News

Latest news - January 2009

Option 2 students graduate

Two students were successful in gaining the Grade 1 award on Thursday when our Option 2 students graduated.

Nia-Lyn Hughes from Bangor, Wales achieved the highest score overall, gaining 84% on the Wedding course. A combination of excellent photography taken on the exam day and a consistently high standard homework ensured Nia-Lyn achieved the highest grade possible.

Below are a selection of images directed and taken by Nia-Lyn on her exam day on 13th December at the 4* Sprowston Manor Marriott Hotel.

Ted Mackenzie from Ely, Cambridge was the second student to achieve a Grade 1, scoring 81%. Immediately after completion of the course Ted joined the Barrett & Coe network of photographers, taking a franchise in the North Cambridge area. Below are a selection of Ted's images taken on the exam day.

Some glowing feedback from the students on completion of the course:
"I am so pleased with how quickly I've learnt new photography skills. When I joined the course I thought the worst that could happen was that I could just learn to take better pictures of my children but now I hope to start a new business. Many thanks to all."
Caroline Mace, Portrait course Grade 2

"An excellent course in professional photography by two excellent, experienced photographers. The marketing side of the course was impressive and very much exceeded my expectations."
Lee Nicholson, Wedding course Grade 2

SWPP Exhibition 16th - 18th January 2009

Barrett & Coe will be attending the SWPP exhibition in London on January 16th, 17th and 18th.
The exhibition provides the ideal opportunity for beginners and established photographers to seek out the latest technology, products and techniques. Held at the Novotel London West the event is the largest gathering of professional photographers eager to share their knowledge.
Brian Barrett has been invited to present a Masterclass on Friday 16th from 3-5pm in the Muscadet suite. His seminar is entitled "….to what use is lens and light, to those who have neither mind nor sight” and will focus on the movement from film to digital, camera craft, current trends and contemporary posing and lighting.

Please visit us on the Barrett & Coe stand to find out more about our courses and the Barrett & Coe members network. Three of our top franchisees will each spend a day on the stand to discuss how the Barrett & Coe training and franchises have worked for them and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

New course begins

A cold Friday morning in Norwich saw the welcoming of 15 new students to the Barrett & Coe training school. Despite the chilly start, the students settled in following an introduction and equipment discussion with Brian Barrett & Andrew Coe followed by a day packed full of practical sessions and demonstrations. Back for day two, the portrait students had a three hour practical session in the morning with three models.

Meanwhile the wedding students were on location at a local church with a 'bride & groom' recreating a real-life wedding. The afternoon session saw both groups combine to practice taking a large group shot, pictured below. The students will be returning to Norwich for their seminars 3 and 4 (of 7) in February for another two days of intensive training and will be receiving critiques on their homework taken during the intervening weeks.

Franchisee of the year 2008

The Barrett & Coe franchisee of the year for 2008 was announced yesterday at the first wedding training day of 2009 held at Park Farm Hotel, Norwich. Mike Callaghan was selected as the winner due to his consistent improvments in all aspects of his business. A network member for over 5 years, Mike runs his studio from his Chelmsford base in Essex. Mike took on a franchise after completing the Barrett & Coe Wedding and Portrait course in 2003 having left his job as a Royal Mail manager.

Specialising in baby and family portraiture, but also taking several weddings each year Mike puts a tremendous amount of hard work and commitment into his business and he is going from strength to strength. Mike regularly helps out on the Barrett & Coe stand at exhibitions around the country (including the SWPP coming up this weekend 16/17/18 January 2009) and is more than happy to chat to anyone considering a change of career.

Mike is pictured above receiving his award and a cheque for £500 from Andrew Coe & Brian Barrett.

Bride of the year 2008

The Barrett & Coe Bride of The Year has been named as Laura Sargent of Eye, Suffolk.
The winning image, taken at Laura's wedding on July 19th was initially selected as the July winner and Laura and husband Ross won a cheque for £100. As the overall 2008 winner the couple have selected to spend their weekend break at the 5* Hanbury Manor hotel in Hertfordshire where they will also be celebrating Ross's 30th birthday.

Baby of the year 2008

The Barrett & Coe Baby of The Year has been named as Tasniah Begum from Oldham. Tasniah wins a cheque for £1,000 to be deposited into her child savings account. Pictured below is the winning image taken by Kwok Wong, Barrett & Coe Oldham.