Stock-ing Fillers – BAPLA Fair
Yesterday I took a trip up to the BAPLA Picture Buyers’ Fair at the Business Design Centre in Islington. The intention as a designer from a small design agency was to check out the image libraries and especially the smaller independents and make contact for future projects. There were about 140 stands of varying size and stature.
The big libraries were present but I was really impressed with the smaller specialising libraries, most of whom I hadn’t come across before. There were gifts and catalogues galore from catalogues, CDs, postcards, to sweets and keyrings to name but a few. The cross section of niche markets was really inspiring, from animals, food, history, aviation, travel and golf courses! I met a really nice man Eric Hepworth of Hepworth Golf Photography. He is one of the leading golf course photograpers in the country with an extensive library of courses in varying lights and conditions. He was so passionate about his work and what a lovely job too. It has totally inspired me to now find us a golf client so that I can use his images!
Another particular favourite was Animal Photography. The stand was run by a very charming Stephen Taylor and his mum. They had just launched their site that morning. I would advise having a look at the site, although it’s not yet complete and they are continuing to add to it – it is a beatifully designed site and very easy to use. Again – note to self: I must find a client where I can use their images!!
The prizes of the best looking stands must go to Masterfile with their stripey stand and the http://www.maryevans.com/ whose stand looked like an old Victorian sweet shop – very tasty.
I managed to talk to a few of the agents that we are a client of and it was nice to put a face to an email. Only having used Last Refuge one it was really nice to meet the two owners Adrian Warren and Dae Sasitorn – their specialism in aerial Views is just amazing. Unfortunately their site doesn’t work with Safari which is a bit of a nuisance.
So, overall, a really good show albeit a little bit overwhelming with everyone vying for your attention with their gifts which I suppose is never really a bad thing. I shall definitely be attending again next year.
Posted by Emma Nicol
Filed under: exhibitions, graphic design, photo library, photography | 1 Comment
Hi, I visited BAPLA too, and wwas equally impressed by the Masterfile and Mary Evans Picture Library stands.
We came away fairly light with the amount of gifts we took away, but loved the Masterfile doorbell fridge magnets and SuperStock frisbees!
An impressive show.