Many of you will know of the success that candidates from clubs affiliated to the Lancashire and Cheshire Photographic Union have when applying for Awards for Photographic Merit. We have an excellent success rate, due to the diligent and voluntary support from our excellent Mentors.
On Sunday 18th January 2025 a mock APM will be held at St Marys Social Centre in Chorley, home to Chorley PS. The mock will be run under full PAGB rules and adjudicators will be under orders to treat the day as a ‘full on’ real APM.
Already there are a number of club members registered with the PAGB who will be attending, however any club member is welcome to attend and get an idea of their works possible success. I would draw your attention however to the PAGB APM event on February 15th 2026 for those club photographers beginning to think about going for an APM.
As many know, the PAGB have 5 levels awarded for Photographic Merit:
BPAGB, regarded as good club photography. Applicants will need to supply 7 mounted prints (50×40 cm). This award is prints only.
CPAGB, the next step up from BPAGB. Applicants will need to supply 10 mounted prints OR 10 pdi’s sized 1600 x 1200px
DPAGB, 15 prints OR pdi’s required. For this level, applicants will have had success at National and International Salons.
There are two further levels; club photographers looking at these levels will know the sorts of standards required.
For further information, I would direct possible applicants to the PAGB website where a number of useful documents are available: APM: Still Images – The Photographic Alliance of Great Britain
The format of the day will be set nearer the time, but you will need to drop off prints at 10am for a 10:30 start. Whilst tea and coffee will be available, you will need to bring lunch with you, or find somewhere in Chorley. The day will hopefully finish around 4pm.
The cost for the day is £10, tickets are available on the L&CPU website and are limited. Interested participants should contact me for further details, ticket access and application form: pagbawardsofficer@lcpu.org.uk
James Hardy LRPS CPAGB AFIAP HonL&CPU
PAGB Awards Officer
L&CPU