It’s a conference for wedding photographers. But not as you know it…
This year in Manchester it’s our 10TH BIRTHDAY! And we are going to be throwing you a helluva party! 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 launching 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 2025, 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 2025 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!
Fer Juaristi is a prominent wedding photographer from Mexico, known for his innovative approach that blends artistic expression with traditional wedding photography. Juaristi’s photography is characterised by a unique aesthetic that emphasises emotional storytelling. He aims to immortalise genuine moments and connections between individuals, capturing love stories in a way that feels both personal and artistic.
He often collaborates with other photographers, sharing his expertise through workshops and educational content, which reflects his commitment to fostering creativity within the photography community Fer Juaristi is recognised as one of the photographers who has elevated wedding photography to an art form. His work has inspired many in the industry, making him a sought-after figure for couples looking to capture their special moments in a distinctive way
Hello there! (read in Obi Wan Kenobi’s voice)
I’m Magic, a destination wedding photographer, and I’ve been doing this for over 12 years now, so it’s pretty much autopilot now. Alongside shooting weddings, I’ve got a YouTube channel where I dive into photography gear, tips, and share some behind-the-scenes content—mostly aimed at fellow wedding photographers.
I’m super excited to be back at the NineDots Gathering again! I think last time for me was 2017, and honestly, those were some of my favourite events ever. The community at NineDots is amazing—it’s so much more than just learning new stuff. It’s the energy, the people, the friendships that make it special.
Oh hey! I’m Rebecca! I’ve been capturing weddings for seven years now, and my style is best described as editorial, joyful, romantic, and elegant. I’m passionate about being social on social media and not taking myself too seriously. During Covid, I was dubbed ‘One of the photographers to follow during lockdown,’ and my following grew thanks to my unfiltered and behind-the-scenes stories.
I specialise in destination weddings and have spent the past few years sharing my expertise as a wedding photography educator on YouTube and online platforms. My goal is to help others while capturing the most beautiful moments in a way that feels natural, fun, and full of love.
I’m Gina! I’m a full-time hybrid wedding photographer and filmmaker from Rutland (East Midlands),and I’ve been loving every moment of it for the past 6 years. I’m all about being an approachable (demure) thoughtful (mindful) and playful (cutesy) business owner, and I wouldn’t have it any other
way.
While photography is great, it’s really the people that keep me going (with a side of marketing buzz). I thrive on meeting new folks, building connections, and sharing what I’ve learned—probably thanks to my ex-teacher instincts! I’ve even run a few workshops on social media and built a Facebook community that feels like a cozy staff room for photographers.
I’m super excited to speak at NineDots. It’s a community where I’ve truly found my people and learned so much. Now, it’s time to give back!
I’m Andrew Keher, a wedding photographer with 11 years of experience and 400 weddings under my belt, shot across the UK, Iceland, Italy, Spain, France, America, and Cyprus. I’ve loved shooting weddings and I never really saw myself doing anything else but recently I’ve pivoted towards content creation and social media strategy.
As wedding photographers, we’re not just behind the camera anymore; we’re in front of it too, promoting our brand and showing our personality. My focus now is helping wedding suppliers overcome the fear of self-promotion, using their personality as a tool to stand out, and how to create content that will attract their ideal clients.
I was a black and white analog film lover. The digital world that was just beginning and was still far from my dream of becoming an architect photographer.
At some point in my career, I realised it’s not only about techniques. I have lived strong experiences that have changed my life and helped me grow as a human and photographer. Those experiences have influenced my photography. Our lens speaks about our lives. The path of knowing myself is the path of finding my voice, and my style. Through my experiences, my photography has evolved, and now my photography is the path of my life.
I experience life with great intensity. My emotions are heightened, and as an empathetic individual, I am deeply aware of the feelings of others. I embrace each moment passionately and strive to highlight the unique experiences that life offers to those around me.
My mission is to document the subtle, often overlooked moments, allowing people to revisit and experience those emotions whenever desired. I aim to share my unique perspective as they navigate their own moments.
My name is Christian O’Reilly and I’m the owner and creative director at Fire & Ice. I’ve filmed and photographed weddings for a decade racking up more than 400 events globally. The vision for Fire & Ice was to create a talented team with specific individual specialties that make up an elite wedding Photography & Cinema team that travel the globe making stand-out unique images and films.
I’m super excited to be talking at the NineDots gathering because when I was starting out in photography I always wanted to go as a guest. Being asked to speak is a testament to how far I’ve come! I enjoy teaching, sharing my knowledge of this industry and seeing people’s reaction when information hits! The lightbulb moment!
Hi, I’m Amy, a Devon lass with a taste for seeing life as an eternal adventure, wedding photography having been one of my greatest adventures to date metaphorically and literally. I’ve been a full-time photographer for 5 years.
In 2022 I was named as one of Rangefinder Magazine’s Rising Stars of Wedding Photography, which as a documentary-led photographer broke the mould. My passion is for authentic observational wedding photography and finding the “beauty in the chaos”.
Hi, I’m Chelsea, a wedding photographer who thrives on turning everyday chaos into beautiful storytelling images. I have a love for the unconventional side of life and have built my career on showcasing this visually for people at their weddings, helping them step outside of the traditional narrative and explore their creative side! In 2022, I was even named one of Rangefinder’s 30 rising wedding photography stars- pretty nice right.
I grew up on military bases overseas, moving around a lot with my three younger sisters, which made me very adaptable! Before I was a wedding photographer, I was a graphic designer. I have carried much of this training to my photography work, focusing on shapes, composition, and creative problem-solving to convey a message visually.
INSIGHT// SPEAKER
I’m a Suffolk based Wedding photographer who thrives on capturing the joyful moments and heartfelt connections that make each couple’s big day unique. My journey started after a long career in Change Management, which took a delightful turn during a five-year adventure in France. It was there that I realised my passion for photography, and I decided to embrace this creative path at the age of 36. I haven’t looked back!
I love to blend playful storytelling with a simple style, focusing on those joyful moments that truly reflect the spirit of the celebration. Whether it’s the laughter, the tears, or the dance floor shenanigans I love it all!
INSIGHT// SPEAKER
Hi, Im Sanjay, feel free to call me Sanj, all friends do. I’m a Husband, Son, Brother, Friend and Self titled ‘Fave Uncle’ to my nieces and nephews! I mainly specialise in Asian faith weddings and I love being part of my couple’s wedding day. For me, capturing the interactions between loved ones is the Most important thing to me (on a wedding day) and I’m very grateful to be doing something I love that doesn’t feel like work! My nieces and nephew don’t believe I work and they even have a song for it!
When I’m not photographing weddings, I love travelling around the world and countries such as India, Mauritius and Italy are some of my favourite hotspots. I enjoy working out as it keeps me healthy, sane and flexible, so you can find me at my local gym, three times a week at 5.20am. Along with my wife, we’re big foodies and love to experiment and recreate restaurant dishes at home. I’m a sugar addict so if you give me (good) cake I’ll demolish it, same goes for Italian gelato. I like a good cup of my mum’s Masala chai, and I love a good tasty coffee (Black Americano if you must know) Knowledge and Self care is important to me, so I love reading, oh and lets not forget my love of music.
INSIGHT// SPEAKER
Hey, I’m Adam. I’m obsessed with Pizza, Cinema and Wedding Photography. I’ve been a wedding photographer for 14 years, and unlike many “rock star” conference speakers, I keep my business rooted right here at home. Destination weddings don’t excite me; I’m all about building a solid reputation in my local community and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
If I had to talk about my photography at The Gathering, I’d feel incredibly nervous. While I enjoy photography, it’s the business side that truly excites me—that’s what I’m known for in the industry. To be even more specific, organic marketing is my passion!
Walking into that first Gathering, my career took off in ways I’d never imagined. The bold, alternative energy, the knowledge bombs, the guidance, and—most importantly—the community helped my work and business soar. I owe so much to NineDots, and hardly a day goes by without using a lesson or tool I gained from this incredible network.
One of the best parts of this community is the chance to give back. Although I’ve been doing that for years, this feels like an official moment to express my gratitude and say thank you to everyone by sharing one of the biggest gains for my own business.
INSIGHT// SPEAKER
I’m Katie Kav, I live in Bray, a Victorian seaside town on the east coast of Ireland with my husband Darran and our cat Frankie. I’ve been a wedding photographer for 13 years, for 11 years of that I had double jobbed, I worked as a graphic designer in branding agencies. I went all in with photography in May 2022 and I haven’t looked back.
I love Instagram, I schedule everything a month in advance according my content strategy that I created last year. It’s invaluable to my business.
Things I love include hiking, swimming especially in the sea, sauna & cold plunge and running. They keep me sane-ish.
I also love dancing, Sunday pints, cheeky takeaway and crisps. I think I have a good balance.
“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.
We’ll have the team from Canon, who’ll be bringing loads of kit for you to try out. As well as our friends from AfterShoot, Pic-time, Loxley Colour and more!
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 Fairfield Social Club in Manchester this November. This is the 10th edition of the event and we think we actually might have found the PERFECT home for our 10th Birthday party!
For 3 days we’ll be taking over the wonderful Fairfield Social Club 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.
Plus there’s a huge, private, outdoor space for you and they’ll be providing local food trucks and street food to make sure you’re all fed and watered!
The 2025 NineDots Gathering is taking place in Manchester
There are ample hotels and accommodations of all types really close by – Travelodge, Premier Inn, other chain hotels, apartment hotels, Airbnb and more. Nearer the time we’ll be suggesting a dedicated hotel that we’ll recommend to attendees and speakers.
Unless you’re based locally, we’d suggest you book a stay for 3 nights: Monday 10th Nov – Thursday 13th 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 2025, 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!
