Sucessful Diploma Richard Handley WSDP Flora in Black and White
January 2026
Richard Handley WSDP
Specialised Diploma
Here are a few comments from the Assessors about Richard’s images…..
“Richard worked with diligence and purpose to produce
a striking panel of images to represent his view and interpretation of the natural world in black and white.
Black and white photography simplifies the subject, by relying upon form, line, shape, tone and texture.
It’s not an easy medium to master and Richard’s panel exemplifies both seeing and intent.
There are some quite exquisite images ranging from the lace-like and delicate images on the top line
to dramatic graphic shapes and intricate details lower down.
A very enjoyable set of images looking
at plants in close-up with an eye for visual rhythm and exquisite detail”
Clive Haynes FRPS
A few questions & answers about this Diploma from Richard...
Flora in Black and White
Why did you choose a specialist diploma?
About four years ago I completed a General Diploma and since then I’ve been happily exploring
different genres and styles of photography. Around six months ago I felt ready to push myself
further—both technically and creatively—and see what I could achieve. That’s when I signed up for
a Specialist Diploma.
Why this topic?
Quite simply, I’ve become increasingly drawn to black and white photography. As a member of
Spetchley Park Gardens, I’m also surrounded by a near endless supply of interesting flowers,
trees, and shrubs; so, it seemed only natural to combine the two and focus on ‘flora in black and
white’. Little did I realise what I was letting myself in for!
What did you do first?
After sharing my first few shots with my coach, Clive Haynes, I quickly discovered that black and
white photography isn’t just about stripping away colour; it’s about adding that elusive something
extra - that je ne sais quoi’. After some more experimenting I refined my objective to focus on the
character and personality of plants when depicted in black and white.
What were the main learning points?
Seeing differently: I had to learn how to view colours and light as tones—shades of grey rather
than hues. I’m still refining this skill, but it helps me choose subjects and settings that work well.
Experimenting in post processing: This was a whole new adventure for me. It took plenty of trial
and error, but eventually I found techniques that gave my images the texture and mood I was
after.
Did it go smoothly?
Not exactly! My first panel was rejected by the club assessors, who felt three of the fifteen images
didn’t quite harmonise with the rest. It’s hard to ignore feedback from a group of assessors
bristling with photographic distinctions, and having got so far, I decided to press on. I replaced the
weaker images, reworked the layout, and—confession time—the assessors were absolutely right.
The revised panel was an improvement. I was informed during November of success in my WSDP
Diploma submission.
Any memorable encounters?
A few! At Spetchley Park, a tour guide once introduced me to a group of visitors as “the garden
photographer” and asked me to say a few words. Declining wasn’t an option as I had a tripod
wedged in the flower beds and one foot dangerously close to a rather lovely Peruvian Lily. Lesson
learned - never get caught like that again!
What next?
Simply to keep enjoying photography. Future shots may well be of flora; some may even be in
black and white - but I don’t know. For now, I’m happy to continue exploring and clicking,
although I may well tackle another Specialist Diploma at some point.
Richard Handley WSDP
