Meet Our Distinguished BPA Judges

Chairman Kevin Wilson

Kevin Wilson - Master Judge and Industry Leader

Kevin Wilson stands as one of the most distinguished figures in British photography, bringing unparalleled expertise to our BPA qualification panels. With an extraordinary collection of 15 Fellowships across multiple prestigious photographic organisations, including both the BIPP and MPA, Kevin's mastery spans every aspect of professional photography. His leadership extends far beyond his photographic achievements, having served as Chairman of the British Institute of Professional Photography, where he helped shape industry standards and educational pathways. Additionally, Kevin implemented and instigated the mentoring programme for the MPA, demonstrating his commitment to photographer development and education. Currently serving as a top judge for the Royal Photographic Society in both professional and portrait genres, Kevin brings the highest level of assessment expertise to our monthly competitions and qualification reviews. His unique triple Fellowship status and recognition as the UK's most awarded photographer, combined with 17 Kodak European Gold Awards, demonstrates not only his technical excellence but his deep understanding of what constitutes award-winning photography. As head of the British Photographers Alliance and a Studio Masters founder, Kevin ensures that every assessment reflects the exacting standards required for professional success, making him uniquely qualified to guide photographers through their qualification journey from Licentiate through to Fellowship level.

Qualifications

• Honorary Fellow of the British Institute of Professional Photography
• Fellow of The MPA
• Fellow of The Royal Photographic Society
• Deputy Chairman of Applied Qualifications - The Royal Photographic Society
• Under 5's Photographer of the year Kodak UK
• Family Portrait Photographer of the year Kodak UK
• Open Portrait Photographer of the year Kodak UK
• Kodak European Gold Awards of Excellence as creative wedding photographer

Christopher Bradbury - Pioneer of Creative Excellence

Christopher Bradbury brings unparalleled creative vision and technical mastery to our BPA qualification panels, having achieved the extraordinary distinction of being awarded the world's first Fellowship in Surrealist Portraiture. His remarkable career spans over four decades, during which he has claimed the title of UK Digital Photographer of the Year an unprecedented seven times, alongside being twice crowned UK Portrait Photographer of the Year. Christopher's groundbreaking work earned him the "Best Fellowship Panel in the World" award in 2011, while his 2012 submission achieved the highest scoring image globally at the national awards. As a Fellow of the Master Photographers Association since 2010, he combines his award-winning artistry with extensive educational experience, having served as Chairman of the West Midlands Master Photographers Association for a decade and taught at prestigious institutions including Tile Hill College Coventry. His expertise in both traditional and cutting-edge digital techniques, from his early days mastering black and white printing to pioneering composite imaging through his renowned "Arti-Farti" lecture tours, ensures that photographers receive assessment from someone who truly understands the evolution of photographic excellence. Christopher's unique blend of creative innovation, technical precision, and deep understanding of qualification standards makes him an invaluable guide for photographers progressing through their BPA journey.

Qualifications

• Fellowship of the Master Photographers Association (2010) - World's first Fellowship in Surrealist Portraiture Best Fellowship Panel in the World winner (2011)
• UK Digital Photographer of the Year - 7 times
• UK Portrait Photographer of the Year - twice
• Professional Leadership
• Chairman of West Midlands Master Photographers Association (1996-2006)
• Judge for MPA national awards and qualifications
• Cambridge University moderator (2013)

Salli Gainsford - Fine Art Photography Virtuoso

Salli Gainsford brings exceptional artistry and technical mastery to our BPA qualification panels, combining 25 years of professional excellence with international recognition as the 7th ranked photographer in the UK and 37th worldwide in 2022. As a Fellow of both The National Photographic Society and the British Photographers Alliance (achieved July 2025), alongside her 2nd place WPE England ranking, she represents the pinnacle of fine art photography achievement. Her expertise spans the complete spectrum of creative photography, from classical old masters lighting techniques to cutting-edge digital innovation and AI integration. As a founder member of Studio Masters, Salli has dedicated her career to guiding photographers through the British Photographers Alliance qualification pathway, specialising in the artistic and composite routes that demand both technical precision and creative vision. Her internationally recognised work in character portrait photography, combined with her mastery of both studio and natural light techniques, ensures that photographers receive assessment from someone who truly understands the marriage of traditional photographic excellence with contemporary digital artistry. Salli's unique ability to blend in-camera mastery with advanced post-production techniques makes her an invaluable mentor for photographers pursuing the highest levels of creative and technical achievement in their BPA qualification journey.

Qualifications

• Fellow of The National Photographic Society (2020)

• Fellow of the British Photographers Alliance (2025)

• 2nd ranked photographer in UK (WPE 2021)

• 7th ranked photographer in UK (WPE 2022)

• 37th ranked photographer worldwide (WPE 2022)