Old ways & new ways

April 20th, 2007

Earlier this month I attended a conference organised by the Master Photographers Association (MPA) – the theme was the Cherubs scheme that they operate and of which I am a partner photographer in.

Now it’s a great scheme with a great offer for new parents, but I’m not sure it’s one that fits my direction too well, so I was curious to find out more about the other ways it could work for me.

So I kept an open mind, took loads of notes – although I seemed to be the only one! Perhaps they were all old hands at this.

The first three speakers took a classic approach to their photography – they operated from a studio, and ran sessions throughout the day. And whilst I can appreciate what they do works well for them, I have no aspiration to operate in the same way.

The next two photographers to speak with Maria Murray and Lori Nordstrom – and what a breath of fresh air they brought. I’d learnt pointers from the previous speakers, but was becoming bored with all the studio talk – low key, high key, which props to use. It just isn’t me.

The Maria spoke. She takes a simple approach, does work on location and isn’t afraid to charge what she is worth.

Her portfolio was stunning, and I’m not surprised she’s the current under 5’s UK photographer of the year. She certainly blew the cobwebs away.

So I’ve come away – having learnt a few things, but knowing I have to do it my way, whilst continuing to participate, but I was sad to discover that a lot of the MPA members seemed stuck in their ways, and whilst it’s not wise to reinvent the wheel. I’m happy that as a relatively new kid on the block I don’t feel obliged to take a studio and work this way.

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