Release Date: 6 January 2004


'All systems go' for UK's new British photography 'Oskars'

Following a landmark decision to merge their respective annual photography awards, both the Master Photographers Association (MPA) and the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP) have now begun laying the foundations for the new national Photography Awards.

Senior members of both photo bodies met on 9 December in Ware to hammer out the finer points of what is set to become the 'mother of all UK photo awards'. Both associations will drop their existing national photo competitions in favour of this exciting new joint venture, which is open to BIPP and MPA members.

The new awards - still to be officially named - will incorporate a bumper selection of categories inherited from both associations and culminate a number of 'Oskars' being awarded to the winners.

The Awards weekend is set for the 16th, 17th and 18th October 2004 at the prestigious Hilton National hotel in Coventry, with the main Awards Dinner taking place on the evening of the Sunday 17th. A totally new Awards Lunch is also being held on the same day to honour a number of specialist category winners as well as the newly qualified Licentiates, Associates and Fellows.

BIPP president Tony Freeman is confident that the new initiative will be well received by the members: "Some photographers were going to the expense of entering images into both competitions - which they were entitled to do as joint members - but now they need submit only once, with a fee of just £5.00 per print and attend one 'mega' awards dinner, so the cost saving for members will be considerable."

There are now 16 major categories for UK photographers, spanning wedding, portrait and commercial sectors, with a further six consumer and specialist categories, plus nine categories for overseas members.
Said Colin Buck, MPA chief executive: "This will be the biggest and most spectacular professional photography awards ceremony ever held in the UK. We are proud to be working alongside our colleagues at the BIPP to bring our respective memberships an Awards weekend like no other."

Chairman of the judging panel, Dennis Hylander added: "We are expecting in excess of 2,000 entries for 2004 and have carefully selected judges who are experts in their field. All are Fellows of either the BIPP or MPA."

As well as additional categories - such as 'Industrial/Architectural' and 'Landscape/Travel', two new Silver Oskars will be introduced for both the UK and Overseas 'Commercial Photographer of the Year'.
The overall winner of the new Awards will become the 'British Professional Photographer of the Year 2004' and the overseas winner the 'Overseas Professional Photographer of the Year 2004'.

To be formerly launched at Focus on Imaging in Birmingham in February, the new Awards were a joint idea which reflects the increasing co-operation between the two professional photo bodies. Print competition entry forms will be available at the MPA, BIPP, Camerasure Alliance and the PPQB UK Qualifications stands.
The photo trade have already welcomed news of the initiative, which will bring an even greater number of talented image makers together under one roof. The entire hotel is to be taken over with an estimated 500 photographers and trade attending across the three days; nearly 400 are expected attend the black tie Gala Dinner alone.

In addition to the Awards, a series of 'power seminars' are planned throughout the weekend with young, dynamic speakers. Darron Hartas of PR firm WPS Media has been contracted to handle all publicity for the event.

The deadline for print entries - which can be submitted to either the BIPP in Ware, or the MPA in Darlington - is 30 July 2004.

Members of both associations will still be able to enter their images to their respective regions, as before.
Entry forms will be available in February. Those requiring information on membership of either association, or the new Awards should call MPA on 0845 130 970 and BIPP on 01920 464011.

ENDS

Photo shows key members of the MPA and the BIPP, left to right: Trevor Lewis, Llewellyn Robins, Roy Lewis, Tony Freeman, Ray Lowe, Dennis Hylander and Colin Buck.

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Issued on behalf of:
Master Photographers Association
Jubilee House, 1 Chancery Lane, Darlington DL1 5QP
Tel: 0845 130 9700 Fax: 01325 357813
E-mail: enq@thempa.com
http://www.thempa.com
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Written and distributed by WPS Media. Tel. 01904 427777
Contacts: Darron Hartas, Peter Brandon, Katerina Paphitis