As part of the S-Line¹ series of NIKKOR Z lenses, the NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S is a telephoto zoom lens offering a focal length range of 120 mm to 420 mm, enabled by a built-in teleconverter that extends its focal length by 1.4×. The superior optical performance and mobility of this lens will support professional photographers’ imaging expression in genres such as sports photography and beyond.

Nikon will continue to pursue a new dimension in optical performance while meeting users’ needs, contributing to the development of imaging culture, with the hope of expanding possibilities for imaging expression.

www.europe-nikon.com

The post Nikon Announces Development of The Nikkor Z 120-300mm F/2.8 Tc VR S appeared first on The Society of Photographers | International Photography Organisation.

569 images were entered in to March’s competition, 25 photographs were awarded a Gold Award and 71 images achieved a Highly Commended.

Please follow https://thesocieties.net/benefits/monthly-image-competition/2026-monthly-image-competition-results/ to view all Gold Awards and Highly Commended results.

Congratulations to Anna Almen from Vetlanda, Sweden on achieving the Judges Choice Award.

Did you get a Gold or Highly Commended? Don’t forget to get your awards logo/badge here:
https://thesocieties.net/forum/index.php/topic,37960.0.html

Not a member but want to enter?
Check out this great joining offer here https://thesocieties.net/membership-offer/

The post March 2026 Monthly Image Competition Results appeared first on The Society of Photographers | International Photography Organisation.

The Gap Between Attention and Income

I was recently in a room with a talented photographer, decent following, plenty of online noise. They showed me their phone with a grin.

“Look at this… 12,000 followers now. It’s flying.”

Impressive on paper. I nodded. Then I asked the only question that really matters:

“How’s business?”

There was a proper pause. “Bit quiet at the minute… but the engagement’s really strong.”

And there it was—the gap. The gap between attention… and income. Between noise… and bookings. Between bling… and kerching.

“The gap between attention and income is where most photography businesses quietly fail.”

We’ve built a culture that celebrates attention while quietly ignoring income. But this isn’t a popularity contest. It’s a business.

Why Real Relevance Lives at the Coal Face

There’s a dangerous habit in our industry: we follow the big names, the polished speakers, the ones with the stages and slides. They tell us what works and what we must buy next.

I’ve told my mentees this for years:

“The day I stop being a working photographer, give me 18–24 months and I’ll go off the boil. Not because I’ve lost the craft, but because I’m no longer solving real problems for real clients.”

Relevance is built at the coal face:

• Handling objections
• Pricing jobs
• Losing and winning jobs
• Fixing mistakes
• Adapting and refining
• Delivering, repeating, evolving

You can’t simulate this. You can’t theorise it. And you certainly can’t package it into a one-size-fits-all formula.

The Great Social Media Illusion

For the last decade, we’ve been told: post more, grow your following, chase the numbers. Visibility matters. But visibility to who?

Likes from Vladivostok or comments from Texas feel good. Lovely. But that’s theatre—not business.

“Bling bling might feed your ego… but kerching feeds your business.”

Most photographers aren’t selling globally scalable products. They’re selling trust, experience, and craftsmanship in a local market. That means the real game isn’t reach—it’s relevance.

Stop Chasing Followers. Start Attracting Clients

The wrong question is: “Should I chase more followers?”
The right question is: “How do I attract people likely to become clients?”

Here’s a simple approach: ask each happy client to recommend you to 3–5 friends—and ask those friends to follow you.

What you’ve done:

• Created a locally relevant audience
• Built a warmer, trust-based audience
• Reached people rooted in your actual market

Suddenly, social media stops being a vanity project and starts becoming a business tool.

“The difference between bling bling… and kerching.”

The Myth of the Universal Solution

There isn’t a single formula that works everywhere. Local economy, demographics, spending habits, competition, and perceived value all matter.

What works in London may fail in Lancashire. What works in New York may fall flat in Newcastle.

Blindly copying strategies from someone else rarely builds a business. They can provide a framework—but no one can run your studio for you.

Local and Margin: The Real Levers

Success comes from understanding two things:

1. Local market – this is where your business lives
2. Margin – this is what keeps it alive

A large following means little if it doesn’t convert. A busy diary means little if pricing is wrong. A viral post means little if it brings no bookings.

A well-positioned, local, trusted brand delivering consistently? That’s power. That’s sustainable. That’s business.

Responsibility Over Replication

Too many photographers abdicate their judgement. They follow, copy, replicate, and hope.

“No mentor, speaker, or influencer will ever care about your business as much as you must.”

Learn from others—but never surrender your responsibility to understand your clients, area, offer, numbers, and positioning.

Built From the Trenches, Not the Textbook

Everything I teach has been tested, broken, fixed, and refined—not just in my studio, but across hundreds of others. Different locations, clients, price points, and challenges.

“The moment you stop solving real problems for real clients is the moment your relevance starts to fade.”

Success comes from clarity: market, message, positioning, and value. Not popularity, not trends, not vanity metrics.

The Future Belongs to the Thinkers

Photography isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s nuanced, local, and personal. Those who thrive:

• Build trust where they actually trade
• Attract the right audience, not just a large one
• Turn clients into advocates
• Focus on margin, not vanity
• Stay relevant by staying active

“You don’t need more followers—you need more of the right people following you.”

In the end, business isn’t about applause. It’s about outcomes. And I’ll take kerching over bling bling every single time.

Take Action Today

If you want to turn attention into income and build a photography business that lasts:

• Explore our Mentoring Programme
• Join our Photographic Webinars
• Discover the full range of Membership Benefits

Your business deserves more than likes. It deserves kerching.

The post Kerrching Beats Bling Bling: Why Relevance, not Reach, is the Real Currency in Modern Photography By Damian McGillicuddy appeared first on The Society of Photographers | International Photography Organisation.

Loxley Colour is delighted to announce their generous sponsorship of £2,150 worth of prizes for The Society of Photographers’ Photographer of the Year Awards, supporting photographers across a wide range of categories and print disciplines.

This exciting sponsorship rewards excellence in both the Photographer of the Year 2025 Awards from our Monthly Image Competition and the 20×16” Print Competition 2026, with valuable lab credits designed to help winners invest back into their businesses through premium professional print products.

In addition to the lab credits, every prize winner will also receive an exclusive one-hour business consultation with Loxley Colour’s sales team, offering expert guidance on workflow, products, and how to maximise print sales and presentation.

Prizes Sponsored by Loxley Colour

Prizes will be awarded in the following categories:

• 3rd Place Photographer of the Year 2025 – £250 Loxley Colour Lab Credit
• 20×16″ 3rd Place Photographer of the Year – £200 Loxley Colour Lab Credit
• Family and Group Portrait Photographer of the Year 2025 – £150 Loxley Colour Lab Credit
• Individual Portrait Photographer of the Year 2025 – £150 Loxley Colour Lab Credit
• Photographer of the Year – £500 Loxley Colour Lab Credit
• 20×16″ Photographer of the Year – £300 Loxley Colour Lab Credit
• 20×16″ Maternity Photographer of the Year – £150 Loxley Colour Lab Credit
• 20×16″ Newborn Photographer of the Year – £150 Loxley Colour Lab Credit
• 20×16″ Pet Portrait Photographer of the Year 2026 – £150 Loxley Colour Lab Credit
• 20×16″ Wedding Photographer of the Year 2026 – £150 Loxley Colour Lab Credit

Each prize has been carefully selected to support photographers in producing high-quality professional prints while helping them grow and refine their businesses.

Colin Jones, CEO of The Society of Photographers, commented:

“We’re thrilled to have Loxley Colour supporting our Photographer of the Year Awards. Their commitment to quality, innovation, and business support makes them a fantastic partner for our competitions. The combination of lab credits and one-to-one business consultations adds real value for our winners and reinforces the importance of print within professional photography.”

The Society of Photographers would like to thank Loxley Colour for their continued support of the professional photography community and for helping to celebrate excellence through both print and business development.

The post Loxley Colour Sponsors £2,150 in Prizes for The Society of Photographers’ Prestigious Photographer of the Year Awards appeared first on The Society of Photographers | International Photography Organisation.

Photography enthusiasts and professionals, get ready, Sigma UK is officially returning toThe Society of Photographers’ 2026 London Photo Convention & Trade Show!

Taking place Thursday 15th to Saturday 17th January 2026 at the Novotel London West, Hammersmith, the Convention will once again bring together leading photography and filmmaking brands, offering visitors the chance to explore the latest gear, meet industry specialists, and experience hands-on demonstrations of cutting-edge technology.

Sigma UK, internationally respected for its world-class lenses, and relentless commitment to innovation, will be showcasing a wide range of products designed to inspire photographers of all genres.

Colin Jones, CEO of The Society of Photographers, shared his excitement:

“We’re thrilled to welcome Sigma UK back to the 2026 Convention. Sigma remains one of the most innovative brands in the industry, and their optics have become a staple for photographers around the world. Attendees will have the opportunity to try the latest Sigma lenses and cameras, speak with their expert team, and gain valuable insight into how Sigma technology can elevate their craft. It’s a fantastic addition to an already strong exhibitor line-up.”

The Must-Attend Event of 2026

If you’re passionate about photography, you won’t want to miss this.

The Trade Show offers free entry to everyone who registers before 1 January 2026. After that, tickets will be £10. So now is the perfect time to secure your place.

Expect three action-packed days featuring:

• The latest cameras, lenses, lighting and accessories
• Live demos, expert advice and real-world shooting inspiration
• Masterclasses, Superclasses and hands-on learning opportunities
• Major retailers, exclusive discounts and unmissable deals

Secure Your Free Trade Show Ticket

Join Nikon and more than 100 top brands, at the UK’s best photography event of 2026.

Visit the official Convention & Trade Show page for full details and registration.

The post Sigma UK Confirms Attendance at The Society of Photographers’ 2026 London Photo Convention & Trade Show appeared first on The Society of Photographers | International Photography Organisation.

This Black Friday, photographers can unlock massive savings on one of the industry’s most trusted business tools — Studio Ninja is offering 60% off for 12 months when you use the code BLACKFRIDAY25.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by admin, chasing invoices, managing enquiries, or trying to keep track of bookings, Studio Ninja is designed to take the pressure off. As the world’s highest-rated photography business app, it helps you automate tasks, stay organised, and spend more time doing what you love — creating.

Black Friday Offer

• 60% off for 12 months
• Use code: BLACKFRIDAY25
• No obligations, no lock-in contracts
• Cancel anytime — completely risk free

Click here to sign up and get 60% off

Why Photographers Love Studio Ninja

Studio Ninja streamlines your entire workflow, helping you:

• Manage enquiries and leads
• Automate emails and workflows
• Track jobs, shoots, and appointments
• Send contracts, questionnaires, and invoices
• Take payments and monitor revenue
• Stay on top of your calendar and tasks

It’s built to help photographers and videographers work smarter, increase bookings, and elevate their client experience — without the admin overload.

If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your business systems, this is the best time to try Studio Ninja at a huge discount.

Offer: 60% off for 12 months
Code: BLACKFRIDAY25
Contract: None — cancel anytime
Deal: Limited-time Black Friday offer

Looking for More Photography Black Friday Deals?

We’re gathering the best offers on software, gear, accessories, training and more—all in one place. New deals are being added daily.

Explore our Black Friday 2025 Hub
Black Friday 2025 — The Best Photographic Deals in One Place

The post Black Friday 2025: Get 60% Off Studio Ninja – The World’s Highest-Rated Photography Business App appeared first on The Society of Photographers | International Photography Organisation.

If you’re looking to upgrade your camera carry system, now’s the ideal moment — with up to 25% off Tenba during their Black Friday event.

Tenba is known for producing tough, smartly designed camera bags built for everyday creators, travelling photographers, and working professionals. Their bags combine durable materials with thoughtful layouts, offering excellent protection and quick access to your gear.

What’s Included

• Up to 25% off selected Tenba products
• Savings on backpacks, messenger bags, shoulder bags, and accessories
• Ideal for travel, street photography, studio work, and daily carry
• Limited-time Black Friday pricing

Whether you need a rugged backpack for assignments, a lightweight messenger for city shooting, or a flexible bag for hybrid photo/video work, Tenba’s lineup delivers reliability and versatility.

Offer: Up to 25% off Tenba
Availability: Black Friday 2025 — limited-time deals

Check participating retailers for the full list of discounted products.

Looking for More Photography Black Friday Deals?

We’re gathering the best offers on software, gear, accessories, training and more—all in one place. New deals are being added daily.

Explore our Black Friday 2025 Hub
Black Friday 2025 — The Best Photographic Deals in One Place

The post Black Friday 2025: Up to 25% Off Tenba Bags & Accessories appeared first on The Society of Photographers | International Photography Organisation.

If you’re looking to upgrade your support system, Black Friday is the perfect time — with up to 40% off Benro across selected tripods, monopods, heads, and accessories.

Benro has long been a favourite among photographers and filmmakers thanks to their reliable construction, smooth operation, and exceptional value. Whether you need a lightweight travel tripod, a sturdy video head, or a versatile support for long exposures, there’s a deal worth checking out.

What’s Included

• Up to 40% off selected Benro products
• Discounts on tripods, monopods, heads, and accessories
• Ideal for landscape, travel, studio, and video work
• Limited-time Black Friday pricing

Benro gear is designed to deliver stability and precision in all shooting conditions, making it a dependable choice for creatives who need both performance and portability. These Black Friday savings make upgrading more affordable than ever.

Offer: Up to 40% off Benro
Availability: Black Friday 2025 — limited-time deals

Check participating retailers to see the full range of discounted items.

Looking for More Photography Black Friday Deals?

We’re gathering the best offers on software, gear, accessories, training and more—all in one place. New deals are being added daily.

Explore our Black Friday 2025 Hub
Black Friday 2025 — The Best Photographic Deals in One Place

The post Black Friday 2025: Up to 40% Off Benro appeared first on The Society of Photographers | International Photography Organisation.

If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your adventure or travel photography backpack, Black Friday is the ideal time — because Shimoda is offering 25% off selected backpacks for a limited time.

Shimoda is known for building rugged, adventure-ready camera bags designed for photographers who travel, hike, and shoot in challenging environments. Their packs combine technical durability with smart internal layouts that keep your gear protected, organised, and comfortable to carry all day.

What to Expect in the Offer

• 25% off selected Shimoda backpacks
• Limited-time Black Friday pricing
• Designed for photographers, filmmakers, and creators on the move

Whether you’re shooting landscapes in the mountains, travelling internationally, or simply looking for a more comfortable and secure carry system for your equipment, Shimoda’s backpacks deliver exceptional performance and flexibility.

Don’t miss the chance to pick one up at a reduced price this Black Friday.

Offer: 25% off selected Shimoda backpacks
Availability: Limited-time Black Friday deal

Check participating retailers to see the full list of discounted packs.

Get 25% off Selected Shimoda Backpacks Black Friday Deals

Looking for More Photography Black Friday Deals?

We’re gathering the best offers on software, gear, accessories, training and more—all in one place. New deals are being added daily.

Explore our Black Friday 2025 Hub
Black Friday 2025 — The Best Photographic Deals in One Place

The post Black Friday 2025: Save 25% on Selected Shimoda Backpacks appeared first on The Society of Photographers | International Photography Organisation.

If you regularly work in mixed lighting environments, Datacolor’s multi-award-winning LightColor Meter is one of the most accurate and reliable tools you can add to your kit — and it’s now available at a special Black Friday price of £249 (was £299) at Datacolor.com.

Designed for photographers and filmmakers who demand precision, the LightColor Meter delivers exact measurements of exposure, colour temperature, and DUV, with all data streamed in real time via Bluetooth to the free Datacolor LightColor Meter App on your smartphone.

Why Creatives Love It

• Precisely measures exposure & colour temperature
• Tracks DUV for predicting colour shifts
• Streams all data via Bluetooth to your phone
• Hands-free operation for fast, reliable workflows
• More accurate than a camera’s Auto White Balance
• Works with ambient, continuous, and flash/strobe lighting
• Built-in gel libraries from Profoto®, LEE®, and Rosco®

Whether you’re shooting portraits, commercial work, video interviews, or on-location setups with tricky lighting ratios, the LightColor Meter helps you achieve consistency and control — cutting down setup time and reducing colour correction in post.

This Black Friday, it’s the perfect chance to upgrade your lighting precision while saving money.

Black Friday Price: £249 (was £299)
Available at: Datacolor.com
Offer: Limited-time Black Friday deal

Visit the Datacolor website to take advantage of this offer and explore the full LightColor Meter system.

Looking for More Photography Black Friday Deals?

We’re gathering the best offers on software, gear, accessories, training and more—all in one place. New deals are being added daily.

Explore our Black Friday 2025 Hub
Black Friday 2025 — The Best Photographic Deals in One Place

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