Update 16/06/2014 

The first #ShopTalk event went well.. very well.  It was great to meet everyone on the evening and to make new contacts.  I would like to say a big thank you to all that attended & I hope to keep in touch.

The topics covered were varied and some need more time to cover, I am confident that this year will see a #ShopTalkV2 event that will be more specific and targeted to 1 or 2 subjects.  I also have a few other ides for future events as well so keep an eye out for future ones on the Events/Workshops page on this site. 

It's as good to know and hear other people have had similar struggles and fears and to get input on a given subject from people with varying degrees of experience. One of the things I came away with was the reinforced recognition that I spend too much time thinking about this stuff, worrying and over thinking.. now I'm not saying not to worry or think but sometimes you have to shut all that off and walk forwards.  What is it were are trying to do?  

Build Spaceships/Rockets.. nope.. Perform Brain surgery .. nope, It's just photography ( big learning curve ), It's Business ( bigger learning curve ), It's be able to interact with clients/subjects and deliver the goods ( some are better than others at this ), It's being you ( you can already do you pretty well )... It's not if your just starting out about the next new camera or lens, next photoshop action, It's not about your brand yet because that is you (always will be).

But ultimately It's starting and taking that first step.  So if your scared, worried, over-thinking and under-doing go meet some new people in the same boat. go shake hands and talk it out.  Go #ShopTalk

Where?  Seven Miles Out  ( directly opposite from Stockport Market )  

I am happy to announce the venue for the first #ShopTalkV1 will be at Seven Miles Out in Stockport.  Whilst looking for a venue I had come across allot of the usual meeting rooms which are a total zzz fest.  This place has some character and style and its a local business which means the money for this event goes back in to the local economy.

We have Stockport train and bus stations near by as well as car parks if needed (closest is on Churchgate just down from St. Mary's Church - basically the other side of the market)

20 Market Place, Stockport, SK1 1EY.  Google Map Link 

http://www.sevenmilesoutarts.co.uk/

As you can see its a great place with lots of character.  

When? Saturday June 14th -  Starts at 4pm Ends 9pm ( I will be at the venue for about 3pm)

Price?  £0.00 - Free, Gratis, Zilcho Mula - 

Spaces - About 15 people. (10 booked So far)

Food - Sandwich and Snack Platters as well as Tea & Coffee will be provided.

I have had this event in my mind for quite some time now, got an idea of how I want it to go but since this is a V1 we shall see.

What is #ShopTalkV1 ? - Well apart from being my brain child, it's an event for local photographers that goes beyond just being a social meet up or a lets meet and shoot.

Photography is hard at any level, lots to learn, lots of dark holes to fall in to (literally & mentally) and this brings forward lots of questions and uncertainty.  Even just looking in Stockport/Manchester we have allot of photographers/media folk... Great the competition!... no no your thinking about it wrong.  

What we have are some very good potential friends/good people to know and network with and to gain support from + give support to,  and that's what this event is about. 

It's not a workshop or a place to come learn the technical or Photoshop (despite the name)  :)  Also I have not put this together as a way to get free information for me or others,  I get that people run workshops (me included) about Photography/Media, social Media and lots of other stuff but not everyone is in a position to attend those and those people still want/need help.

I want this to be an open forum/round table talk about Photography, The Business,  The Worries, The Doubts and Fears, Networking ... the list could go on. 

Wait why not the technical stuff?  Frankly if your looking to do this part time, full time for client work you should already Effin know that stuff or be working on it, if you don't RTFM.

Anyone else sit like this allot and think about shit?  May be too much?  - I Do!  then....

• The Fear Sets in.
• Self Doubt (not the devil) comes and sits on your left shoulder.
• You become paralysed.

You have questions about Photography, OK you can just Google stuff right?  Yeah you can but its not the same as being in a room of people willing to #ShopTalk, help out and share stories, Talk about worries and work on problems that many will be dealing with but may feel they are on their own.

So this is an open (local) invite to an open #ShopTalk.  You need to book by email.

Got questions/worries - the doors open.

Got something to give/say - the doors open.

Got something to sell - watch the door don't hit you in the ass on the way out.

 

Whilst this is an open talk I will hold 2 spaces for speakers.  If you have something to say you got 10 minuets to spit it out. I have mine in my head and am looking for 2 others to step up.  No worries if no as the event will still go ahead.

I'm not cherry picking people to come to this so after the talks it will be very much an organic process of people talking/discussing and helping with what they can.  Also I am not arranging this saying I have the answers... because I don't. 

Want to bring your IPAD, Laptop, Pen and .. wait what's it called.. ah paper!  etc - no problem.  I will try to make sure we have Wi-Fi at the venue. 

You can book by sending me an email via the link below.

Contact Page

Please include #ShopTalkV1 in the subject heading and something about you and what you want to talk about in the body of the email.  That way I know who and numbers.

PS this was written at 02:00am.  Also I have set this so far ahead so it  A. Gives me change to get stuff sorted and  B. People to figure out time/schedules. 

Rick

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