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Speakers' Corner - John Denton - part 2 of 1 2

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How do organisations such as The Societies of Photographers help?
They support the growth and development of skills, techniques and business practice. They challenge the membership to develop through competitions and qualifications which, if properly and rigorously assessed, give valuable yardsticks to progress.

Why is The Societies of Photographers Convention such a big deal for photographers?
It is an opportunity to meet like minded people from around the globe and makes you realise you’re not alone in the industry. It’s a big lonely world at times when you’re self employed and it is important to share good times and be part of a gang.

Is it primarily about the chance to learn from the experiences of imaging icons?
No it’s equally important to kick start your creative year, share your own experiences, talk about your photography with people who know and understand some of the issues you may be experiencing. For new photographers just coming along and talking about their own work or business can be a very powerful experience of realising it’s all real!

Your own mentors (living or dead)?
I’m largely self taught and proud of it. I have taken classes with Jerry Ghionis and admire his style and artistry. Joe McNally is an absolute God of the industry and someone who can make you laugh and cry without even pausing for breath. It sounds corny but I learn from every person who comes on my workshops. Each of us will look at the same model and capture a different image.

Who today is leading the way in creative social photography and why?
I think you have to look at Jerry for his style and work but also at the rising Chinese and Oriental photographers. I taught out in Taiwan a couple of years ago and could see then there was a creative force massing there that we can all learn from.

If you could pick just FIVE seminars (other than your own of course!) to attend at The Societies of Photographers Convention whose workshops would you attend?
If you’re at all interested in sports photography then Dominic Aquilina from Malta is a top man and always interesting. I spoke earlier of the importance of getting good legal advice into your business and for that reason can’t talk highly enough of Lee Broders. Ramon Sammut knows Lightroom and Photoshop inside out and will amaze and teach you in equal measure. Tesni Ward is one of the most passionate photographers I know when it comes to talking about Badgers! She has a wonderful understanding of the natural world and how to record it.

What do you think will be the next big thing in the industry?
I think video, stills, drones, 3D, 360 cameras will all blend in time to make photographers into more multi media masters rather than purely masters of light and print.

Would you want your own children to take up the reins of your empire (or have they)?
They’ve grown up around photography and models wandering around the house and whilst that has brought them up with a wonderful respect for women, they want to be a Doctor and a Vet respectively but both take nice images on their camera phones.

Your plans for the next five years?
To develop a stronger online presence using multimedia presentations to benefit a wider audience and build a strong community. This year has been one of incredible change for me at all levels of my life, the next five will be moving forward on some huge plans for a new website and my new studio in Birmingham. Also for Featherstone Rovers to get promoted to Super League and to double the number of chords I can play on the guitar (from 3 to 6).

The Societies' 2018 London Photo Convention

John will be speaking at The Societies' 2018 London Photo Convention. For more information on the Convention please see http://swpp.co.uk/convention/

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last update 09/12/2022 14:55:27

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