Career
John Henshall has had a long and influential career across still photography, television, commercials, music videos, and digital imaging technology.
Early / BBC Career
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He joined BBC Television on 28 August 1961, working in cameras and lighting. epi-centre.com+2epi-centre.com+2
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During his time at the BBC (1961-1976), he worked on many programmes from Television Centre in White City, London. epi-centre.com+1
Independent & Technical Innovation
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In 1966, he set up Telefex, a company to develop and market optical special effects for television cameras. epi-centre.com+1
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In 1978, he moved into directing photography on early music videos, and was involved in the lighting work for MTV Europe during its first ten years. epi-centre.com+1
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He also worked on television productions such as Spitting Image from 1986. epi-centre.com+1
Digital Imaging, Academia & Publishing
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He founded Electronic Photo-Imaging (EPI-centre) in 1991. The centre provides consulting, training, and expertise in digital imaging and photography. Wikipedia+2johnhenshall.co.uk+2
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He has been a lecturer / part-time teacher (e.g. at West Surrey College of Art & Design / University for the Creative Arts) in related fields. epi-centre.com+1
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He has also written widely (articles, books) about photography, lighting, electronic imaging, etc. Wikipedia+2johnhenshall.co.uk+2
Honors, Positions & Distinctions
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Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society (FRPS) – since 1985. epi-centre.com+1
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Fellow of the British Institute of Professional Photography (FBIPP) – same period. epi-centre.com+1
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President of BIPP in 1991-1992. johnhenshall.co.uk+1
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Fellow of the Guild of Television Cameramen / Camera Professionals (FGTC) – he was a founder member (1972) and later became Vice President, then President. johnhenshall.co.uk+2epi-centre.com+2
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Honorary degree (MA honoris causa) awarded by University for the Creative Arts in 2009 for his influence in digital photography technologies. Wikipedia+2johnhenshall.co.uk+2
Styles, Contributions & Legacy
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Henshall was ahead of many in seeing the transition from film to digital imaging; he has been called “the UK expert” in digital imaging in several sources. johnhenshall.co.uk+2epi-centre.com+2
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His work spans both technical and creative dimensions — from lighting & camera work to special effects, optics, and later to digital image processing and training. epi-centre.com+2johnhenshall.co.uk+2
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He has been influential in shaping professional standards in photography & television camerawork in the UK, both via organizations (BIPP, RPS, GTC) and via his consulting/training work.
