BAROSSA'99
a record turnout

After promising a huge attendance, fantastic speakers, much food and wine in a sublime setting, it could be said that Barossa'99 organisers were making promises that they couldn't deliver. WRONG. Judging from feedback so far, this year's seminar was a great success.

OK, so it rained on the Saturday.. We'll try not to let it happen again!

Australian photographers showed their support for the concept by turning out in record numbers this year. The event was a sellout. That's not to say we are about to book the Olympic stadium next year. Part of the event's appeal lies in having an intimate venue and a relaxed approach. Only by keeping numbers below 100 for each day is this possible. Delegates get to meet and talk to almost everyone else there, spend one-on-one time with the guest speakers and enjoy quality catering that does not have to be completely mass produced. People do come to have a good time. The fact that over 80% of the delegates also attend the dinner attests to that.

Each year (this was the eighth Barossa weekend) special attention is paid to achieving the right balance. Balance between the different types of speakers, balance between seeing inspiring photographs and discussing hard-nosed business issues and balance between hard work and leisure time. Once again, the balance worked.

INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKERS

Speakers this year included Julian Watt, Mike Langford, Grant Matthews and Robyn Robins. Julian's distinctive approach to advertising photography was a breathtaking way to start the weekend. His quiet nature and understated approach belies the power and impact of his work. His business approach and his professionalism also held lessons for us all.

Mike Langford is an accomplished communicator. Yes his verbal skills aren't bad either, but it was the story telling ability of his pictures that really impressed. A travel photographer and publisher of books, Mike explained that good books don't just happen. With an understanding of final layout and design, a photo's impact will be greatly enhanced. Mike was in great demand throughout the weekend, to chat through the pitfalls of self-publishing.

Although at first a reluctant speaker, Grant Matthews was candid and revealing in explaining his path through the world of fashion photography and now on into film and directing television commercials. Grant has also been something of a pioneer in protecting photographer's rights in an Australian court of law, for which he was greatly applauded.

"Without industry support the weekend wouldn't be much more than a few locals showing their slides on a bedsheet pinned to the studio wall"

Robyn Robins, although not a photographer, deserved perhaps the closest attention. Robyn speaks on marketing and communication techniques. Think you've heard those sorts of people before? "Just another motivational speaker?" I hear you say? "Go out and conquer the world if you'll only believe..?" Not this time. Robyn has a practical and relevant presentation that's had a huge impact on the way creative people do business. She spoke on the Sunday afternoon and followed up with an all-day workshop on the Monday. She has spoken previously to ACMP members in Victoria and ACMP hope that these talks will be able to be heard in each state as part of our ongoing education program.

Organisers always invite the cream of any particular photographic discipline to speak This can mean a photographer missing lucrative work opportunities just for the glory of chatting to some of their peers. They don't receive any appearance money! Sometimes guest speakers are forced to withdraw, which we understand, so we are especially indebted to these people for their time.

VALUABLE INDUSTRY SUPPORT

Great events are often made great by having great sponsors. Barossa '99 is no exception. We have loyal sponsors who have supported the event for many years. It's not just a matter of them throwing in some cash to keep things working. They are actively involved and their presence is an integral part of the weekend. Len, Bruce and Ron from L&P are old regulars (old being the operative word) and this year brought a selection of new Profoto flash equipment for us to play with. Canon cameras were very much in evidence. Fuji held their National sales conference in the valley to coincide with the weekend so we all had a glass of wine with our local rep. E-6 lab Duckpond are well known to the South Australians and Tourism South Australia and Multivision are both vital behind-the-scenes contributors. It was remarked that without industry support the weekend wouldn't be much more than a few piss-poor locals showing their slides on a bedsheet pinned to the studio wall. Thanks to these sponsors who have made this one of the feature events on the national calendar. Now it's our turn to support them.

Thanks are also due to the SA division of the AIPP who helped underwrite Barossa '99. South Australia enjoys an excellent relationship with the local institute. The local photographers who attended must also be thanked. As usual they offered car rides, emergency accommodation and became impromptu tour guides to the hordes of interstate visitors. See you all again next year.

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