The Bradford on Avon Photography Group 'Year One' Exhibition
~ After The Doors Closed

Wow! What an amazing weekend. I couldn't have asked for it to be more perfect.

Setting up was great, despite the frame glass smashing incident (thanks to Stuart for rescuing me!) - we all bonded, got to know each other better and if it wasn't for the practical of the group, Ed, Richard, Giles - we would still be putting up the photos now! Big thanks to those guys.

Friday's Preview Evening went with a bang, first up were Wiltshire Times to take our photos at the West Barn, then back there at 7.15pm to set up for everyone's arrival. By 7.30pm the place was beginning to fill up and the wine beginning to flow. The Co-operative, who kindly sponsored our event gave a little talk, then I was up welcoming and thanking everyone, which was nerve-racking but I had the group behind me, in every sense and I think it went really well. We met lots of new and interesting people from around the town, and some that had travelled further. Thank you to everyone who came to share the evening with us. We aren't 100% sure of numbers on the night but it must have been up to 90-100 at least, it was shoulder to shoulder at one stage!

Saturday, the weather was great, footfall through the Barton Farm complex was good and we were busy right up until the end - people were trying to get through the door when we'd shut at 4pm too. Such a positive and surprised response from a lot of people, not expecting the quality of the photos to be so good - some of the exhibitors sold several of their prints, and we even got a few people signing up to join us.

Sunday, the weather was a bit cooler, but it was dry and bright so the footfall again was good, busy all day again - including my friends and family, which was really nice. More prints were sold and a few more people signed up.

At 4pm we packed up and headed over to the Ale & Porter to hang some of our photos on their walls for a month. The practical of the group got stuck into the logistics and the photos were up before we knew it. Pop along to the Ale & Porter on Silver St, Bradford on Avon to see our photos. Which are also available to buy.

A big big thank you to everyone who came to support us and especially to Andrew, Richard, Giles, Alison, Nicky, Ed, Stuart, Rob, Christiaan, Tim, Steve and of course, Mike, for his unrivalled support and tolerance.

Nik Jones
Bradford on Avon Photography Group