Conwy Camera Club member Rob Prenton Jones has become the second person in the UK to receive the Global Photographic Union VIP-5 distinction.
The distinction is only available to photographers who have won the top prize in international exhibitions – First Prize, Gold Medal or Best Work in Salon – for 50 different images. Rob’s 50th qualifying image was Faithful Reflection, which received a Gold Medal. Rob took the photo, featuring model Natalie Ciufo-Green, in his home studio.
The GPU is a worldwide organisation where photographic art allows and encourages cultural exchange. Its members are professional or amateur photographers. Its UK representative is Sharon Prenton Jones, who is also a member of Conwy Camera Club and is Rob’s wife. She presented the VIP-5 certificate to Rob at a recent club meeting. In 2024, she became the first person in the UK to gain the VIP-5 award.
Bob Gresty, chair of Conwy Camera Club, said: “We were delighted to see Rob receive his VIP-5, which is richly deserved. Rob has been amazing us for years with his photographic work, especially in portraiture.
“Aside from international competitions, he and Sharon have always been very generous in giving talks and workshops where they share their skills with members of clubs across North Wales and further afield.”