Another great show on offer as The Societies’ gears up for its Tenth Anniversary Convention

30/0811

The countdown has begun for Europe’s biggest photographic gathering as The Societies’ (incorporating the SWPP) finalises the details of its 2012 Convention.

Starting on Tuesday January 10 and running for a full week, once again the event is centred on the Novotel in Hammersmith, London, and will feature a 150-strong seminar/speaker line-up that consists of some of the top international names in the world of photography.

Those scheduled to appear at the show include wedding photography gurus such as Nick Ghionis and Adam Alex (who will also be presenting a full day workshop on Business Creativity on January 16), dynamic wedding shooter Becker from southern California, whose blog has given him an international following, Trevor and Faye Yerbury who will be holding workshops on site as well as heading up a live boudoir shoot on location at a bespoke London hotel and marketing experts Julia Boggio, James Derbyshire and Damien Lovegrove. Also presenting will be convention favourites such as Gordon McGowan, Joe Photo, Bjorn Thomassen, Jon Jenkins, Catherine Connor, Andrea Barrett and Damian McGillycuddy.

“Spanning seven days in total the variety of courses available is unsurpassed in Europe,” says Societies’ CEO Phil Jones, “and they include intensive full day location workshops around London through to informative masterclasses, which run from early morning to late evening.

“Photographers can also enter the prestigious 20 x 16 image competition and or have their work assessed for accreditation, all of which is held in public viewing rooms so interested attendees can watch the assessment. The Convention culminates in a memorable social event, the Awards Dinner, which sees the presentation of honours to the winners of all of the Societies competitions and recognises those who have contributed throughout the year.”

While there is plenty on offer in the way of seminars and demos that are free for delegates to attend on a first-come-first-served basis there is also a series of paid-for masterclasses and superclasses that are restricted to much lower numbers and which can involve off-site visits to exciting locations around London. These need to be booked in advance and already tickets are selling fast, with sales up 5% on last year.

One of those holding events off-site is social photographer Andrea Barratt, who will be contributing to her fifth convention. “My first workshop will involve me setting up a mock wedding complete with a ‘real’ bride and groom and attendants,” she says, “and delegates will be taking the part of wedding guests! We’ll start at the Novotel in Hammersmith and will then take in a bride’s home visit and will hopefully also visit a church to set up some shots there. We’ll then go to Westminster Hall for location pictures, group shots and portraits of the couple, and we’ll finish up back at the Novotel for reception shots and cake cutting.”

Catherine Connor will be involved again in The Societies’ famous Business School, and she’s looking forward to the chance to work with delegates. “The Business School vibe is inspiring, motivational and great fun,” she says, “and a unique atmosphere is achieved and shared. Over the years we’ve cried with laughter at the stories shared; photographers are so generous and that is the atmosphere I aim to create each year.”

From the delegate’s point of view there is plenty on offer and the convention has been a stepping-stone for many wishing to enter the photographic industry or to increase their knowledge. Susan Renee first attended the convention in 2008 as a complete newcomer to the industry. “When I walked through the door of the Novotel I felt like a kid in a candy store,” she says. “Never before had I seen so many like-minded people with a love of photography in one place at one time.

“It was easy to strike up conversations over a drink at the bar and I made so many new friends who have greatly influenced my photography career to date. By the end of the week, my brain hurt with the amount of knowledge I'd crammed in. Since then, I’ve learned to pace myself a little more, and with the number and fantastic quality of classes to choose from, it is genuinely possible to plan a ‘bespoke’ week that can help you to revolutionise and invigorate your business. It’s an investment in your future.”

For more information about The Societies’ Convention event 2012 go to www.swpp.co.uk.