From Plant to Page – Norfolk Photographer’s inspired creation
Congratulations to NDPS member Simon Ciappara whose photography and much more is featured in an article published in the February edition of the Norfolk magazine.
After winning at 17 a Canon camera in a Sunday Telegraph competition Simon’s photography came to an abrupt end a couple of years later when a burglar stole both his camera and 160 rolls of film containing irreplaceable candid backstage shots from his time as a ‘roadie’ on the North American leg of Eric Clapton’s Slowhand tour.
At the age of 60 Simon returned to photography and purchased a Sony which in his words was ‘..so complicated..’ that he joined Norwich & District Photographic Society’ in the hope that he could learn how to use it.
Now a few years later, Simon is an accomplished member of the Society who regularly posts his work, an accredited photo-competition judge, and a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society (RPS).
To achieve his Fellowship Simon produced work to the highest level and created a truly immersive photobook that was distinctive.
“I want to make paper out of the plants that I photograph so that it becomes a complete thing”
The RPS Fellowship was introduced 127 years ago, it is the gold standard of achievement in photography. For many photographers gaining a distinction is the reason they joined the RPS. There are only 600 Fellows worldwide (four of whom including Simon are current NDPS members), and that is why it is arguably the most respected and coveted distinction for photographers anywhere in the world.