PTO Is going to Lanzarote next January!

After considerable negotiation Photo Training Overseas (PTO) believe they have secured a great hotel in an ideal location for the 2013 event; Beatriz Costa Hotel & Spa, Costa Teguise, Lanzarote. 27 January – 3 February 2013.

By booking now and confirming your place with a deposit of £175 per person you could have 10 months to spread payments. You can either opt for BACS transfer, direct debit, standing order or credit/debit card payments by equal monthly amounts.

After a fantastic training week in Tunisia, PTO have put together another exciting group of tutors offering a varied range of subjects; combining experience with some new young successful talent.

Just Look at this Line-Up!

• Trevor Yerbury – The Classic Nude
• Stuart Bebb – Documentary weddings
• Su Kaye – Family environmental portraits                                                           
• Faye Yerbury  - Boudoir
• Richard P. Walton – Urban images                                                                   
• David A. Stanbury – Classical weddings
• Nicola Stanbury – Dance photography                                                           
• Marc Huntington – Extreme Sports

In addition PTO will again offer evening seminars including the ever popular digital photo critique competition; the highly informative ‘Ten Minute Tantalizers’; ‘An evening with a photography legend’ plus the now established Photographic Art competition with a superb prize for the winning image and again a Fuji camera for the winner of the PTO PR competition, all followed by –‘ The week in view’ showcasing tutors images shot during their classes, plus a questions and answers forum. Due to popular demand the ‘Super Master Classes’ on the final day will remain and the week of training; socialising and generally jolly good time will conclude with the now legendary Gala Awards Party .

So book now to secure your place. Why not consider room sharing with a friend, partner or colleague and save yourself £140 per week!

Some quotes from delegates in Tunisia

• “ My first time on a PTO and it exceeded all my expectations”
• “ This is my eighth consecutive course and PTO never ceases to motivate me”
• “! Seem to say – the best ever each year it is a phenomena!”
• “ I admit I was concerned as a first timer but my fears were soon wiped away”
• “There is more information and ideas on this week than anything else available anywhere!”

Download Booking Form

Photo Training Overseas, 159 Dialstone Lane, Offerton, Stockport, Cheshire SK2 6AU. E mail: info@pto-uk.com

Qualifiers

Congratulations to the following Members, who qualified last week...

• John Baikie ABIPP (Scotland)
• Mike Cook LBIPP  (Scotland)
• Nigel Forster ABIPP (South West)
• Vicki Huckle LBIPP (South East)
• Paul O'Donnell LBIPP (Yorkshire)
• James Newton ABIPP (South East)



L- R: Russell Baston FBIPP, Mike Brookes-Roper FBIPP and Tina Hadley FBIPP carrying out an assesssment.  © Chris Harper FBIPP



Featured Qualifier

Venus Tingzon LBIPP - Portraiture
Andover, Hampshire
http://www.artofvenusphotography.co.uk/

Venus Tingzon LBIPP

As well as specialising in wedding and portrait photography, Venus offers something different for Andover – boudoir photography.  She says, “My boudoir photography is a location shoot in a local hotel and I use local companies to also offer my clients hair and make-up packages to make the shoot more special and give them even more of a confidence boost.  Whilst there is a consistent style throughout my images I like to think that each one is unique.”

Midlands Region Print Competition - One Day to Go!

The Annual Midland Region Print Competition takes place tomorrow, Tuesday 28 February (7.30pm - 10.00pm), at the:
Lea Marston Hotel
Haunch Lane
Lea Marston
Sutton Coldfield
Warwickshire
B76 0BY
http://www.leamarstonhotel.co.uk/

You have until 5pm today to submit your entries a the Drop Off places or 12 noon tomorrow at the Lea Marston Hotel.

Drop Off Places: 

Carol Taylor ABIPP
1 Newbridge Road
Ambergate
Derbyshire
DE56 2GR
01773 852277

Mr Paul Deverill ABIPP
Home Studio
61 Heanor Road
Ilkeston
DE7 8DY
0115 9308713

Taylor Ewins Photography
Unit 9A
Beauchamp Industrial Park
Wilnecote
Tamworth
Staffordshire
B77 5BZ

Entry Rules:

Categories are:

• Architectural
• Industrial
• Commercial
• Advertising
• Wedding
• Portraiture
• Under 5’s
• Pet Portraiture
• Fashion
• Press/PR
• Illustrative/Pictorial/Nature
• Scientific/Applied
• Student/Non Corporate

Images must be a minimum size of 10x8 - mounted to 20x16. Each print must be clearly marked on the back with its category, an arrow or "TOP" to show the correct way up for viewing. The entrants business card or similar, must be reverse mounted on the print or placed in a sealed envelope (so the judge can’t see who it belongs to) and must be on the back of each print entered.

 

Maximum Entries per Category 3

 

Entry Cost per print £5.00

North West Region - Andrew Brooks Evening

February’s members meeting was a treat for the North West Region who hosted an evening with local photographer Andrew Brooks, a master in the art of digital imagery.

His work is a crossover of ‘fantasy’ photography and digital art using techniques from both.
Despite the cold weather a large number of members turned out to hear Andrew describing how his complex and highly creative images are built up out of hundreds of layers and many, many hours of post production. He showed us various projects he had recently undertaken, some commissioned and some personal work destined to be decorative art and wallpaper. He has also recently exhibited his work.

Andrew illustrated using layering, how his unique pictures of futuristic fantasy scenes were composites of made up from bits of foliage, a textured wall, half a building, a jetty and an interesting sky all enhanced, stitched together and transformed into a remarkable final work of art.

As an ‘urban explorer’ he demonstrated how he sets up, lights, shoots and then puts together his derelict underground scenes, using multiple exposures each one individually lit and then blended during the time spent on post production.

Andrew’s work is highly creative, innovative and skilful and his motivation and enthusiasm for his work will have inspired all those who came along on a freezing night to hear him. A fascinating speaker and a great night for the region.

© Andrew Brooks

© Andrew Brooks

Tickets available for Professional Photography Awards 2012

Tickets are now available for the BIPP Professional Photography Awards 2012 Presentation Event at the British Film Institute Southbank, London.

The Awards will be presented at 5pm followed by a drinks and canape reception to view the exhibition.

If you would like to be among the first to see the award winning images, tickets can be purchased online from our website or by calling 01296 642020.  Tickets cost £30.00 each plus VAT.

BFI Southbank

Featured Qualifier

Jason Light ABIPP - Portraiture
Lewes, East Sussex
http://www.jlightphotography.com/

Jason Light ABIPP

Mike Brookes-Roper FBIPP Wins Prestigious National Award

Congratulations to Mike Brookes-Roper FBIPP who has been announced the winner of the EEF Heroes of Modern UK Manufacturing Photography Competition.

The EEF, the manufacturers' organisation, is the representative voice of manufacturing in the UK.  It has a growing membership of almost 6000 companies of all sizes, employing some 900,000 people from every sector of engineering, manufacturing, engineering construction and technology-based industries.

Mike's award winning  image, which  was judged National Winner, Best photograph by an professional photographer, captured the beauty of Scotland's booming renewable energy industry.

His winning  image captures the base of a  150kW Tidal Turbine now in operation in the Moray Firth, Scotland. The judges said: "This  powerful image of a contemporary industry is well composed and makes good use of lighting, producing a very striking photograph”.

More of Mike's work can be seen on his website: http://www.mikebrookesroper.co.uk/.

Mike Brookes-Roper FBIPP

Featured Qualifier

Mhari-Clare Green LBIPP - Portraiture
Glasgow
www.barrettandcoe.co.uk/glasgow

Mhari-Clare Green LBIPP

New VAT Ruling on Photobooks

BIPP members will be delighted to hear, that due to a recent court case against HM Revenue and Customs, digitally produced Storybooks and Albums will no longer be subject to VAT charges.

Please contact your Photobook supplier for more information about how the ruling affects you.

For full case notes on the ruling visit http://www.bailii.org/uk/cases/UKFTT/TC/2011/TC01562.html

Featured Qualifier

Charlotte Caborn LBIPP - Wedding
Sheffield, South Yorkshire
http://www.candcphotography.co.uk/

Charlotte Caborn LBIPP

38-year-old Sheffield photographer, Charlotte Caborn specialises in recording weddings with a signature style and flair that delights couples.

Charlotte has developed a distinctive, intimate and candid style in the seven years since she opened C&C Photography.

Her images, in monochrome and colour, may be captured at close quarters or from a distance. But the secret to an enchanting wedding album is a close-up and long-term commitment between photographer and couple.

"I get to know the couple and the family," Charlotte says. "We’ll meet 12-18 months before the wedding day.

"I want to know the wedding venues and the running order. I’ll go to the rehearsal - anything that enables me to plan where precisely I want to be at what precise time to capture those images that will record the wedding day in captivating detail.

"But most of all, I try to understand and know the bride and groom. I’ve a passion for weddings. I love them and I love the romance of the occasion. To be part of a couple’s special day is amazing."

Midlands Region Annual Print Competition

Now is the time to start preparing for our Annual Print Competition.  Categories are:

• Architectural
• Industrial
• Commercial
• Advertising
• Wedding
• Portraiture
• Under 5’s
• Pet Portraiture
• Fashion
• Press/PR 
• Illustrative/Pictorial/Nature
• Scientific/Applied
• Student/Non Corporate

Images must be a minimum size of 10x8 - mounted to 20x16. Each print must be clearly marked on the back with its category, an arrow or "TOP" to show the correct way up for viewing. The entrants business card or similar, must be reverse mounted on the print or placed in a sealed envelope (so the judge can’t see who it belongs to) and must be on the back of each print entered.

Maximum Entries per Category 3
Entry Cost per print £5.00

Midland Region Annual Print Competition
Tuesday 28th February 2012

Time 7.30~10pm

Lea Marston Hotel
Haunch Lane

Lea Marston

Sutton Coldfiel

Warwickshire

B76 0BY

Prints must be delivered to the drop off places listed below by 5pm Monday 27th February OR left at the Hotel Reception by 12 noon Tuesday 28th February

Carol Taylor ABIPP
1 Newbridge Road
Ambergate
Derbyshire
DE56 2GR
01773 852277

Mr Paul Deverill ABIPP
Home Studio
61 Heanor Road
Ilkeston
DE7 8DY
0115 9308713

Taylor Ewins Photography 
Unit 9A

Beauchamp Industrial Park

Wilnecote

Tamworth

Staffordshire, B77 5BZ

01827 262646

Closed Mondays

BIPP Member Wins 1st in PPA Grand Imaging Awards

Congratulations to Jose Luis Guardia Peinado ABIPP MQEP who has won 1st and 3rd place in the Wedding category of the Professional Photographers of America Grand Imaging Awards.

"Castle Bridge", Jose Luis Guardia Peinado ABIPP MQEP  - 1st Place

"The Bridges of Love", Jose Luis Guardia Peinado ABIPP MQEP  - 3rd Place

All winning images can be seen on the PPA website: http://www.ppa.com/competitions/giawinners.php

For more information about Jose Luis Guardia Peinado ABIPP MQEP :

• http://www.xpressioninternational.com/
• http://www.xpressionfotografos.com/
• http://www.xpressionworkshops.com/

George's Round Up

I have been a little under the weather this week with a very sore paw. Had to go to the horrible vet who put this big bandage on it and gave me an injection.  To add insult to injury the vet has also put me on a diet which means no more treats! I am not having a good week.

Despite the traumatic weekend it was business as usual this week with a number of visitors to BIPP Head Office for Portfolio Reviews on Monday.

All the shortlisted entrants to the Professional Photography Awards have now been contacted – congratulations to you if you have been notified. The tickets are limited so please let the team know if you are going to the Awards Ceremony on 16 March.

Now we have more snow and slippery ice I plan to stay indoors with my poorly paw and get as much sympathy as possible.

George

James Stone ABIPP in Guatemala

In January 2012, Associate Member and documentary photographer James Stone travelled to Salama in Guatemala on a commission from international NGO Plan International. James visited 4 projects run by Plan during the shoot, spending time with rural communities and photographing the children that directly benefit from the work the NGO delivers.

The brief was to create a set of images that captures the essence of the work that Plan does in these rural communities, showing the children in education, the group work with teenagers and the engagement of Plan staff in the communities.

James explains:  "I think the most poignant moment for me was when we asked this group of young woman “do you understand what happiness is?” and “have you ever felt joy”. These questions fell onto blank faces as they struggled to understand the question. The only response from one of the girls was “we are supposed to raise children and support our men”. This really hit home for me, and in fact when we asked them “have you ever seen your mother happy?”, the answer was no. This really goes to show what life is like for woman in these rural communities and highlights how important it is for NGO's like Plan to do the work they do. I for one have certainly had my eyes opened again, and I will be doing all I can to help."

James also explains that this is the first time he used Sony equipment out in the field after moving from Nikon upon his return from Cambodia a few months back. "this is the first time I have travelled light" James explains, "Guatemala is a very dangerous country, so having lots of gear with me was going to be a security risk, so I opted for the Sony a77 body, the 2.8 kit lens and a reflector". "being forced to use limited equipment makes you really have to use the environment to your benefit and examine the light and surroundings in detail. I really am very happy with the results."

During the trip, james produced nearly 400 photographs for Plan, completing the brief and delivering a unique set of images for the client. You can view the full story on his blog here: http://www.lomayani.com/blog/looking-back-on-guatemala/

James Stone ABIPP

James Stone ABIPP

James Stone ABIPP

James Stone ABIPP

Featured Qualifier

Adrian Ashworth ABIPP - Landscape
Barnsley, South Yorkshire
http://www.adrianashworth.co.uk/

Adrian Ashworth ABIPP

Events in Northern Ireland

We are pleased to announce the following events taking place in Northern Ireland.

Monday 20th April - AGM
7.30pm
Newforge Country Club
18b Newforge Lane
Belfast
BT9 5NW

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Kevin Wilson FBIPP

Monday 30th April 2012 - Annual Regional Print Competition and Kevin Wilson Environmental Portrait Shoot
10.30am (full day)
Newforge Country Club
18b Newforge Lane
Belfast
BT9 5NW

A talk by one of our most respected Fellows, Kevin Wilson FBIPP, whose current portrait style is very much in demand.

This is an event not to be missed as it has been very heavily subsidised by the BIPP - £25 (members) and £30 (non-members) including a sit down lunch.

The seminar will be followed by an evening print assessment of the finalists in our annual Regional Print competition and the announcement of the winners. Our guests and judges will be Kevin Wilson FBIPP and Gerry Coe FBIPP, and our president Roy Meiklejon FBIPP will be present to address the members and present the prizes.

To book tickets please contact:

Chairman - Denis Brady 07801 699227  info@denisbrady.com
or
Secretary - Glenn Norwood 07876 726864  glenn@glennnorwood.co.uk

Featured Qualifier

Peter Scott LBIPP - Portraiture
London

Peter Scott LBIPP

Congratulations to Suzi Allen LBIPP

Congratulations to Suzi Allen LBIPP whose image below has been published the latest edition of Photo Professional magazine.

Shortlisted Entrants to Professional Photography Awards 2012

Paul Coghlin ABIPP: Pink Tulip Study IV. 
Photographer of the Year 2010

All shortlisted entrants to the Professional Photography Awards 2012 have been emailed today.  Entrants who haven't been shortlisted will receive their scores in the post after the Awards Presentation on 16 March 2012.

Congratulations to those who have been shortlisted!

Andrew Brooks Photography, North West Region Event



Andrew Brooks creates stunning highly complex masterpieces of digital art, with imagery ranging from futuristic cities to pictorial mythical landscapes. All his images are composites, sometimes involving hundreds of images captured, and built up out of many layers of post production to create the final pictures. The images that emerge depict starkly beautiful urban scenes, empty but for the hollowed-out shells of buildings; cities suspended in the stars, imagined urban environments and serene pastoral scenes of the British countryside, seemingly real and at the same time untruthful in their vivid beauty.



© Andrew Brooks



Andrew will be talking to us about how he goes about creating these pictures and the ideas behind the shots. “The crucial element to my work is atmosphere…. No matter how much digital application is going on, the atmosphere and feel of a picture is always the most important thing.” quotes Andrew.

He will be showcasing a selection of his recent projects including his Secret Cities work and his New World Collection – a set of images all built of real life photographic images but then reconfigured to create fantasy scenes.



We are extremely fortunate to have Andrew who resides here in the North West to come along and share his extraordinary skills with us. This is an experience not to be missed.

Visit his website http://www.andrewbrooksphotography.com/ then come and see him in person!



Wednesday 8th February 2012, 8.00 pm

Statham Lodge Hotel

Warrington Road

Statham

Lymm

WA13 9BP

http://www.statham-lodge.co.uk/



FEP European Professional Photographer of the Year 2011

The winning images of the FEP European Professional Photographer of the Year 2011 Competition will be exhibited in the “Palazzo dei Sette”, Orvieto, Italy during March 2012.

The winning images can be seen here: http://competition.europeanphotographers.eu/competition_view_winners.asp?compo_id=21

Congratulations to BIPP Members Filip Kulisev FBIPP, Jose Luis Guardia Vazquez ABIPP, Jose Luis Guardia Peinado ABIPP, Bryn Griffiths ABIPP and Stuart Freeman ABIPP for their successes in this competition.

Midlands Assessment Evening

The Midlands Assessment Evening on Tuesday 31st January was extremely successful.  Sixteen Portfolio Reviews were given in total.  It was good to see both Members looking to improve their qualifications and potential new members looking to start qualification.

David Taylor FBIPP and Russell Baston FBIPP providing a Portfolio Review.  © Chris Harper BIPP

Featured Qualifier

Barbara Mills LBIPP - Portraiture
Wickford, Essex
http://www.bmillscreativephotographer.com/

Barbara Mills LBIPP

George's Weekly Round-Up

It has been an exceptionally cold week this week – not aided by the fact that half my fur was shaved off recently leaving me rather chilly!

On Tuesday a couple of the team visited the Midland Region for a portfolio assessment evening. This was a great opportunity for members and non-members to have their work looked at by BIPP Assessors with a view to going for a BIPP Qualification. Portfolio Reviews will also be held at Focus on Imaging in Birmingham from 4-7 March, visit www.bipp.com/portfolioreviews to book a time slot.

 There is a lot of talk about tickets for the Professional Photography Awards on 16 March – those who have been shortlisted will be contacted next week…..

Apparently snow is on the way this weekend…..bit chilly but lots of fun chasing snowballs!

George