Our People
Learn which of our people are behind the scenes at every level of the BIPP and how to get involved too, here.
The BIPP management structure is simple and similar to almost all membership focussed organisations. Inside the BIPP, our people reside in the the following roles:
Board of Directors
The board consists of a number of different people who are either appointed or elected. Our Articles of Association keep the board cycled with new, fresh faces and ensures that we cannot stagnate. You can join the board as a director by meeting the base criteria and completing the nomination steps which are released to the membership on an annual basis.
Head of Operations
The Head of Operations is tasked with the successful operation of the Institute, supporting both the members and the board.
President
The President serves for a period of 2 years and is nominated by the Board of Directors to act in an honorary capacity. Our Presidents, past and present, represent some of the greatest minds in the Photography industry and are pivotal for our public-facing work as an Institute.
Department Leads
Leaders of qualifications, awards, resources, business support and more all have a seat at the wider table. Anyone can put themselves forwards into lead or ambassador positions by simply reaching out to our team in the Head Office team to express an interest.
Judges
We have one of the most well-established and well-regarded team of judges in the industry. Our judges all hold high-level qualifications and are pivotal in the successful running of qualifications and awards. Any Associate photographer can express interest in judges training, but only Fellows can judge at the top level of our competition.
Ambassadors
From 2023 onwards, our ambassadors are divided into two main camps, Advocate and Member Liason. The role of the former is to positively promote the organisation to a wider audience. The role of the latter is not dissimilar to the previous role of Regional Ambassador, where geographically specific individuals assist in member engagement and events. Anyone can be a Member Liason ambassador, you don’t need to be tied to geographic region, and you are often the first face a new member will see, as well as providing the Board with actionable information to act on behalf of the membership.
Our Senior Team:
Carmel Fanning
Head of Operations
Carmel is the Head of Operations at the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP), where she oversees the day-to-day running of the Institute and supports the delivery of member services, qualifications, competitions, events and strategic initiatives.
With a background in operations management, customer experience and business systems, Carmel brings extensive experience in helping organisations streamline processes, improve member engagement and create exceptional customer journeys. Having worked with a wide range of service-based businesses, she is passionate about building efficient systems that allow organisations and their communities to thrive.
Since joining the BIPP in 2025, Carmel has focused on enhancing member support, strengthening operational processes and helping to drive initiatives that provide greater value to members and industry partners alike.
She works closely with the Board, volunteers, judges, mentors and trade partners to ensure the Institute continues to support photographers at every stage of their professional journey whilst maintaining the high standards and values that have defined the BIPP for more than 120 years.
Jeff Brown
President
Jeff’s passion for photography blossomed in childhood, and he acquired his first SLR camera in his late teens. At 21, with nervous excitement, he embarked on his inaugural wedding shoot, the night before filled with restless anticipation. Joining the military as a Royal Navy Photographer at 27 brought intense training and unparalleled job satisfaction. He had the honor of capturing esteemed individuals like celebrities, Heads of State, and members of the British Royal Family. After nearly a decade of service, he transitioned to entrepreneurship, establishing my own Photography Companies. Recognizing the pivotal role of marketing, he immersed myself in photography marketing courses, developing a fervor for the subject. Within two years, they averaged more than 80 weddings annually and managed one of the country’s most bustling Boudoir Photography Makeover Studios. Today, Jeff contributes to industry magazines, regularly appears on photography podcasts, and collaborates closely with various UK Photography Associations.
Paul Reiffer
Chair of the Board
Paul still holds on to his Kodak Disc 6000 8mm camera from his childhood, when his father had a dark room in the attic of his home on the south coast of England. Having “gone corporate” for many of his early years, today he produces iconic landscapes and cityscape photography for some of the world’s best known brands – from international hotel chains and airlines to imaging clients such as National Geographic and IMAX. As one of Phase One’s global ambassadors and teachers, he’s travelled for most of his photographic career, shooting ultra high-resolution medium-format images from some of the most stunning places around the world.
Barrie Spence
Director
Barrie is a portrait photographer, operating a small studio in West Lothian, near Edinburgh.
A relatively new member, he joined The BIPP in March 2019 to grow his network of professional peers and make friends within the industry.
He took the position of director of The BIPP in November 2020.
He holds distinctions with a number of organisations and occasionally picks up an award.
Barrie became the president of The Federation of European Professional Photographers (FEP) in April 2026.
Johnson Wee
Director
Johnson Wee, Asia’s most awarded wedding photographer, hails from a photography lineage. He holds the titles of Double Master from WPPI and Fellow from BIPP & MPA, UK. Johnson is a Canon and Profoto Ambassador in Malaysia, and his lens captures pre-wedding beauty in exotic global locations.
Matt Curtis
Director
Matt Curtis is a BIPP-qualified professional photographer with over 30 years’ experience in the photographic industry. He began his career working within established studios, developing strong foundations in studio practice, digital workflow, and professional standards while working alongside BIPP-qualified photographers. In 2014, Matt established his own business, Matt Curtis Photography (www.mattcurtisphotography.com), and opened Chinns Court Studio in Warminster in 2017 where he offers Family and individual portraiture, wedding photography and a Studio Boudoir and Nude Art range under Elland-Vee Exclusive (www.ellandveeart.com). A committed advocate for professional qualification, education, and ethical practice, Matt is proud to serve as a Director of the British Institute of Professional Photography, supporting the Institute’s role in maintaining excellence and credibility within the profession.
The Judges and Mentors:
The BIPP is proud to have these individuals as our judges and mentors. These are the people who judge our competitions and assess our qualifications.
Barrie Spence FBIPP MQEP FSWPP ARPS
Head of Awards and Qualifications
Su Kaye FBIPP
Head Judge
Su started her professional photographic career in 1995 and was awarded her Fellowship two years later. She opened her own studio in Hertfordshire in 2001 photographing families and for the last 10 years has been working largely with dogs and families.
Su has won many awards including International Photographer of the Year (BIPP) as well as Pet Photographer of the Year, Wedding Photographer of the Year and International Dog Photographer of the Year (Dog Photography Awards). She has previously chaired judging and qualifications on numerous occasions for the BIPP, MPA as well as judging for PPA and the Kodak Gold Circle.
Website: https://sukaye.com/
Paul Wilkinson FBIPP FSWPP
Judge
Paul is one of the UK’s most awarded portrait photographers and the name behind an exclusive boutique studio between Oxford and London, renowned for beautifully lit, characterful portraits (and the laughter that goes into creating them). A lifelong photographer and Fellow of both the BIPP and SWPP, he is a brand ambassador for Elinchrom, Graphistudio and Pixellu, and a sought-after speaker, judge and trainer for photographers looking to refine their craft. He is also co-author of Mastering Portrait Photography, a best-selling book that has sold over 50,000 copies worldwide, been translated into multiple languages, and now appears in a new edition packed with fresh work and ideas. When he’s not behind the camera or running workshops, Paul writes for Professional Photo and hosts the Mastering Portrait Photography podcast, where he talks candidly (and often hilariously) about life, the industry and what it really takes to make it as a working photographer.
https://www.paulwilkinsonphotography.co.uk/
https://masteringportraitphotography.com/
Paul Reiffer FBIPP FRPS FSITTP ASWPP ASIFGP
Judge/ Mentor
Having spent two decades shooting commercially for worldwide clients ranging from luxury hotel groups to National Geographic, Paul brings a unique perspective to judging – one rooted in technical precision, creative problem-solving under pressure, and the commercial realities of delivering world-class imagery. Working extensively with medium-format systems, he understands the craft from sensor to final output, whether that’s a 16-foot IMAX screen or a collector’s fine art print.
Paul judges and mentors photographers internationally, with a particular focus on helping entrants understand not just what makes a strong image, but why it works – and how to replicate that success consistently. His approach cuts through the subjective noise to focus on fundamentals: light, composition, technical execution, and whether the image actually does what it sets out to do.
Sanjay Jogia FBIPP FSWPP
Judge/ Mentor
Sanjay Jogia, an internationally acclaimed, award-winning photographer, based in London’s historic Harrow Hill, has been featured as one of the World’s 6 Best Wedding Photographers by the global ‘Professional Photographer Magazine’, and the UK Top 50 Photographers by Prophoto Magazine UK in 2024.
Sanjay is a Canon Emeritus Ambassador, as well as a Global Brand Ambassador for Calibrite (X-Rite), Fundy Software, Tether Tools, Canson Infinity, Eizo Global, Light & Motion, Dreambooks Pro and Aftershoot.
Sanjay travels the world as a Photographer, Educator, Mentor, Judge and Brand Ambassador. He has won over 100 Print Competition Awards and is now privileged to be invited regularly as a Judge & Chair for the largest photography competitions in the world with First Places at both WPPI and SWPP. He has a Fellowship with the BIPP and SWPP, an ICON Master and is also an Associate of The British Photography Awards and was honoured with a Grand Master Award at the Societies of Photographers in 2024.
Sanjay has also represented Team GB in the World Photographic Cup for the past 4 years with a number of his images as ‘finalist’.
Sean Conboy FBIPP FSICIP FRPS
Judge/Mentor
Known for his use of space and light, British architectural photographer Sean Conboy is best known for creating majestic images of large scale interiors, as well as drawing the viewer into more intimate spaces with perfectly crafted composition and lighting.
Sean photographs architecture and interiors for high-end clients around the world. He is a photographer who very much learnt his craft in the era of large format film and cameras.
Sean regularly speaks and gives workshops for companies like Hasselblad, Linhof and Broncolor and is involved in judging for the Hasselblad masters and many photographic organisations.
Stefanie Blochwitz FBIPP FISWPP QEP 🇨🇭
Judge
Stefanie Blochwitz is an internationally multi-award-winning wedding photographer with 16 years of experience capturing love stories in Switzerland and around the globe. Known for her elegant, authentic, and storytelling approach, she blends artistic vision with a keen eye for genuine emotion, creating timeless memories for her couples.
Beyond her own photography, Stefanie is deeply passionate about empowering others in the industry. Through her “Next Level Photography” platform and her dedicated mentoring program, she shares her extensive knowledge to help fellow creatives grow and refine their craft. She is also thrilled to bring her artistic eye to the international stage as a judge for competitions like the Braut Foto Award. In this exciting role, she looks forward to discovering fresh perspectives, supporting emerging talent, and celebrating the evolving magic of wedding photography.
David Macdonald FBIPP
Judge
David has been a professional photographer for forty seven years and has run his own photography business for forty three.
He achieved his Fellowship with the BIPP in wedding photography in 1998.
Before their demise, David was a member of the Kodak Gold Circle and amongst his many awards and accolades, was a past Kodak UK Portrait Photographer of the Year.
In what David calls a blessed career, he has been commissioned to work all over the world, shooting multiple weddings in the Caribbean, as well as Australia and Cyprus. He has also been commissioned for portrait sessions in Hawaii, Columbia, Puerto Rico, Moscow, Chicago and Paris.
His enviable client list includes Premier League footballers, pop stars, actors, actresses and CEOs of Financial Institutions.
For many years David has judged awards and qualifications for various bodies in the industry, as well as mentoring photographers for qualifications and doing consultancy work helping photographers with their businesses.
He lives with his wife of thirty nine years, along with their seventy-odd animals in Hertfordshire.
Website: https://davidpmacdonald.com/
David Taylor FBIPP
Judge/ Mentor
John Parris FBIPP
Judge
John Parris is recognised as one of Scotland’s leading award-winning photographers, known for creating portrait and wedding imagery that is both technically exceptional and emotionally captivating.
Based in Hawick, Scotland, John has built a reputation for meticulous attention to detail and an instinctive understanding of light, composition, and storytelling. His work combines artistry with authenticity, producing timeless photographs that resonate for generations.
Beyond his accolades, what truly sets John apart is his natural ability to put clients completely at ease. His calm, friendly approach transforms every wedding or portrait session into a relaxed, enjoyable experience — allowing genuine moments and real emotion to shine through.
Passionate about creating meaningful images and lasting memories, John brings warmth, experience and creativity to every commission.
Jim Lowe FBIPP QEP
Judge
Panikos Hajistilly FBIPP MQEP FSWPP MCrGPP
Judge/ Mentor
Panikos Hajastilly has spent his entire career at the forefront of the photographic industry. After successfully scaling a large portrait studio to 18 staff members, Panikos chose to return to his true passion in 2009: the art of capturing genuine human connection. This shift marked a turning point in his career, leading to a prolific era of award-winning work across portraiture, fashion, beauty, and wildlife.
A highly decorated artist, Panikos was named the Master Photographers Association (MPA) Photographer of the Year in 2017 and served as President of the MPA in 2020. He holds Fellowships with every major professional photography body in the UK and recently earned the elite Master Qualified European Photographer (MQEP) distinction. Today, he continues to combine technical mastery with a heartfelt approach to every subject he captures.
Saraya Cortaville FBIPP
Judge/ Mentor
Saraya has been a photographer specialising in lifestyle portraiture for over 22 years. She now shoots her portraits on location in some of the most beautiful spots in the UK.
More recently, she has been an expedition photographer for various NGOs, taking her to Tanzania, Nepal and Nicaragua.
She is a judge and mentor for many of the top photographic organisations, including The BIPP, The Royal Photographic Society, and The Guild of Photographers.
Not only does she hold a double fellowship (FBIPP) with the BIPP, she is also a past president.
Website: https://sarayacortaville.co.uk/
Richard Bradbury FBIPP
Judge/ Mentor
Richard primarily photographs people and cars these days, but has had a long career shooting creative images for ad agencies, magazines and direct clients throughout the world. The Guinness Book Of World Records came calling after Richard took his hyper real colour palette out of the studio on location so he travels the world photographing some of the most extraordinary people of earth for use in the iconic book as well as ads and promotions for GWR. His Children Of London project is an annual book publication featuring portraits of children photographed in their favourite London locations. The book has raised over £100,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital and is retained by His Majesty The King and The Prime minister. These days Richard still shoots from his London studio…he may have less hair but he has no less passion for pursuing the art form that he loves.
Gary Hill FBIPP FSWPP
Judge
Fiona Elizabeth FBIPP FSWPP
Judge/ Mentor
Fiona Elizabeth is a wedding photographer, educator and founder of The Wedding Photography Mentor, where she works with photographers who want to elevate both their work and their businesses.
With over a decade of experience in the wedding industry, Fiona has built a successful photography brand serving clients across London and the South East. She holds a Fellowship in Photography, one of the highest distinctions awarded within the profession, and her work has received multiple industry awards.
Through The Wedding Photography Mentor, Fiona helps photographers develop stronger creative identities, refine their client experience and build sustainable, profitable wedding photography businesses. Her mentoring focuses not only on photographic craft, but also on the mindset, positioning and business strategies needed to succeed in a competitive market.
She is passionate about supporting photographers to raise their standards and build meaningful, long-term careers in the industry.
Jørgen Brandt FBIPP MQEP 🇩🇰
Judge/ Mentor
In his personal work, Jørgen increasingly explores the realm of the abstract. This approach pushes the boundaries of representation, allowing subjects to become “more” and often “other” than their original forms.
Beyond the lens, Jørgen is a globally recognized educator and authority in the field. He has served as a mentor and judge for photographers across the UK, Europe, Australia, China, and Scandinavia. Their expertise is sought after internationally, having lectured on the craft in diverse locations ranging from the Faroe Islands and Latvia to Japan and France.
Website: https://jorgen-brandt.dk/
Tracey Lund FBIPP FSINWP QEP ARPS ANPS
Judge
Tracey Lund is an award-winning wildlife photographer based in Hull, England, with a deep passion for the natural world and an impressive portfolio of global adventures. From Japan to Iceland, her work captures the beauty and behaviour of wildlife in all its forms, always with patience, precision, and heart. In 2024, she was named World Nature Photographer of the Year for her captivating underwater image of gannets off the Shetland coast.
Tracey holds Fellowships with the BIPP, the Society of Photographers (FSINWP), and several other international organisations, and has received top honours from the Sony World Photography Awards, FEP, MPA, SINWP, and One Eyeland’s list of the World’s Top Wildlife Photographers.
In 2022 she turned her love for wildlife into a full time job and now runs wildlife photography tours all over the world giving like minded photographers an opportunity to see and photograph the wildlife she has loved photographing over the last 26 years.
She joins the judging panel with a sharp eye for timing, technical finesse, and the kind of storytelling that only nature can provide.