OAL Photography Tutor is Awarded Prestigious Fellowship of The Royal Photographic Society

Huge congratulations to Philip Joyce, Oxfordshire Adult Learning (OAL) Photography Tutor, who's been awarded a prestigious Fellowship of The Royal Photographic Society.

“My submission was in the Contemporary category and explored truth and deceit in the photographic process", said Philip. "Using zoos as my subject, I looked at the work and imagery of animal activists who seek to show zoos in a poor light. Whilst there are undoubtedly bad zoos that deserve to be exposed, activists take the view that all zoos are bad and should be closed, using their photographs to present a self-evident truth.

As a supporter of zoos, I disputed this ‘truth’ and sought to mimic their photographic style in good zoos with internationally recognised breeding programmes, conservation work and research. I manipulated images, chose viewpoints, exposures and coarse B&W processing to mimic the work of activists, in order to invite viewers to question where the truth lies when presented with an image.”

“It's been a rewarding process and I am very pleased to have achieved it, although I am now left wondering 'what next'?”

Philip's award-winning work, from this 20-year project, can be viewed here.

Feel inspired? You can learn from Philip through our OAL Photography courses.

More details on the award of Fellowship of The Royal Photographic Society (FRPS) can be found here.