A few years ago I got an L.R.P.S. with the Royal Photographic Society. Yeah, I know, big deal.

It costs a fortune to be a member and enter these things, but it's a motivator and good for discipline and forces/enables oyu to take on a project.

I've thought about the 'A', but am I being had over? Is it worth it? Should I even bother, or just carry on please in myself what I photograph?

Just joined here by the way, already picked up some interesting tips and info

I Have a new Nikon D60 and Sb 800 speedlight in Pakistan

Getting this thread back on topic, I've not tried going for any of the Royal Photographic Society distinctions (LRPS, ARPS or FRPS) mainly as the incremental additional membership costs gets higher for the privilege of holding those letters after your name, (Currently £40 for LRPS, £60 for ARPS, £75 for FRPS). The structure will however help anyone striving for an award improve their photography.As alternative to the RPS distinctions you could consider the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (PAGB) awards for which you’ll need to be a member of an affiliated photographic club. The PAGB they do three levels of award CPAGB, DPAGB and MPAGB i.e. Credit, Distinction and Master. The award differs for the RPS offering in that the work submitted is considered and scored individually, instead of as a collective panel and unlike the RPS once you’ve attained the award your are entitled to the designation for life with no annual fee paying. You can find more information at:- http://www.pagb-photography-uk.co.uk/