We focused on ‘The Future of Content’ and the line-up included Matt Zitzmann, a project manager for Google Images who defied ash clouds and cabin crew strikes to make it to the Barbican Exhibition Hall for both days!

Matt looked at two subjects; ‘Search for Images’ and ‘Pictures Adding Value’. Both gave an extremely unique insight into how Google view the world of images and were followed by excellent Q&A sessions with some very direct questions from the audience.

For the first time, Google Images were engaging with photographers, rights holders and image buyers in the UK. People had direct access to them, which for some was a unique opportunity to put over their fears for the industry and make their opinions heard.

The big issue was metadata and Google have assured us they’re going back to the States with some very clear messages on what needs to change. They have also promised to come back and review progress from the feedback they received.

Elsewhere, Marco Oonk, founder and editor of fastmediamagazine.com, chaired two excellent panels aimed at bringing together picture buyers and sellers. The first seminar, entitled ‘What’s a picture worth in 2010’ turned out to be inspirational for many.

With the panellists Lewis Blackwell, Christina Vaughan, Tim Harris and Andrew Mitchell focussing on innovation, differentiation and opportunity, many picture sellers felt that now was the time to make a choice on the positioning of their photography. Picture buyers got a great overview of the wide range of possible solutions out there, from free images to hard-to-find and difficult to replicate photography.

The second panel was intended to give a voice to the picture buyer and we found some of the most experienced buyers prepared to clear their diary to be in the panel. Desney Ryan, Veneta Bullen and Jamie Klingler talked through their decision making processes and highlighted the challenges they are facing when finding the right images at the right price. The debate focused on price, metadata, creativity and technical excellence. 

We’ll keep the debate going across BAPLA and fastmediamagazine.com and we feel encouraged that this direct contact between buyers and sellers will help companies make informed decisions. We’ll certainly continue to work on facilitating this conversation in these times of rapid change and great opportunity.

And finally, opening both days were our legal experts. Charlie Swan, a partner at Swan Turton LLP looked at the rules of using pictures in 2010 and on the second day, Nicola Solomon, consultant and Head of IP Media Department, Finers Stephens Innocent looked at how to avoid getting into copyright trouble. Two extremely useful sessions, again with some excellent Q&As afterwards. Charlie and Nicola are always great value and their presentations provided an excellent insight for both image buyer and image supplier.

To listen to Podcasts of the seminar sessions click here.