Creative focus on Hull as Photographer Applies Art By Julian Woodford

John Blackburn is bidding to put Hull in the big league for photography after gaining entry into an exclusive group. The experienced image-maker believes his membership of the London-based Association of Photographers will strengthen the city's position in commercial and advertising markets. Mr Blackburn says: "Joining the Association will help put Hull on the radar for agencies who have work in the area, but closer ties, such as bringing the AOP's annual Shot Up North show to Hull, could also put the focus on the visual arts in the city."

Sponsored by Fuji, Shot Up North usually runs at the end of the year in a public space. It was established to reduce the real and perceived north-south divide in the AOP itself and to enable photographers to exhibit their commissioned work as well as some of their more personal work.

"Shot Up North has always been a Leeds or Manchester-based event, but there is no reason why we cannot bring it here. Getting it to Hull would be a real achievement," he adds.

As the only Hull area member, he is also in a stronger position to compete for work from the UK's leading advertising and design agencies, a point recently proved by his appointment for a major location shoot on the Humber Bridge on behalf of a road safety barrier systems manufacturer.

"The Association is aimed primarily at photographers who work in the creative industries, like advertising and fashion, and is heavily London-oriented, but with some members in Edinburgh, Leeds and Manchester.

"Membership is subject to a strict set of guidelines and entry criteria that involves submitting a portfolio of work showing I not only specialise in advertising photography, but that it is of a very high standard."

Mr Blackburn has been a commercial photographer for 40 years and his clients include Whirlpool, Asda, Yorkshire Fine Bakery, Ideal Standard and Smith & Nephew. His is a director/photographer of BGA Photography, Harpings Road, Hull, where he works alongside two other photographers, Mike Grimbleby and Alan Martin, who specialise in the same fields.

BGA's studio, which has a drive-in facility for studio shots of cars and caravans, is also supported by an in-house digital editing facility, enabling them to provide an enhanced photograph service for a diverse range of clients. The AOP, based in the east end of London, helps protect members' rights, promote their photography, while providing information services, education programmes, exhibitions and publications. Association of Photographers - www.the-aop.org Shot Up North - shotupnorth.co.uk

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