It’s a conference for wedding photographers. But not as you know it…
The NineDots Gathering is a perfect blend of inspiring keynote presentations on our main-stage, practical teaching and masterclasses, expert business advice, the latest and greatest products on offer from our exhibiting sponsors, and the opportunity to connect and network with other wedding photographers from around the world.
This year in Manchester we’ve taken a fresh approach to our lineup! We’re going to be learning from world class photographers; as well as gaining wisdom and insight from industry creatives and entrepreneurs.
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 2024, 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 2024 NineDots Gathering.
The Gathering is a perfect blend of keynote presentations on the Main Stage, practical mini-masterclasses, live shoot demonstrations, business sessions, 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!
2022 Fearless Photographer of the Year.
I prefer to say that I am a Documentary Wedding Photographer. I started dedicating myself to wedding photography with great passion. From the first day I realised that this is the photographic world that fascinates me most. Transforming this passion into a profession it has been one of the best choice I ever did. I am an extremely sensitive and introverted person, perhaps also for this reason I prefer to shoot on the sidelines, catching the emotional moments of joy and fun with discretion.
I live with my boyfriend, dog and cat in Den Bosch, the Netherlands. I have been a photographer for 20 years now. I once started out as a cow photographer and traveled around the world for taking pictures of cows. At that time I also started as a wedding photographer and since 2014 the interest in wedding photography has increased.
I wanted to develop as a documentary wedding photographer and therefore followed many workshops and mentoring.
For several years now I have been enjoying all weddings more and more. They are all special, you can experience so much as a photographer.
I’m an ex-photojournalist and failed paparazzi, currently enjoying lots of wedding cake. I also photograph music and editorial. An analogue anarchist since my first camera in 1981, I combine stealth documentary style with joy. I’ve won some awards and my dad thinks I’m quite good.
Born and raised in London, England, Sachin is former Accountant turned Destination Wedding Photographer since 2011. Sachin has shot weddings everywhere from Cuba, Greece, Italy & Kenya and around Canada where he’s lived since 2012.
Founder of ARC – an interview website and podcast that comes to life in the form of a conference called The Experience.
Sachin is most passionate about fuelling photographers’ creativity, promoting wellness and nurturing life-work harmony.
I am a Cheltenham-based wedding photographer originally from Wales! I’ve embarked on photographic adventures spanning the UK and beyond, aiming to capture the pure magic of love and celebration! Edging to the side of joviality.
My camera has witnessed over 350 ceremonies, from charming local venues to exotic destinations across 17 countries and 5 continents! My passion is being the best creative documentary photographer that I can be, blending candid moments with laid-back portraits.
My name is Assumpta Vitcu and I am a the founder of AVE Creations – a Wedding and Event Planning Company specialising in breathing life into fusion weddings and events for fun-loving, busy professionals and entrepreneurs, with stylish taste.
The couples I work with are busy professionals and entrepreneurs who want to honour their love in style and have the best party of their lives. My priority is to create unforgettable experiences while alleviating my clients stress and saving them time.
Jeff Chang, co-founder of The Apartment Photo and winner of the International Wedding Photographer of the Year Award, boasts 15 years of capturing love stories across five continents.
When he’s not finding new ways to create meaningful experiences for this clients he’s following another of his passions, engaging with community through speaking at industry events and creating educational content on instagram, which has just reached over 15 million views.
Oh hey, I am Lisa Devlin – a wedding photographer for over two decades. Before that I worked as a music Industry photographer. My style is a bit left of centre, a bit editorial and a bit emotional.
There’s been a few career highs along the way – I am one of only two photographers to be given the title Wedding Photographer of The Year by The British Journal of Photography and I am hugely honoured to be a Hasselblad Heroine.
In 2011 I was inspired to start offering education by the amount of wedding photographers asking me for advice and that is when I founded Photography Farm.
Hi! I’m Anna, a Brighton wedding photographer taking fun photos of couples who care less about their dress getting dirty and more about having a brilliant laugh.
I also do web design for creatives, which I fell into over lockdown, creating colourful websites for mostly photographers, and I run a community called Kick Ass Photographers, which has lots of community events and hangouts and helps people book dream clients.
I’m Hollie and I’m a documentary wedding photographer. I work alongside my husband, Patrick. We have a family of three boys (they keep us on our toes). In 2022 we won the TWIA National Photographers Of The Year award – in the same year I was also named as one of Rangefinder Magazine’s Rising Stars Of Wedding Of Photography.
I love my job, photographing weddings in my own style – using my own approach, capturing moments in an authentic way. Each individual wedding is carried along by its own kinetic energy – always moving, driven by the people. I’m a bystander – I’m not directing proceedings. Yet at the same time, I’m immersed in the moment. I’m a small and quiet presence at weddings. But my images are loud.
Hi, I’m David Scholes. I’ve been a full time wedding photographer for 13 years, though I shot my first one in 2005. I always favoured natural looking images and although I try and avoid buzzwords and putting myself in a box (Still love doing portraits) my style has evolved into a documentary approach with an emphasis on the joy and emotion that weddings bring.
In particular, I have focused on making strong ’story telling’ images that feed what I love about photography, but most importantly my couples love. Over the last year I have started mentoring and doing workshops to help others improve the story in their pictures and build confidence.
“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 York Place Studios, Janina Brocklesby and Matt Badenoch. See how they shoot and approach making pictures on the streets of Manchester and then have a go yourself.
Spaces are limited and will be available exclusively for ticket holders only. Sign up is open soon.
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
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, Martin 2Smoove 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 GRUB in Manchester this November. This is the 9th edition of the event and we think we actually might have found the PERFECT home for the NineDots Gathering!
For 3 days we’ll be taking over the wonderful GRUB 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 2 levels for masterclasses and practical sessions.
There are also 3 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 2024 NineDots Gathering is taking place at Grub in Manchester, England. Postcode – M4 4HF.
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 11th Nov – Thursday 14th 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 2024, 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!
