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by Mark Ashworth Published 01/11/2011
"I don't really specialise in any one thing," he says, "although it would be fair to say that most of the areas I'm involved in revolve around working with people. I cover weddings, studio portraits, kids, fashion and a little commercial work: a whole range of things really, and it's just the way that a studio generally has to do things these days."
The decision to join The Societies was made at the same time that Mark decided to set up on his own and he reasoned that it was something that made complete sense since it was an exciting and go-ahead body that gave him access to the expertise of others in the business who were prepared to share their knowledge. He also appreciated the fact that it supported a healthy awards programme, although he admits to being so busy these days that he doesn't get the chance to enter too many of the competitions on offer himself.
"I've always particularly enjoyed the Convention," he says. "I just think the whole thing is brilliant and it's such a great opportunity to network, to meet new people and to catch up with old friends. As an event I think it's more beneficial to me than even something like Focus: for a start it's a professional show which means that it's one hundred per cent tailored for my business, while the Trade Show is totally dedicated to the market I'm serving and it's a fantastic opportunity to see new products and to get a feel for the latest trends that are developing."
Mark is also planning to get along to a number of the seminars and workshops that are on offer and he's already pencilled in a number of names that he'll be checking out if he gets the chance.
"It's probably fair to say that most of my interest will be in those sessions that have a business flavour," he says. "The workshops that Julia Boggio is doing look like they will have a lot to offer - she's speaking about making sales, how to run a portrait business and how to combine a business with a family - and Stuart McIntyre is always good as well, and he's speaking about running a general practice studio and how to offer makeover photography.
"I'm also interested in seeing Martin Oliver who is doing three talks about making big money from family portraiture and Sofie Louca and Paul Karaolldes will be talking about aspects of Photoshop in their two workshops, which will definitely give everyone something to think about. The fact is that however long you are in this business you should never stop learning and it's a good opportunity for all of us to pick up some new ideas and to hear about the ways that other people do things. The Convention is a great place to do exactly that."
There are 0 days to get ready for The Society of Photographers Convention and Trade Show at The Novotel London West, Hammersmith ...
which starts on Thursday 1st January 1970