Living Gallery

120 YEARS

A BIPP Living Gallery

In celebration of its milestone 120th anniversary, the British Institute of Professional Photography created the Art for The Artistry House photography contest to memorialise its long-standing legacy.

We had an overwhelming response to the competition, with current and retired members submitting a wide range of remarkable images from every photography sector.

The BIPP’s head office, The Artistry House, is already a flourishing exhibition space full of a diverse range of art. We are proud to have this incredible selection of images to form our own living gallery and contribute to the ethos of the building.

We aim to begin the process of printing and framing the images in the coming weeks; once everything is

Judging Panel

Jon Cohen: The current BIPP President and former Business Group Manager at the world renowned Fujifilm. Jill Roe: The owner of Digital Lab, a leading professional photo lab currently celebrating its 70th year in business. complete, we plan to open the gallery up for members to visit and the public to view.

Thanks to everyone who contributed images, and well done to the photographers selected. We hope you enjoy the chosen photographs that are featuring first exclusively in this issue of the magazine.

Terry Hope: A longstanding journalist in the photography industry and the owner and editor of Professional Photo Magazine. Andy Walmsley: The Creative Director and owner of Wash Studio, as well as one of The Artistry House’s very own artists and co-founders.

ARCHITECTURAL & INDUSTRIAL

Hon FBIPP Sean Conboy

“It was shot in Blackpool Tower Ballroom, a building designed by a famous Edwardian theatre architect called Frank Matcham. We were commissioned by Visit Blackpool, as the building has just recently been refurbished, which is why we were hired for the shoot. The photograph is one shot in camera - there is no post-production.”

“I’m absolutely delighted to be chosen for The Artistry House gallery. Particularly with it being the 120th anniversary of the Institue and for also being able to represent where the Insitute is at the moment - it’s fantastic.”

Linhof Techno with a Hasselblad 100 Megapixel Digital Back 23mm Rodenstock Lens 12 Broncolor Flash Packs Broncolor Para Reflectors

THE ARTISTRY HOUSE

ADVERTISING

FBIPP David Taylor

“I was employed by a leading global speciality additive chemicals company of over 90 years, that operated in transportation, industrial and consumer markets. They had headquarters in the USA, technical and test centres in America, UK and Japan, alongside manufacturing and sales offices in most major countries in the world. Working together with the OEM’s (Original Equipment Manufacturer) for the transportation industry would take me to all kinds of facilities and field testing locations around the globe.

This stunning and unique location was spotted whilst travelling in Scandinavia and just had to be pursued for the best angle, position, camera gear to be used and time of day for the best light. A series of images were taken, in this case, at dawn as the sun was rising, working as quickly as possible before the light changed. The image was used in presentations, brochures, websites, reports for the OEM’s, company stock image library.”

500mm f4 lens 1/650sec f6.3 ISO 400.

LBIPP Ian Chapman

Rain Falling

“This image shows military freefall jumpers exiting from the tailgate of a Hercules C130 aircraft flying at 13000 feet in rain clouds over Germany during a training exercise involving British, US and German personnel in 2017.

It was taken using a helmet-mounted Canon 350D camera with an 18-50mm lens. The shutter was operated via a tongue switch which allowed me to use my hands for manoeuvring in freefall and operating my parachute. A tongue switch is a device gripped between the teeth and operated by pressing a button with the tongue. The framing was achieved by the use of a ring sight attached to the helmet, which assures that the camera is pointing exactly where you’re looking.”

AERIAL & DRONE

FBIPP John Miskelly

Redentore Venice

“This was an opportunity to combine my long exposure type of images from the coast with a well-known part of the Venice skyline, specifically Il Redentore, a 16th-century church on Guidecca. Arriving at the location while it was still dark, I set up my equipment to capture an 8-minute exposure, waiting until I saw signs of the first light of the day. The street lights still being on adds a warmth to the image - on what was a dull day -helping me to express the feel and atmosphere of this most wonderful city.”

CITYSCAPE

DIGITAL MANIPULATION

FBIPP Peter Rooney

“The image is a composite made up from human and toy elements. The little girl was Sophia; I shot her against a grey backdrop, and I used the body from one shot, the head from another and the legs from a third picture to get the pose I wanted - all captured with the Canon 5d MKIII and the Sigma 50mm Art lens. The shark is a model of a Megalodon taken on Canon 7D and the Canon 100mm Macro, as were the other elements such as the chain, hourglass and hook.

This image is one of a series of three that seeks to draw attention to three incredible species - each driven to extinction through humanity’s voracious obsession with the ceratin body parts - I have depicted these parts through fire. I chose smouldering fire to symbolise a mode of destruction that could be stopped if we decided to. The question is will we do so before time runs out? The child represents the future generations. Dressed in her pyjamas, she will probably only ever ‘know’ these animals through bedtime stories and her dreams.

Having this image selected to hang at The Artistry House is a huge honour and something I’m proud of, and hopefully, on my next visit home, I can pop up and see it in person.”

E-COMMERCE

Hon FBIPP Jonathan Beer

“This image is from a 2021 campaign for online beauty brand Lookfantastic. Working with the best still-life stylist in the North West Cheri Harrison, art director Brogan Marshall and producer Charley Ellis, the image, specifically for Estee Lauder, is one of around sixty five produced across an eight day shoot. The products are lit with a Broncolor ‘Pulso Spot 4’ with a gobo installed to give the stylised window effect. Additional open Bron heads through diff screens create the gradients and shape in the plastics and metals, while carefully placed silver card is used to highlight logos. Maybe not the kind of image I have been most known for across my career, but this is a great example of where my work is in 2021, and I am delighted that it’s been chosen to form part of the 120th anniversary exhibition in the beautiful surroundings of The Artistry House.”

FASHION

FBIPP Paul Wilkinson

“Sometimes an image is not the one you think it will be - this is one of those. I had spent the afternoon working with a brilliant makeup artist who wanted some theatrical makeup images for her portfolio.

Towards the end of the session, we had stripped everything back to basics with simple beauty makeup and an old-school hairstyle (I believe they’re named ‘Victory Rolls’!). So, we headed into the studio, and I decided to use some dramatic lighting with a combination of hard and soft modifiers. I also opted for a highkey look as it’s not widely used for this type of fashion/ beauty image.

The irony is that the image was initially rejected - not just by me but my team - and it was only later that I spotted its potential when I was tidying up the folders. Just goes to show - never delete anything!”

THE ARTISTRY HOUSE

FINE ART

Kate Tarnowska

“The image was taken at the end of 2019 at my studio in Cheltenham using a Nikon D800 and Nikkor 105mm 2.8G ED VR lens. With my amazing team’s support and model Laura Kerdokaite who flew in from Milan, we did the photoshoot for Scratch (a magazine for nail professionals). We wanted to create something unique, where we all try out skills and challenge ourselves - we spent many hours creating the finished series.” We were happy to be published inside the Scratch and even feature on the front cover! Initially shot in colour, I later changed the image to a black and white and have been really amazed by how it looks.”

“Being selected to feature in the Institute’s living gallery celebrating its 120th anniversary is a real achievement! It is a wonderful opportunity to share my creative work - I am very proud of it - thank you so much!”

LANDSCAPE

ABIPP Erika Valkovicova

“Diamond Beach in Iceland takes its name from the glittering ice fragments scattered across its shore like a field of diamonds. These glacial fragments were once part of the Breidamerkurjokull Glacier. After breaking away, the ice blocks are slowly floating into the Glacier Lagoon before ending up in the sea. It was a feast for the eyes to see these beautiful gems contrasting with the black volcanic beach. The frost highlighted the ripples in the sand. I took this image in late December 2020 at low tide shortly after the sunset.” Diamonds in the sand

Camera: Canon EOS R5 Lens: Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L III Tripod: RRS TVC-24L Series 2 Mk2, RRS BH-55 Ballhead

THE ARTISTRY HOUSE

MEDICAL

FBIPP Ian Cartwright

Mother Introduces Child

The judges commented: “this is a classic image, beautifully composed and executed but still retaining great emotional warmth and capturing the baby perfectly”.

MOD

LBIPP Ian Chapman

“Taken whilst on operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in 2007. The image shows an 81mm mortar crew during a nighttime fire mission and captured with a Canon 350D camera fitted with a 55-200mm lens. The camera was perched on a sandbag and had been pre-focused on a marker light. In bulb mode, I manually held the shutter open for what seemed an eternity until the instant that the bomb was discharged when I released the shutter. The flash from the bomb being fired lit the image. When viewed on the small camera screen afterwards, it became apparent that there was a face of sorts in the heat flash that was looking down on the guys, and it quite spooked them when they saw it. Hence ‘The Watcher’ caption.” “Both of the selected images were taken during my time serving with the army, and I was extremely fortunate to be afforded photographic opportunities in many varied environments and situations that the average person would not be able to find themselves in.”

“The email informing me of my success came out of the blue as I thought that the competition was done and dusted several weeks ago. I’m delighted to have had my work recognised by the BIPP judges, and to have the images permanently displayed at The Artistry House makes it even more special. The BIPP has many extremely talented members in its ranks, and I never thought I had a chance of being selected.”

The Watcher

THE ARTISTRY HOUSE

NATURE

FBIPP Paul Reiffer

Firefalls

“This shot features the annual “firefalls” that occurs when the conditions are right in Yosemite National Park during the spring.

As the sun hits a specific angle, the rockface is held in shadow by another outcrop allowing the thin beam of golden light to hit what little water is flowing that year from Horsetail Falls.

Many leave disappointed each year– as two factors must be met: A clear line to sunset on the horizon and enough water managing to flow through the waterfall at the end of winter. On this particular year, we had 3 perfect days of all the right elements.

While an amazing sight itself, the huge crowds that now line the various roads and outcrops to witness it each time (holding “their spots” in the snow all day long) have recently become a spectacle in their own right.”

Captured with a Phase One XF Medium Format camera system, IQ4/150MP Digital Back, SK 240mm LS Len

“It’s great to know that one of my shots will be part of a lasting display that showcases the amazing breadth of work produced by the Institute’s members over the years.

Seeing different images produced by other photographers over the years has been part of what’s kept me exploring, learning, and capturing my own.

Hopefully, the unique combination of all these selected photographs on display at The Artistry House will inspire many more in future in the same way others have inspired me.”

NIGHTSCAPE

ABIPP Erika Valkovicova

Camera: Canon EOS 5DMK IV Lens: ZEISS Milvus 18mm f/2.8 ZE for Canon Tripod: RRS TVC-24L Series 2 Mk2, RRS BH-55 Ballhead

Artic Love

“The Aurora forecast was incredible that evening, but the weather forecast expected clouds later at night. My friends had a very long discussion in the car about where to go for the Aurora hunt. Knowing how unpredictable the Arctic weather can be, I felt I had to make a quick decision, and I asked them to drop me off at my favourite beach. I saw the heart-shaped stone the day before, and I wished to capture the lights dancing around it! As soon as I set up my tripod and found my desired composition, the mystical green lights lit up the sky! The show lasted a few minutes only before the thick cloud blanket rolled in. Still, what a treat! Captured in September 2020 at Uttakleiv Beach in Lofoten, Norway.” “I am thrilled and honoured to have two of my photographs chosen from thousands of excellent entries for the exhibition! I took both images in 2020 - the year engraved in our memories forever. Despite the strict entry and quarantine measures, my yearning for a new adventure was stronger than my fear of travelling. The reward was exceptional - I experienced the serenity of the otherwise crowded places without a single human being around. Seeing nature taking a break from the masses of tourists filled me with happiness and hope.”

PET

ABIPP Barrie Spence

Bonnie & Bella

“This is a relatively old shot now (Summer 2018). At the time, Bonnie was one (she’s a pedigree Border), and Bella was two and a half (she’s Border/Patterdale cross).

This sort of pose using the arm of the Chesterfield and looking out the window appears to be a common trait of Border Terriers - all the others I’ve had in the studio have done something very similar.

It’s a very simple setup in the studio - it’s just daylight from the French doors on the left, and a light coloured wall on the right. We are in Scotland, so even in the middle of summer, it’s ISO 3200 to give me 1/200s and a little depth of field at f/4.5. The bare wall in the background has been made a little more interesting with the application of a texture layer.

I’m never afraid to head-swap to make a shot, but for this one, I was lucky enough to capture this one as-is.

Bonnie & Bella’s favourite treats were sprats, so it was one of the most fragrant sessions in the studio (fortunately, it cleared relatively quickly).

The shot has done well in competitions and is probably the shot that got me a couple of bits of glass in the 2019 Scottish regional awards.”

THE ARTISTRY HOUSE

PHOTOJOURNALISM & EDITORIAL

FBIPP Paul Wilkinson

Alex Belini

“An Italian explorer and environmental campaigner, Alex Bellini had asked me to create some images of him with a new jacket that a sponsor had donated him. So we had spent time happily throwing water at him and capturing the result.

However, fun as that was, beneath the hi-tech waterproof clothing, he was wearing a traditional woollen coarse-knit sweater - reminiscent of the pictures taken of intrepid Victorian explorers. So I couldn’t resist creating a simple, textured image of him - the beard, the sweater and those piercing eyes! And a bonus was the remnants of our earlier exploits: a trickle of water down one cheek which looked like a tear.

Just like an explorer, fortune favours the brave!”

PORTRAIT

FBIPP Paul Wilkinson

Pauline

“When ninety-year-old Pauline arrived at the studio with her daughter (in her sixties), her opening line, sternly delivered with a degree of fortitude, was, “I DON’T know WHY I’m here!” Well, at that point, all you can do is change tack. So we sat and drank tea. Pauline told me stories, and I listened. More tea. More stories. More listening. Eventually, she visibly relaxed, and I swung the camera up and grabbed maybe a dozen images. It can be tempting with an image like this to dramatise the age and the skin, but Pauline’s eyes were so utterly engaging that I made sure the monochrome conversion didn’t add any unnecessary texture and left the eyes as I had found them: full of life and energy - they sparkled like they must have done when she was 21! My favourite portrait.”

THE ARTISTRY HOUSE

SCIENTIFIC

FBIPP Dave Crossley

“Alone grasshopper never before seen in the UK arrived on a flight from India. Called the painted grasshopper (Poekilocerus pictus), the 6cm-long insect sports bright blue and yellow colours to warn potential predators that it is not a treat worth eating. My role as Senior Photographer at Fera is to photograph such findings to ensure accurate identity should the insect be perceived as a threat to the UK. Imported insects can pose a significant risk to crops if they end up in the local ecosystem. This species has a huge appetite in Pakistan and India where it is reported damaging a number of food plants including aubergine, citrus, cucurbits, potatoes and tomatoes! Grasshoppers can consume green forage roughly eight times as fast as cattle in proportion to their weight. The insect image was captured using a Fuji S3 Pro DSLR with a 60mm Nikon Macro Lens. F13 at 1/125 second using studio flash. The image was processed using Capture One software. I was shocked to hear that I have been selected for the Scientific/ Forensic category. Photographing Pests and Disease is a niche area and its great to see it acknowledged in this way. Some of the success of the image must be attributed to this stunning insect, nature is fascinating and never ceases to amaze me. It is a privilege to be able to capture it through imagery.”

SPORT

FBIPP Richard Bradbury

“This image of team GB under 21s athlete Georgia Bell was shot in the period between Xmas and New Year. Georgia was based in north London at the Allianz Park Stadium, so I made a date to meet her during training. I like to combine a strong creative concept with cutting edge photographic techniques in my tests. This image combines two key elements, making a real difference to the final result. HSS & HDR. Placing myself opposite the stadium lights, I wanted to mimic the effect of them in a low light environment. I set up two Elinchrom flashes behind Georgia and just off frame together with a single softbox above the camera position. Shooting at 1000/ th sec enabled me to capture that special moment as the athlete leaps from the starting blocks. To do that, I needed to sync the lights with High-Speed Sync. I shot the background as a separate HDR image for complete control and spent many hours in post-production to combine the best of both images. The Stadium is the home of Saracens Rugby Club, who were also training during the shoot, so Georgia had quite a bit of attention during the session…what a professional!”

THE ARTISTRY HOUSE STREET & DOCUMENTARY

ABIPP Sue Cunningham

An old man from the interior of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil in his small rural shop with a calendar showing Jesus Christ. 1994

TRAVEL

“What an honour! I never go in for competitions, so it is wonderful to know that my images have been selected from the amazing pictures I am sure were sent from the other members. I feel I am giving back a little to the BIPP, who have been the backbone of my career for over 25 years! Thank you.”

ABIPP Sue Cunningham

Chief Jakalo Kuikuro, from the Xingu Indigenous Territory, Brazil, watches the opening ceremony of the First International Indigenous Games, Palmas, Brazil. 23rd October 2015.

WEDDING

FBIPP Paul Wilkinson

Marisa

“We never have much time at a wedding - and, yes, this was at a real wedding. It took just a minute or two to capture this shot. And nothing fancy - just a camera (no reflectors or lights.) Marisa had asked us to create the kind of image you see in fashion and bridal magazines during the planning. We were more than happy to oblige - particularly as she would be wearing a Galia Lahav dress! I know Le Manoir well, and this patch of light is ALWAYS rich and gorgeous (even on a dull day!) I had taken plenty of pictures of the couple, so I suggested we tried for the shot of Marisa. The dress took a little styling and, to echo Marisa’s beautifully gentle nature, I asked her to look down her body - almost shyly. Instantly, I knew I had the image (and we’d be back in time for the wedding breakfast!)”

FBIPP John Miskelly

Morning Gallop

“I’ve spent many years around horses, so the opportunity to capture the white horses of the Camargue was one not to be missed. This was an early morning shot of a group of these amazing horses galloping across the lagoon, which I hope gives a real sense of their power and majesty, especially with the big stallion in the lead. A challenging image to capture, as the light was still low and I needed a very fast shutter speed to capture all the motion and water droplets, resulting in my ISO being set to 6400. I added a LEE ND graduated filter to hold the detail in the sky.” “Regarding ‘how it feels to have been selected’, I must say that I’m both honoured and delighted. To be selected from a group of my hugely talented peers means everything to me and, to know my images will be part of a permanent display, is the best sort of recognition a photographer could get. Also, to be part of a record of the work of Institute members over the years is a true privilege.”

THE ARTISTRY HOUSE

WILDLIFE