Photographers in the House
Sean Conboy - internationally-renowned photographer, BIPP board member and longtime Artistry House collaborator
The British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP) moved into the Artistry House earlier this year. A non-profit membership organisation, they deliver training, events and qualifications to professional photographers across the world.
Sean Conboy, internationally-renowned photographer, BIPP board member and longtime Artistry House collaborator shares more on the office move and what BIPP means to him.
The British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP) has been a constant presence in my career really. From starting off at a BIPP-sponsored college I then joined as a student member and have been involved ever since, all throughout my career.
Travelling around with your camera can be a bit of a lonely business so it’s the community side of BIPP that I really value. Our members are divided into nine different regions from Scotland right down to the south coast with regular meetings, events and competitions throughout the year so it’s great way to meet fellow photographers and share experiences.
“In my early career particularly it was these meet ups that really helped with inspiration and getting a leg up in the industry.”
It was also a great opportunity to chat to established photographers and pick up tips - it was actually after attending a BIPP talk that I decided to specialise in interiors.
Another great benefit of being a member of BIPP are the qualifications we offer - the Institute is recognised across the world as a benchmark of excellence and offers professional development at a range of skill levels. There’s so many talented members on our books across such a huge range of disciplines that you never really stop learning!
Martin Baynes - BIPP CEO at work in the Artistry House Workshop
Today as a board member I’m more involved on the strategic side, supporting our CEO Martin Baynes and the rest of the team with the running of the Institute and working on ideas for the future, but I still go along to events whenever I can.
It was through my work with Andy and Lynsey at Wash Studio that we discovered the Artistry House and it couldn’t be better fit for us to be honest.
“As a creative organisation it’s fantastic to work in such an inspiring and stylish place as the Artistry House.”
The location is perfect with great transport links to the rest of the UK - the train station is just 5 mins walk - but for me it has to be the overall ambience and the lovely people which just makes it work so well for us.
The Artistry House
Looking ahead it’s looking like a busy time for BIPP too which is great news - we’ve just announced the winners of our newly categorised awards and have got our new and improved qualification scheme to get put in place. We also have a workshop with Fuji coming up in August showcasing some of the best kit available which I’m really looking forward to.
Looking to progress your career as a photographer? Find out more about the British Institute of Professional Photography and how to become a member here.
A unique space in the heart of Preston, the Artistry House is a welcoming home for creativity and collaboration. A working building full of creative people, it’s from from a standard gallery. With flexible meeting spaces available for hire, the doors to the Artistry House are open for events, workshops and more. Get in touch to find out more.