Mentor Me Seminars – went down a treat

Three recent workshops organised under the Mentor Me programme were a huge success, with delegates eager to improve their imagery. The full day’s programme included a presentation by course tutor, Martin Grahame-Dunn, followed by concise and helpful critiques of members’ work.

While each attendees’ work was reviewed and advice given, it was very apparent that there is a considerable depth of talent out there. “It is our intention to provide the support, which our members deserve,” said Phil Jones, SWPP & BPPA CEO.

The final workshop was held courtesy of Nikon at their Kingston upon Thames head office. Further practical sessions planned throughout 2006 will cover the disciplines of Classical Wedding Photography, a Reportage and Casual approach to Wedding Photography, Studio Portraiture, Environmental Portraiture and at our Spanish base, Illustrative, Pictorial and Landscape Photography. We are also planning a number of very special sessions aimed at our members who function in the minimalist portraiture market and who are finding it hard to compete.

The Mentor Me programme is now being extended to encourage professional development too. Aspiring Associates and Fellows will be encouraged to take part in the expanded programme in the spring of 2006.

Lucky couple Rachel and Richard Lawrence, winners of the Just 8/You & Your Wedding competition, were in London for the finale of their prize the presentation of a bespoke designed Graphistudio Wedding Book.

Their Wedding Book was always going to be something special the result of the professional attentions of no less than eight of the UK¹s top photographers on their wedding day. With more than 200 awards between them and each one of the Just 8 a previous Wedding Photographer of the Year, never before had so many celebrated photographers come together to photograph one wedding.

Just 8 photographer Dennis Orchard says, “Our photography, together with the Wedding Book which Graphistudio created, made the perfect prize for our winning couple. We are delighted to work with a company like Graphistudio on such joint promotions, which boosts the profile of both our businesses.” The Just 8 collective comprises Stuart Bebb, Nigel Harper, Neil Horne, Oliver Jones, Dennis Orchard, Steve Tarling, Keith Thompson and Gary Williams, a number of whom are prominent SWPP members who are also lecturing for us at the Convention.

Mentor Me Nikon HQ

Photo Quote: I have often thought that if photography were difficult in the true sense of the term -- meaning that the creation of a simple photograph would entail as much time and effort as the production of a good watercolor or etching -- there would be a vast improvement in total output. The sheer ease with which we can produce a superficial image often leads to creative disaster. - Ansel Adams