Event Photographer Society

Started in 2009 the Event Photographer Society sometimes known as EPS was setup to help promote event photographers and event photography in general within the United Kingdom but is open to membership from any event photographer. The society is there to help event photographers, not profit from them. As a relatively new photographic discipline event photography is somewhat unknown to many, especially clients. Those within the industry do know and understand what it is AbOUT. It is the process, or processes that can be used at the different types of photography jobs which is more commonly known as workflow.

Photography has never been a restricted trade in the UK and anybody can advertise and operate as a photographer without formal qualification. The history of professional photography in the UK can be traced back to 1842 and that the first professional trade body was formed in 1901 after a meeting in Fleet Street London and was called The Professional Photographers' Association.

There have been various changes over the years with the British Institute of Professional Photographers (BIPP) claiming their decendency back to the original associaition. The Master Photographers Association (MPA) was formed in 1952 to represent only full time professional photographers and to this day is unique in this approach in the UK. Both the BIPP and MPA have strict rules about the use of post nominals that have been granted such as FBIPP or FMPA with F for fellowship being the highest award followed by A for associateship and L for licentiateship.

There are other photographic trade organisations such as the Association of Photographers that also work on a non-profit basis for the benefit of their members.

There is one last major photographic organisation in the UK that is different from the previous mentioned in that it is run as a business and that is the SWPP which also in 2009 setup the Society of International School and Event Photographers - SISEP along with seven other new organisations each charging an additional membership fee.

There are also a number of organisations that are not directly aimed at professional photographers, most notably The Royal Photographic Society was founded in 1853 'to promote the Art and Science of Photography'.

The Event Photographer Society was formed because none of these bodies had working groups or qualifications in 'Event Photography' as a standalone discipline. The role is therefore to try to provide something to supplement them in the representation of event photography.

The Aims of the Event Photographer Society

1. Put in place a set of ethics / code of conduct.

2. Promote a professional approach to event photography.

3. Identify and promote relevant training from responsible and independent sources.

4. Provide useful resources for event photographers, such as contracts and equipment reviews.

5. Provide a forum for discussion and advice.

These are areas that are either not covered or have not been explored by the existing organisations whereas there are guidelines laid down by organisations such as the Football Association for photography.

Activities

The Society functions through event photographers working together to raise the profile of the profession, and the level of professionalism within it. www.eventphotographersociety.co.uk shows neither grace nor favour to any members of the industry, nor will it be prejudiced against any. A similar society is the American SEP society which you can find out about here or on their website www.sepsociety.com.

Many of the traditional organisations also provide magazines that are not relevant to the individuals, and these have to be paid for by means of a membership subscription. By using the latest advances in technology it is possible to achieve a much faster spread of information. You also have the opportunity to find others that have dealt with similar issues, and then discuss how to overcome them. The Society has embraced new ways of doing things, rather than clinging to outdated methodology. The use of Web 2 Technologies provides the required tools such as forums, e-zines and newsletters.

If a photographer has an L qualification in Wedding Photography, it does not follow that they could also understand the issues such as Health & Safety, or Selling Techniques that are required for Prom Photography. This can equally be applied to the similarities and the diversity between sports photography. This could be Football where Team & Individual (T&I) photographs are required. Equally Equestrian Photography which has many sub-classifications such as Hunter Trials, Dressage and Show Jumping. Again the use of web technologies allows photographers to demonstrate to clients their abilities - the days of journal listings and advertising are in many instances no longer relevant.

About Event Photography

There is a mistaken belief that it is just the advent of Dye Sub Printers that has led to the evolution of Event Photography. In reality Event Photography has been around for years but with the changes in technology that have given digital cameras, powerful computers and dye subs it means that the client can receive a photograph within a few moments of the picture being taken. This in turn has led to photographers having to have a far better understanding of technology and having far more equipment to meet the customers expectations. There are many outlets that will 'advise' photographers on what equipment they need but in reality the best advice will come from working event photographers.