The Magazine of the BIPP / 2021 / Issue Three
The Artistry House Gallery Celebrating 120 years of the BIPP
Desmond Groves
Looking back on a photographic legacy
Reality & Fantasy
Enter Roger Tan’s world of epic visuals
DR RON CALLENDER MINING THE PAST
Mining The Past With DR Ron Callender Editor Joel Hansen reflects on his visit with CEO Martin Baynes to the BIPP ex-President and a stalwart member of 63 years, Ron Callender.
A
pursuit to uncover the BIPP’s history is something that has interested me since taking on my role. Slowly, it has started to unravel through discussions with longstanding members of the Institute who’ve become custodians of its heritage. Another door into the past presented itself when FBIPP Dr Ron Callender emailed me to say he had accumulated a stack of documents throughout his time with the Institute. Becoming a member in 1960, at age 26, Ron would become a renowned figure - most notably because of the time he served as the BIPP president from 1975-1976. In this period, a memorable annual meeting celebrated the 75th year, which featured famous photographers and industry manufacturers speaking at the event that attracted attendees from around the globe. On invitation from Ron to collect the documents, a visit ensued with myself and the CEO Martin Baynes to his home in Cheshire. Over coffee and lunch with Ron a, we got a brief overview of his career working for world-leading global corporations such as Unilever. Stepping foot in his living room, an array of documents and memorabilia reached out across the coffee table - it was a BIPP treasure trove! As we explored the possessions, the ex-president told the stories behind each one; they included BIPP passports, member registries listing over 64 the PHOTOGRAPHER / 2021 / Issue Three
2400 photographers, honorary medals awarded from international photography associations, past examination structures, letters of correspondence and more. Although retiring as a formal photographer decades ago, Ron’s enthusiasm hasn’t faded towards his vocation, which became apparent as photography featured everywhere in his home. Original prints of pioneering female photographer Madame Yevonde hung on the walls leading up to his study - a room lined with shelves full of catalogued photobooks documenting his travels from around the world. Ron focuses mainly on Applied Photography, a practice that produces pictures for the purpose of study and education; it avoids photo manipulation to give as an accurate depiction as possible of a subject. The method blends with Ron’s passion for geology - demonstrated best in his project documenting Britain’s standing stones, which are ancient rock formations, such as Stonehenge. Not only did Ron application of practical photography extend into his later years, but so did his knowledge when studying for his PhD. The research focused on Vero Charles Driffield, a British photographer and chemical engineer and Ferdinand Hurter, a Swiss-born chief chemist. Together, the pair published papers about scientific research into photography, invented an instrument called the actinograph (an initial version of a light meter), and contributed to the popularity of the early days of photography. In 2012, Ron published a book titled Mr Driffield and Dr Hurter: Their Lives & Times in Picture, produced from his decades of research on the once-forgotten pioneering photography figures. Ron’s efforts to preserve the BIPP’s history over his 61-year membership has given me - a new generation - resources to help mine the past, to build a future.
The Ede & Ravenscroft group provide photography for students and families on the most special days of their lives at schools and graduations.
Would you like to photograph next years graduates? We are looking for professional photographers
Our team of professional portrait photographers ensure our customers receive an exceptional image of themselves and their loved ones to cherish. We are currently looking for new members to join our team with many events in 2022 already scheduled. • Full time or freelance positions available • Competitive rates of pay • Events held across the United Kingdom • Basic kit required including a camera capable of large images with a fixed lens 50mm or 35mm for cropped sensor. F2.8 zoom lenses preferred. Two 500 watt flash heads with wireless trigger. Tripod and two posing stools or equivalent.
Get in touch: info@graduation-ser vices.com Visit: graduation-ser vices.edeandravenscroft.com/photo