Do you have a passion for photography but not sure how to take it to the next level?

Are you a serious amateur and wonder how you would approach a commission in a professional way?

Do you want the experience of working to a specific brief that simulates real-life freelance assignments?

Do you want direct, honest and constructive criticism about the images you are producing?

Are you new to photography and you simply want a fun new way of approaching your hobby and learning about your camera?

Do you want to meet fun, dynamic people who share your passion in a friendly, nurturing environment?

If the answer is yes to any of the above then this meetup might be what you’re looking for!

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What will we do?

Hosted by Pete Sherrard, each meetup will consist of an assignment that simulates a real life professional editorial brief. This will be the kind of commission that you are most likely to encounter in your first few years as a freelance photographer.

We will meet in a suitable location, have a short talk about the assignment and discuss any problems that we might encounter and what we think the ‘client’ will be looking for.

Then we will go off either in small groups or alone. Pete will be on hand to guide anyone who needs it. The shoot will last between two and three hours depending on the subject.

We will then go to a pub (this is also to simulate, as closely as possible, the real life of a professional photographer!) and discuss the day’s events, look at what we have managed to find and start thinking about editing and post production ( at least during the first round...).

Then, over the next week, you will be required to edit , crop and retouch three images that you think have answered the brief and upload them to the group’s meetup page.

Pete will then give each photographer detailed feedback on the images (In the same way that an art director, or picture editor might do) and give you the opportunity to apply any alterations if you want to and resubmit. (This feedback will be tailored specifically to each member ‘s level and requirements so don’t worry- Pete won’t be asking you to correct your chromatic aberration if you’ve only been taking pictures for a week!)

So don’t worry if you are new to all this, the group will be of mixed abilities with some very accomplished photographers on board and some complete beginners. We can all help and support each other as everyone one of us will have something to teach and something to learn!

We will cover a whole diverse range of assignments with an emphasis on editorial photography and this broad subject will include portraiture, reportage and documentary, fashion, stock photography of various subjects, book jackets, cd covers, magazine covers and many more.

It will be a quirky, challenging and sometimes irreverent look at the world of professional photography. But don’t forget that photography is fun! We wont just be doing this so we go home with great shots; We will learn stuff from each other whilst making friends at the same time.

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About Pete:

Pete Sherrard has been a professional photographer for over twenty years and has worked with a huge variety of clients including Natwest bank, Land Rover, The Guardian and Telegraph newspapers, Time Out and countless other publications.

Winning various awards in the music and fashion industries, has photographed many famous people ranging from the likes of Patrick Stuart and Johnny Cash to politicians, and even serial killers!

He has provided the photography for literally hundreds of book covers, covering everything from Booker prize winning authors to Jilly Cooper.

Pete has worked in the music industry, fashion, advertising, editorial, wildlife and travel photography.

He is now solely represented by Getty images, one of the largest and most successful picture libraries in the world.

He has taught photography and composition at the Art art Academy in Southwark. .............................................................................................................................................................

Professional freelance photography is not just about taking a great image, its about understanding the client’s needs, communicating with the target audience and using the subject to tell the viewer exactly what the client wants to say.