The team behind the scenes
At The Societies we have a team of people who work dynamically to achieve the objectives of our organisation, set out in our Mission Statement, “to encourage high professional standards and ethics in photography”.
Phil Jones
Chief Executive
Born into photography, Phil’s father ran a successful studio in North Wales for over 40 years. Phil studied photography on the Wirral and after working for a while in the photographic retail sector, joined in the family business in 1984. Upon his father’s retirement Phil ran his own studio specialising in social photography for 12 years. During the 1990’s Phil was a Regional Chairman of the Master Photographers Association and served on numerous committees’.
In August 1999 Phil took over the running of the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers upon the retirement of Derek Avery FSWPP, and in January 2000 Phil took over the running of the British Professional Photographers Assoc. As the CEO and the brains behind the association, Phil has taken the initial success of the business and built it into the largest independent photographic trade association within Europe.
Outside of work Phil has a passion for Liverpool Football Club, Formula 1 racing, and when time permits travelling by steam train.
Juliet Jones
Managing Director
Married to Phil in January 2001. As the MD Juliet has overall responsibility for all the administration of the company. A driving force behind the annual photographic convention, Juliet has developed and expanded both the trade and seminar facets until it was the largest of its kind within Europe, earning the in-house title of “Convention Queen”.
As the matriarch of the Jones family, Juliet enjoys gathering her family around her holding regular lunches and barbeques. Juliet regularly takes her younger children and grandchildren on days out. On the odd occasion Juliet finds spare time, she enjoys travelling and trips to the spa.
Colin Jones
Company Director
Youngest Son of Phil Jones, Colin joined the then “SWPP & BPPA” in 2004 to help Phil develop the online aspects of business. After major contributions such as the forum development and marketing initiatives, in 2010 Colin was made a company director As the editor to Members' Handbook, The Societies' Convention Show Guide, and news editor to the magazine Colin is a major influence on the company direction. An active participant on the forum and shares responsibility for the website development.
Outside of work Colin volunteers for the RNLI. Colin is on both the ILB & ALB crew as well as Deputy Lifeboat Press officer for Rhyl Lifeboat Station.
Contact Colin regarding articles for the magazine and queries over the forum
Mike McNamee
Professional Imagemaker Editor
Editor for the in-house magazine, Professional Imagemaker. Mike taught photography and digital imaging at Priestley College, Warrington; formerly he was the editor of Digital Photographer and Creative Imaging. He has written a number of books on photography and also lectures for the Epson Print Academy on exhibition printing.
Mike enjoys hiking and sports.
Contact Mike at mike@mousepushers.com regarding articles for inclusion.
Terrie Jones
P.A to the Company
Married to Colin Jones, Terrie is becoming a driving force within the family business. Terrie is expanding her role to include arranging all aspects of our seminars from researching venues and subject matter, to sourcing new speakers.
Terrie enjoys spending her time with her family and friends, also a keen hobbyist Terrie often uses her baking skills to raise funds for the Rhyl Lifeboat Station.
Terrie can be contacted regarding existing and potential seminars.
Holly Rainford
Administrative Staff
Holly has progressed through the job roles to her current position of PA to the Managing Director.
Ben Jones
Online News Editor
Having spent many years as a chef, Ben chose a change of career and joined the family company supporting his brother Phil. Responsible for the online news articles, forum, social networking and reaching potential members.
Contact Ben for any queries regarding news articles and the forum
Kendra McKeown
Administration Assistant
Kendra joined the team as an apprentice straight from school having studied business and communication studies. Having now completed her apprentice term,
Contact Kendra with general queries.
Podge Kelly
Societies' Representative
Podge has been involved in photography for over 30 years. Podge represent The Societies in Ireland and also lectures and teaches on behalf of Fuji Film (Ireland).
What our members say
Why I like the Societies: Great support structure and assistance for photographers from varied backgrounds. - Paul H
Find out more about the Societies here
