PTO - Architectural Images

Jim Lowe Jim Lowe is a highly qualified industrial/commercial photographer specialising in architectural work. He is also an experienced lecturer and a former President of the British Institute of Professional Photography. Currently he is vice-chairman of the Federation of European Photographers. His accolades, distinctions and qualifications are an indication of the level of his work and it is creditable that he still dedicates time serving others. A fellow of both the BIPP and the Royal Photographic Society, Jim was, in fact, one of the first photographers to be awarded a QEP – Qualified European Photographer. He is currently Chairman of the FEP Qualifications Board.

As a young boy he developed an interest in photography living with his parents in Zambia. Whilst his father worked as an underground surveyor, his mother helped run their photographic business.

When his parents returned to Swansea he completed his A levels at school – which he claims he did not do well at, as he was more interested in girls and rugby – however, he had the choice of joining the Merchant Navy or taking a place at Swansea College of Art – he choose photography and after completing a three-year course, took a job at the Ministry of Defence in London. He later moved on to Portsmouth Poly as a research photographer, and then as Chief Photographer at Westinghouse, in Chippenham.

Perhaps his most enjoyable period was at Westinghouse as an inplant photographer which led to assignments in Zimbabwe and Hong Kong but he had always had a yearning to run his own photographic business, so in 1985 he took the plunge and, with his wife Sue, formed Jim Lowe Photography which is still going strong to this day.

Photography has taken him to some interesting and strange places, from sewers to the Houses of Parliament – read into that what you will. It has also taken him to far-flung places and, in his capacity as Vice-President of the FEP, he has conducted innumerable seminars on architectural photography in Moscow, Italy, Ireland, Malta, the Netherlands and Austria.

Jim explains that modern buildings are extremely challenging to photograph as they present different technical problems, especially with mixed lighting. From using 5”x4” Sinar cameras he finds he is using the digital medium more despite individuals and companies feeling they can adequately shoot their own images – the main thrust of his seminar in Taba, Egypt from 27 January – 3 February 2009 will be how to combat this growing problem by photographers being more Jim Lowe creative and innovative in the use of their camera craft to produce vastly superior images in this competitive industry.

So why not join Jim and other top speakers in Egypt next January in what promises to be an exciting and informative week. Included in the impressive list of speakers in Egypt will be – Charlie Waite – the doyen of landscape photography, Paul Callaghan – Ireland’s premier wedding photographer, Liesbeth Davidse fashionable portraits from the Netherlands, Lesley Wood on contemporary outdoor children’s portraits, Kelly Hearn the UK’s Wedding Photographer of the Year 2008, with Dave Wall and Jane Conner-ziser bestowing the virtues of digital enhancements and workflow solutions.

Evening seminars will include Phil & Juliet Jones of the SWPP on how to use the web as a marketing tool. Patrick Ciatto on portrait lighting and posing. Also a retrospective look over the past 50 years of celebrity images of royalty, film stars and the Beatles by the entertaining Tom Murray. The ever popular print competition, Jim Lowe cultural trip and gala awards event will also feature.

If you have never attended a PTO you will not be disappointed. However, bookings are coming in fast and the deadline for a guaranteed place is the end of September. So don’t delay, book today and take advantage of the beautiful weather, the superb location in the Red Sea area, close to the Ochre mountains of the Sinai dessert, and the Red Rose City of Petra in neighbouring Jordan.

Full details can be viewed on the PTO website at www.pto-uk.com

Jim Lowe

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Convention testimonials Just wanted to convey my thanks and the companies thanks for the Show this year. Jane Allan Photography
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Photo Quote: I never know in advance what I will photograph, ... I go out into the world and hope I will come across something that imperatively interests me. I am addicted to the found object. I have no doubt that I will continue to make photographs till my last breath. - Ansel Adams

There are 333 days to get ready for the SWPP Convention and Trade Show at The Hilton London Metropole Hotel ...
which starts on Tuesday 8th January 2013