17 minute read
In Conversation with Gary Hill We chat and get to know the BIPP‘s Overall Photographer of the Year, Portrait Photographer of the Year, and recently qualified Fellow
MICHAEL HALLETT
His latest project, A Great City, documents Birmingham over 20 years, beginning in 2000, launched this September. Alternatively the project can be seen as a website at www. brumpics.co.uk. The exhibition draws influence from Michael’s past encounters, “In this exhibition, each of the eighteen landscape exhibition frames recall a photo story based on Stefan Lorant’s creation of Weekly Illustrated and Picture Post. Each frame has a main/ key photograph, along with supplementary photographs plus a detailed caption all bringing the story together. As the viewer engages through the sequence of these frames, this twenty-year record of a great city unfolds.”
The exhibit is in the Library of Birmingham until end February 2022. And now, at 81-years-old this is testament to Dr. Hallett’s unmoving passion. But now he is negotiating his next project either in words or pictures to be seen on a variety of publishing platforms. Image Above: German-born American photographer and photojournalist Alfred Eisenstaedt taken by Michael for his book Being There. Alfred most notbale photograph is V-J Day in Times Square, which captures an American sailor grabbing and kissing a stranger during the V-J Day celebrations in 1945
Image Right:
A letter to Michael from Alfred Eisenstaedt thanking him for the work he published. WEEBILL 2 PRO
REVIEW: WEEBILL 2 PRO
Video content is in higher demand year by year as the need for engaging online content is rapidly growing, and the gadgets and equipment to facilitate high production value are evolving alongside it.
For most videographers, gimbals have become an essential part of the tool kit for capturing fast-paced subjects while giving the camera operator freedom of movement without detriment to the final video results. Ok, so we know gimbals are good, but which one should you buy? Well, in this review below, we will explore the Weebill 2 Pro by Zhiyun Tech.
After teaming up with the Zhiyun Tech, the BIPP decided to put their Weebill 2 PRO to the test, in conjunction with running a Christmas giveaway competition for one lucky winner to win their very own Weebill 2.
A first glance:
Slick, stylish and ergonomically crafted. Opening the box to assemble the gimbal was a joy in itself, as the aesthetically conscious design brings a particular feel that makes the equipment visually stand out as a professional and contemporary bit of gear.
Getting started:
When you attach your pricey video camera to something, you want to know it’s safe and secure, and the Weebill 2 Pro gives you exactly that reassurance. The sturdiness and robust manufacturing instils confidence in its functionality while giving it a durability that you can operate in any environment and under any condition.
Stand out features:
Stabilisation: we decided to put it to the test, capturing fast-travelling subjects and tracking subjects while on the move. The 3-axis feature paired with the Infineon two-filter interruption vector-splitting sensor allowed smooth movements and pans while also removing the shake and wobble when moving alongside a subject while filming. Battery Life: there is nothing worse than running out of power, it happens to all of us at some point, and it’s not fun! With a built-in 2600mAh battery, the Weebill 2 gives an astounding 9-hour battery life that takes only 1.6 hours to charge, allowing the freedom of a full day of shooting without the worry of it going flat.
Monitor: for every camera operator, getting creative with angles and producing dynamic perspective is part of making a captivating video. The 2.88” Fullcolor Touch Screen provides this, as the retractable & flip-out design give a diverse viewing range to capture content, while also allowing the autonomy to operate the settings directly through the interactive screen.
Control Wheel: being able to respond to your environment in an instant is essential, especially when in an active and fluctuating setting where things change from one moment to the next. The focus control wheel supports adjustments on a roll axis for adapting aperture, ISO, electronic/mechanical follow focus and zoom. The easy access and use of these key features give you the headspace to concentrate on your subject and remove any clunky movement when changing settings.
Videographer Tom Walmsley of award-winning marketing agency, Wash Studio, says:
“It’s not often you open a box of brand new equipment and don’t immediately start assembling it because it just looks so perfect, separate in its place inside the case the crafted parts came in. I wanted to slowly assemble this ergonomically crafted piece to understand the engineering behind it and to take enjoyment out of the assemblement. “
The Weebill 2 Pro by Zhyuin is the full throttle gimbal for your cinematic needs; it effortlessly transforms your cinematography, aiding and gliding your every arm movement. This comes down to the core build of this kit.
I’ve had a blast filming with the Weebill 2. It is an impeccably built piece of equipment, and the results were solid. It will be your new assistant in whatever new project you’re about to tackle.”
Emily Hancock
I’m delighted to be voted back on the BIPP board. I feel consistency and continuity are essential for Martin to keep making huge strides forward, and this is an area I consider our continued working relationship will support. Believe it or not, I am excited to start the process of getting all the BIPP’s policies and procedures into a written working document this year which will mean members can fully understand how, why and which way we operate as an organisation, whether it be from how we select judges to the daily office operations. It’s a huge project, but once it is complete (which will take quite some time), it will be wonderful to be part of for everyone involved. I know it’s not normal to be this excited about policies and procedures, but it does mean that 99% of the questions we receive will be easily answered by allowing members to read the documentation on all matters BIPP. I am also excited to continue building and working with our energetic, active and engaged members that are chomping at the bit to contribute and help the Institute be a place professionals flock to. I have recently noticed a dramatic swing in the vibe throughout the membership as a shift for an upbeat and exciting Institute is starting to filter through all our members. It is also lovely to see new faces on the board bringing different views/ opinions/points of view, and I will be looking forward to working closely with everyone in 2022. Alongside this, I’m extremely excited to bring the BIPP to the forefront of the public eye... there is going to be a massive push towards getting us on the red sofa in the mornings whenever there is something photography related in the press.
Thank you so much to everyone who voted for me to join the board. I’m so looking forward to getting stuck into this thrilling new challenge. Located in Hampshire, South UK, I’ve been a photographer for 13 years, with a successful studio for 11 years, with a team of 12 for many of those. This, coupled with a previous career in the NHS as a high-risk midwife & then setting up the Teenage Pregnancy Midwifery Service in West Sussex, has given me a unique set of skills. I can handle most situations with ease, I enjoy debate and empowering those with a lesser voice than me, to stand up and be heard. I also truly understand why professionalism is important when working with the public. This varied career history and my
Johanna Elizabeth
approachable, humorous outlook, encourages people to work together in a positive way, without ego getting in the way. Those that know me, know just how passionate I am about our industry, inclusion and education especially. I mentor photographers 1:1 and speak about my journey with my photography business, sharing all I can in what is a challenging time for most of us. I’ve built my thriving business through social media and plan to support Joel in his role further, by first auditing our social media and then implementing a strategy to allow the Institute to embrace the digital future. This will encourage a younger generation and help us retain the members we have through providing excellent, tangible value. I’d like to take this opportunity to ask any member with social media/ digital marketing experience to please step forward for chats with us. I have firm ideas, but more input is always loved. After all, social media is a living beast, constantly evolving! Further collaboration with Jon Cohen and John Miskelly will see a review of the Institute’s articles of association & governance. This is an interesting challenge I look forward to educating myself about and helping produce an updated structure for the Institute’s future.
Andrew Coe
I first joined the BIPP as a student in 1961. Starting as a Commercial/Advertising photographer, I began GGS Photography, which quickly became the biggest commercial photographers in East Anglia. At the same time the Coe studio, in the centre of Norwich, was the first studio outside of London doing colour weddings. By 1976 we were photographing 600 weddings a year. Coe Colour Laboratories was started about the same time, and by the mid 80’s had clients all over the UK (I became President of the Association of Photographic Laboratories). 1981 saw us start the first chain of 1-hour mini labs. Reaching 37, each had a portrait/ wedding studio attached, and total sales of £7.5 million. Eventually, these became Kodak and Snappy Snaps shops. In the 90’s, not having taken professional photographs for 17 years, I became a Portrait/Wedding photographer, winning Fuji, and Agfa, Portrait Photographer of the Year and many BIPP and MPA awards, along with being appointed official photographer to the British team at two Olympics. There followed the Barrett & Coe franchise, and indepth training courses for beginners in weddings and portraits. We’ve trained over 1000 people to become professional photographers. Today, we market for 120 portrait studio’s booking in excess of 1000 portrait appointments in November alone.
John Miskelly (Treasurer)
As one of those who was intimately involved in the discovery of the wellknown problems within the BIPP, some three years ago now, I’m privileged to have been asked to take on the role of Treasurer as we enter the next chapter of the BIPP’s re-emergence as the premier body for professional photographers. I’m both a Chartered Accountant and a professional photographer and believe my unique combination of skills can complement the Board, particularly around the area of corporate governance. We now have a board of directors in place who are hugely committed to this organisation, all of whom bring a great variety of skills and passion to the table. I believe the future of the BIPP is in good hands and I look forward to making a difference and being part of a wonderful team.
AGM & Awards Evening 2021
The final BIPP event of 2021 took place last week for our AGM & Awards Evening in the West Midlands Safari Park, and what a way it was to finish off the year!
The traditional manor house venue that resembled the home of a 19th-century adventurer lay surrounded by the rolling hills of the Midlands countryside. It set the scene for an event that brought cheer, laughter and even tears.
The four seminars during the day covered a diverse range of topics within the photography sector; they included processes used to create high-end fine art, insights on operating a world-leading e-commerce studio, the key to successful in-person sales and the impacts of evolving technology in society. Each talk brought educational benefits, creative outlooks and inspired thought into different fields of photography. Thanks to all the speakers for their time and for sharing their expert knowledge.
We finished the day’s events with the AGM, which summarised the BIPP’s activity over the year just gone and looked foward to what lay ahead for 2022.
As the night approached, we began the awards evening to announce the overall winners of this year’s National Print Competition, along with the Presidential Award, the Sean Conboy & Jonathan Beer Award and various special acknowledgements of staff and members. We then finished the night with more drinks and dancing.
We want to thank everyone who attended and Andrew Younger for photographing the entire event. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. For us, it was an absolute success.
Honorary Fellow
Carol Taylor was awarded her Honorary Fellowship for the decades of service she’s given to the BIPP in a variety of different capacities. It’s down to people like Carol who’ve made the BIPP what it is today, and we can’t be thankful enough for her devotion and loyalty to the organisation.
Jon Cohen’s BIPP Presidential Awards
Digitalab Lab Manager Jeff Heads for his incredible service to the industry and for the support he gives photographers.
Sean Conboy & Jonathan Beer Award
Regional chairs and directors Monir Ali & Barrie Spence earned this award for the hard work, commitment and constant support they show to the
Jon Cohen’s BIPP Presidential Awards
ABIPP Chris Wright for his dedication and service to the BIPP over the the years.
Overall BIPP Photographer of the Year & Portrait Photographer of the Year: FBIPP Gary Hill
Fine Art Photographer of the Year: FBIPP Paul Reiffer
Wedding Photographer of the Year: LBIPP Liam Crawley
Gold
John Miskelly Gary Hill Gary Hill Colin Brister Ross McKelvey Paul Reiffer Jessica McGovern Ross McKelvey
Silver
Ross McKelvey Matt Fowler Peter Lik Colin Brister Peter Lik Paul Reiffer Peter Lik Paul Reiffer Peter Lik Gary Hill Colin Brister Paul Reiffer Kate Kasia Tarnowska Ross McKelvey David Taylor Paul Reiffer Jessica McGovern Peter Rooney Paul Reiffer Ross McKelvey ABIPP Liam Crawley Kate Kasia Tarnowska Jessica McGovern Jessica McGovern Gary Hill Matt Fowler Peter Marcus Lyon Jordan Gurry Kate Kasia Tarnowska Paul Reiffer Ross McKelvey Ross McKelvey Ross McKelvey Liam Crawley Joanne Thibodeau Alex Bibby Peter Rooney Rachel Thornhill Jessica McGovern Paul White Liam Crawley Joanne Thibodeau John parris Colin Brister Jessica McGovern Liam Crawley Andrew Younger Joel Dyer Jordan Gurry Matt Curtis Nina Carrington Antony wilder Tony May Colin Brister Neil McKellar Liam Crawley Paul Coghlin
Bronze
Jessica McGovern Kerstin Gruenling Joel Dyer Paul Coghlin Neil McKellar John parris Liam Crawley Peter Rooney Liam Crawley John parris Liam Crawley Jessica McGovern Jessica McGovern Alex Bibby Alex Bibby Kerstin Gruenling Liam Crawley Rachel Thornhill Kerstin Gruenling Jessica McGovern Leo Francis Jordan Gurry Peter Liam Crawley Kerstin Gruenling Rachel Thornhill Nigel Ord-Smith Alex Bibby Colin Brister Liam Crawley Liam Crawley John Miskelly Lesley Smallman Kate Kasia Tarnowska Leanie Evans Peter Rooney Jessica McGovern Kate Kasia Tarnowska Colin Brister Janice Alamanou Mark Pollit Janice Alamanou Marcus Lyon Paul White Alex Bibby Colin Brister Colin Brister Leo Francis Janice Alamanou Marcus Lyon Alex Bibby Matt Fowler Leo Francis Gary Hill Ross McKelvey Matt Fowler Antony Wilder Matt Fowler Leo Francis Colin Brister Tony May Alex Bibby Colin Brister Kerstin Gruenling Janice Alamanou John parris Joel Dyer Nigel Ord-Smith Andrew Younger Colin Brister Colin Brister Jordan Gurry Jordan Gurry Colin Brister Neil McKellar Neil McKellar Barry Roberts Colin Brister Jordan Gurry John Miskelly Jordan Gurry Joel Dyer Neil McKellar Liam Crawley Paul White John parris Russell Croucher Joel Dyer Neil McKellar Sofia Conti Rachel Thornhill Paul White John parris Charlene McNabb Jordan Gurry
BOF’S FAREWELL
THE END OF THE ENDING ! The BOFs’ fond farewell.
In 1976, the Institute celebrated its 75th anniversary year in grand style … a conference with illustrious speakers that included the great names of Norman Parkinson, Karsh of Ottawa and one of NASA’s trained astronauts. Six hundred people from around the world attended the banquet in the City of London. It is fair to describe the next decade as being a golden age; two extra-mural groups evolved. The Former Presidents’ Club met socially; the dancers of the Torremolinos Formation Dancing teams discussed portraiture at weekends in Spain. Then the axe fell. At a stroke, Council of the day, acting unconstitutionally, dismissed the powerful Admissions & Qualifications Board. Phone calls followed, but it was all over until the three groups came together as the Best of Friends; that is the Banbury BOFs … or if you prefer, the Boring Old Farts ! Covid killed last year’s weekend but this year, there was a consensus view to mark the end by celebrating a glorious 20th anniversary in style. At the first assembly, the Friends totalled sixty but inevitable deaths had halved the numbers this year. Friday afternoon was devoted to chit-chat as people arrived and hung prints on the display stands in the private day-room provided by the hotel management. When a buffet supper was over and the dishes cleared away, we launched into a unique photographic quiz hosted by Dr Roger Summers – a Fellow and a former President. Afterwards, a scamper to the BOFs bar ended the day. On Saturday the sun shone and breakfast was tackled in dribs and drabs. The morning attraction was a commentary of the photographs on display whereby the authors provided the background to their own pictures. History evolved as old timers described how they had used flash bulbs, flash powder, ‘half-plates’, D76 developer and the MPP. Walks around Banbury followed before the cutting of a magnificent cake presented to the BOFs by the hotel. It was another opportunity for chit chat, until it was time to prepare for dinner. Tradition then took over. The anniversary dinner was preceded by a celebration in the bar and then, amid hilarity, it was time for the long-established group photograph to be taken by a popular Fellow, Peter Lowry. This year’s task was now a compact group of BOFs, but it stretched the prowess and the patience of Peter, who was attempting to arrange composition and achieve co-operation, whilst instructing a waitress how to press the camera shutter once she saw a decent picture on the screen. Dinner was excellent. Our Chief BOF, John Rose (A former President and an Honorary Fellow) had encouraged the hotel chef to “do something special” and he delivered. Grace was a very solemn occasion as former President and Fellow Brian Hunt, intoned, slowly, and with feeling, the names of former Friends. Dinner over, the very special Friend, Mrs Dee Prior spoke endearingly of the trials and tribulations she had enjoyed as a staff member at Ware for over 22 years. The golden years began to surface again as the guest of honour, rose to speak. The room was silent. Honorary Fellow, Sean Conboy summarised the events surrounding the recent calamity to our Institute; swift actions had saved our professional body from collapse. With that behind him, Sean then spoke warmly of a new regime, a new CEO and new headquarters, well-established in Preston, England. He forecast a promising future for professional photography in Britain and his listeners began to detect the promising signs for another golden age. It was an outstanding performance and the vote of thanks ended in tremendous applause. Greatly heartened, we went to the bar or to bed, anticipating the lengthy farewells that would follow breakfast. The Banbury BOFs were no more.
Dr R M Callender, FRPS.
The Ede & Ravenscroft group provide photography for students and families on the most special days of their lives at schools and graduations.
Our team of professional portrait photographers ensure our customers receive an exceptional image of themselves and their loved ones to cherish.
We are currently looking for new members to join our team with many events in 2022 already scheduled.
• Full time or freelance positions available • Competitive rates of pay • Events held across the United Kingdom • Basic kit required including a camera capable of large images with a fixed lens 50mm or 35mm for cropped sensor. F2.8 zoom lenses preferred. Two 500 watt flash heads with wireless trigger. Tripod and two posing stools or equivalent.
Would you like to photograph next years graduates?
We are looking for professional photographers
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