It’s a conference for wedding photographers. But not as you know it…
We’re back again for our 11th Gathering – which is unbelievable! You’re going to be learning from world class photographers, as well as gaining wisdom and insight from industry creatives and entrepreneurs.
We are also bringing back our new Insight Sessions to bring together the brightest talents from the NineDots Community to share powerful stories, spark curiosity, and inspire impactful action for your business.
Two incredible days of learning, inspiration, networking and fun.
The Gathering is the perfect way to wrap up and see out the year as well as prime you for the next.
We didn’t just want to create another wedding photography conference. We wanted to craft a unique experience in the UK for wedding photographers. The perfect mix of inspiration, education and socialising.
“My first gathering! I was blown away by how welcoming everyone was – from the hug I got when I first walked in to the chats I had at the bar and all the amazing presenters and the things they had to share with us!
Thank you so much NineDots for doing this – I can’t wait for next year!”
“This was my first time at the Gathering and I was blown away by how friendly and approachable everyone was and how many people just came up and started chatting to me or gave me a massive hug! I don’t always find it easy being in a place with so many new people and having to chat but this felt so different as everyone was just so nice and friendly!
The talks were all so inspiring in so many different ways and I’ve taken so much away from them!”
“Can’t believe it’s over already! To say I enjoyed my first ever gathering would be a massive understatement. I had the best time and so I bought my ticket for 2024 before we’d even left the building! I feel incredibly lucky to have met and chatted so many lovely people over the past few days. Thanks for all the love and knowledge – see you in Manchester!”
“I don’t really know where to begin to sum up my first experience at the gathering. Within an hour of arriving I was surrounded by new people who I didn’t know who were suddenly like family. Any fears about it being cliquey or unwelcoming were banished before I’d even got the official opening. Everyone is just so nice and absolutely no egos at all which is just so amazing.
I had the most amazing two days (I realise I spent most of the first day in tears, I am just a cryer!). I loved the variety of speakers and got something from everyone who spoke. I’m just about to book in for next year!
It really is a very unique community you’ve all made and I’m so thankful to have found it and to you all for being so welcoming. ❤️ Thank you!”
“Hey Ninedotters!! I’ve had such an ace time over the last couple of days, thank you to all the lovely people I had daytime chats with, and sorry to the people I had quite drunken bathroom chats with ???? – It was my first 9D Gathering and it 100% won’t be the last!! What a proper lovely bunch you all are! ❤️”
“All booked for next year! Can’t wait to meet up with you all again and spend more time talking to people! I had the best time, you are all FAM now!
Also the Speed Quiz was top tier (AGAIN AGAIN) – electric sexpants was the ultimate comeback kid.
Much love 9Dotters, you are a magic bunch of bastards. xxx”
We threw the first NineDots Gathering in November 2015 and it’s been an incredible ride ever since! This year we are taking the NineDots Community on the road to Manchester for Gathering number 9.
Over two days, you’ll make friends for life, connect with like-minded photographers from around the world, share incredible times together and leave inspired, skilled-up and ready to take your photography and business to the next level as part of the NineDots community!
We’d love you to join us at NineDots Gathering 2026, grab your ticket now!
We are super excited to be welcoming some of the most talented photographers and best wedding photography educators in the world alongside wedding industry creatives to inspire and share their knowledge at the 2026 NineDots Gathering.
The Gathering is a perfect blend of keynote presentations on the Main Stage, practical mini-masterclasses, live shoot demonstrations, insight sessions, photo walks, food, drink, community and socialising. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to hang out and ask questions to all our presenters over the 2 days! There’s no green room at the NineDots Gathering!
I come from a journalism background and bring an observational ethos to photographing wedding days. I think a wedding day, as it happens without the direction of a photographer, is way more interesting and human than what conventional performative standards tend to yield.
I’m excited for Nine Dots because I love giving other photographers a giant permission slip to approach weddings this way if it’s something they feel energy around.
My talk will be about the ethos and practice of an observational wedding photographer and digging into the notion of authenticity and why certain kinds of clients are really in tune with it.
I’m Joséphine, born in France, in the city where photography was invented so there were a lot of kids doing photography. Then I grew up, my family moved country and I decided that this is what I wanted to do full time so here I am. I love wedding photography because obviously for the photography aspect but also for the way it makes you connect deeply with total strangers for a short amount of time, you get a peak into their lives, tell a glamorised version of their story, deliver them priceless memories and then you’re gone. I like that.
Having a business by yourself ( or as a couple) is not easy because we can’t be skilled at everything! So my talk will give you practical tips to hopefully help you wing it a little less.
I was a full time wedding (and commercial) photographer and videographer. Built up a really successful fully booked business after leaving a corporate career of 20 years.
But was stopped in my tracks by a horrible accident, whilst shooting an industrial project, which has left me with only one eye. Unpicking my business and my identity from it, alongside processing my loss, and relearning to function with one eye has been a hella journey! But I’m coming back to life and getting back to shooting.
“Hard reset: blink and everything changes”
When Charlie lost an eye in a life-changing accident whilst shooting, everything she knew about vision, identity and business was upended. Through stories of resilience, reinvention and rediscovering her creative voice, she explores what it really takes to find the courage to process huge loss, live with a disability and rebuild heart, soul, business, identity and vision. Expect laughter, truth, a few uncomfortable questions and plenty of light, even in the dark moments.
Hey, we’re Zach & Grace! We’re photographers and educators with a personal approach to our craft, and a practical approach to our business. Having captured events for just over 8 years, we now help other photographers unlock their potential, connect with the clients that are right for them, and ultimately build profitable and fulfilling businesses.
We’re excited to share our approach to Branding at the NineDots Gathering, and highlight a different approach to running your business that focuses on client satisfaction as the true key to success. If there’s one thing you’ll take away it’s that you don’t need to follow trends, you don’t need to shoot BTS content, and you don’t need to be someone you’re not just to succeed in today’s industry.
We’ll be sharing how you can attract and connect with the clients who will value your work, and create a place of your own in the market, so you can finally stop worrying about the competition and get back to loving what you do.
I’m Ed, a wedding photographer based in Nottinghamshire, UK. I’ve been shooting weddings full time since 2012 and before that I was a press/sports/magazine photographer for 15 years. I started out my career in photography as a studio assistant when I was 17.
Being a press photographer for over a decade was one of the most stressful (but rewarding) jobs I’ve ever had. And it is this which probably accounts for the fact I don’t find weddings stressful. Even after capturing over 600 weddings I still love this job.
I pride myself on being very open and honest on my website, so that couples looking at my work know exactly what they’re getting if they enquire with me. I primarily shoot in a very documentary style, but also love shooting stylish portraits, and capturing story of a wedding day that is totally authentic and exactly how the couple will want to remember it!
I’m Joel Skingle, a Yorkshire based wedding photographer with a fashion-led, storytelling approach that’s all about soul, connection, and atmosphere. I believe wedding photography should make people feel, not just remember. My work blends editorial elegance with genuine emotion, capturing moments that are real but beautifully elevated. It’s about helping couples see themselves the way they felt on the day confident, radiant, completely in the moment. Over the years, I’ve learned that the most powerful images are the ones that carry both style and heart; photographs that feel alive every time you look back at them.
I’m really excited to be speaking at the NineDots Gathering because it’s a chance to connect with other photographers who share a passion for storytelling, creativity, and capturing weddings with soul. I’ve found that staying open to new ideas and approaches keeps my work fresh, my creativity alive, and my business busy and booked.
After 17 years behind the camera, Joel Skingle shares the quiet evolution behind building a creative, consistent, and profitable photography brand.
Hi, I’m Deji Johnson — a Hertfordshire-based wedding photographer creating imagery that blends documentary storytelling with editorial elegance and emotional authenticity. Since 2015, I’ve been telling love stories across the UK and beyond; quietly, intentionally, and with a focus on genuine connection. My calm, unobtrusive approach helps even the most camera-shy couples relax and be themselves — and that’s where the magic happens. I went full-time in 2019, and in 2022 I was honoured to be named one of Rangefinder’s 30 Rising Stars of Wedding Photography. I’m also part of creative communities like NineDots and Elevate, which continually remind me how collaborative and inspiring this industry can be.
I’m currently working with the title “Between Story and Style,” exploring how blending documentary honesty with editorial artistry can elevate both your work and your mindset as a photographer. So many of us naturally lean toward one discipline or the other, but the real magic happens when those worlds overlap. By moving fluidly between authenticity and craft, we can create images that feel emotionally raw yet visually refined. I’ll share practical ways to develop that balance – reading moments, shaping light, guiding gently, and editing with intention – while also embracing a versatile approach that better serves clients and leads to more fulfilling, well-rounded creative work.
I’ve been shooting weddings since 2011 and love documenting real life, whether it’s a wedding day or the everyday moments of my own family. I have a background in art publishing and film, and in another life I’d probably be a film director. I’m a cat-loving, gin-drinking mum of two, and growing my photography business alongside my family has been one of my biggest achievements.
I’m really excited to speak at the Gathering because for a long time I felt a bit lost in the wedding photography world, it’s only in the last few years that things started to click for me, and NineDots has played a big part in helping me feel like I belong.
Now, I’m looking forward to talking to a group I trust and feel comfortable with, which means I can be open and honest, and hopefully share something that will help others who might be facing similar challenges.
I’m planning to talk about “The Diary of an Anxious Wedding Photographer.” I want to chat about all the different ways anxiety shows up for us in this business the silly irrational worries that hold us back, and the real, useful ones that actually help us do better. Hopefully it’ll help people understand that anxiety is normal, but also how to spot when it’s getting in the way and what we can do about it.
Hi, I’m Chelsea, a wedding photographer who specialises in transforming everyday chaos into beautiful, storytelling images. I have a real love for the unconventional side of life and have built my career on visually showcasing this aspect for people at their weddings, helping them step outside the traditional wedding narrative and explore their creative side. Before photography, I trained and worked as a graphic designer, a role that still significantly influences how I see and shoot. I’m obsessed with shapes, colour, composition, and visual problem-solving and find myself constantly seeking out new perspectives. This approach has even led me to some industry recognition, including being named one of Rangefinder’s 30 Rising Stars of Wedding Photography in 2022, and more recently, winning TWIA Wedding Photographer of the Year at the start of 2025 — both of which felt pretty surreal!
I’m so excited to be speaking again at Nine Dots; my first time was really cathartic, and as much as I loved talking about myself and my journey, I’m even more excited to be invited back to speak to you on a more technical level about the work and my approach. I always love encouraging photographers to find an approach that feels right for them, and I think there’s so much knowledge to be gained from everyone in the room! I find the Gathering to be a really friendly place, and I always love seeing so many familiar faces and coming away with new friends.
Photography has been part of my life for as long as I can remember; I grew up helping in my parents’ photography studios, always surrounded by beautiful images and learning the craft from an early age. I’ve been shooting weddings since 2012 and now photograph around 20–30 celebrations each year, mostly across Scotland with the occasional adventure further afield. In recent years, I’ve also begun teaching more, and I’ve fallen in love with the opportunity to share what I’ve learned with others. Wedding photography is truly my passion, and I feel incredibly fortunate to spend my days doing what I love most.
I’m so excited to be speaking at NineDots — it’s a community that has inspired me time and time again, and one that feels like a big creative family. It’s a real honour (and yes, slightly nerve-wracking!) to stand in front of so many talented photographers and share a bit of my own journey. My talk will explore “The Fear Factor” — how to navigate moments of overwhelm when wedding days get fast-paced and the pressure kicks in, and how to stay grounded by focusing on the light and not letting fear take over. I can’t wait to dive in and hopefully leave others feeling encouraged and confident in those high-stakes moments.
We’re Hollie and Patrick, otherwise known as the Mateers. We’re a married couple based in the cultural city of Hull and a documentary wedding photography duo. We’re drawn to the real, unscripted moments that tell the deeper story of a wedding day, both the ordinary and extraordinary. What drives us most is creating honest, storytelling imagery that feels authentic to us and to our couples, all in our striking, artistic style.
We’ve both spoken at The Gathering before, though individually, not together. In 2026 we will appear on the Gathering stage as a duo for the first time.
Back in 2022, Andy and Rahul took a chance and gave us our first opportunity to speak to a live audience. That opportunity opened so many doors for us. We’ve since been invited to conferences around the world, so, this feels like a full circle moment. Next year, we’re bringing a completely new talk and can’t wait to share it.
We’ll explore how wedding photography is art and how documentary images can be creative, emotional and deeply personal. Every wedding is a story waiting to be told, and our aim is to capture it in a way that feels authentic and alive. We’ll share how we approach a wedding with curiosity and freedom, noticing the small, fleeting moments that shape the day and finding beauty in the ordinary. It’s about photographing with intention, trusting our instincts, breaking the rules when needed, and creating images that truly tell the story of the people and the day.
“Can’t believe it’s over already! To say I enjoyed my first ever gathering would be a massive understatement. I had the best time and so I bought my ticket for 2024 before we’d even left the building! I feel incredibly lucky to have met and chatted so many lovely people over the past few days. Thanks for all the love and knowledge – see you in Manchester!”
“I don’t really know where to begin to sum up my first experience at the gathering. Within an hour of arriving I was surrounded by new people who I didn’t know who were suddenly like family. Any fears about it being cliquey or unwelcoming were banished before I’d even got the official opening. Everyone is just so nice and absolutely no egos at all which is just so amazing.
I had the most amazing two days (I realise I spent most of the first day in tears, I am just a cryer!). I loved the variety of speakers and got something from everyone who spoke. I’m just about to book in for next year!
It really is a very unique community you’ve all made and I’m so thankful to have found it and to you all for being so welcoming. ❤️ Thank you!”
“Hey Ninedotters!! I’ve had such an ace time over the last couple of days, thank you to all the lovely people I had daytime chats with, and sorry to the people I had quite drunken bathroom chats with ???? – It was my first 9D Gathering and it 100% won’t be the last!! What a proper lovely bunch you all are! ❤️”
“All booked for next year! Can’t wait to meet up with you all again and spend more time talking to people! I had the best time, you are all FAM now!
Also the Speed Quiz was top tier (AGAIN AGAIN) – electric sexpants was the ultimate comeback kid.
Much love 9Dotters, you are a magic bunch of bastards. xxx”
The day before the Gathering proper we’ve got a selection of optional activities available for attendees. Sign up for a photo-walk, head-shot swap or just come to registration drinks in the evening.
The first day of the Gathering is action packed and we’ve got presentations, masterclasses and more for you – followed by some awesome social events!
The final day of the Gathering sees more main stage inspiration, practical masterclass sessions and a legendary party at night!
Sign up to a photo walk! We’ve got some of the UK’s best documentary and street photographers to host some optional sessions for you in the afternoon on Monday. Learn from Paul Williams and Janina Brocklesby See how they shoot and approach making pictures on the streets of Manchester and then have a go yourself!
Spaces will be available exclusively for ticket holders only.
The meat of the NineDots Gathering are the keynote presentations from our world renowned selection of speakers. Over the two days you’ll be learning about all areas of wedding photography – from shooting to marketing and business – and being inspired with ideas that will propel your business in the coming year
Find out more about our presenters, and what you’ll be learning, below
Our new InSight Sessions bring together the brightest talents from NineDots to share powerful stories, spark curiosity, and inspire impactful action for your business. These thought-provoking mini-sessions offer fresh perspectives and practical insights that will leave you energised and ready to implement into your business.
Over both days of the event you’ll have chance to take part in smaller practical masterclasses. These often have a more practical and interactive nature – think live shoots, critiques, and discussions – all led by our world-class presenters so you can come away with actionable, practical skills you can apply straight away.
And don’t worry – No need to pick and choose. As a ticket holder you get to enjoy all the sessions guaranteed!
On Monday evening, this is the perfect way to break the ice and meet some new, friendly faces if this is your first event. Or, if not then catch up with old friends over drinks! You can also collect your event pass for the two days.
Feeling nervous? Don’t worry! Our wonderful team of NineDots helpers are on hand to greet you and make you feel at home. We know how it can feel arriving at big events on your own, or not knowing many people – don’t worry, we’ve got your back x
You’ll be closing out day one with the most hotly contested wedding photography competition of the year. Never mind Rangefinder, or Fearless photographer of the year – this is the prize you really want to win. Some photographers come to NineDots just for this. #fact
Imagine a modern-day, fast-paced, NineDots-take on an old-skool pub quiz. An awesome and hilarious way to round off the first day of education with your fellow photographers.
Over the 2 full days you’ll be able to chat with all our wonderful event sponsors and partners. To learn how they can help move your business forward, save you time, make you money and allow you to better serve your clients.
For those of you that way inclined (and it would appear, historically to be about 90% of all wedding photographers) – you’ll close out day one with the now traditional karaoke. Join in and belt your go-to-tune – or just stand at the side and laugh. All good!
We’ll be closing out this years event, like each before it, with the now legendary NineDots Gathering after party.
Let loose with new and old friends. After 3 days of learning, and also a long wedding season of shooting and editing, kick back and enjoy yourselves – you’ve earned it!
This year we are delighted to have international DJ and absolute legend, Santero on the decks. Don’t miss it!
We see the Gathering as a holistic event that becomes a vital part of your photography calendar and something to look forward to at the end of a busy wedding season. The after party is a celebration of the event, the year we’ve all had, the strength of the NineDots community and of this awesome job we all get to do!
We can’t wait to welcome you all to Whitworth Locke in Manchester this November. This is the 11th edition of the event and we loved being at Whitworth Locke that we’re back there once again!
For 3 days we’ll be taking over the wonderful Whitworth Locke in Manchester.
Located just a 5 minute walk from Victoria Station, we’ve got the place booked exclusively for you. This includes the dedicated theatre space for our main stage keynotes and loads of breakout rooms and space over various buildings for masterclasses and practical sessions.
There are also 2 bars to host the social events and plenty of space to find a moment of peace, quiet and chats if you need.
The 2026 NineDots Gathering is taking place in Manchester, UK. For 3 days we’ll be taking over he Whitworth Locke hotel. Attendees can also stay at the hotel, making everything all in one place!
Unless you’re based locally, we’d suggest you book a stay for 3 nights: Monday 9th Nov – Thursday 12th Nov. This allows you to sample the optional photowalks, activities and registration drinks on Monday and come to the after party on the Wednesday – as well as enjoy all the evening social activities in-between to the fullest. To save on costs there are always people looking to share or split hotel fares in the facebook event group.
Manchester is well served by plane, train and road network. Manchester airport is 20 minutes on a train (regularly throughout the day) from the city centre and The NineDots Gathering is just 5 minutes walk from Victoria Station and about 15 minutes walk from Piccadilly station.
We ask that all attendees, at all NineDots events, agree to our code of conduct here.
We’d love you all to join us at NineDots Gathering 2026, grab your ticket now!
“What a wild ride that was!!!! Thank you all so much for making this gathering such an awesome experience for Erika and me. We are so happy we got to be a part of this with all of you. Andy & Rahul, you guys should be so proud of yourselves!!! You’ve really created something special here!
“Man, what to say about the awesome event that was the Gathering? Well, I knew it was gonna be fab – I was one of the first to snap up a ticket – but it exceeded my (already sky high) expectations by a mile. The speakers, yes – all totally inspiring.
“The choice of speakers was great and it was fascinating to see the different avenues they took to get to where they are. The choice of venue with the ping pong was inspired and I did not think originally that it would have that effect. I met many people by being asked or asking them to play or joining in. It also brought a very fun element, joviality and sometimes competitiveness.
Chances are you’ve already got some kind of workshop/conference/education already booked and you’re wondering whether you can really justify spending your hard-earned cash on another one? If you can afford it, (and actually even if you can’t) don’t hesitate, and sign up for The Gathering before all the tickets are gone…it will be the best investment you make this year…and if you don’t you’ll be kicking yourself afterwards, like a lot of people are now, having missed out on November’s truly epic event!
At the NineDots Gathering, along with learning from some of the world’s best wedding photographers, you’ll get so much more than just eduction and talks. You’ll become part of a supportive community, and the connections you make and the fun you have will make the difference in your business going forwards!
Often it’s the chats you have with other attendees or presenters where the real magic and connections can happen. This might be in-between presentations, over a beer in the evening or whilst enjoying lunch together. That’s why we’ve allowed for plenty of social and networking time at the Gathering where new friendships can be formed and ideas shared.
We see the Gathering as a holistic event that becomes a vital part of your photography calendar and something to look forward to at the end of a busy wedding season – A celebration of the year we’ve all had, the strength of the NineDots community and this awesome job we all get to do together!
