"The Phoenix Group is the forum for photographers ready to push into new boundaries"
Taking Your Photography Further
If you’re ready to move your photography to a new level, the Phoenix Group is a good place to start. This is the home for keen photographers who want to build a body of work, gain recognition, and push their creativity to new heights — all with the support of some of EPS’s most experienced members.
The Phoenix Group is an informal but focused forum for photographers who want to take their work further. It’s led by members with international recognition and a long track record of mentoring and helping others succeed.
What the Phoenix Group offers
The group is designed for photographers who want to:
- Build a consistent body of photographic work
- Prepare for external competitions and represent EPS
- Submit images to National and International salons
- Work towards photographic distinctions from awarding bodies such as the Royal Photographic Society
At meetings, members bring along their current projects, give a short outline of their aims, and display their work for comment. The atmosphere is informal, but the feedback is thoughtful and often based on extensive experience of exhibiting, competing, and achieving distinctions. Do look out for meetings which are posted on our Events Calendar.
Who is it for?
There is no fee and no formal membership requirement beyond being an EPS member, but the Phoenix Group is not aimed at beginners. It doesn’t provide instruction in basic technique or equipment. Instead, it’s for photographers who already have a foundation and want to focus on developing their creative direction, gaining recognition, and reaching personal goals.
Group Co-ordinator: Eion Johnston FRPS DPAGB EFIAP/d3 BPE 3*
Resources and guidance
The Phoenix Group also helps members navigate the world of photographic distinctions. Resources include:
Awarding bodies for photographic distinctions
- Royal Photographic Society (RPS); https://rps.org/qualifications/
- SPF page on PAGB Awards; https://www.scottish-photographic-federation.org/pagb-awards-applying
- SPF page on FIAP Distinctions: https://www.scottish-photographic-federation.org/fiap-distinctions-applying
- British Photographic Exhibitions (BPE) distinctions: http://www.britishphotographicexhibitions.org.uk/index.php/awards
- Photographic Society of America (PSA) Recognition: https://psaphotoworldwide.org/page/mo-ropa