E D I TO R ’ S N OT E
N AT I O N A L P R I N T CO M P E T I T I O N
2021
JUDGES
T
aking on the Photographer editor role is a privilege and an opportunity to make my mark on a historical and respected publication as it heads into its landmark 100th year in 2022.
National Print Competition
I come from a traditional news editor role, wherein I revived a printed newspaper into the digital era and brought it back into relevance with new generations. And I believe I can now do the same at the helm of the Photographer.
about visibility and making people aware of what we do as an organisation and its members’ activity through creative, unique and relevant digital content. After a much-needed refurbishment of the website this year, we can now facilitate this pivotal change, but there is much more work ahead. After audits of the website’s backend and discussions with members, concentrating on implementing a solid SEO strategy to drive traffic to our new site is a priority for 2022.
In my first edition, an article on ABIPP Richard Hildred’s ‘oil printing’ practice displayed one of the earliest alternative image processes. Another feature showed FBIPP Roger Tan’s cutting-edge digital manipulation photography. Both specialists are at either end of a broad photographic spectrum that we as Institute represent, as well as everything in between. As both a photographer and a journalist, having that level of variety to explore is absolute gold.
While we are now active on all social media platforms, and our profiles have grown steadily along with engagement (with minimal monetary spend), it is still a long way off where it can be. But we are now ready to take it to the next stage through financial investment and a more strategic approach. I’m glad to now have Johanna Elizbeth as a BIPP Director and to utilise her digital marketing expertise as we work together to build a plan for the new year.
What is now essential is for the BIPP to become part of the photography conversations in the online world, and it has all the makings to be a valued and trusted news source there. The 120 years decorated history and the depth of knowledge, expertise, and creative flair embedded into the membership gives the Institute every right to be a leading voice for professionals. I see the magazine as the vehicle to continue diversifying the BIPP’s public image through our editorial content and as an engagement instrument to show photographers who we are and how we view the industry.
Get Involved!
When I first started at the BIPP, the magazine stood out to me as an authentic view into exactly what a photographic association was, whilst displaying a calibre of design, journalism, and imagery that would catch the eye of any photography enthusiast. However, its visibility and accessibility outside the membership was non-existent, which I want to change.
The reality is fewer people are reading print, and it’s about adapting content to online channels while keeping the legacy of the Photographer’s print brand at the centre of the BIPP as a multimedia platform. It’s 4 the PHOTOGRAPHER / 2021 / Issue Four
ABIPP Karen Massey: wedding, corporate and portrait photography specialist working across the UK .
I hope you liked my first edition as much as I enjoyed putting it together. I want to thank everyone who featured content in it and those who supported me during the process.
Please send in stories and share your photography experiences with me. There are so many fascinating people throughout the membership, and my job is to report and promote all the incredible things you do. Don’t hesitate to reach out. I’ve also started to outline plans for a BIPP Media Team that can directly support me in editorial for the magazine, digital marketing, and PR. If you think you can bring any expertise into these areas, please get in touch. I will announce further details of a more formal structure and how the Media Team will operate in January.
Hon FBIPP Sean Conboy: internationally renowned photographer who works with a broad range of clients from architects to advertising agencies.
Judging Panel
T
he judging for the National Print Competition is one of the most exciting and significant events in the BIPP calendar year and took place in The Artistry House this November. A cornerstone of the Institute, the competition brings the highest calibre of prints from inside and outside the membership across various photography sectors. It’s a time when we can see the full extent of a photographer’s talent, from their creative and technical abilities to their understanding of print and mounting. We appreciate the effort every person puts into their submissions and ensure every print is meticulously critiqued and analysed, and scored correctly by an expert judging panel. We want to thank this year’s judges for doing an incredible job; they were Hon FBIPP Sean Conboy, ABIPP Rebecca Lane, FBIPP Paul Wilkinson, ABIPP Karen Massey and ABIPP Natalie Martin.
FBIPP Paul Wilkinson: trainer, author, podcaster, retoucher and award-winning photography.
ABIPP Natalie Martin: award winning photographer based in Scotland, photographing weddings in the UK and beyond.
ABIPP Becky Lane: award-winning architectural and industrial photographer working across the UK and abroad for a range of clients
Issue Four / 2021 / the PHOTOGRAPHER 5
