My first SWPP convention

[Tim Hoy]

“Full” and “On” are the first two words that spring to mind as I finally return to some sort of normality at home after this year’s convention.  I’ve spoken at conferences and workshops over the years and have often witnessed what goes on behind the scenes by those who organise such events.  I’m so glad I didn’t have to spin all those plates at once and the success of this year’s event is a real testimony to lots and lots of hard work and dedication by those involved.  Time for the Jones family to put their feet up for a bit methinks – but I bet that doesn’t happen. 

Last September I bit the bullet and decided to put aside the 6 days and keep my diary clear so that I could attend the whole event from start to finish.  I weighed up the pros and cons of purchasing the Super ticket and it seemed silly not to given the £100 saving and the fact that I wanted to go to everything from Masterclasses to parties.

The first two days were taken up with the business school.  This was largely delivered by the excellent trainers from Annabel Williams’ posse.  I can’t ever remember taking so many contemporaneous notes at a training event.  On reading my only-just-legible scrawl back later, I’m glad I did.  Of all the trainers I encountered over the 6 days, the Williams clan best reflects the philosophy of what we are about and what I think we already do best.  The way we engage with our clients and the relationship of mutual respect and trust has probably been our greatest asset over the years.  This has been pivotal to generating high quality referrals that keep up the business momentum and was endorsed entirely by the Annabel Williams team.

I was also able to take some time out and have a quick look at some of the album and 20 x 16 print competition judging.  On occasions I’ve seen images judged as merit worthy that I find rather ordinary or the opposite (spectacular shots getting dismissed as sub standard) although my judging “expertise” is limited to a bit of fun on this forum, so it was interesting to see accredited judging first hand.  Although I didn’t stay for long, the judges’ comments and marks awarded for the images I did see seemed to mirror what I thought about them.  One thing was clear – the standard of image making was at times inspiring.

Within our cooperative, three of the 18 togs are SWPP members and TPS financed 2 x Masterclass tickets for the other two – Tom and Marta.  Marta Demartini couldn’t have physically crammed any more classes in for her ticket if she’d tried and I would bump into her between workshops with her frantically maximising every opportunity to hear the many speakers.  We attended a few workshops together too and this gave us a great opportunity to compare notes and have a post mortem of each day’s learning.

One of these Masterclasses was delivered by Mark Ashworth (Maximise your client’s spending power).  Almost all of the presenters I went to see would include a slide show of their work, but for me Mark’s was the most outstanding.  Not a hint of ego or self gratification, but confidence that was tangible, understandably given the standard of Mark’s work.

The other spectacular presenter of the convention was Annabel Williams herself (as opposed to one of her team that is).  One of the delegates near me complained that she used mild expletives when delivering her talk and I guess my 75 year old mum might not have liked it, but she doesn’t like my old Viz magazines either – How can you not like Viz?

Annabel’s talk on the Friday morning just confirmed that we were on target to do everything we had planned for the next fiscal year.  It’s nice to hear it from someone you respect immensely, particularly as her images are every bit as good as her business acumen.  What my mum would have said is “that Williams women will never starve” and she’s right.

Now this thread is starting to look like some gushing obsequious drivel, but to balance the apparent sycophancy I must say that not every workshop I attended was such a positive and empowering experience.  I met togs whose income is probably in excess of 10 times my best year’s take, but some of them I wouldn’t employ as second shooters.  I did draft out a complete critique but on reading it back it was just too much of an assassination and I latterly decided to email them personally to let them know my feedback without the public humiliation.   

Why wouldn’t I employ them?  The reasons are many – not particularly brilliant images, too much ego and nothing to back it up with.  On one occasion (prior to the convention) I saw one of the presenters at another workshop that utilised a model.  If one of our togs spoke to any bride the way this person spoke to a model, I would insist on a full apology and consider not paying them.  Anyway they all know who they are now – unless of course they just delete their emails.

So what else was good?  I do love a trade show and took the time to chat to many of the reps, looking at new products and services, catching up with our long term suppliers, 18 of whom were at the show.  I also took advantage of the ACS sensor cleaning service – it was the only day I took a camera to the convention as this event wasn’t about gear for me but relationships and business rather than my craft.  I normally feel quite naked without at least one camera, but I found it strangely liberating for a week not having a huge rucksack and thinking about what lens and gear to deploy.

I missed the Grease themed international night because I was out shooting a birthday party for a beautiful client who confirmed that night that she wanted me to shoot her wedding.  I also took a booking for another birthday party at the same venue in February. 

The best bit of the convention however was not any one class or event or purchase, but the opportunity to finally meet so many of the people who have been sharing their wit, their lives, their experience and kindness with me on this forum.  It was a good opportunity to learn their correct names too, but this inevitably led to confusion – I’m hopeless at remembering names at the best of times and this was like a marathon for me in that department. 

After almost a year of innuendo and flirting with Jay he finally stopped playing hard to get at the awards presentation on the Sunday and we exchanged ties as a sign of our mutual adoration.  It was a truly moving experience and I suspect he’ll be posting a response to confirm his adoration – watch this space folks.

The forum (PhilB or Island Dave I think) had booked 4 x tables and the seats were all filled by the usual suspects and some of their lovely partners.  Two people won awards on our table.  PhilB  - or Fillippe Breville Toaster as it said on his award and the Governor David Simm for his lifelong achievement/contribution to SWPP.  A number of other togs from the forum also picked up awards.  Shergy won the award for the person who looks most like his Avatar – a framed certificate and a Canon 1DS Mk III accompanied the trophy.  It really was a no expenses spared event.   

After the awards ceremony we took over the bar where free drinks were being dished out by Novotel as a thank you for all our hard work over the week.  They had employed over 50 bar staff to make sure no one had to wait for their gratis beverages – what a great hotel chain.  I think I’ll stay there next year. 

We jammed around the grand piano for a bit and then a bit more and then it was suddenly 5 AM and I had to get home as there was no one left to drink and party with.  Jinx was the last one to surrender to fatigue – surprisingly late given the flat out week he’d just contributed to.

It took me over an hour to get home in the rain and I arrived just in time to make my daughter’s breakfast before sending her off to school.  It’s been a few years since I stayed out that late, but on the last occasion I had an early start the next day and just carried on – not today though.  I crashed and woke up three hours later at 11 AM having missed the start of the Joe Photo seminar.  I’m getting too old for this all night stuff, but it was an absolute blast and a real pleasure to finally meet you all.

Internet/forum relationships are sometimes a little false or unrealistic at best and meeting people face to face for the first time can sometimes be a bit of a disappointment, but I was so very pleasantly surprised to find that those of you I got to chat with were every bit as lovely as you come across on the forum.  I was gobsmacked that Polis was 63 years old though – that’s a really old picture he uses for his Avatar.

So – next year?  I’ll be there for some of it at least.  Thanks to you all for being fun and kind and commiserations to those who couldn’t make it.  I hope you all made it back home safely.

Another short post from Mr Concise.

[SeanMcCormack]

Thanks for this Tim, well worth the read.

[Jay McLaughlin]

After almost a year of innuendo and flirting with Jay he finally stopped playing hard to get at the awards presentation on the Sunday and we exchanged ties as a sign of our mutual adoration.  It was a truly moving experience and I suspect he’ll be posting a response to confirm his adoration – watch this space folks.

It's all true!

I am still trying to work out what the stains are on yours   

[Nigel Paul]

Great post Tim. I intended to be there for at least one of the days, but a few things went wrong for me.
Any way there's always next year. Glad you all had a great time, and hope to meet everyone eventually.

Saw a few pics of you all round the piano, looked a blast!

BTW Tim, you must tell me where you got that suit from, Cool!

[David Simm]

Just arrived home Tim, can't thank you enough for your generosity, your friendship, your wit and patience. The fish'n'chips were an outstanding start to a fantastic week, needless to say I have no voice, you lot did me in with all this late night revelry. I was sorry theta I didn't get to Joe's seminar, particularly after spending much of Friday night shouting at each other over the heavy metal, or whatever at that particular moment was raping my ear drums. He really is one of the nicest people, as too was John from Nova Scotia.

The crew from this forum are all amazing people, I will never forget them, needless to say I sat with the guys since I had promised to, but had to abandon Maz & Rekha, my closest friends for the past 35 yrs. It's OK tho, we're so close they've already forgiven me.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the Greek Cypriots, Man, what an unbelievably great group of people. To a man (woman) they we're generous to a fault, they are so passionate about photography, passionate about the friends they have made, they are warm, funny, enjoyable to be around and just plain outstanding human beings, I'm not so sure about Sorin but I guess he will be OK now we disarmed the pineapples.

With seven awards going to photographers who contribute to the forum, it was and outstanding awards dinner and I have to congratulate all the winners, next year guys we need to see a complete clean up. I want to see Jinx and Richie get up there with the best of the best, sorry I missed your show, I just know it would have been fantastic though, that's just the way you are.

It kind of left me a bit speechless to be singled out for an award, after all there were so many folks who have worked their butts off over the years, not least the Jones's. And what about the photographers who tirelessly worked on and on and on capturing the images of event, yet in spite of the overload, could still find time to capture our insane antics, Great work guys.  But now I have to make up for what I didn't say at the night. Thanks to all of you wonderful people who have shared in my career, without all you friends and colleagues none of it would have been possible. You folks are the best.

[James Carter]

David,

Well chuffed for you on your award, it could not have gone to a nicer guy, sorry I could not be there this year, but I hope to make up for that next year, I look forward to hearing tales of wigan Photography!

Many many congratulations, you deserve it!

[John Rose]

I want to echo the thanks to all the forum members for the great feeling created. It was great to finally meet everyone and to find out that they are all really good people. It is sometimes disappointing when you first meet people but everyone was so nice and friendly. This was the first time at the convention for me but will definitely not be my last. Thanks to every one for being such ordinary people and sharing all your knowledge to us mere mortals. A special thank you to David Simm for having me in hysterics throughout his talk and the rest of the time in the bar. Pictures to follow

John

[Sorin Iliescu]

Thanks Tim, you put it all down in nice words, but the true is that in the reality everything has been even better. After seeing this Convention, I have that feeling of being stupid, because I had the opportunity to attend also the 2008 Convention and I didn't do it. I am looking forward for the next one.
I had the chance to met most of the forum people, and I can confirm you that in reality, they are even much nice than in this virtual world. I don't want to mention any names, just because I don't want to forget any body, but every single forum person I met in there was above my expectations. THANK YOU!
P.S. David, in Cyprus they have a nice saying which goes like that: the dog that barks a lot will never bite! Anyway, believe me, no offensive grenades (a.k.a. pineapples) are to be used on against the photographers gathering in the lobby: that may damage the hotel structure of resistance and innocents may die! After a second thought, my approach is to use white phosphor 

[Polis Varnava]

I would like to thank everyone that ive met at the convention.It was an amazing exprerience for a 25 year old kid.The atmosphere was great (ok it needed a little push from the kids so me and richie tried our best to make it ever more fun  ) .I would like to say a BIG THANK YOU  to our Governor David Simm and send a BIG LOVE to all the members ive met over the last week.I have to admit that that experience was the best i had in my little life.Iam sure that next year will be even more great , so get your asses ready because the greek kid is coming to town loll !!!! . Congratulations to Neil for his award great kid and great inspiration.Congrats to Sorin for the Pets award, Sorin you know i love you so pls dont shoot me on the photoshoot  , Congratulations to PhilB for his award , amazing shot and also  i already told you Phil is that you are a great guy and you deserve all the best. Jay it was great ive met you too and i would love to see your award in the 20x16 winners, amazing shot and amazing guy above all, you all inspire me and i promise i will kick your asses next year lol! .I would also want to say thank you to all the guys ive met there.Like Sorin i will not mention names because iam sure i will forget some so pls forgive me. I know you all feel a little weird right now because i didnt mention our girls.Girls you were all STUNNING, AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL, SEXY AND I LOVE YOU ALL, dont get me wrong , i love you as a flower loves the sun .

Cheers my friends,
Polis.

[Sorin Iliescu]

Shergy, man, sorry, but I couldn't control my self.... I HAD TO DO IT!
When I met you at the convention, I always had the feeling that I seen you somewhere else. Now, being home and looking thru the pics on my drives, I had the revelation: Shergy, the hitman

[PaulRG]

A good post Tim, thanks for bringing us "unfortunates" up to date with a well balanced report so soon after the event.
I had always guessed that Polis was older than he admits to - it's obvious because of his knowledge and understanding - I now you've confirmed it!
Congrats to David for his Life time achievement award - it only comes through hard work and caring so don't belittle it as it's well deserved.
And congrats to ALL the winners - I was fortunate to win a category in 2006 and will never forget the awards evening - it's a great event.
Finally, well I don't want the post to be as long as any of Tim's, a big well done to Phil and the team - you know I always support you even when I can't be there.
Cheers.

[philippe brevet]

Good reports guys and so many kind words about everyone. The thing is, the posts are true , I did not meet one person that I would not like to meet again. I won't mention names as i'm too afraid to miss anyone out, but you all know that i enjoyed the company of you all!

But what about our overseas, an honour to know you all. Dave, you are a terrific guy, so full of experince and values ( and you intoduced me to Maz, how good is that! ). You Corsican guys, fantastic to meet you all, smooth just does'nt do you justice. Polis, you are a very genuine, friendly and very generous person and it too was a privelige to meet you.

To rub shoulders with so many at the top of their game was amazing, Dave Simm, Gordon McGowan, too many to mention, but to realise that they are human

Tim you are totally right, What a fantastic gesture of such a large, inpersonnal hotel chain to open themselves up with such generosity, with a late bar, overstaffed to avoid any queues and unbelievably, free drinks all night! ....absolutely crazy, will defianetly recommend again!

Anyway , great to meet up and congrats to all who won something and many thanks to all who worked so hard to make it work.

Highlight... Richie & Jinx's, hangover relieving seminar. A very funny, well presenred lecture
( oh that and some of the naked models )

cheers all, philippe
 

[Sofie]

Tim that's one hell of a review ... here's what I remember: at one point in the wee (as Mr Baikie would say!) hours of Monday morning you guys around the piano sung a couple of lines of Bon Jovi  ... I also remember some very rude lyrics during what I think was an Oasis song... I have a pretty poor memory Great to see everyone having so much fun and getting on so well! 

[StuartWalkerPhoto]

After almost a year of innuendo and flirting with Jay he finally stopped playing hard to get at the awards presentation on the Sunday and we exchanged ties as a sign of our mutual adoration.  It was a truly moving experience and I suspect he’ll be posting a response to confirm his adoration – watch this space folks.

It's all true!

I am still trying to work out what the stains are on yours   

And what lovely ties they were too!

[Tim Hoy]

I also remember some very rude lyrics during what I think was an Oasis song...

Robbie Williams' "Angels" actually but it got a few laughs as I recall.

I shot a retirement party a few years ago where I was also in the band that night.  The guy leaving his career said that the worst thing about his job had been the people  - those who let others do most of the hard work or who belittled enthusiastic and dedicated folk with their cynicism.  He added more positively that the best thing about the same job was also THE PEOPLE.  Those who had nurtured him as an apprentice, encouraged, supported and befriended him when there were hard things to do and family crises to juggle with his day to day workload.  That really sums up how I feel about the forum posse and many of the key players at SWPP.  Despite our common interest in image making, there couldn't have been a much more diverse bunch of people who seemed to hit it off from the moment we introduced ourselves.

Sorin's account of how he created his award winning moggy shot made the image all the more powerful for me.  I actually thought that I would find Polis unbearable after reading his posts for the last year - but it wasn't all ego and self interest but a truly spirited human being I met - for those of you who haven't met him yet he is really larger than life and so full of genuine passion.  I also though I might be disappointed when I met the Governor David Simm as my expectations couldn't have been any higher - again no disappointment, but a confirmation that nothing was ever too much trouble.  We also had some great political chats and put the world to rights whilst there.  Jinx and Richie were both magnanimous and entertaining at the same time and it feels like it did when I went on my first Outward Bound adventure years ago - I'm still in contact with so many of those people too.  

I'm at risk of falling into the trap that you've all so far avoided of missing someone out here.  There were so many of us and none of you managed to disappoint me which is a unique experience in my almost 49 years on the planet.  Bev and Drew and Liam and Adam and Christina and Jay and Sofie and John and the woman who sat next to me at the table and whose name I've already forgotten (and where did I put those teeth) and Wendy and Phillippe Breville Toastmaker and Shergy complete with red eyes and yes why did I start this list?  I'm sure to have left out someone who was lovely.  Please don't cry yourselves to sleep because I'm so senile.  You can humiliate me by posting your indignation.  Mind you it would help if everyone had introduced themselves by the names we have all come to know them by and left it at that - I have enough difficulty remembering a single name - having two is just greedy.   I also spoke to numerous partners who'd come to support (or maybe humour) us.  What a tremendous community.  

Well worth my time and money and likely to be one of the main highlights of the year.  Thanks again lovely people.