers Association is the premier qualifying body for full-time professional photographers in the UK. Other trade societies exist, but the buying public need to be aware that, in some cases, the ‘qualifications’ offered by some of these ‘Societies’ are completely bogus and misleading.

Full Members of the Master Photographers Association who fail to qualify within 12 months of joining are kicked out of the MPA. There are stringent criteria that must be met to become a Qualified Master Photographer and all members must abide by a strict Code of Conduct. There are three levels of professional qualification: Licentiate (LMPA) is the basic entry-level that indicates that the applicant can produce a competent service and marketable images. Associate (AMPA) displays advanced artistic and technical photographic ability with an obvious ‘style’. Fellowship (FMPA) is the highest professional qualification that can be achieved by a small number of elite Master Photographers who are at the absolute peak of ability and artistic distinction in the professional industry.

If you want to avoid having your wedding day ruined by an incompetent part-time wedding photographer, choose one with genuine professional qualifications against their name: LMPA, AMPA or FMPA. If the ‘photographer’ does not display the MPA logo and is not qualified by MPA, avoid them. Choose a Qualified Master Photographer!