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Dynamic coffee mornings!
LONDON Freelance Branch is holding virtual coffee mornings that have seen dynamic exchanges between members. Here Mariam Elsayeh reports on the first two.
On Friday 5 April London Freelance Branch hosted a dynamic online coffee morning - centred on photojournalism. Esteemed photojournalist Julio Echart was the main speaker. The event drew 20 members, who eagerly engaged in discussions about the intricacies of photojournalism in today's digital age.
Some of the particpants on 5 April, listening and typing at the same time
Attendees seized the opportunity to delve into various aspects of the field, particularly inquiring about navigating agencies' workflows and optimising online portfolios for maximum impact.
Drawing from his extensive experience, Julio Echart adeptly addressed each query, seamlessly intertwining insights from photojournalism into his responses. His adept handling of theoretical and practical aspects left attendees with actionable strategies to enhance their professional endeavours.
Moreover, amid discussions on selling one's work and navigating industry crises, Echart provided invaluable guidance on adapting to the ever-evolving landscape of journalism. His emphasis on resilience and creativity resonated deeply with the attendees, who expressed enthusiasm for future face-to-face coffee mornings and extended workshops. This event fostered knowledge exchange and cultivated a sense of camaraderie among London's freelance journalism community, underscoring the importance of such collaborative platforms in nurturing professional growth and solidarity.
The coffee morning on 3 May saw 29 members in attendance. The highlight of the event was the insightful session led by Donna Ferguson, who shared valuable insights on pitching tailored for both the Guardian and Observer.
Her expertise extended to addressing questions on cultivating strong relationships with editors and offering attendees practical advice on pitching effectively. She led a discussion on pitching methods shed light on effective strategies. Attendees engaged actively, seeking guidance on pitching techniques and fostering positive relationships with editors.
Members requested more regular pitching clinics, indicating a desire for ongoing support and guidance in this area. Members also expressed a need for information on networks, suitable publishing platforms, and training opportunities.
The coffee morning was an enriching experience for all attendees. Your active participation and engagement underscored the relevance and importance of such events. Looking ahead, we are thrilled to announce future events, including the session with Chief Editor Taj Ali, which promise further opportunities for learning and professional development within our dynamic community.
Coffee mornings take place on the first Friday of each month - check here. We look forward seeing you at the next one. If you are a member of the Branch and we have your email address, you should get an invitation in email a couple of days beforehand. If you do not, please contact coffee@londonfreelance.org
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