The Society of Photographers Reviews 

The judging school was an invaluable experience and provided a unique insight into what it takes to progress in the judging field. Learning from some of the most experienced and knowledgeable experts in the field was so valuable. Their expertise, honesty and willingness to share their knowledge, combined with the encouragement and support they gave throughout, made the experience both inspiring and rewarding.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge so openly and for teaching us the foundations, skills and mindset needed to take the next steps in our development. It was a privilege to be part of such a worthwhile experience!

Judging school was such an invaluable insight into the specific judging aspect of photography. So much knowledge shared by true experts in the field. Thank you for these first stepping stones towards the future.

A unique experience, where you are challenged. And that is positive.

What's more, I even feel I can contribute in the future to its content to make it even better!

I enjoyed listening and learning from the expertise provided by the presenters of the course. The information presented was succinct , highly relevant and extremely beneficial. Benifical from the pt of view of judging technique but this would help your own photography also, You are the first the judge of your own work/print in the first place . It was a fresh , different and novel way to me as an approach to a way of judging. It was structured, justifiable each preceding part being linked in sequence.It was excellent for all participants in the judging process including the print and photographer.

It corresponded exactly to the approach taken by judges the day after at the print assessment. I found that the presenters were vv friendly and there was a good rapport between all along with a sense of humour. When I asked questions to clarify points, they were answered very well with respect and in a detailed fashion. The course materials given to each attendee were well covered and explained. The practical aspect of the course was excellent giiving me the chance to practice what was being taught under the expert guidance of Terrie , Sarah and Dario.Thank you for your generosity. Even though time didn’t allow for it, I would have liked a few more session of this. Would have quite happily spent another day or two longer there. The two days might have been two short , I’d liked to have spent a week there. I also thought the exercises on panel arrangement was excellent , working in groups as well as judging in groups. There was a lecture given by Dario a master printer and it was the best I have come across. I enjoyed also meeting the other participants, and working as part of the team , into what ever team I was assigned. Much learning occurred by listening to other in team groups .

. I would have loved to have been able to get a recoding of it for reference as I’d be afraid going forward I might forget a detail or two.
However grateful , v grateful to have been , there, very happy I made the investment to come. The best by far of anything I have come across on judging in my photographic career to date
Thank you again Terrie, Sarah and Dario

I had an excellent experience attending The Societies of Photographers’ 2026 Judges School.

The training was incredibly informative and gave me a much deeper understanding of both the role of a photographic judge and the judging process itself. Learning how images are assessed, discussed and scored has already changed the way I look at my own photography, and I know the experience will be invaluable as I continue my journey towards becoming a judge.

One of the things I particularly appreciated was that the training wasn’t simply about learning a set of rules. It encouraged us to develop our own judgement, understand the different elements that contribute to a successful image, and think much more critically about photography.

Dario’s printing training was another real highlight. It was fascinating, practical and extremely informative, and I came away with a much better understanding of how important printing and presentation are to the final image.

The whole programme was professionally delivered, welcoming and packed with genuinely useful information. I came away feeling inspired, with a fresh perspective on my own work and plenty to put into practice.

For the amount of knowledge, experience and training included, I thought the programme represented incredible value for money.

Highly recommended for anyone serious about developing their understanding of photographic judging or simply wanting to become more critical and considered about their own photography.

A day trip to Chester Zoo with Terry Donnelly, what's not to like? A really great day of learning and experience. The organisation of the event was absolutely Tip Top, venue and catering were of the highest order too.
Thoroughly enjoyable, and when you factor in the opportunity to loan Sony camera gear and lenses, excellent value for money and cannot be recommended highly enough.

Brilliant day at Chester zoo with The society of photographers

Being part of The Societies of Photographers has also opened up a wonderful community of like-minded professionals and enthusiasts. The resources, competitions, and educational opportunities available have been invaluable in helping me progress both creatively and professionally.

As a very keen, but novice photographer, being a member of The Society of Photographers has given me the encouragement and support to develop my photography. The monthly competitions are great and are judged by highly respected judges. I have just benefited from the excellent Mentorship programme and have just been awarded my Licentiate. Without the support of the Society and its great team, I would never have had the confidence to do this. The Society put a Zoo Experience day, which was great. I would certainly recommend this very proactive Society to anyone interested in photography. Great team 🤩

I am so sorry to become a member of this group as I have no benefit from it and it was a waste £100.

Simply brilliant! I can't wait for the next session.

What a fantastic day with a truly amazing award winning photographer. It was great to have him sharing his skills with us. Really enjoyable experience and what a lovely zoo. Alex from the Welsh Mountain Zoo was great. Gave us information on all the animals and liaised with her colleagues to ensure we got to see the majority of animals in their enclosures when they were out. Really well organised event by Colin at the Society of Photographers. Would defo recommend this experience.

I attender the Societies 'Zoo''day on Saturday the 27th Sept at the Welsh Mountain Zoo ,it was a fabulous day out , hosted by Colin and with Terry Donnelly as quest expert . Sony attended as well and loaned out all their fabulous gear free of charge !!
Camera World were there as well with great offers as well
The Zoo were most welcoming and lead by our guide for the day , Alex , how made the day even more enjoyable !! Well done to all , 5*'s for event !!

An excellent well organised day, with great opportunities to see the animals and to try new Sony equipment. The day was very well led by Terry Donnelly who's wealth of experience was invaluable

Great day was had with excellent photo opportunities

This was my first experience of the Society of Photographers and I was very impressed with the organisation they had put in to the event.
I will certainly be watching out for other events.

Damian demonstrated his extensive experience and knowledge of the subject.

The whole workshop was both informative and delivered in an extremely professional manner.All members of staff were helpful and shared their photographic experiences. A valuable event,most entertaining with Damian and crew.
Thank you so much and wish you every success in the future.

James made the whole approach to studio lighting easy to understand which many others struggle to do. Whilst the techniques were all about using one light they were comprehensive and provided a great foundation for me to undertake my own studio photography. (The chocolate brownies provided during the break were to die for.)

An excellent evening, learned so much from Damian ... lots to try out, experiment with and practice from what he said and demonstrated. Thank you so much.