{"id":131551,"date":"2019-09-29T13:05:53","date_gmt":"2019-09-29T12:05:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/amateurphotographer.co.uk\/?p=131551"},"modified":"2019-09-29T13:11:14","modified_gmt":"2019-09-29T12:11:14","slug":"discover-uks-best-photography-events","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/other.kelsey.host\/amateurphotographer\/latest\/photo-news\/discover-uks-best-photography-events\/","title":{"rendered":"Discover the UK’s best photography events"},"content":{"rendered":"

A wedding is under way \u2013 the bride and groom are standing under a colourful arch of flowers, lightly touching heads; the aisle is lined with candles; and rings are about to be exchanged. Somewhere from the back of the church a photographer shouts out, \u2018Stop, can we do that again please, I missed the shot.\u2019 Despite appearances this is not a real wedding \u2013 it\u2019s a carefully staged event designed to help photographers hone their skills. \u2018It\u2019s like shooting a real wedding, but without the pressure,\u2019 laughs Tiffany Tangen, events manager at Wex Photo Video<\/a>. \u2018We have a bride and a groom, but we can say \u201cStop, bring it back; this is where you need to take your shot.\u201d\u2019<\/p>\n

Wex Photo Video<\/a> is one of a number of companies to see the commercial potential in hosting one-day events, seminars and workshops. By laying on fake weddings, portraiture sessions, and lighting masterclasses, for example, photographers can experiment with techniques and equipment, which ultimately encourages them to invest more time and money in their hobby. Prices for these events can range from \u00a30-\u00a3100 or more, so it\u2019s important to be well prepared for the experience. Prior to booking, some photographers might be concerned that their technical knowledge will let them down, or that they will come home with the same images as everyone else, but this doesn\u2019t have to be the case. To alleviate these concerns, I spoke to three leaders in the photo events industry.<\/p>\n\t\t

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Attending a mock wedding is a great way to hone your skills. Credit: Gary Duncan<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

Neil Cave runs TimeLine Events<\/a>, which brings heritage and photography together to recreate scenes from past eras. Neil has been taking pictures since the age of six, and has worked in the photography industry for more than 20 years, so he should know a thing or two about what makes photographers tick! As a train enthusiast, the first event he organised took place at a steam railway in Devon in 1997, but since then he has branched out to cover everything from boats and aviation to re-enactments and wildlife. (Some of TimeLine<\/a>\u2019s more unusual events include Victorians & steam punk, camel racing, and portraiture in a pumping station!)<\/p>\n

One of the company\u2019s most popular events is held in Lincolnshire, where participants get the chance to shoot a Lancaster bomber, from all angles, with its Merlin engines running. The event is attended by a cast of RAF Bomber Command re-enactors who are happy to load bombs and trolleys onto the plane to maximise picture potential. Re-enactors are crucial to TimeLine<\/a>\u2019s success. \u2018We liaise with groups of re-enactors across the whole country,\u2019 explains Neil. \u2018We try to give people the opportunity to get photographs of people, events and locations that they wouldn\u2019t normally be able to get on their own.\u2019<\/p>\n

But with 100 or so people attending an event such as this, how can Neil be sure that every photographer goes home with something unique to them? \u2018We try to encourage people to try out different positions and angles,\u2019 he explains, \u2018but nowadays so much of it comes down to post-production that no one is really going to end up with the same photograph. The guys who think outside of the box will always get something different.\u2019<\/p>\n\t\t

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TimeLine Events uses re-enactors to add authenticity to heritage events. Credit: Andy Westlake<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

Producing unique images<\/h2>\n

The desire to produce unique images is something Tiffany is also aware of, which is why Wex Photo Video<\/a> ensures that there are plenty of opportunities to play around with equipment and different set-ups. \u2018You can ask us to move things and change stuff around,\u2019 she reveals. \u2018There\u2019s plenty of time to experiment.\u2019 While some photographers may feel confident requesting props be changed or asking models to move, others may lack the confidence or technical know-how to produce the image they have in their mind\u2019s eye. This is when one-to-one attention is vital. \u2018Currently our photo days and experiences are designed for six to 12 students, depending on the type of course,\u2019 reveals Ian Savage, head of retail and academy training at Jessops<\/a>. \u2018By keeping the groups small we can ensure that everyone gets the special attention they need.\u2019<\/p>\n

Jessops<\/a> has plenty of people on hand offering technical assistance during its events, which include workshops for photographers looking to \u2018break free from the chains of Auto mode\u2019 and Orca safari experiences. \u2018Our events are focused on the attendees and what they want to get out of them,\u2019 says Ian. \u2018A huge part of the experience is dedicated to technical assistance, and we offer feedback on all images to encourage more accomplished photographers to challenge themselves.\u2019<\/p>\n

For Neil at TimeLine Events<\/a>, however, the focus is on the experience delivered by a heritage day rather than dedicated one-to-one training. \u2018Obviously there are people on hand to help you set up your camera and choose what settings to use for particular events or themes, but we are offering experience days rather than training days,\u2019 he advises. \u2018We do offer camera training days though.\u2019<\/p>\n\t\t

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Gaining access to subjects and views that are normally out of bounds is rewarding. Credit: Michael Topham<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

What makes them special<\/h2>\n

While most group sizes are relatively modest, some TimeLine<\/a> and Wex<\/a> events can be attended by as many as 100 people. \u2018Places on our boat trips are restricted because of insurance,\u2019 says Neil, \u2018but some of the aircraft events can attract up to 100 people. You have to bear in mind that if you\u2019re photographing a bunch of airplanes then you\u2019re going to be spread across a huge area, so it never feels like there\u2019s that many people there.\u2019 One of the reasons Wex<\/a> events are so well attended is the company\u2019s ability to attract big-name photographers such as Martin Parr, Rory Lewis and Peter Dench. \u2018We\u2019ve been very lucky,\u2019 says Tiffany. \u2018We\u2019ve started running Legends events where photographers come and talk about their careers and the equipment they use, and we\u2019ve made these free so that people who wouldn\u2019t normally get a chance to meet such high-calibre artists can learn from them.\u2019<\/p>\n

Photographers of all levels are welcomed by Tiffany, Neil and Ian. \u2018We held one event where there were 12 people and they varied from never having touched a camera to a fully fledged pro,\u2019 Tiffany reveals. \u2018On our workshops we tend to keep group sizes quite small (8-12 participants), so it\u2019s never been a problem. We have enough staff and professional photographers on hand to pay attention where it\u2019s needed.\u2019 Neil concurs. \u2018We welcome photographers of all levels and styles. Our events are geared towards giving you a day that you will remember for years to come.\u2019 Finally, Ian utilises the knowledge and experience his staff have garnered from years working on the shop floor. \u2018Our team understands different cameras across the board and can tailor help and advice for students depending on which brand they\u2019re using,\u2019 he assures.<\/p>\n

With so much knowledge, enthusiasm, and attention to detail in evidence, it\u2019s clear that signing up for a photo event will result in a grand day out.<\/p>\n

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Tips for making the most of your day<\/h2>\n\t\t
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Credit: Michael Topham<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

Express individuality<\/h2>\n

If you find yourself in a line of photographers all hankering after the same photograph, use it as an opportunity to try something new. Experiment with different angles, lenses and techniques until you find something that is completely unique to you.<\/p>\n

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Credit: Gary Duncan<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

Speak up<\/h2>\n

If a prop isn\u2019t in the right place for the image you had in your mind\u2019s eye, ask to move it. Similarly, if a model isn\u2019t in a pose that works for you, ask if they can adjust their position. Be aware of the needs of others, but don\u2019t be afraid to speak up!<\/p>\n

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Credit: Andy Westlake<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

Don\u2019t get frustrated<\/h2>\n

There may be times when you are working in areas with certain restrictions, or when members of the group prevent you from taking a picture in some way. Try not to get too frustrated \u2013 demonstrate your superior skills by thinking outside the box.<\/p>\n

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Credit: Paw Photography<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

Try something new<\/h2>\n

If you always shoot weddings, try steam punk; if you tend to gravitate towards wildlife, try motorsports. We all have preferred genres, but stepping outside of our comfort zone occasionally can lead to refreshing, and pleasantly surprising, results.<\/p>\n

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Credit: Wex Photo Video<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

Ask for help<\/h2>\n

If you think you might benefit from some one-to-one tuition, enquire about group sizes and be prepared to pay a little more for someone\u2019s undivided attention. However, don\u2019t be put off by a lack of technical knowledge; help is always on hand.<\/p>\n

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Kit list<\/h2>\n