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Speakers' Corner - Nedine O'Brien - part 2 of 1 2

by Nedine O'Brien Published

How do organisations such as The Societies of Photographers help?
The Societies in particular has been the biggest influence on my career. I wouldn't be where I am if not for the people I've met, the support and training I've had through them. It's why I come back every year. I'm not one who finds speaking in front of a crowd easy. In fact it's one of the hardest things I do. But it is also my way of paying forward for all the help and support I've received over the years from the wonderful people at the societies. I’m not sure I'll ever be able to fully repay the debt but I will try my best.

Why is The Societies of Photographers Convention such a big deal for photographers?
It's the best and most cost effective way to gain training and network. Every new photographer I meet I tell to make sure that they try to attend it. It also allows us to geek out with other photographers who, unlike our poor suffering families, don't glaze over when we start expounding on the latest tech or editing style. The competitions allow us to push our skills and gain the nod from our colleagues. It's better than Christmas to me if I'm honest.

Is it primarily about the chance to learn from the experiences of imaging icons?
Yes that is definitely part of it. But it's also about exchanging ideas and knowledge with our peers and networking. I've also made some wonderful friends. I've had the honour of meeting some of the best photographers in their field and they are the most humble and lovely people, and I'm privileged to call some of them friend.

Your own mentors (living or dead)?
My current active mentor is Dave Wall in Photoshop as he's forgotten more than most of us will ever learn. I've also been mentored by George Fairbairn. Neither of these gentlemen pull their punches when it comes to advice and critique, which is why I picked them. I will never learn and improve if all I get are 'lovely work' and 'great job'. I need every part of the process pulled apart to improve. It's painful, but it's the only way. Besides, the more painful it is, the quicker you learn LOL.

Who today is leading the way in creative social photography and why?
People like Kirsty Mitchell, Brooke Shaden, Joel Robison and Benjamin Wong. Kirsty for her amazing images and mind blowing ability to create costumes and props. Brooke for her emotive images and simple but incredibly powerful concepts. Joel's imagination and beautiful soul and Benjamin for just plain awesome ability and his insane concepts and shots. All these are huge inspiration to me.

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?
Super Classes – I definitely want to attend James Musselwhite - Shooting Creative Portraits on a Budget.
Master Classes - Stop waiting to be discovered George Fairbairn, Portrait lighting made simple Christina Lauder, Any lighting class by Gary Hill and I definitely want to see the Judging Round Table Discussion. I don't think I made it past midday on Saturday before my five were filled up. I'm really glad I don't have to only attend five!

Every year I'll find myself at a loose end at some point and I'll just pick a room at random. I've gone to some absolutely fascinating classes because of this, classes that I would normally not even consider. Most people would consider me fairly 'advanced' but I've found some of the best tips and knowledge at the classes for beginners, things that for some reason I have not come across before.

What do you think will be the next big thing in the industry?
I'm one of those people who don't follow the trends. I follow where my creative ideas take me. I spend quite a bit of time watching with bemusement at the trends that come and go. Although saying that, I've seen the return of the Old Masters style and this makes me very happy.

Would you want your own children to take up the reins of your empire (or have they)?
While my son is very creative, his creativity lies in problem solving in the engineering fields. His ability in the maths, science and computing fields is amazing, although it shouldn't be as both my family and his dad's are all in that field. I guess I'm the odd one out being all 'artsy'. So I doubt very much I'll ever be passing on my 'empire'! In one way he is much like me, he prefers forging his own way and discovering things for himself and so long as he's happy I'm not particularly bothered by what he ends up doing.

Your plans for the next five years?
The next five years? Probably much the same as the last five, constant learning, improving my skills and creating. I am really enjoying creating costumes and props for others as well and hope that that side of the business will keep growing. And I'm hoping to add passing on my knowledge and experience to those who would like to learn. I doubt very much I'll ever become a trainer as such as that is not where my passion lays but I will do my best to help those who ask.

The Societies' 2018 London Photo Convention

Nedine 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 14:56:55

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