I’ve just returned from Stockholm where I was attending the inaugural Way Up North photography summit. Two days of inspiring talks by some of the world’s best wedding photographers, and a chance to socialise with 500 wedding photographers and be immersed in all things photography.
I actually feel really emotional just reflecting on the 4 days I was away. For me as a mum, it was a big deal to go away and leave my kids (first time I have travelled without them in 16 years – yes a BIG deal), but I am so glad I took that step . I feel like I have invested in Juliet the person as well as Juliet the photographer, and my mind is literally buzzing with things I now want to do to improve many areas of my business. Reassuringly, I can see there was already so much I was getting right, but I’ve realised too that I can do so much more and I feel 100% committed to taking the next steps to go from good, maybe even great at times, to outstanding. I know my couples already appreciate my approach to their wedding photography because they tell me so, but I know I can take it further. I feel energised, totally enthused, and really excited to shoot my next wedding in December. Meanwhile I have a list of things I can be doing behind the scenes that will pay dividends in the long run.
One of the speakers, lovely Fer Juaristi said “Your portfolio becomes your ghost”. This really encapsulates the emotions I have come away with. I want to be able to look at my portfolio and know I have taken meaningful photographs that show not just the love between a couple, but also the love, connection and emotions of all those present who care for them. Nobody ever picked out a shot of a table setting as their favourite. I want to refocus, recalibrate, reconnect……
What else? Well Stockholm I love you, you are a beautiful gracious city, your light is heavenly, your people are warm and generous, and your architecture pretty damn cool!
GAME MEAT BALLS! God they were good (and worthy of their own paragraph).
My fellow photographers, it felt amazing to be amongst you and share your energy and enthusiasm. I have made many new friends as well as reaffirmed old ones, and it was so special to share this experience with you.
So here are my photographic memories of Way Up North 2015. Oh and I would like to dedicate this to Phillip, my knight in shining armour whose steed is a magnificent black cab. Sir Phillip is probably still recovering from my bear hug and slobbery kiss on the cheek (following a ride to A&E). Also my buddy Kirsten Mavric who missed most of the closing party to wheel me around that hospital and get us completely lost (details at the end). Skills.
Many many thanks to all the speakers; Andria Lindquist, Ben & Erin Chrisman, Ed Peers, Fer Juaristi, James Moes, Jasmine Star, Jonas Peterson, Kat Williams, Nessa K, and Samm Blake. I feel so privileged to have been there to listen to you all.
A very big thank you to Cole Roberts and Jakob Granqvist for your vision and for bringing such an amazing event to us European wedding photographers!
If you are a photographer reading this whilst kicking yourself very hard for not attending, good news, there are two events planned for next year. Get on it! Way Up North. See you in Rome!
So that hospital reference….
I suppose I should just mention that as part of my trip I decided to research the Swedish health care system. In order to do this it was necessary for me to slip off a curb whilst attempting to get in a taxi, and karate chop the cab. This resulted in pain (more if I hadn’t premedicated with Prosecco), swelling( a rather gargantuan haematoma for you medical buffs) and hugely damaged ego (which I like to call the ‘twat factor’). You seriously cannot take me anywhere.
Here’s me and my buddy Kirsten Mavric (who was a brick). Note the party getup! Sadly I did not make it to the closing Way Up North party, but my bud did thank goodness.
Thankfully no breaks and I’ll be back to full fitness in a few weeks time.
