Past Events

Here you can find details of the AOP's past events, since July 2014.

If you have any suggestions about events that you would like to see the AOP holding again, including career talks, seminars, online exhibitions or workshops, then please get in touch.

We also really appreciate feedback, so if you have attended an event and certain things stood out to you (positive and negative), then please let us know.

Email: events@aophoto.co.uk or call: +44 (0) 20 7739 6669

Assisting Photographer one-to-one portfolio reviews, 4 December 2018

Le Book Connections, 14 -15 November 2018

Broncolor Lighting Masterclass, 7 November 2018

AOP/AOI Debate: Perfect Commissioning: Let The Good Terms Roll, 29 October 2018

AOP & AOI DEBATE

Perfect Commissioning: Let the Good Terms Roll

16:00 - 19:00, Monday 29 October, Cherryduck Studios, 8-10 Sampson Street, London, E1W 1NA

Tickets: £10

The UK’s creative industries are a global success story, particularly in the arena of image-making, advertising and marketing. We lead the way in creating not only inspirational, but successful, global advertising campaigns for many of the best-known brands.

In a global market, clients' requirements change and as a result so do commissions. From the increasingly familiar request ‘to make it move’ to the shift in licensing patterns towards copyright buyouts, our industry is changing.

Commissioners and creators rely on each other and a successful commission (in terms of both process and product) – is truly joyful. However, even the best-laid plans can sometimes go awry.

The Association of Photographers and the Association of Illustrators invite illustrators and photographers, commissions and clients, to come together to look at how we can ensure a vibrant, thriving future for all of us.

In this session, our guest Lu Howlett, Head of Art & Photographic at Iris Worldwide iris-worldwide.com, Daniel Moorey, Head of Photography and Illustration at adamandeveDDB, adamandeveddb.com, Mat Wiggins, Group Art Director at Ink Global, Ink-global.com, Alicia Hart, photo editor, art buyer, creative producer, reviewerand visual artist and Jon Cockley, co-founder of Handsome Frank www.handsomefrank.com will join AOP and AOI business and legal advisers,Nick Dunmur and Derek Brazell. Also on hand will be Ren Renwick, Managing Director AOI and Seamus McGibbon, Executive Director AOP (other panelists to be confirmed, please check back).

To explore...

What elements make up a good commission and successful result?

What makes a good creator and creative process for that commission?

Where and why do things come unstuck?

What are the fair terms, licence agreements and remuneration for that work?

Following the discussion there will be an opportunity to mingle with colleagues.

Places are strictly limited

Daniel Moorey
Daniel commissions still and moving images and is currently Head of Photography and Illustration at adamandeveDDB. He works across all channels including digital, ambient, events, press, posters, TV, instagram etc. He works in all mediums from photography, illustration, film and CG to projection mapping and matte painting. In his previous life he was Head of Artbuying at DDB London for 8 years and Artbuyer at AMVBBDO for 10 years. He has been involved in some of the best work coming out of London in the last decade for clients including Harvey Nichols, Guinness, Marmite, Economist, H&M, Dulux, BBC, Guardian, VW and the Financial Times. He has judged numerous awards including D&AD, Campaign Photo, PDN New York, AOP, Rangefinder, YCN, AOI.

Alicia Hart
Art Buyer, Photo Editor, Artist and Lecturer, works in Advertising , creative agencies and Editorial. Working with some of the uk leading universities leading professional practice workshops. She is a regular portfolio reviewer for international photography festivals and Lensculure. Her clients include: BT, British Airways, FT Weekend Magazine, Grey Goose, Guinness, The Sunday Telegraph Magazine, The Face and Arena Magazine, Mayor of London Office, National Lottery, Wallpaper* Magazine and Salt Magazine.

Lu Howlett
Lu arrived in London from Sydney’s sunny shores in 1999. After cutting her teeth in the ad biz at the likes of Lowe Lintas, TBWA, Publicis and M&C Saatchi she jumped ship to go back and hone her craft at University of the Arts London. Graduating with a degree in Photography & Fashion, Lu re-entered the creative industry as a freelance stylist & producer.

After nearly a decade of styling and producing shoots within fashion, music, and advertising she was enticed back to agency life by, at the time, emerging independent shop Brothers and Sisters. Lu successfully established the art-buying department at Brothers and Sisters, later managing integrated projects and producing campaigns for Carphone Warehouse, Centre Parcs, Museum of London, Sky and Virgin Active.

Now heading up the art-buying department at iris worldwide, Lu oversees all photographic/illustration commissioning and production throughout the London agency offering support to the global network.

AOP AGM 2018, 10 October 2018

Beyond The Lens: AOP Business Day, 10 September 2018

AOP Open Award Winners Exhibition, 14 - 29 June 2018

Student Awards 2018 Exhibition, 6 June - 31 July 2018

Student Awards Party & Presentation, 27 June 2018

Beyond the Lens: Starting Out Conference, 27 June 2018

Starting Out: Student & Graduate Conference

10:30am - 5:00pm, Wednesday 27 June 2018

Direct Digital, 200-202 Hercules Rd, Lambeth, London SE1 7LD

Join us for a day of practical, informative talks to inform and inspire you on your own career in professional photography. This will take place at Direct Digital 10:30am-5pm.

The talk line up include:

* 10.30 Welcome tea and coffee

* 11am Assisting Photographer Karyn Louise on what you really need to know about working as an assisting photographer. From what kit to pack in your bag, how to get work as an assistant, how to balance your own work and assisting and loads more.

* 12 noon Award winning photographer Marta Kochanek talks about how she first got started in photography, her commissions, and life as a photographer.

* 1pm Lunch is provided for all guests

* 2pm Direct Digital's Introduction to working with a rental house

* 2.30pm Trayler & Trayler explain how photography agencies work, and how photographers can go about getting an agent.

* 3.30 Tea break

* 3.45pm AOP's Legal and Business Advisor Nick Dunmur passes on his top, absolute essential advice and tips for protecting yourself from the common legal problems faced by those working in the photography industry.

* 4.15pm Photography industry career paths - Panel discussion

Join AOP's membership officer and Creative Consultant Emma Taylor as she leads a panel discussion on the variety of careers the photographic industry has to offer. Find out how our panel journeyed to their current positions & what they learnt along the way. Panel guests include Angus Light from Locate Productions, Ian Baker from The Bunker and Cameron Eccles from A Construction Production.

Venue: Direct Digital, 200-202 Hercules Road, Lambeth, London SE1 7LD

Date: Wednesday 27 June 2018

Time: 10:30am - 5:00pm

AOP Student, Junior Assistant & Assisting Photographer Members: £5 (note: you must be logged in first)

Non-member: £10

This price includes lunch and refreshments

Sponsored by:

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AOP50 Exhibition Tours, May 2018

AOP50 Exhibition at One Canada Square, 18 April - 1 June 2018

AOP50 Exhibition

18 April - 1 June 2018

Lobby, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf

2018 will be a special year for us as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary. What better way to mark such an important milestone than to present a retrospective of our members' most iconic images at a public exhibition at one of the UK's leading locations?!

To recognise this important milestone, this exhibition, curated by Zelda Cheatle, presents a collection of images that define 50 years of the AOP, selected to illustrate the impact, diversity and quality of work by its members since 1968, who have included David Bailey, Lord Snowdon, Barry Lategan, Patrick Lichfield, Giles Duley and Nadav Kander. Their work will have been seen by the public the world over, from iconic images of celebrities and stars like Twiggy, in major advertising campaigns and countless car manufacturers, as well as documenting some of the world’s turning points, including wars, famine and humanitarian disasters. Many of their images have defined a generation, and helped to shape public opinion and create change.

Exhibiting artists include:

Adam Hinton, Alan Brooking, Amit & Naroop, Anderson And Low, Andy Green, Barry Lategan, Carol Sharp, Carolyn Mendhelsohn, Clare Park, Clive Boursnell, Cornel Lucas, David Eustace, David Fairman, Donald Silverstein, Duffy, Duncan Caractacus Clark, Edgar Martins, Elizabeth Zeschin, Graham Ford, Harry Cory Wright, Jillian Edelstein, John Claridge, Jonathan Olley, Joseph Ford, Ken Griffiths, Laura Pannack, Lorenzo Vitturi, Marcus Doyle, Marcus Lyon, Martin Usbourne, Max Forsyth, Mike Sheil, Nadav Kander, Paul Wakefield, Paul Wenham Clarke, Peter Lavery, Rolph Gobits, Rory Carnegie, Sandra Lousada, Simon Norfolk, Simon Page Ritchie, Siobhan Doran, Spencer Rowell, Terence Donovan, Tessa Bunney, Tessa Traeger, Tim Flach, Tim Hetherington, Tom Murray, Tom Stoddart, Vikram Kushwah and Zed Nelson.

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AOP Award Winners Gallery at The Photography Show, 17 - 20 March 2018

The Photography Show, 17 - 20 March 2018

AOP at The Photography Show

17 - 20 March 2018

Birmingham NEC, Stand G62

Join us again this year at The Photography Show in Birmingham, where we will be offering 25% off Accredited Photographer, Assisting Photographer, Junior Assistant, Associate, Affiliated Company, Afiliated course memberships, plus exclusive offers on on our Beyond the Lens book and AOP Awards Book.

Portfolio Reviews

Saturday 17 March

12-3pm Paul J Harvey (Photographer)

Monday 19 March

1-3pm Marc Schlossman (Photographer & Founder of MPrint)

12-3pm Lou Turner (Agent - Flock)

12-3pm Sarah Daw (Agent- Sarah Daw)

Tuesday 20 March **STUDENTS ONLY**

12-3pm Matt Wreford (Photographer & Founder of MPrint)

Talks

Saturday 17 March - AOP Stand G62

13:00 - 13:45 - Everything photographers need to know about GDPR

Join us at our AOP stand G62 to hear from Ross McRae of Bikini Lists all that you need to know about the new GDPR changes. Ross will be at our stand all day between 10:00-16:00 to answer any specific questions you may have!

Monday 19 March - Toute Suite (Outside Hall 5)

10:30 - 11:05 - How to present your work and yourseld to clients

AOP and Creative Advice Network's very own Emma Taylor will be talking about how you can take control of your future, how to define your own photography style, and how to identify and find the clients you want.

Emma Taylor

11:05 - 11:40 - Websites and portfolios that get you work

Brought to you by AOP, don't miss this talk by Manage My Website's Allie Astell and MPrint's Marc Schlossman, who will talk about how to market and present yourself, working with print and online portfolios, current trends in presentation, and the best ways to target the work you want to be doing.

Allie Astell Marc SChlossman

12:25 - 13:00 - How to hold on to your money

Eric Longley talks about good financial management, running a profitable business and learning about the best ways to hold on to the money you earn and provide for the future.

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https://www.photographyshow.com/exhibitors/assocation-of-photographers

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Beyond the Lens Festival and AOP Awards Exhibition 2017, 13 -16 October 2017

2017 AOP Awards Party & Presentation, 12 October 2017

AOP Awards on Tour at City of Glasgow College, 18 - 30 July 2017

AOP at Retina Scottish International Photography Festival, 17 June - 15 July 2017

2017 AOP Student Awards Exhibition, 4 - 6 July 2017

Starting Out Conference 2017, 4 July 2017

The Craft of Cinematography - workshop with Franz Pagot, 1 July and 8 July 2017

Freerange 1-to-1 Student Portfolio Reviews, 24 June and 1 July 2017

AOP Awards Exhibition at Sunbeam Studios, March - June 2017

Stand Out Photographic Forum London, 27 April 2017

AOP Assisting Photographer 1-to-1s, 26 April 2017

The Craft of Cinematography - workshop with Franz Pagot, 22 April 2017

AOP Awards Exhibition at Fleet Street Press, 1 April - 8 August 2017

2017 AOP Student Awards Call for Entries, 23 January - 18 April 2017

The Photography Show, 18 March - 21 March 2017

18 - 21 March 2017

NEC Brimingham.

The Association of Photographers will once again be at The Photography Show 2017 in March; a destination for all image creators.

As a part of the AOP Awards Tour, winners from the AOP Awards 2016 will be exhibited at Show across all four days.

Buy tickets for the event here!

The AOP are going to be represented all over the show. Visit us at our stand (G42) to grab a copy of the AOP Awards Book or Beyond the Lens, ask about membership, or just to introduce yourself! You will also have many chances over the weekend to attend a talk by a guest speaker, and we are excited about our lineup!

Talks by:

Amit & Naroop (AOP Members) Sat 18th & Sun 19th March, 2:00pm
Charlie Giles (AOP Marketing Manager) Sat 18th & Sun 19th March, 3:15pm
Hat Margolies (Lucid Representation) Mon 20th March, 10:30am
Nick Dunmur (AOP Business and Legal Advisor) Mon 20th March, 11:05am
Clare Sugden (CHUBB) Mon 20th March, 11:50am
James Vellacott (Cherryduck Productions) Mon 20th March, 12:00pm

We will host one to one sessions at our stand each day, so whether you’d like your portfolio reviewed or need some general advice, book onto a session with one of our experts:

Amit and Naroop, Emma Taylor, Germaine Walker, Hat Margolies, Nick Dunmur and Richard Seymour

Click on the date below to book:

Saturday 18th March 2017 - Amit and Naroop

Sunday 19th March 2017 - Amit and Naroop and Emma Taylor

Monday 20th March 2017 - Emma Taylor

Tuesday 21st March 2017 - (Students ONLY) - Nick Dunmur and Richard Seymour

About Our One to One Hosts

Amit and Naroop - Born and raised in West London, photography duo Amit Amin and Naroop Jhooti got together in 2005, when a mutual friend, an aspiring music artist, needed a press shoot. The chemistry was instant. From that first shoot, they teamed up as creative partners and Amit and Naroop Photography was formed. The duo continued working within the music industry, developing their own distinct, intense visual style and honing their craft. Over the last thirteen years, they have continued to broaden their horizons and their work has expanded to embrace advertising and portraiture, all interpreted with their characteristic passion and style.

Emma Taylor, Creative Advice Network - Being any kind of a creative is truly fantastic. But we understand that just because it’s the best job doesn’t mean it’s an easy job. So if you’re Photographer, Art Director or any other kind of working creative and you’re in need of a bit of Creative Advice you can turn to us.

Nick Dunmur- Nick Dunmur is a professional photographer and has been all his working life. He is currently based just north of Nottingham and is involved in professional commercial and advertising commissions, including making small pieces of video/moving image for clients, and in producing personal photographic work for several environment-driven photographic print works. A large-scale body of work titled Edgelands, has already formed the basis of two exhibitions in the Midlands. Nick also works on an occasional basis as an associate lecturer on the BA (Hons) Photography course at the University of Derby.

He makes his own work and sells limited edition fine art photographic prints thorough his shop at Artfinder and also through his own dUNMUR | Printworks website. Until June 2013, Nick was a non-executive director of the Association of Photographers (AOP) and between October 2008 and January 2011 held the role of Chair. He is also one of the founding group of members of Pro Imaging, another trade body which protects the rights of professional photographers, and up until 2013, represented them on the board of the British Photographic Council.

Richard Seymour is a photographer specialising in automotive, aerospace and urban landscape photography often using advanced composite techniques and CG rendered elements. Over the past few years he’s also been directing films and TV commercials and is now expanding his portfolio into VR and AR.

As well as The AOP, Hall 5 at the NEC Birmingham will see over 250 brands including Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Olympus, Panasonic, Sony, Manfrotto, MAC Group, Profoto, Pixapro and Lowepro showcasing the latest gear for you to try and buy at great prices.

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Beyond the Lens Festival, 14 -17 October 2016

AOP Awards: Beyond the Lens

Friday 14 - Monday 17 October, Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London E1

The AOP will take over the largest space at the Old Truman Brewery for 4 days of all things photography. Alongside the Awards Exhibition, Beyond the Lens will include talks by leading photographers and names in the industry, covering everything from critical reviews, copyright and business planning, to marketing, promotion and more. So far confirmed are:

All talks were FREE.

Friday 14 October 10- 17:30

Hasselblad X1D
Get hands on with Hasselblad’s revolutionary new X1D digital medium format mirrorless camera with a special live shoot.

Main Stage

11.00am: The Ever Diminishing Value of Photography Award winning photographer Cambridge Jones will discuss his amazing career and the pitfalls of working for free. cambridgejones.com

12.00pm: Letting Go of the Camera Publishers are moving to video, brands are moving to video, everyone is moving to video. While there is still demand for great, professional photography, it’s clear that moving images are no longer the future - they are the present. Cherryduck Managing Director and AOP Chairman James Vellacott will lead a small panel discussion, sharing their experiences of making the transition from photography to video and discussing how photographers can get out from behind the camera and become Directors, Directors of Photography, and more.

1.00pm: The Britons Editorial and portrait photographer Peter Dench, currently working on The Dench Dozen: Great Britons of photography, will talk about British identity and humour in photography as well as take questions about his book.

1.45pm: Photo Cycles: How to Position Yourself in the Current Environment These days, it can feel like it’s not enough to simply sell yourself as a photographer.

In this seminar, Beth Taubner will reveal the emotional, psychological and analytical underpinnings as to why you need to be a brand, how to transform your career based on your own emotional centre, and how the marketplace really sees you. She will demystify some of the options available to maintain and expand your reach in the current complex environment, including expansion into areas such as motion, fine art, personal work, collaborations, or publishing your own book – all based on your own, highly developed point of view. Perfect for all levels.

3.00pm: Importance of Personal Project Work Emma Taylor will be joined by a panel of photographers Dylan Collard and Jonathan Knowles along with Sarah Williams, Head of Art Buying at M&C to discuss why personal projects are so important not only to photographers but to agents and commissioners too.

4.00pm: Making the leap into the Art World Laura Noble is the Director of L A Noble Gallery in London (LANG), curator of this year’s AOP Awards, a lecturer and the author of 'The Art of Collecting Photography'. She will be exploring themes and sharing insights into the sale of work through galleries, with a focus on editioning print terms and the presentation of your work online and in a gallery context. Laura will also discuss how the art world differs from commercial photographic practice. www.lauraannnoble.com

Business & Legal Talks
Nick Dunmur, professional photographer and business and legal adviser to AOP members, will run 4 one-hour workshops/discussions as outlined below:

11.00am and 2.00pm: The repeal of section 52 of the CDPA and what it means for professional photographers, plus updates on other areas of relevant legislation.

This workshop is primarily aimed at interiors, architectural and fashion and lifestyle photographers, or indeed any photographer who may wish to get a greater understanding of this recent change in legislation and what the implications are for their own practice. Time allowing, there will be the opportunity for discussion/Q&A on related topics.

12.30pm and 3.30pm Best business practice for photographers and the paperwork trail

This workshop is aimed at anyone who wishes to get a firm(er) grip on the paperwork requirements for running a professional photography business. Many photographers will already have their own approach to this, but it can be useful to have assumptions challenged and/or perceptions reinforced. In times where clients often expect more for less, it is important to know how to minimise your own exposure to any sort of risk as a result of not having good paperwork in place.

Saturday 15th October, 10:00 - 17:30

Tintypes display Throughout the day the winner of last year’s Commissioned Design Series category Tif Hunter will demonstrate the tintypes photographic process.

11.00am: In Fashion? Fashion photographer and curator of Non Commissioned Fashion in this year’s Awards Perry Curties talks about his inspirations. He will also explain how photographers works alongside the fashion industry so that ideas remain fresh from season to season. perrycurties.co.uk

12.00noon: The Photographers’ Dining Club Join us for a lunchtime takeover with the Photographers’ Dining Club and a host of special guests as we delve into all things analogue with everything from film, instant and more. photographersdiningclub.com

2.00pm: Understanding What Your (Potential) Clients Want Diving into moving images means opening yourself up to a different kind of commissioner. As video takes over as the dominant digital ad format, metrics matter to buyers just as much as aesthetic. Having the knowledge of what makes an effective Facebook video, a gripping Instagram post, and an engaging YouTube campaign can make all the difference in a competitive pitch. Kim French, Business Development Director at Cherryduck will discuss how agencies and brands measure the success of their visual campaigns and some simple steps you can take to be as informed as possible when going into complex projects.

3.00pm: Influencer Marketing The Freelancers’ Club will discuss Influencer Marketing in this practical seminar, touching on the importance of having a strong profile as well as photographic ability.

4.00pm: Amit & Naroop Expect more inspirational work, advice and encouragement from the AOP wonder boys Amit and Naroop as they talk about their work and explain how they have made such an amazing impact on the photography scene. http://www.amitandnaroop.com

Sunday 16th October, 10:00 - 17:00

Please note that due to work commitment Julia Fullerton-Batten is unable to attend on Sunday and Nadav Kander’s talk has moved forward to 11am from 4pm.

11.00am: Nadav Kander London-based photographer extraordinaire Nadav Kander is known for his portraiture and landscape work.In this talk he will show us what inspires him as well as discussing his work.

12.00noon: Exhibiting Photography Alex Schneideman, founder of the world-famous Flow Photographic, will impart years of experience helping clients all over the world to stage stunning exhibitions of photography.

During the talk Alex will cover: curating - new ways to discover narratives in series of images; the ‘Work Backwards’ method for practical and beautiful exhibition staging; framing methods and alternatives; plus many other hints and tips for showing your work in the best light.

After the talk Alex is happy to talk to you about your particular exhibition requirements.

1.00pm: AOP Awards Winners Panel Ian Potter of The Miss Jones Agency will be interviewing this year’s winners, discussing their bodies of work, their winning images, how they originated, why they entered and their plans for the future.

2.45pm: One Second of Light Award winning photographer, writer, documentary maker, public speaker and trustee of the charity EMERGENCY Giles Duley will discuss his amazing body of work and his moving new book and exhibition One Second of Light.

4.00pm: Watch This Space

Monday 17th October, 10:00 - 16:00

11.00am- 3.00pm: AOP Open Surgeries Your chance to book a one to one with a series of industry experts including agents, lawyers, insurance and financial experts and more to discuss issues or look at your portfolio. Specialist dependent of course!

AOP Open Surgeries:

Emma Taylor

Creative Advice Network’s Mary Poppins is on hand to talk portfolios, websites, clients, marketing and more

Hat Margolies

Lucid Representation, a London based agency, specialising in portraiture, lifestyle, food, kids, interiors, still life and travel. This is a great opportunity to talk to one of our leading agents about your portfolio, getting work or whatever you fancy

Beth Taubner

Mercurylab founder has been a Brand Strategist and Creative Director working in strategy and creative communications for over twenty years. Beth is happy to cast her expert eye over your portfolio

Alex Wilshire

Alex is joint Director of agency Burnham Niker. Starting out as a production assistant she now gets no greater pleasure than whipping the most tricky of productions into shape. Alex is happy to offer a portfolio review or pass on her extensive experience as an agent

Rose Mullings

Rose is a Senior Producer at agency Wyatt-Clarke & Jones home to some of our best photographers. Why not let her cast her expert eye over your portfolio?

Rachell Smith

One of our brightest young fashion photographers, and a star of this summer’s AOP Starting Out conference, Rachell can share her insights into how to start out as a photographer, as well as cast her eye over your portfolio

Paul Harvey

AOP Board member and specialising in car, landscape and CGI photography, Paul has been shooting global advertising campaigns for over 10 years. Paul is happy to pass his expert eye over your portfolio

Leah Mitchell

Leah has been working as an Art Buyer for 25 years. She was trained as an Art Buyer at McCann Erickson Advertising, and following seven years at McCann were she honed her skills, she branched out to work for a number of agencies including M&C Saatchi, McCann Erickson and Weiden & Kennedy Amsterdam. She was Head of Art Buying for the London branch of Leo Burnett Advertising for 15 years. She recently moved to U-Dox

Tom Gallagher from LPA

Lisa Prichard Agency (LPA) are one of the UK's leading photographers agents and shoot producers. They also represent stylists and hair/make-up artists and offer a pop-up agency service.

Ed Webster

Art buyer, producer and director for advertising and TV as well as a curator of the 2014 AOP Awards, Ed has extensive experience in the creative sector who is more than happy to share this experience as well as offer portfolio reviews.

Business Advice

Tom Carson

Founder partner of Williamson Carson, Tom is an expert on equipment and production liability including production and reshoot covers

Roy Meiklejon

An insurance expert with over 30 years experience in the business, Roy is happy to discuss your photography related insurance queries

Anne Mannion

Swan Turton LLP lawyer will be available to discuss photography copyright, contracts, disputes, model releases, i.e. most things related to the photography businesses. (No personal legal issues like divorces, wills, house purchases please)

Charles Swan

Swan Turton LLP lawyer will be available to discuss photography copyright, contracts, disputes, model releases, i.e. most things related to the photography businesses. (No personal legal issues like divorces, wills, house purchases please)

Nick Dunmur

AOP business and legal expert Nick is happy to cover everything from licensing, paperwork, fees, usage, to troubleshooting copyright issues and health-checks on paperwork/best practice

Matthew Whinney

Director of Whinney Insurance Brokers, Matthew is an expert on Professional Liability, Professional indemnity, Negligence, Intellectual Property, including copyright, licensing/clearances, section 52, model release etc and Contracting.

Charlie Giles

Whether it’s social media, reviewing your marketing materials, developing your brand or simply getting your name out there, AOP Marketing Manager Charlie is happy to help you with her amazing marketing advice.

Steve Ilott/Dan Nolan

Steve and Dan work at the printers of this year’s Awards Book Park Communications. They are both on hand to discuss what makes an optimum image for printing in a photographic lookbook, the choice of substrates that are available and their impact on imagery as well as binding options. In fact anything to do with producing books!

Sonia Beldom

A specialist in developing television ideas for on-screen talent as well as an established media trainer working with leading arts organisations and individuals, Sonia is happy to help with:

How to present yourself & win business - classic do’s and don’ts of presenting, incorporating verbal and non-verbal communication, telling your story and feeling confident and relaxed with any audience from 1 to 1,000.

Building your personal brand - how to make sure you’re consistent, engaging, valuable and memorable in person, on your website and through the products and services you offer

Perfecting your pitch - classic story-telling techniques, getting your elevator pitch right and making sure your personality comes through when you pitch ideas, yourself or your business.

Facing the press & media. How to stay on message, deal with challenging questions and put your message across succinctly and confidently.

The Secrets of successful networking - top 5 networking secrets from your capsule speech through to approaching and leaving a networking group.

Ross MacRae

Head Honcho at Bikini Lists Ross will be available to discuss how to identify, promote to and follow up with new clients in Ad Agencies, Brands and Editorial. What to say, what not say, when to say it and how often... Get some marketing insights from the experts.

Marc Jason

Marc Jason is one of the founding directors of AEL Markhams Ltd, a firm of accountants and taxation advisors specialising in saving creative clients which in the main are photographers and photographic agencies tax.

Marc will be happy to have one to one meetings and discuss possible tax saving options available to creatives.

More Information on Speakers

Cambridge Jones an award-winning British photographer has photographed four British Prime Ministers, the Queen, Al Pacino and everyone from Sir Anthony Hopkins to James Bond. Some of his recent work resides in the Queen's private Library at Windsor Castle.

Talking of his influences he cites and draws inspiration from Beaton, Bown and early Bailey.

“Cambridge Jones is one of the most compelling new photographers in the UK,” says Alex Proud of Proud Galleries, Europe’s largest private photography gallery. cambridgejones.com

Emma Taylor is Founder and Director of Creative Advice Network, which offers support and advice to companies and individuals within the Photographic, Advertising and Design sectors. Best described as a "Creative Mary Poppins" she helps creatives with portfolios, websites and help to steer their work in the right direction.

Beth Taubner founder of Mercurylab has been a Brand Strategist and Creative Director working in strategy and creative communications for over twenty years. Beth has developed a proprietary approach to branding using a combination of psychological, visual and analytic processes that apply to anyone, from individuals to brands of all sizes. She creates branding programs and distinctive concepts, visuals and communications for businesses large and small, for photographers, publishers, retailers, products, non-profits, entrepreneurs and creative professionals in the United States, the UK, and worldwide. Her clients have ranged from well-known American brands such as A&E, Stop & Shop and Miramax Films to UK-based The Well-Fed Cuckoo and Debut Art, retailers such as online fashion powerhouse Moda Operandi, as well as Condé Nast Publications and International  Newsweek. She works on branding programs with esteemed artist representatives in the US and UK, and works closely on brand identification, language communications, creative direction, visual development and marketing with some of the top photographers in the world.

She has taught at prestigious schools such as Art Center College of Design and Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, and speaks extensively in the US and UK on The Psychology  of Branding, How to Discover and Communicate Your Brand, and Expanding Your Market.

Laura Noble is the Director of L A Noble Gallery in London. She is also a curator and author of The Art Of Collecting Photography, with primary essays in many monographs. As a guest judge for several competitions and awards and a Prix Pictet Nominator, her eyes are always peeled for new and exciting photography. Her blog has a global following, giving personal thoughts and opinions on the art world and art practice.

She curates and lectures on all aspects of collecting photography, and professional and gallery practice, and is a regular visiting lecturer at Sotheby’s Institute in London. As an avid collector, Laura prides herself on discovering new talent and writes extensively on photography in numerous journals worldwide.

With a commitment to emerging photographers, L A Noble Gallery runs an internship programme and gives regular portfolio reviews and consultations to photographers at all stages of their careers. Launching FIX Photo in 2016, the Gallery has established its reputation for exhibiting new and exemplary contemporary photography, and participates in and exhibits at several photography fairs and festivals worldwide.

Perry Curties is an internationally commissioned editorial and advertising photographer, specialising in fashion and portraiture. Now in his 15th career year he is widely recognised for a conceptual approach, strong lighting and confident use of colour. He has worked with clients including the BBC, Chanel, Channel 4, EE, English Ballet, GQ, John Richmond, JVC, Nokia, Saatchi & Saatchi, Stylist Magazine, The Sunday Times, New York Times, TBWA and Universal Pictures.

In addition to his own photography, Perry is a founding partner of 125, a photography organisation created to showcase new work by creative image makers, initially through the seminal 125 Magazine and more recently via the 125LIVE events, exhibitions and publications. He is also a visiting lecturer at a number of universities around the UK. perrycurties.co.uk

Amit & Naroop were born and raised in West London, photography duo Amit Amin and Naroop Jhooti got together in 2005, whilst Naroop was working in fashion and Amit was exploring the possibilities of being a professional photographer.

When a mutual friend, an aspiring music artist, needed a press shoot done, the two came together, working within their own fields of specialism. During the shoot they collaborated well, bouncing ideas off each other and producing some interesting images. The chemistry was instant. From that first shoot, they decided to team up as creative partners and Amit and Naroop Photography was formed.

The duo continued working within the music industry, developing their own distinct, intense visual style and honing their craft. They quickly built a name for themselves and began to get commissions from clients outside of the music industry.

Over the last ten years they have continued to broaden their horizons and their work has expanded to embrace advertising and portraiture, all interpreted with their characteristic passion and style. Their large and diverse portfolio of work includes iconic portraits of musicians and celebrities such as Tinie Tempah, Dynamo Magician and comedian Ricky Gervais, along with advertising campaigns for the likes of Barclays, MTV, Sunsilk and Huawei.

Their skill and vision speaks for itself and the images they have produced illustrate a fantastic eye for detail and depth of knowledge.

Having achieved a great deal of success in a relatively short period of time, they embrace the opportunity to share their experiences with others: “As two self-taught photographers, we came from nothing and made a name for ourselves. We find it very rewarding to inspire others to follow their creative aspirations and dream big”.

Cherryduck is a creative video agency that uses social media data to create video content that gets results. All content is produced in-house - from end to end. Cherryduck’s creative, production, post-production, and strategic teams are here in the heart of London, right next door to Cherryduck Studios - the 21,000 sq. ft. fully equipped creative space that we call home.

Julia Fullerton-Batten is an internationally acclaimed and exhibited fine art photographer. Her body of work now encompasses major projects spanning more than a decade of engagement in the genre. Her use of unusual locations, highly creative settings and street-cast models, accented with cinematic lighting, are hallmarks of her very distinctive style of photography. Using these tools and her strong creative talents she insinuates visual tensions into her images, and imbues them with a hint of mystery. They combine to provoke the viewer to re-examine the picture, each time seeing more content and finding a deeper meaning.

Julia’s fine art work now encompasses twelve major projects, which find enthusiasts worldwide and at both ends of the cultural spectrum, from casual viewers to connoisseurs of fine art photography. Her work is exhibited worldwide and reviewed constantly in professional magazines and the world’s press. A series of 16 portrait photos commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery are held there in permanent collection. She is frequently asked to speak at international photography events and to be a judge for international photographic competitions.

Alex Schneideman is founder and owner of FLOW PHOTOGRAPHIC, a London-based specialist photographic printer for artists, galleries and museums around the world. He is a visiting lecturer at the Glasgow School of Art in Singapore,And is also a working documentary photographer. Alex’s latest book WANT MORE, a photographic treatise on consumerism, was published by Art Books in 2015. He has exhibited work all over the world. Alex is also host of the PHOTOGRAPHICA PODCAST.

Giles Duley is an award-winning photographer, writer, documentary maker, public speaker and trustee of the charity EMERGENCY. He is one of world’s most effective humanitarian documentary photographers, having his work published in fashion and lifestyle magazines such as Marie Claire, Esquire, FHM, GQ as well as The Independent, The Times and many others. His recent collaboration with Massive Attack, where his images are part of their visual graphics for the European tour, has moved the audiences to silence and the press to write and film.

In his past career, Giles Duley worked as an editorial fashion and music photographer, working for such publications as GQ, Vogue, Esquire, Arena and Select Magazine. He photographed the likes of Kings of Leon, Oasis, Mariah Carey, The Black Crowes, Lenny Kravitz and Christian Bale. His portrait of Marilyn Manson was voted by Q Magazine as one of the “Greatest Rock Photographs Of All Time”. After a break from photography he came back to work on documenting the lesser known stories of human suffering and resilience around the world.

In 2011, whilst documenting the civilian impact of war in Afghanistan, Giles was to “become the story” after he stepped on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). He lost both legs and his left arm. He survived and after 18 months, 30+ operations and rehabilitation, he was determined to continue working and he did. The Channel 4 documentary “Return to the Frontline” covering Giles’ return to Afghanistan to finish his project won the award for Best International Current Affairs Documentary (2013) from the Association for International Broadcasting, and the Foreign Press Association (FPA) Award for TV Documentary Story of the Year (2013).

He has covered stories from Angola, Ukraine, Lebanon, South Sudan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Jordan and many more, working with NGOs such as Mine Advisory Group, EMERGENCY, Medicins Sans Frontieres, International Organisation for Migration, Handicap International, Save the Children and UNHCR.

In 2010 he was nominated for an Amnesty International Media award, winner of the Prix de Paris in 2012, nominated for the Taylor Wessing prize 2012, winner of the May Chidiac Award for Bravery in Journalism and the AIB Founders Award for Outstanding Achievement. Giles has been awarded an Honorary Masters degree in photography by the Arts University Bournemouth and an Honorary Fellowship from the Royal Photographic Society.

Nadav Kander is best known for his portraiture and landscape work. Yangtze – The Long River won the prestigious Prix Pictet award in 2009. In 2009, coinciding with Barack Obama’s Presidential inauguration, Kander’s 52 full page portraits of the President and his closest colleagues, aides and advisors was the largest portfolio of work to date that has been published in one issue of The New York Times Magazine.

In July 2012 Kander exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery in London with a series of portraits celebrating London’s hosting of the 2012 Olympics.

Nadav was among the 18 leading photographers chosen to be a part of Constructing Worlds, an exhibition at the Barbican Centre, which explores the ability of architectural photography to reveal wider truths about our society;exhibited until January 2015 in London and touring to the Swedish Centre for Architecture and Design, Stockholm and Museo ICO, Madrid.

Time Magazine commissioned Nadav to photograph President Barack Obama for their Person of the Year 2012 cover, and HRH Prince Charles for their November 2013 cover.

Dust -landscapes of modern ruins and ruined landscape -was exhibited at Les Rencontres d’Arles 2014 and continues to tour. Nadav received an Honorary Fellowship from The Royal Photographic Society.

Nick Dunmur is the AOP Business and Legal Advisor and has been a professional photographer all his working life. He spent 6 years as a non-executive director of the AOP Board, including two years as Chair.

Nick has been involved with various working groups and committees concerned with copyright and photographers' rights at the AOP and other organisations including the British Copyright Council and the British Photographic Council.

Picking up the reins from Gwen Thomas, Nick provides business and legal advice to our members on matters relating to professional practice, licensing, issues with copyright and infringements. This service is free to AOP Photographer members.

As a practicing photographer of commissioned and personal work, Nick is ideally placed to look at the issues faced by many professional photographers.

AOP Awards Party & Presentation, 13 October 2016

Student Awards Exhibition, 28 July - 15 August 2016

Student Awards Ceremony, 28 July 2016

AOP Awards On Tour at the Retina Festival, 14 - 23 July 2016

Personal Promotion: Defining your Vision - workshop, 23 June 2016, 10:30 - 13:30

Personal Promotion: Defining your Vision Workshop

Thursday 23rd June 2016, 10:30am - 1.30pm

AOP Offices, Holborn Studios, Eagle Wharf Road, London N1 5ED

A workshop, aimed at professional photographers

Finding the visual language that best describes your work and creative spirit.

What language do you use to describe your work and approach to photography?
How confident are you when asked to describe your vision?
Does your ‘pitch’ help you stand out from your competitors?

Genuine belief and passion in your work and ideas is the most infectious way to encourage someone to want to explore your photography. The most effective way to sell yourself and your ideas is by the transference of this enthusiasm.

The workshop will help you gain confidence in expressing a meaningful and textured summary about your work and approach to photography, which is crucial when pitching to clients or simply networking to promote your vision and motivations as a photographer.

Zoe Whishaw shall facilitate a highly interactive session where participants work in groups to explore and enhance their personal visual language that should help photographers gain in confidence when describing their work and their offer to prospective clients.

Zoe Whishaw is a Commercial Photography Consultant and Mentor providing creative direction and strategic advice for photographers at all stages in their career who what to take their work to the next level. She works on a one-to-one with those who need bespoke, objective advice to focus their creative energies and marketing and so gain competitive advantage.

As a seasoned Editor and Art Director she has had many years experience analysing and critiquing imagery across a broad spectrum of genre and subject areas. Zoe has developed and contributed to the success of leading media company, Getty Images, where she worked for 17 years in senior creative and strategic positions, latterly as European Director of Photography.

She has been on the judging panel of a range of national and international photography competitions, including the Association of Photography Awards, Wildlife Photographer of the Year and ArtGemini Prize and regularly conducts portfolio reviews at industry events. Zoe runs seminars and workshops at universities across the UK and works closely with Photofusion and Four Corners in London guiding photographers in professional practice.

Franz Pagot in Conversation, 25 May 2016, 18:30 - 20:00

Commercial Considerations: Content and Marketing, 24 May 2016

Commercial Considerations: Content and Marketing

Tuesday 24th May 2016, 10:30-12:30

AOP Offices, Holborn Studios, Eagle Wharf Road, London N1 5ED

A Seminar, aimed at professional photographers

If ever you’ve wondered how to make a photo editor or art buyer’s head turn, Zoe Whishaw's seminar will help you to evaluate your own photographic offer and give you tangible guidance on how to gain competitive advantage.

What characteristics does a photographer need to be successful in the commercial arena?

What is the advertising and commercial world looking for?
How can you make your website more appealing to this marketplace? What will catch the eye of an art buyer?
How can you make the most of your personal projects to enhance your portfolio?
How can documentary/editorial photographers break into the commercial world?

Zoe Whishaw is a Commercial Photography Consultant and Mentor providing creative direction and strategic advice for photographers at all stages in their career who what to take their work to the next level. She works on a one-to-one with those who need bespoke, objective advice to focus their creative energies and marketing and so gain competitive advantage.

As a seasoned Editor and Art Director she has had many years experience analysing and critiquing imagery across a broad spectrum of genre and subject areas. Zoe has developed and contributed to the success of leading media company, Getty Images, where she worked for 17 years in senior creative and strategic positions, latterly as European Director of Photography.

She has been on the judging panel of a range of national and international photography competitions, including the Association of Photography Awards, Wildlife Photographer of the Year and ArtGemini Prize and regularly conducts portfolio reviews at industry events. Zoe runs seminars and workshops at universities across the UK and works closely with Photofusion and Four Corners in London guiding photographers in professional practice.

The Offspring Photo Meet - May Edition, 16 - 17 May 2016

Stand Out - 21 April 2016

The Move from Emerging to Professional Photographer: Setting yourself up for Success, 20 April 2016

The Move from Emerging to Professional Photographer: Setting yourself up for Success

Wednesday 20th April 2016, 10:30 -12:30am

AOP Offices, Holborn Studios, Eagle Wharf Road, London N1 5ED

A Seminar, aimed at emerging photographers

Are you ready to become a pro?

How do you know when you’re ready?

What are the markets for a professional photographer?
What characteristics in a photographer do art buyers and photo editors look for?
What are the essential elements of a compelling website?
What does a photographer’s rep/agent do and when is the right time to find one?
What are the best ways to market your work?

This talk will give you a reality check to really determine whether running a photography business is the right thing for you.

Zoe Whishaw will be exploring what it takes to attract potential clients to use your services and the essential characteristics and personality traits that you need if you are to be successful.

She will be discussing how important it is for photographers to develop a Brand in what is a very congested creative arena.

Zoe Whishaw is a Commercial Photography Consultant and Mentor providing creative direction and strategic advice for photographers at all stages in their career who what to take their work to the next level. She works on a one-to-one with those who need bespoke, objective advice to focus their creative energies and marketing and so gain competitive advantage.

As a seasoned Editor and Art Director she has had many years experience analysing and critiquing imagery across a broad spectrum of genre and subject areas. Zoe has developed and contributed to the success of leading media company, Getty Images, where she worked for 17 years in senior creative and strategic positions, latterly as European Director of Photography.

She has been on the judging panel of a range of national and international photography competitions, including the Association of Photography Awards, Wildlife Photographer of the Year and ArtGemini Prize and regularly conducts portfolio reviews at industry events. Zoe runs seminars and workshops at universities across the UK and works closely with Photofusion and Four Corners in London guiding photographers in professional practice.

The Photography Show, 19 - 22 March 2016

The Photography Show

Saturday 19th March - Tuesday 22nd March

NEC, Birmingham

The AOP is returning to The Photography show for its second year running. Join thousands of fellow photography professionals, enthusiasts and trade visitors to find out what’s new from over 200 exhibiting brands, including industry giants Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Fujifilm, Panasonic and Sony.

Come and find us over the four days, at the AOP stand G42, more information on what we have in store to be released soon.

The event also includes masterclasses, networking events, a live stage, Adobe Theatre and workshops.

Click here to find out more about The Photography Show & book your free ticket.

What's on at the AOP Stand

Sunday 20th March

Amit & Naroop Making the leap from amateur to professional photographer

The differences between being an amateur and a pro How do you know the time is right to move from amateur to pro The first steps in setting yourself us as pro – your brand. How to market your work, yourself and attract clients. Agent – do you need one? Amit and Naroop will give their honest advice, based on first hand experiences, helping amateur photographers to make an informed decision about their careers.

Monday 21st March

11:00 - 14:00 Germaine Walker Portfolio Reviews

Office Portraits4368 Germaine Walker photographic agency was set up to nurture and support young and established image makers alike with their artistic and commercial careers. We now proudly represent a number of hand picked, talented & award winning image makers. We take great pride and satisfaction in the work our stable produces and strive to achieve (hand in hand) the most innovative and creative images whether they are for personal or commercial use. We work with stills and moving image and more and more with a combination of both. We have been responsible for some acclaimed and recognisable work in the past years. Our artists regularly exhibit work at prestigious galleries in the UK, Europe and the USA.Our wonderful commercial clients include magazines, direct clients, advertising and design agencies here in the UK and around the globe. We are a hands on photographic agents, producers & problem solvers & our motto is ‘work hard, be nice and produce amazing work on budget, on brief and on time!’

Germaine can advise on portfolio presentation, production, budgeting, how to approach clients, how to generate more business, and many other photographic relate topics.

12:00 - 17:00 TRANSFORM YOUR PORTFOLIO With Beth Taubner of Mercurylab

Brand Strategist and Communications expert Beth Taubner of Mercurylab, New York and London, will help you to develop your portfolio and use the power of language to market more effectively. Book now!

Based in NYC and London, Beth Taubner of Mercurylab has been a Brand Strategist and Creative Director working with strategy and creative communications for over twenty years. Beth has developed Transformational Branding, a proprietary branding methodology which uses a combination of psychological, visual and analytic processes that help her clients to authentically discover, define, and implement their brands. Her clients have ranged from well-known American brands such as A&E and Miramax Films to Condé Nast Publications, International Newsweek, and retailers such as online fashion powerhouse Moda Operandi. She works on branding programs with esteemed artist representatives such as UK and US-based Sarah Laird & Good Company and Début Art, and US-based agencies Kate Ryan and Apostrophe. She also works closely on brand identification, language communications, creative direction, visual development and marketing with some of the top photographers in the world. Beth offers one-on-one consulting and coaching, and business consulting on brand and creative development and implementation worldwide. www.mercurylab.com

To book a place for a review please email studio@mercurylab.com. Sessions last 30 minutes and are £50.

Tuesday 22nd March

11:00 - 14:00 Germaine Walker Portfolio Reviews

Office Portraits4368 Germaine Walker photographic agency was set up to nurture and support young and established image makers alike with their artistic and commercial careers. We now proudly represent a number of hand picked, talented & award winning image makers. We take great pride and satisfaction in the work our stable produces and strive to achieve (hand in hand) the most innovative and creative images whether they are for personal or commercial use. We work with stills and moving image and more and more with a combination of both. We have been responsible for some acclaimed and recognisable work in the past years. Our artists regularly exhibit work at prestigious galleries in the UK, Europe and the USA.Our wonderful commercial clients include magazines, direct clients, advertising and design agencies here in the UK and around the globe. We are a hands on photographic agents, producers & problem solvers & our motto is ‘work hard, be nice and produce amazing work on budget, on brief and on time!’

Germaine can advise on portfolio presentation, production, budgeting, how to approach clients, how to generate more business, and many other photographic relate topics.

AOP Talks

Saturday 19 March

Successful marketing - Turning pro conference, Charlie Giles
There are lots of ways as a photographer that you can market yourself and your work more effectively. AOP Marketing Manager Charlie Giles will be on hand to give her expert advice on ways that you can improve your social media presence to gain clients and build your reputation. There will be plenty of time to ask questions on any areas of marketing so get your thinking caps on.

Monday 21 March

Insurance and professional indemnity - pro conference. Matt Whinney and Anne Mannion

This two part session will include:

What is professional indemnity insurance and why is it important for photographers?
From corrupted memory cards, to complaints about the quality of your photographs. We will bring to life why professional indemnity insurance is important for photographers and provide some claims examples of things that have, and can go wrong.

Matt Whinney will cover some common questions that photographers ask:

· What does professional indemnity cover?
· I’ve never had a complaint before so do I need professional indemnity?
· Is copyright and intellectual property covered under a professional indemnity policy?
· How much will it cost and how much do I need?
· What if a third party copies my photographs without my permission? Is that covered?
· Will professional indemnity cover re-shoot costs?
· Does it matter which insurance company I use to buy professional indemnity?

Contract Law for Photographers and why you should always get it in writing
Anne Mannion of Swan Turton LLP will explain how to make your legal rights work for you and answer questions on the important topics of:

· Contracts with clients
· Terms and Conditions
· Licences and Copyright Assignments
· Purchase Orders
· Contracts with suppliers
· Model release forms

Anne Mannion is an Associate Solicitor at Swan Turton LLP where she advises on intellectual property disputes involving copyright, trade mark and advertising law. Anne has acted for clients including internet media companies, advertising agencies, production companies, actors, models and photographers. Recent matters Anne has advised on include the Google Right to be Forgotten, DMCA take downs and social media campaigns.
Anne has Higher Rights of Audience as a court advocate with a particular interest in the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court. She regularly speaks at seminars and has recently provided comment and opinion on copyright matters to BBC Radio 4. Anne contributed to the legal sections of the Association of Photographer’s guide for professional photographers, Beyond the Lens.

11.05-11.40: Copyright and commissions - pro conference. Nick Dunmur

Nick will talk about the importance of copyright and licensing in professional photography from a photographer's perspective, covering your rights as a professional and how to manage the sometimes awkward landscape of licensing your work in various markets. He will also cover the importance of the 'paper trail' in dealing with commissions and offer a straightforward approach to managing this part of your business successfully.

The AOP Assistants 1-to-1's, 10 February 2016

Opportunities in Stock Photography, 9 February 2016

Opportunities in Stock Photography

Tuesday 9th February 2016, 10:30am - 12:30pm

AOP Offices, Holborn Studios, Eagle Wharf Road, London N1 5ED

A Seminar aimed at photographers at all levels

This seminar covers the nuts and bolts of the creative stock business: what type of images sell and why, how license models and royalties work and an exploration of the current trends in image use.

The seminar is open to photographers at all stages in their career who are contemplating stock photography as part of their portfolio of activity or indeed who are already shooting actively for one or more of the agencies and who would like a more rounded insight into what makes content commercially relevant.

Nuts and bolts of the industry
How advertising uses imagery
Making saleable content
Pitfalls & opportunities
Analysing your own work for stock suitability

Zoe Whishaw is a Commercial Photography Consultant and Mentor providing creative direction and strategic advice for photographers at all stages in their career who what to take their work to the next level. She works on a one-to-one with those who need bespoke, objective advice to focus their creative energies and marketing and so gain competitive advantage.

As a seasoned Editor and Art Director she has had many years experience analysing and critiquing imagery across a broad spectrum of genre and subject areas. Zoe has developed and contributed to the success of leading media company, Getty Images, where she worked for 17 years in senior creative and strategic positions, latterly as European Director of Photography.

She has been on the judging panel of a range of national and international photography competitions, including the Association of Photography Awards, Wildlife Photographer of the Year and ArtGemini Prize and regularly conducts portfolio reviews at industry events. Zoe runs seminars and workshops at universities across the UK and works closely with Photofusion and Four Corners in London guiding photographers in professional practice.

Member Ticket: £35

Non-Member Tickets: £45

To book tickets, please click here.

AOP Lecturer Day, 4 February 2016

Thinking Differently: Brainstorming for Originality - workshop, 12 January 2016

AOP Offices, Holborn Studios, Eagle Wharf Road, London N1 5ED

An interative workshop aimed at all levels of photographer

How proficient are you at coming up with ideas for images on demand?
Are you confident coming up with novel ideas for personal projects that demonstrate originality

There will be times when you need to reach deep within yourself to conjure up original ideas when face to face with an art buyer or photo editor. Other times, you simply need to keep buoyant by generating new ideas for personal projects that help further your vision and stretch your capabilities.

These and other occasions will demand an ability to think differently and for your ideas to be original

We will be working in small groups to explore methods of generating new ideas for individual images and ways to enrich projects with new perspectives. This will be crucial when pitching for jobs and when needing to take your work to the next level.

Zoe Whishaw is a Commercial Photography Consultant and Mentor providing creative direction and strategic advice for photographers at all stages in their career who what to take their work to the next level. She works on a one-to-one with those who need bespoke, objective advice to focus their creative energies and marketing and so gain competitive advantage.

As a seasoned Editor and Art Director she has had many years experience analysing and critiquing imagery across a broad spectrum of genre and subject areas. Zoe has developed and contributed to the success of leading media company, Getty Images, where she worked for 17 years in senior creative and strategic positions, latterly as European Director of Photography.

She has been on the judging panel of a range of national and international photography competitions, including the Association of Photography Awards, Wildlife Photographer of the Year and ArtGemini Prize and regularly conducts portfolio reviews at industry events. Zoe runs seminars and workshops at universities across the UK and works closely with Photofusion and Four Corners in London guiding photographers in professional practice.

Branding and Marketing - workshop, 10 December 2015

Branding and Marketing Workshop

Thursday 10th December, 10:30am - 1.30pm

AOP Offices, Holborn Studios, Eagle Wharf Road, London N1 5ED

An interative workshop aimed at professional photographers

THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT! For information on similar events please keep checking back or contact the office to leave details so we can notify you.

What is branding in the context of photography and why is it important?
How can a photographer develop a brand that is personal to them?
Who should you be marketing your work towards?
What are the most effective ways for photographers to market themselves?

Creating and establishing a presence in today’s congested photographic arena is a challenge but vital if you want to get noticed and be remembered by your clients.

In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore as a group why branding is so important for photographers in today’s competitive marketplace and we’ll be investigating practical ideas and strategies for building a brand in conjunction with integrated, multiple-channel marketing.

Zoe Whishaw is a Commercial Photography Consultant and Mentor providing creative direction and strategic advice for photographers at all stages in their career who what to take their work to the next level. She works on a one-to-one with those who need bespoke, objective advice to focus their creative energies and marketing and so gain competitive advantage.

As a seasoned Editor and Art Director she has had many years experience analysing and critiquing imagery across a broad spectrum of genre and subject areas. Zoe has developed and contributed to the success of leading media company, Getty Images, where she worked for 17 years in senior creative and strategic positions, latterly as European Director of Photography.

She has been on the judging panel of a range of national and international photography competitions, including the Association of Photography Awards, Wildlife Photographer of the Year and ArtGemini Prize and regularly conducts portfolio reviews at industry events. Zoe runs seminars and workshops at universities across the UK and works closely with Photofusion and Four Corners in London guiding photographers in professional practice.

Personal Promotion: Defining your Vision - workshop, 6 November 2015

Personal Promotion: Defining your Vision Workshop

Friday 6th November, 10:30am - 1.30pm

AOP Offices, Holborn Studios, Eagle Wharf Road, London N1 5ED

A workshop, aimed at professional photographers

Finding the visual language that best describes your work and creative spirit.

What language do you use to describe your work and approach to photography?
How confident are you when asked to describe your vision?
Does your ‘pitch’ help you stand out from your competitors?

Genuine belief and passion in your work and ideas is the most infectious way to encourage someone to want to explore your photography. The most effective way to sell yourself and your ideas is by the transference of this enthusiasm.

The workshop will help you gain confidence in expressing a meaningful and textured summary about your work and approach to photography, which is crucial when pitching to clients or simply networking to promote your vision and motivations as a photographer.

Zoe Whishaw shall facilitate a highly interactive session where participants work in groups to explore and enhance their personal visual language that should help photographers gain in confidence when describing their work and their offer to prospective clients.

Zoe Whishaw is a Commercial Photography Consultant and Mentor providing creative direction and strategic advice for photographers at all stages in their career who what to take their work to the next level. She works on a one-to-one with those who need bespoke, objective advice to focus their creative energies and marketing and so gain competitive advantage.

As a seasoned Editor and Art Director she has had many years experience analysing and critiquing imagery across a broad spectrum of genre and subject areas. Zoe has developed and contributed to the success of leading media company, Getty Images, where she worked for 17 years in senior creative and strategic positions, latterly as European Director of Photography.

She has been on the judging panel of a range of national and international photography competitions, including the Association of Photography Awards, Wildlife Photographer of the Year and ArtGemini Prize and regularly conducts portfolio reviews at industry events. Zoe runs seminars and workshops at universities across the UK and works closely with Photofusion and Four Corners in London guiding photographers in professional practice.

Commercial Considerations: Content and Marketing, 15 October 2015

Commercial Considerations: Content and Marketing

Thursday 15th October, 10:30am - 12.30pm

AOP Offices, Holborn Studios, Eagle Wharf Road, London N1 5ED

A Seminar, aimed at professional photographers

If ever you’ve wondered how to make a photo editor or art buyer’s head turn, Zoe Whishaw's seminar will help you to evaluate your own photographic offer and give you tangible guidance on how to gain competitive advantage.

What characteristics does a photographer need to be successful in the commercial arena?

What is the advertising and commercial world looking for?
How can you make your website more appealing to this marketplace? What will catch the eye of an art buyer?
How can you make the most of your personal projects to enhance your portfolio?
How can documentary/editorial photographers break into the commercial world?

Zoe Whishaw is a Commercial Photography Consultant and Mentor providing creative direction and strategic advice for photographers at all stages in their career who what to take their work to the next level. She works on a one-to-one with those who need bespoke, objective advice to focus their creative energies and marketing and so gain competitive advantage.

As a seasoned Editor and Art Director she has had many years experience analysing and critiquing imagery across a broad spectrum of genre and subject areas. Zoe has developed and contributed to the success of leading media company, Getty Images, where she worked for 17 years in senior creative and strategic positions, latterly as European Director of Photography.

She has been on the judging panel of a range of national and international photography competitions, including the Association of Photography Awards, Wildlife Photographer of the Year and ArtGemini Prize and regularly conducts portfolio reviews at industry events. Zoe runs seminars and workshops at universities across the UK and works closely with Photofusion and Four Corners in London guiding photographers in professional practice.

AOP Awards Exhibition, 9 - 11 October 2015

ShootLDN, 8 - 9 October 2015

AOP 32nd Awards Exhibition Presentation & Party, 8 October 2015

The Move from Emerging to Professional Photographer: Setting Yourself up for Success, 23 September 2015

The Move from Emerging to Professional Photographer: Setting yourself up for Success

Wednesday 23rd September, 10:30-12:30

AOP Offices, Holborn Studios, Eagle Wharf Road, London N1 5ED

A Seminar, aimed at emerging photographers

Are you ready to become a pro?

How do you know when you’re ready?

What are the markets for a professional photographer?
What characteristics in a photographer do art buyers and photo editors look for?
What are the essential elements of a compelling website?
What does a photographer’s rep/agent do and when is the right time to find one?
What are the best ways to market your work?

This talk will give you a reality check to really determine whether running a photography business is the right thing for you.

Zoe Whishaw will be exploring what it takes to attract potential clients to use your services and the essential characteristics and personality traits that you need if you are to be successful.

She will be discussing how important it is for photographers to develop a Brand in what is a very congested creative arena.

Zoe Whishaw is a Commercial Photography Consultant and Mentor providing creative direction and strategic advice for photographers at all stages in their career who what to take their work to the next level. She works on a one-to-one with those who need bespoke, objective advice to focus their creative energies and marketing and so gain competitive advantage.

As a seasoned Editor and Art Director she has had many years experience analysing and critiquing imagery across a broad spectrum of genre and subject areas. Zoe has developed and contributed to the success of leading media company, Getty Images, where she worked for 17 years in senior creative and strategic positions, latterly as European Director of Photography.

She has been on the judging panel of a range of national and international photography competitions, including the Association of Photography Awards, Wildlife Photographer of the Year and ArtGemini Prize and regularly conducts portfolio reviews at industry events. Zoe runs seminars and workshops at universities across the UK and works closely with Photofusion and Four Corners in London guiding photographers in professional practice.

Member Tickets: £35

Non-Member Tickets: £45

The Lowry, Best in Category Exhibition - 31st Photography Awards on Tour, 7 August - 8 September 2015

Sunbeam Studios - 31st Photography Awards on Tour, 17 July - 1 September 2015

Retina Festival, 10 - 30 July 2015

AOP Student Awards 2015 - Exhibition, 30 July 2015

Student Awards Conference, 30 July 2015

Student Awards Conference

Thursday 30th July.

AOP Offices, Holborn Studios, Eagle Wharf Road, London N1 5ED

Join us for an afternoon all about making the leap from student to assisting photographer and then professional photographer. The day will start in the afternoon, giving those attending the AOP Student Awards 2015 finalist and winner party plenty of time to travel. We will also be launching our new Junior Assistant Membership especially for graduating students.

The schedule includes:

1.00pm: Ben Peter Catchpole who will tell us how you can make a good and lasting impression when looking for work and the dos and don't of being an assistant

Ben is a professional photographers assistant & digital operator. Being the industry going on 6 years now and as a freelancer, business can’t be better. Having graduated back in 2009 from what is now the University of Falmouth, Cornwall; Ben went to pursue a career as a photographer. He started out working as a studio assistant in London and then decided going freelance was the path to head down. Making the keen decision not to assist just one photographer but many, he wanted experience from all aspects, for lighting skills, digital and communication. Using quite a modern head first approach has always been savvy with Social Media and other forms of self promotion.

2.00pm: Profoto, the team from Profoto will be on hand with the latest in tech, a chance to get you hands on some really cool equipment

3.30pm: The Journey from student to professional photographer
Philip Haynes will be hosting a talk about his journey from student photographer to professional photographer. This illustrated talk is aimed at students and those at the beginning of their photography career. After the talk, attendees will get the chance to ask Philip questions about the steps he took to become a professional photographer.

Philip has been an AOP member for many years, starting as a Student member whilst attending Norwich School of Art & Design. After graduating in 2009 he went on to work with several of our high profile Photographer members as an Assistant member before becoming a Photographer member himself. Philip won best in category for Non-commissioned Life single at the AOP Photography Awards 2014 and he is signed to Peter Bailey Productions.

Places are free to finalists of the AOP Student Awards 2015, AOP Student, Junior Assistant and Assisting Photographer members or £5 for everyone else.

AOP Assistant's Portfolio Critique, 22 July 2015

An Introduction to Social Media, 25 June 2015

Ray Massey - Embracing Change, 24 June 2015

Auto Focus Master Class, 24 June 2015

AOP Image Magazine @ The Proud Archivist, 10 June 2015

Look/15 - Liverpool International Photography Festival, 30 April - 31 May 2015

Secrets to Making a Great First Impression, 6 May 2015

AOP Image Magazine @ Proud Archivist, 9 April 2015

An Introduction to Social Media, 26 March 2015

The Photography Show, 21 - 24 March 2015

AIM Start Ups, 18 March 2015

What Next, 14 March 2015

Holborn Studios Open Day, 14 March 2015

Daylite Seminar, 25 February 2015

AOP Assistant's Portfolio Critique, 18 February 2015

Unseen London - an illustrated talk by Dazeley, 28 January 2015

Helmand Return - Robert Wilson, 16 October - 30 November 2014

AOP Portfolio Reviews at ShootLDN, 22 and 23 October 2014

ShootLDN AOP Portfolio Reviewer Biographies, 22 and 23 October 2014

Beth Taubner

Founder of Brooklyn and London-based Mercurylab, Beth Taubner has been a Brand Strategist and Creative Director working with strategy and creative
communications for over twenty years. Beth has developed a proprietary approach to branding, using a combination of psychological, visual and analytic processes. She works closely on brand identification, language communications, creative direction, portfolio and visual development and marketing with some of the top photographers and artist representatives in the world.

In her seminar, “The Psychology of Brand Building,” Beth will define what it is to be a brand, and use examples from well-known brands, artists, and photographers to help you understand how to define and manage your own brand. Learning how to communicate and operate as a brand takes the guesswork and reactivity out of your career, helping you to approach your communications and marketing in a strategic and tactical way that will help clients to understand why to hire you rather than another. Beth will provide some practical tools to help you immediately begin to discover and define your own brand, so that you can apply it to all of your marketing for greater visibility and success. Perfect for photographers at any level and for professionals in related fields.

As a ‘veteran’ of three shootNYC seminars since 2011, Brooklyn and London based Beth is a popular speaker at many US and UK events and is excited at making her debut appearance at shootLDN in conjunction with the Association of Photographers. Beth will also be providing portfolio reviews on behalf of the AOP during the event.

Paul J Harvey

Paul specialises in car, landscape and CGI photography, and has been shooting global advertising campaigns for over 10 years.

Educated at Plymouth College of Art in the late 1980’s, his first job in the industry was at Paulo studios, on Portobello Road in 1990. Subsequently, whilst working as a freelance assistant, Paul started to gain wider experience shooting editorial commissions for the Haymarket Publishing Group.

The ‘city of light’ beckoned and by the late 90’s he took the opportunity to work for Vincent Dixon in Paris. Commerce skills were developed and in 2000 Paul set up his own advertising business, shooting a first campaign for Mercedes.

Based in Paris for 12 years, he became fluent in French during his cultural adventure there. However, new challenges emerged back home and in 2013 he returned to London.

Paul has since become a 3D/CGI partner at Taylor James and is also a long serving member of the NUJ. His traditionally photographed landscape works are also regularly displayed at galleries in both London and Paris.

http://www.pauljharvey.com/?h=934

David Partner

David studied at Winchester School of Art before working as a photographer’s assistant in Paris, then as a portrait photographer in London.

Following the publication of his first picture for the Sunday Times Magazine, David worked as a commercial photographer specialising in Industrial subjects, Planes, Trains, Power Stations, Cars etc, where he developed a more fine art based approach to the large objects, usually on large format film.

A project to photograph members of the Labour Government, which he devised himself, led to him being offered a solo exhibition of his political portraits at the National Portrait Gallery in London, “Heads of Government”.

He received the first major photographic commission from the House of Commons, “Working for Parliament”, to photograph 100 members of the staff of the House of Commons, public servants and officials who, whilst remaining unseen, facilitate the smooth operation of what was described by Winston Churchill as “The Cockpit of Democracy”. He has since undertaken other similar projects, both public and commercial, photographing groups of people both in their workplace and elsewhere, as well as photographing architecture and more elemental work.

He is currently working towards an exhibition of the new buildings of Beirut arising out of the ruins of the Lebanese civil war for the Beirut Art Center. Working with one of the major Lebanese Banks, and other commercial organisations, towards achieving what will be a major exhibition, and showcase for Lebanon’s successful regeneration in 2015. He is also working towards an exhibition of portraits of Chinese youth for exhibition in Shanghai during 2015.

He has been a member of the Association of Photographers for many years and is currently a director. He speaks and writes about photography in the media, print and broadcast, as well as judging competitions, lecturing students, reviewing portfolios and otherwise engaging with photographers and the general public.

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