About us
If you are a photographer the Guild can help you to get the most from your camera.
The Guild of Photographers was originally established as the Guild of Wedding Photographers in 1988 and over the years has grown much wider to become an association for all individuals committed to the art of photography.
The Guild’s key themes are that of 'Quality, Development, Support & Approachability', without prejudice or discrimination.
“If you are in need of a professional photographer the Guild offers reassurance, as members are pledged to delivering the highest standards to their customers, and those who are of qualified status or above have proved their skills and must be fully insured”
If you are a member of the public who is contemplating marriage or seeking a professional photographer for other reasons it is reassuring to know that Guild members are committed to delivering a first-class service to their customers. Only those who pledge to our high expectations of customer service and product delivery are allowed to be members and those who obtain our qualifications have evidenced achieving this!
The Team:
Directors –Lesley & Steve Thirsk
Lesley achieved our ultimate ‘Master Craftsman’ status some years ago. She is an experienced, passionate & creative photographer who operates her own very successful wedding photography business. Her albums are truly stunning and she is as proud of her customer service as she is her photography. Steve works with Lesley at weddings and is highly regarded for his flair in marketing so can be of great assistance in helping you to promote, and maybe even diversify, your business. Their wealth of experience in the wedding field is also reflected in the fact they organise their County’s Premier Wedding Show, and are the UK agents for the fabulous Unicolor 'Eventi d'Autore' Italian album range.
Masters of the Craft
Vincent O’Byrne
One of Ireland and Europe’s finest photographers! The only person ever to become three times country winner of the Kodak European Gold Portrait Awards and only the third photographer in Europe to achieve the much coveted distinction of ‘Master Qualified European Photographer’. He has also been three times ‘Photographer of the Year’ with the IPPA and ‘Overseas Photographer of the Year’ with the MPA, plus much more. He has received world wide recognition in Fine Art Figure Photography and is a much sought after judge at the highest levels both at home and abroad. A really approachable guy, happy to advise and help us develop through lectures, seminars, courses and educational CD’s.
Tony Nutley
A professional photographer for over 50 years! During the last 36 of them he has specialised in Film and TV publicity pictures. This friendly photographer has worked with many famous household names including John Thaw, Sean Bean, Derek Jacobi, Anthony Hopkins, John Gielgud, and Richard Attenborough to name but a few. He has worked on some of Britain's major TV dramas including Inspector Morse, Cadfael, Sharpe, Foyles War, The Vice, Inspector Wexford, Kavanagh Q.C, Worzel Gummidge and Goodnight Mr Tom amongst others – Also, companies including Walt Disney, BBC, ITV, HBO, Channels 4 and 5 and SF (Sweden). He's even worked on Oscar nominated films. You will have seen his work!
Panel Members
Simon Young
One of the country's most sought after photographic tutors due to his relaxed 'down to earth' teaching style and in-depth understanding of the psychology of vision (what we see and like). He has coached every level of photographer from raw beginner through to full-time national magazine photographers and his work has been commissioned by many discerning clients and major companies including the NHS, HP, Walmart, American Idol and Selfridges to name but a few. Even members of the Royal Family have been photographed by him!
Chris Milne
A sought after and highly experienced wildlife related photographer who has photographed in over 80 countries throughout the world – 43 in Africa alone! His office literally is the Game Parks so no wonder he is an expert in this field and many photographers accompany him there to learn from his skills. For the past 15 years he has been a regular supplier of wildlife images for photographic libraries and the travel industry. Here, in the UK he owns and tutors at The Blackthorn School of Photography in Wiltshire, with its reputation as second to none!
Joan Roberts
An award-winning photographer with over 35 years experience in all aspects of the profession. She has experience in the wedding, portrait and social fields, has worked for Kodak as a technical advisor, run her own successful businesses and is the former Guild Director. She has also written a distance learning photography course, has produced critiques and evaluated photographers work for many years now, guiding many to achieve their chosen qualifications including that of 'Master Craftsman', the Guild's highest accolade.
Dave Hide
Over 20 years experience in most areas of professional photography including the weddings, events, portraits and lifestyle arenas as well as press photography. A well respected technical photographer and digital artwork designer, with distinctive presentation styles such as acrylic three-dimensional displays. His contagious passion for learning new photographic techniques and display opportunities is second to none. He advises and mentors in the technical aspects of photography, digital design and introduces new ways of presenting your work.
Legal Advisors
Sandra Garlick & Lianne Payne
Sandra and Lianne are highly regarded and very approachable solicitors who specialise in Employment and Commercial law. They have expertise in many areas including business sale and purchase, employment issues, commercial disputes and debt recovery. Their award winning company 'De Marco Hunter Solicitors’ was voted the regions 'Best Legal & Finance Company', and they have been finalists in the 'Women In Law", 'Young Business Person of The Year' and the 'Communications Technology in Business' awards.
Accountant
Kimberley Price
Kim is a young and dynamic AAT qualified accountant with a very likeable personality. She originally worked for a large accountancy firm but opened her own successful business in 2004 as she wanted to deliver a more personal service to clients. She specialises in looking after the needs of the smaller business so knows all about the challenges we face. Kim's great reputation and her success is based around her very personal style. She works closely with her clients, immersing herself in their businesses in order to understand their every need, tailoring her support and advice accordingly to help their business grow.