Photography Events Pricing?

They are a bloody mystery to me. Here’s why:

You can go to a Magnum Professional Event in Liverpool. It costs over £400 and you will get to hear from the following speakers: Ian Berry: Magnum Photographer, Sophie Chapman-Andrews, Head of Art Buying, McCann Erickson, Jessica Crombie, Head of Film and Photography, Save The Children, Lauren Heinz, Editor, Foto8 Magazine, Dewi Lewis, Dewi Lewis Publishing, Fiona Rogers – Cultural & Education Coordinator, Magnum Photos, Zoe Whishaw – Commercial Photography Consultant, Sophie Wright – Cultural Director, Magnum Photos.

Now that’s a decent line up of speakers but £400 is a lot of money to sit in a room with god knows how many other photographers. You also have to prove that you are good enough to be there. This is a crafty marketing trick by Magnum. Two friends of mine went on a Magnum workshop overseas where there had been a ‘selection’ process, but when they got in the room it was obvious that money was the biggest talker.

To be fair to Magnum they point out that you’ll only really benefit if you have experience and for sure anyone attending this will get a lot out of it.

Back to pricing. Rhubarb Rhubarb also have two days of events coming up, the cost is £40 for both days. You can see the talkers below and there are no slouches. That means you pay ten times as much to go to the Magnum event. It just doesn’t make sense other than the fact that Rhurbarb Rhubarb have pulled in some kick ass funding from the Arts Council.

If you are looking for inspiration get yourself off to the Midlands for a treat. Those with money to burn, Liverpool is my favorite UK city.