bureau of freelance photographers

I used to be a menber of the BFP some years ago, but mortgages, kids , work, all got in the way and my photography took a back seat, anyway I was just wondering if anyone had had any recent experience with them and were they joining again ? I only ask cos Ive just had a look at there website and it doesnt seemed to have changed in years.

i just checked out their website and i have ordered a brochure to have a look at, see what its all about

Me too, they used be alright, probably still are, in fact they did a series of articles in one of the photo mags a few years ago explaining everything from how to actually use a camera to targetting your chosen market, I think it was in camera answers or something similar.

Cool, it does look very interesting. Especially if you are just starting out in the market side of things... will hopefully give me some focus on where i want to go with my photography. As well as picking up tips on improving my work.

Tbh Sam you,ve obviously got the talent to succeed,so I think you will be fine, one of the things I remember about ther BFP was the newsletters you got monthly, they told you precisely what was required, not your own variation, but exactly what a market or client wanted, which if you think about it is a brilliant way to discipline yourself to photograph for someone else and not yourself

Thanks Stewie

Yeah i like the sound of the newsletters, looks like they still do them... thats why i am more inclined to join it anyway is that its going to help me get what i need to sell my work.

Well the thing is, the first couple of years in any buisness are the hardest so any help you can get you should grab with both hands I suppose. Think Ill join after christmas, I got offered an opportunity a couple of years ago to supply transport images to a photo library and unfortunately couldnt do it, apparently no photographers could be found willing to go into truck stops and talk to and photograpgh truckers at work, however as Im a trucker meself Ive got an in, and they always say you should photograph what you know. Now just got to get a camera

I went to the Image Show this year and last, and at both they had a fairly large stand. The setup does look a little old fashioned, but then again there's an old saying 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'! I got the impression they are keen to help new photographers, so could be a good place to get tips.

I was subscribed to the BJP (British Journal of Photography) until recently and they have an email newsheet along the same lines. And a weekly printed mag for pro photographers, if that's any help.

Cheers,
Nick

PS Stewie - I was a trucker for a few years too, before tachographs came along. I really enjoyed doing that and had an HGV 1. Great for getting about and taking photos along the way!

The other thing I remember about the BFP was a legal service they provided to photogs to help resolve disputes, plus the market handbook is very useful for contacts, requirements, rates for images etc.. Nick, tachographs, gggrrrr, they are now producing digital tacho,s which are like a smart card and can hold info for up to a month at a time, so along with my trailer being chipped and my unit being datatagged and gps,d up it means you can get a phonecall at any hour of the day or night asking you why you are speeding, not going quick enough, why have you stopped twice when you have only stopped once etc... its beyond spy in the cab