There is no charge for admission to the exhibition and trade show, which runs through to 4.30pm. There are also four afternoon seminars taking place, between 2.00pm and 4.30pm, which are limited to free admission by MPA members and Affiliates. The tickets have been allocated by pre-registration. To check whether any places remain, call MPA on 01325 356555.

The Hilton hotel is located on the south bank of the Tyne immediately next to the high and low level bridges, with pedestrian access to the heart of Newcastle’s historic old castle district and the many riverbank attractions. It is close to the Sage Centre, galleries, museums, shops, bars and restaurants making the location perfect for a family day out. Family or friends not interested in the photographic show can find plenty to do within minutes of the Hilton, which makes a great base for activities. This is also one of the most photogenic spots at any time of day or night with great city and river views directly from the Hilton’s terraces.

Nikon, Adobe Systems, Apple, Hewlett Packard, Nik Software, Wacom and X-Rite have joined forces for a unique, nine-city Creative Alliance Tour. The tour has been set up to provide creative professionals with a comprehensive insight into a complete digital workflow. A full-day seminar will take place at each city stop, hosted by photo professionals and evangelists Keith Thompson, Kevin Dopson, Robin Preston, and Guy Gowan among others. These influential master photographers will demonstrate live shoots, and talk about why colour profile and calibration is key to getting the best end product.

From image capture to printing and marketing, delegates of the Creative Alliance Tour will learn how to achieve optimum results (high resolution in, high resolution out) using the most innovative techniques available to photographic professionals. The seminars will consist of inspirational presentations and in-depth technical workshops, with the opportunity to share questions and experiences with the experts.

“The long-established professional photographic community has seen dramatic changes to photographic technology in the past few years, with the transition from silver halide to digital, and from traditional SLR to digital SLR. Combining the resources and expertise of the seven companies, this tour will provide a unique platform for the photographic community to learn about the latest technological innovations and take advantage of a complete digital workflow within their existing production process,” said photographer and digital artist, Robin Preston.

Photographers should not miss this opportunity to gain valuable insight into the latest workflow tools that could help their business maintain its competitive edge.

Registration and dates

The Creative Alliance Tour has started in Ede on the 24th June 2009, in the Netherlands. The tour will resume the 15th September 2009 in Manchester and 17th September 2009 in London.

Spain, Germany, Italy and France will follow in October and November 2009. For the exact dates and registration information please visit: www.thecreativealliancetour.com

Mark now stands among the leading UK portrait photographers. With two books published and three major exhibitions to his credit, his most recent had a three-month show in London’s West End. His multiple awards include membership of the Kodak Gold Circle, and has twice held Kodak’s UK Family Portrait Photographer of the Year
It is not only his creative style that separated him out. He marketed his studio and business in a way never previously seen in the island. The studio is totally client led, he believes firmly that the client is the very most important part of his business, without them he simply would have no business.
He is in much demand on the lecture circuit and coaching fellow photographers. He holds diplomas in life coaching and performance coaching and has shared his marketing and business philosophies throughout the United Kingdom and beyond. For many his seminars have been a turning point.

Back To Basics – SE Region Seminar June 15th

A one-day seminar for professional photographers who are serious about their business and even more serious about moving their business forward.
Professional photography has never before seen such large numbers of people setting themselves up as photographers. The vast majority are non-professional with little or no experience. It can feel at times as though our profession is being hijacked. They are lowering both the standard and perception of professional photography and the public are having difficulty recognising the difference. Never before has the need to separate ourselves, to stand above and apart been more urgent. For many the survival of their studios will depend on it.
Back to basics will completely re look at the way we approach and run our studios. It will explore our attitudes and thinking. It will uncover dozens of ways to separate ourselves out and be noticeably different. Doing nothing is no longer an option.
WILL YOU DARE TO TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE?
Why are we in business?
Where is our business going?
Where would you like it to be going?
How are you going to take it there?
What is it that is stopping us?
Looking to the past in order to move into the future
Become a market leader
Marketing, what is it and how to do it?
Sales and the Sales room
Targeting
What is the most important part of your business?
…and much more
Mark will be starting at 9.30am and finishing at 5pm with lunch and refreshments throughout the day.
Dennis Hylander Hon FMPA judges and critiques the SE Region Annual Print Competition starting at 6.30pm. The lessons that can be learned from listening to Dennis could change the way you shoot, process, crop and present your images – so valuable if you are thinking of entering the national awards or even if you just want to raise your game.
The venue is Rowfant House, Wallage Lane, Rowfant, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 4NG. Tel: 01342 714869.
Costs: £65 for members and affiliates gets you the Mark Leightley Seminar, refreshments and lunch and also the Dennis Hylander judging and critique. £85 non members. Couples from the same studio £100 together.
Evening only – 6.30pm onwards is £10 or FREE if you enter 4 prints or
more. (coompetition print entry is £5 each or 5 for £20).Payment in advance.
Contact: ave Cosens dave@photogenicimages.com