Category Archives: Interview
PAN Interview: Christina Vaughan on ‘London CEPIC Week’
The CEPIC Congress is in London this year 15 – 18 May. PhotoArchiveNews.com caught up with CEPIC President Christina Vaughan to find out what’s happening for ‘London CEPIC Week’.
Name: Christina Vaughan
Business Title: Image Source Founder and CEO
CEPIC Title: President CEPIC 2009 – present
When did you first start in the stock photo industry?
I started working for The Telegraph Colour Library ( Visual Communications Group) way back in 1989.
What were you doing before that?
I graduated from the University of London in Summer 1989, had a brief stint for an American Investment Bank then joined The Telegraph Colour Library Nov/Dec 1989.
How long have you been a member of the CEPIC board?
Since I was elected President in June 2009
What other groups or associations do you work with?
I am an Ambassador for Everywoman ( www.everywoman.co.uk)
A Muse for Modern Muse ( www.modernmuse.co.uk )
A member of iComp ( www.icomp.com – the initiative for the competitive online market place )
Former Past VP – PACA ( www.paca.org)
Is there a theme for the London CEPIC Week – the CEPIC Congress?
London will be all about celebrating every aspect of our industry from the Photographer to the Client as well as looking at new media and business opportunities from video to social media. London is such a cosmopolitan city and so a very appropriate city to celebrate our very international industry!
Why did the CEPIC board choose London this year for the Congress?
We have not had a full CEPIC Congress in London yet BAPLA is one of the largest National Associations in CEPIC.
In addition, many members had asked for Congress to take place in a city that was easily accesible from all corners of the world and was also somewhere that they could also add on a few extra days of business.
In addition, CEPIC delegates always ask for a city that has a rich cultural heritage with a lot of history.
This year has the bonus of it being the Olympic Year in London as well as it being the Queen’s Jubilee Year making London even more special than usual.
Plus, to know London is to love London.
Which of the important issues facing the industry will you be covering at the Congress?
We will be dealing with latest legislation affecting our members coming out of the EU, we also have specialist legal panels on some of the very important current legal cases around IP, trademarks and copyright.
There are so many different discussions that you will see around Metadata and Image Search for both Moving and Still imagery and some great debates about the role of the agent in today’s market. We are adding speakers almost on a daily basis, so do ensure you check the CEPIC website regularly for all our updates as April is the month when you will see a flurry of updates.
How many delegates are booked in so far?
450+ from across the globe but traditionally, we get most of our bookings in the month prior to May so we will be expecting a whole lot more come May. London Congress is going to be VERY busy!
*Remember though, we have a zero tolerance policy to non-registrants so it is vital that anyone wishing to get the full Congress Programme, both Social and Professional Days must register. It’s very easy at www.cepic.org/Congress 2012.
Why should a picture library/agency attend CEPIC Congress this year?
That’s simple – it really is the simplest, easiest and cheapest way to meet, sign up and do business on an international basis. The beauty of London is that it is so accesible from all corners of the world – so delegates will see more countries than ever before. We are up on count from almost every country. Obviously, home countries always see a good turnout so expect the Brits to be out in force too. Plus, you find out all the latest news and gossip from across the globe.
In a year of global downturn does it make financial sense to come to Congress?
There are 50 half hour meetings possible during the allocated table times ( at least!). For a UK delegate paying €500 congress fee that is €10 a meeting. What a bargain compared to the cost of travelling around the world for 50 one to one meetings. Attendees should start making appointments in their diary now to maximise the best use of their time at Congress. A mix of meetings during congress day and in a social environment at night gives everyone the opportunity to have formal and informal time as well as getting to know your partners better in such a buzzy exciting atmosphere. It’s business speed dating with lots of extras. We haven’t even begun to speak about the seminars, the workshops and the presentations.
Who are the major sponsors of the Congress?
We have got quite a few and many more in the process of being signed up.
Corbis and Microsoft are just two big names but there are many more to be announced.
Any big hitters for the seminars?
Yes – watch this space – we start the reveal end of March!
What fun bits do you have planned at the Congress?
The Annual Industry Party Friday night at Somerset House followed by the secret “After Party”!
The Opening Reception
Photo Booth Tuesday night
Open House at many London agencies.
If I am preparing to attend for the first time can you give me a ’10-things-you-should-know’ guide to a successful CEPIC Congress.
1. Book a table – it gives you a point of focus and a place where everyone can find you
2. Once you register, get the delegate list and make as many appointments as you can before Congress
3. Get plenty of sleep before Congress as you simply will not stop from Tuesday evening to the wee hours of Saturday morning
4. Get plenty of business cards made – this is the Number One spot in the Industry for Networking
5. Go to ALL the social events – you will be amazed at the amount of business you get at the parties
6. Don’t even try and wing it and not register – you will look bad and unprofessional and that’s not the impression you want to give a new business partner
7. Follow CEPIC movements on Twitter, Linked In and Yammer – there’s always lots of updates
8. Be prepared to meet lots of lovely wonderful charming people – it truly is a fabulous industry
9. Come and say hello to the CEPIC President – I try and meet everyone but always appreciate people coming to talk to me
10. Smile – it’s the best ice breaker for doing new business
What new products available to picture libraries have caught your attention in the last 6 months?
The Image Source new lightbox for search comparison.
When was the last time you used a camera?
This morning on Primrose Hill.
Which magazines and newspapers have you read today?
The Guardian
Elle
and
Heat! ;-)
Time off: Cinema or restaurant?
Cinema then Dinner!
Ideal holiday: Beach holiday or hill walking?
Mountain or Plain scrambling – my last holiday was on horseback in Mongolia.
- ENDS-
Be there! – Register for the CEPIC Congress now.
PhotoArchiveNews.com is Media Partner to London CEPIC Week and will be reporting daily from the Congress.
Posted in Article, Interview
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“Connecting With…. ” Alex Hewitt – Writer Pictures
Name: Alex Hewitt
Agency name: Writer Pictures www.writerpictures.com
Position: Co-owner
Explain Writer Pictures in a sentence?
High quality portraits of Writers, from poets to philosophers via authors and entertainers.
Where are you based?
Edinburgh and London.
How many people in the office?
Two in the office, one in the field and a huge wealth of top quality contributors internationally.
When did you start the agency?
September 2004 when Graham Jepson and I had a conversation that went like this:
Alex: ” I’ve had an idea that I wanted to ask you about ”
Graham ” Hey, me too ”
Alex ” You go first ”
Graham ” No you go first ” …..and it turned out we were talking about exactly the same thing.
What were you doing before that?
Being a Picture Editor and Photographer in Scotland, and I still am.
How may photographers contribute to the agency?
About 30 consistent contributors, 30 more sporadic contributors and 5 major agencies.
How many staff photographers?
Four if we include those of us based in the office. It’s a cliche but we’re a photographic agency for photographers by photographers.
How many images are available as stock through your website?
About 80,000 at present but still growing fast.
Do you just cover authors and writers based in the UK?
No, we specialise in the UK but cover the industy internationally.
Are you looking for older image sets, pre 2004 – time lines and deceased authors and writers?
Yes very much so. We’re always looking for collections big and small and we find that portraits of minor figures sell just as well as the portraits of famous personalities.
Are authors and writers generally happy to be photographed?
Mostly yes, seldom no we try to be upfront and honest about what we do and place ourselves as a resource for all involved.
How long do you typically get on a shoot?
We usually ask for 20-30 mins. Less is difficult more is a blessing.
Mainly studio or improvisation?
Mainly improvised on location but we’d like to do more studio based work.
Have you shot exclusive subjects recently?
Lennoxlove Book Festival in Haddington and the Borders Book Festival in Melrose have an exclusive deal with us and we usually get some nice shots at these events as the writers are always very relaxed.
Most difficult shoot?
I’m not going to name any names but it was at the Borders Book Festival when a writer decided halfway through a shoot that they didn’t actually want to be photographed.
Favourite set of images?
We love every picture in our collection, but especially fond of both Graham Jepson’s shoot with James Ellroy and the Mathieu Bourgois shoot with the very same James Ellroy. He obviously makes a good subject!
Graham Jepson portrait of James Ellroy
Mathieu Bourgois portrait of James Ellroy
Who are you trying to photograph at the moment?
We’ve got a man in New York at the moment who we’re trying to set up some big names for. Philip Roth and Brett Easton Ellis are on the cards.
Do you book most shoots through a PR /agent or directly with the author?
It always varies depending on the author. We get a lot of commissioned work which has been previously arranged via the Publicity teams.
Any advice for a start-up photo agency?
Yes, keep your costs and expectations low and your quality and ideals high.
Visit www.writerpictures.com
–ENDS—-
Writer Pictures exhibited at FotoFringe London May this year.
“Connecting with…. “ is a new series of industry specific interviews sponsored by
Posted in Interview
Stock Photo Marketing Tips: The Biovid
Here Tom Walmsley, MD at Specialist Stock, has created a Biovid for his library site. This is a great way to market your images explaining to picture buyers your expertise on the stock you have and your company mission which will attract contributors.
Tom told PAN this morning, “The video was shot on Canon 7D with professional wireless tie mic (would use professional video camera to produce Biovid for others)
The shoot took 1 – 2 hours (had to wait for gap in lawnmowers, bird song and squirrel attacks) Post production took 2 days
Credits: Cameraman: Jon Clay and Editor: Edd Maggs Sound track: John Tuff
More from Specialist Stock on their You Tube Channel
Posted in Interview
Get To Know: Keedup Keywording Services
Name: Kevin Townsend
Company: Keedup www.keedup.com
Position: CEO
Explain KeedUp in a sentence.
Keedup is the keywording company you want for a quality job at moderate prices, with a can-do attitude.
Posted in Interview
“Connecting With…. ” Siobhan Hennessy – Deputy Lifestyle Editor at Camera Press
“Connecting with…. “ a series of industry specific interviews.
Sponsored by:
Name: Siobhan Hennessy
Picture Library: Camera Press
Position: Deputy Lifestyle Editor
Location: London
Explain your job?
As deputy lifestyle editor my job involves editing ( mainly fashion and interiors), picture research for UK media ( interiors / beauty / lifestyle / food) and art-directing our own very successful lifestyle shoots.
Posted in Interview
‘Get To Know The Product’ – Media Storehouse – Q&A: Matt Hamer
PAN advertiser Media Storehouse have recently published their latest brochure (below) explaining how to maximise your image collection by selling prints online. Media Storehouse display, print, look after customer calls and deal with payment and returns making the whole process very stress free…..
PAN spoke with Matt Hamer MD at Media Storehouse to provide you with a quick guide to how it all works.
PAN: in a sentenceExplain Media Storehouse
Matt: We provide services allowing image owners to realise revenue from their images via print, download and license sales.
Posted in Interview
PAN photo Feature – ‘The View From the MD’s Desk’ – continued
First published in 2010 and back due to demand we are firing this up again – Below: Graham Cross at photo agency Eyevine sent us this from his files: ‘and a late edition for the office desk feature – Perpignan Visa Pour l’Image 2012 – eyevine wifi hub….’
View the 2010 PAN photo feature The View From The MD’s Desk and send your photos to will@photoarchivenews.com – cheers!
PAN is taking you into the agencies – For our latest feature we have been asking Managing Directors of photo agencies and picture libraries across the globe to send a shot of their desk…here they are:
UPDATE 23 Aug
Desk owner: Martin Stephens MD at Press Association Images, Nottingham ….see he has PAN open on the laptop..good man!
UPDATE 20 Aug – a few more desks in overnight….more arriving today!
Graham Cross MD at Eyevine, London …..not sure I can see your desk in the reflection Graham?!
Desk Owner: Stephen Mayes MD at at VII Photo Agency, New York …healthy chap!
Desk owner: Brenda Marks MD at Skyscan Aerial Photo Library, Cheltenham UK
…and under the desk…….
Desk owner: Robert Goddyn MD at Robert Goddyn Photography, Netherlands ….Mac’d up!
- UPDATE 2pm 19 Aug – latest desk’s just in –
David Jacobs MD at London Features International LFI, Portugal….guess STILL on holiday then!
Desk owner: Trevor Adams Director at Matrix Photos, London …guitars?
- Desks posted first thing this morning 7am 19 Aug –
Kevin Smith owner at Splash smudged at his desk in his UK ‘country retreat’ yesterday
Desk Owner: Jason Hawkes of Jason Hawkes aerial photo library, London – note iPad, centre
Desk owner: Stewart Mungeam Director at Gallery Stock, London…he’s had a tidy up!
Desk Owner: Alan Smith MD at Topfoto, Edenbridge UK…the email is open on that screen!
Desk owner: Tom Walmsley MD at Specialist Stock, Bristol UK….nice location Tom!
Desk Owner: Hamlet MD at UNP, Saltaire UK – note all the world clocks
Mark Leech (left!) MD at Offside Sports Photo Agency….umm Mark, that’s not work now is it?!
More desks arriving – will post them as we get them!
Posted in Interview
“Connecting With…. ” David Taylor – MD At Xposure Photo Agency Ltd
“Connecting with…. “ a new series of industry specific interviews.
Sponsored by:
another PAN exclusive interview
Name: David Taylor
Picture Library: Xposure Photo Agency Ltd
Position: Managing Director
Location: City (London)
Describe the agency in a sentence.
An established, but still growing celebrity Photo Agency changing with the times and setting the pace in the industry.
Posted in Interview
“Connecting With…. ” Jason Hawkes Aerial Photographer & Photo Library
“Connecting with…. “ a new series of industry specific interviews.
Sponsored by:
PAN exclusive interview-
Name: Jason Hawkes
Photo Library: Jason Hawkes Aerial Photography
Position: Owner
Location: Oxfordshire
Jason has specialized in aerial photography since 1991, is based just outside London in the UK, and works worldwide. He has produced over 35 aerial photographic books for publishers such as the BBC, Random House and Harper Collins. Jason’s clients include brands such as Nike, HSBC, NatWest, Ford, American Airlines, Rolex, Toyota, Smirnoff, Mitsubishi and BP.
Jason has a catalogue of over 100,000 images by location or generic keywords available as RM stock.
Introduce your photo library in one sentence.
Aerial library, shot over the last 20 years encompassing 1000′s of graphic generic aerial views.
Posted in Interview
PAN 60 Second Interview: Carlo Irek – 4Corners Images
‘At 4Corners Images we specialize in high quality travel and travel related photography of the world’s most important travel destinations. Our collection is especially strong on the Southern Europe and we have one of the finest collections of contemporary travel pictures of Italy available anywhere’.
Name: Carlo Irek
Agency: 4Corners Images
Position: Owner/Director
Location: Chiswick, West London
When did you start in the picture library business?
Aged 19.
What were you doing before that?
Trying to establish myself as a photographer.
What’s new at 4Corners?
We’re working on some exclusive Solomango stories, and editing some beautiful work from new contributors.
Posted in Interview
