Speaking in Malta at the MIPP Convention

I can now officially say that I am an international speaker and judge, having not long returned from a wonderful photographic conference in the warm and sunny island of Malta. Early this year I was invited to speak at this convention as one of only 2 speakers attending from the UK. What an honour it has been.

And what a pleasure as well. I'm not sure I've ever visited a place full of such friendly and welcoming people. I am generally one to talk to strangers anyway but never has it felt this natural and easy as it did in Malta.

I felt very at home here, particularly since I see this country as being so similar to Italy, where my father and his side of the family are from. So the food and the way of life was such a welcome change to England. And the sunny weather and 25 degree temperatures didn't hurt either.

I was disappointed however, that in the end my husband couldn't be there. He was meant to come with me for a break (and a football match with a great friend, Domenic Aquilina). Unfortunately my daughter chose the wrong time to get sick so he had to stay home with her in case the suspected appendicitis actually came to anything serious, which of course it didn't.

My traval companion and fellow speaker, Dennis Orchard, was great company instead, often calming my nerves (and carrying my room key when I had neither pockets nor a handbag).

Aside from the wonderful company, great food (I'm addicted to olives now) and glorious weather I'd have to say my favourite part of the trip was judging. I had the fantastic opportunity to be involved in the judging process for both qualification panels and the image competition. I can't wait to do more judging. Its made me realise that going for my fellowship is something I seriously need to consider. The planning and researching will need to begin shortly and looks like I've found a goal for 2013 (or 2014). There, I've said it out loud so I'm committed to it now.

I must thank Martin Agius for providing me with these great images from my trip. I never have photos of myself as I'm usually the one with the camera so it has been great to be able to share a little of what I do from the other side of the camera.

And here is one final image from my trip, the view from the balcony of my hotel room (not one of Martin's, I might add). What a great place to stay for a conference. I even managed a couple of afternoons by the pool and a quick dip in the sea (until the locals started talking about the jellyfish - you know its time to get out when the locals leave the water).

Well thank you for a fantastic experience my Maltese friends. I very much look forward to meeting again sometime. I know I'll see at least some of you in London in January.

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