articles/Fashion/rollingwiththebigdog9-page1

Rolling with the BIG Dog Part 9 - part 1 of 1 2 3 4 5

by Damian McGillicuddy Published 01/02/2011

Well the tornado that is the Societies' Convention has all but dropped off the map and it was fabulous to see old friends and equally fabulous to make new ones. There were many, many stand-out moments for Team McGillicuddy, the Saturday night 'jam', the delegates' thirst for knowledge, how packed our lecture rooms were, the feedback we received, 'come shoot with me' - good times with great people!

The pinnacle moment for me though has to be the results of the awards night! You have no ideas how chuffed I was on the Sunday night and if pride is a sin then I'm guilty as charged M'lud!

To see a MMoS delegate pick up a national award....What can I say other than TOP job Mr Walker... 'Pet photographer of the year', sounds good doesn't it! I've got to say I also took great pleasure in young Richie Walton's success - see Richie, all my nagging and your 1-2-1 day was well worth it, AMAZING result fellas, very well done ;0).

So what lesson can we learn from others' success? It's simple really, put the effort in, be guided by the right mentor and success will surely come. It's a natural law and it really is that easy! You reap what you sow.

I particularly enjoyed my trip into the twilight world of the abandoned underground, despite the slight timing and organisational 'glitches' we faced. I suppose things such as that need us to adapt, improvise and overcome, as we would with a commission in the real world, nobody said that the things worth doing would come easy ;0)

All that aside the education was excellent, the delegates superb, understanding and attentive, and the shoot produced some mega results...was there ever any doubt? So let's see if we can pass on, to those not lucky enough to secure a place, a little of the magic we weaved and solid confirmation that the BIG Dog still has a bite!

The whole key to this shoot was minimum kit with maximum effect. Lightness, portability and ease of use was absolutely imperative, especially when the location was taken into account, 276 steps...Jeeeez!

One of the things that was an undoubted boon for me was the bag I selected. I chose a 'speed racer' belt pack made by the American company, Think Tank. Now these guys obviously thought about this little beauty, because it was just superb to wear and excellent in use.

• Rolling with the BIG Dog Part 9 page 1
  
• Rolling with the BIG Dog Part 9 page 2
  
• Rolling with the BIG Dog Part 9 page 3
  
• Rolling with the BIG Dog Part 9 page 4
  
• Rolling with the BIG Dog Part 9 page 5
  

There are 55 days to get ready for The Society of Photographers Convention and Trade Show at The Novotel London West, Hammersmith ...
which starts on Wednesday 15th January 2025