Executive Committee Meeting – AGM 2026
Date: 14/04/2026
Time: 6.30PM
Location: MIPP – 76 Triq Brittanja Paola
Members Present
EC Present:
Frank Farrugia (FF)
Charlotte Adams (CA)
Juan Ellul (JE)
Monique Farrugia (MF)
EC Absent:
Josmar Muscat (JM)
Krista Attard (KA)
Mitchell Camilleri (MC)
Attending Members:
Chloe Cachia (CC)
Ines Bahr (IB)
Kevin Casha (KC)
Mike Borg (MB)
Kristina Voronova (KV)
Oleksandr Voronov (OV)
Agenda:
1. Approval of AGM 2025 Minutes
2. Approval of Annual Report 2025
3. Approval of Secretary Report 2025
4. Presentation, discussion & approval of Financial Report 2025
5. Nominations Received for Committee 2026
6. Nomination of Tellers
7. Amendments to the Statute
8. Other Matters
The AGM started with FF welcoming all present. He introduced the 2025/6 committee members and made reference to those who were unavailable to attend. The agenda was approved as circulated
1. Approval of AGM 2025 Minutes
FF mentioned that the 2025 AGM minutes were sent out on Thursday. There were no objections or comments raised by those present; therefore, the minutes were approved.
2. Approval of Annual Report 2025
FF presented the 2025 to 2026 Annual Report, noting that the 2025 wedding workshop was extremely successful and will likely become an annual occurrence due to high demand. FF reported growth in social media followers and commended JM and CA for their diligence in studio maintenance, as well as JE and MF for their efforts in coordinating events throughout the year. Looking ahead, FF outlined the MIPP’s intent to introduce more photography and video courses and noted that further details regarding the mentoring programme would be shared soon. Celebrating the MIPP 30th anniversary, FF encouraged greater member engagement.
The report highlighted key successes such as the women’s talk, the Nudes in Noto session, the Solidarjetà NGO partnership, and the qualifications programme. FF acknowledged challenges including equipment repairs, banking, storage, payment gateway issues, course scheduling, and policies for minors. He concluded with gratitude towards the outgoing committee and a welcome for the new members. KC asked whether the MIPP maintains an updated equipment inventory, and FF confirmed so.
All present approved the 2025/6 annual report.
3. Approval of Secretary Report 2025
FF explained that he will be reading the 2025 Operational Report in the Secretary’s absence. The report outlined a decline in overall membership while highlighting strong engagement in educational programmes. It detailed that the Introduction to Photography course required five intakes to meet demand, and new workshops reached full capacity. Additionally, the report noted steady interest in specialised training and accreditation, while confirming that recent upgrades maintained the studio as a high-quality asset. It concluded that these successes reflected the MIPP’s commitment to the community despite broader challenges. The full report can be read in the appendix to these minutes.
4. Presentation, discussion/approval of Financial Report 2025
FF explained that attending member MB to read and explain the Treasury Report. MB has been providing bookkeeping services for the MIPP for the better part of the 2025/2026 period due to his good relationship with the MIPP and his expertise in the matter. The report outlined a decline in membership alongside increased income and expenses from courses. While sponsorship levels remained stable, it recommended pursuing external partnerships. Studio hire decreased due to increased local competition, and equipment rental remained restricted to trusted members. The report noted that the Qualifications programme was a valuable community investment. It highlighted that while core courses performed well, certain workshops require adjustments for future profitability. Finally, the report stated that premises expenses decreased following previous investments, and it clarified that a €1,500 deferred income entry on the balance sheet represents a pending bank refund. The full report can be read in the appendix to these minutes.
KC mentioned that the MIPP property value has increased over the past couple of years since its last valuation, so the new MIPP committee will look at the possibly of getting a professional for a more up-to-date valuation. This will undoubtedly improve the financial standing of the MIPP overall.
All present approved the financial report.
5. Nominations received for the Committee of 2026-7
FF thanked the outgoing members from the 2025/6 Committee and welcomed CC, the only incoming member to the MIPP Committee for 2026/7.
6. Nomination of Tellers
As the number of candidates did not exceed the number of available positions, the committee members were elected by acclamation, and the appointment of tellers was deemed unnecessary.
7. Amendments to the Statute
KC proposed amending the statute about the decrease in MIPP Committee member numbers. FF agreed, and this will be advised to the general members from seven to five.
Other matters
FF confirmed that the MIPP will look into updating telephone numbers and possibly getting a new phone line/mobile number for the studio to ease the strain on MIPP members’ personal phone numbers.
CA mentioned that the next event will be held on the 28th of April at 6:30pm, and it will be a talk by Geraldine Spiteri about Copyright and Contracts. She encouraged everyone to attend.
KC suggested reaching out to former key members to understand their reasons for departure and to explore opportunities for renewing their engagement with the Institute. FF agreed and KC noted he will send FF a list of such members.
KC concluded by commending the 2025/6 Committee for a successful year, noting the healthy financial position maintained despite the significant investments, repairs, and facility upgrades undertaken.
*** End of AGM Minutes ***
Adjourned: 8.10pm
Appendix
Operational report: MIPP Secretary by Krista Attard
The Malta Institute of Professional Photography (MIPP) has experienced a mixed but productive year in terms of membership and activity. During this period, the Institute welcomed 10 new members, although this was offset by a decrease of 5 members. It has also been observed that prospective members often join shortly before applying for courses. When compared with previous years, overall membership numbers have declined, reflecting a broader trend observed across all age groups.
Education and training remained a central focus for MIPP. Two new workshops were introduced this year—Nudes in Noto and the Wedding Workshop—both of which reached full capacity and were very well received by participants. The Introduction to Photography course continues to be the Institute’s most popular offering, consistently operating at full capacity and, at times, maintaining a waiting list. Due to strong demand, this course is to deliver five intakes during this year.
Other courses, such as Adobe Photoshop for Photographers and Studio & Strobes, maintained steady interest and consistent bookings. In particular, Studio & Strobes has expanded to two intakes annually to meet demand. Additionally, the Institute continued to support professional development through its MIPP Accreditation pathway, with two participants undertaking qualifications during the year.
The MIPP studio remains a key asset for members. Ongoing minor renovations and maintenance have ensured that the space continues to meet professional standards and remains fully operational for bookings. Investment in new lighting equipment, along with the regular updating of backdrops, has further enhanced the studio environment, ensuring it remains a high-quality and reliable facility for photographers.
Overall, while membership trends present challenges, the continued success of courses, workshops, and studio improvements reflects MIPP’s ongoing commitment to supporting and developing the photographic community in Malta.
Financial Report: Mike Borg, on behalf of Mitchell Camilleri
In Membership we see a decrease. This is an unfortunate trend seen across voluntary groups and clubs across Malta. Courses and similar have shown a good increase in income. However, there has also been a reflected increase in the related expenses.
Sponsorship maintained the same levels; however, there was a one-time donation towards the institute. It is highly suggested that while the efforts of MIPP to be self-supporting are working, external sponsorships and partnerships should be considered and pursued.
There is a decrease in studio hire; this is attributed to competition in the studio spaces in Malta that are more easily accessible and priced fairly. The MIPP also had two clients which had utilised the space with agreements which spanned the whole of the previous year, which did not continue into this year.
Equipment hires remained on equal footing. This is not a greatly used service, nor do I feel it should be heavily advertised and in fact retained only for very trusted members due to the risk of taking equipment outside of the studio.
This year saw the return of the MIPP Qualifications programme, which saw two applicants in its initial year. While taxing on the institute in terms of time, it has shown to be a great investment into the local community, wherein several established members rose to the occasion as mentors and judges. I feel this is worthwhile for the MIPP as a community to continue in.
As shown on the slide, 1-on-1 tuition, 9-5 to Freelancer and Lightroom were held in small amounts; however, intro to photography and studio and strobes had abundant numbers. In addition, two workshops were held: an ambitious Nudes in Noto course, which saw 8 members go up to Sicily under the tutelage of Ramon Sammut, who also led the Photoshop Course. Due to several factors including high end models, the workshop ran at a loss and if it is ran again, it should be down scaled and possibly held locally. Similarly, the wedding workshop was successful and should be reattempted.
Marketing increased as well as a sign of the newer courses which made sense to advertise more as they were not as established.
Studio and premises expenses have decreased, as major investments towards the studio and the property were mostly done in 2024, and expenses of appliances and other small maintenance went on through the year, including the improvements to the courtyard, new railings for displays on the wall and also the plinths used in the studio. This year also saw the addition of 2 new lights, including the Godox 600, new C-stands and softboxes and reflectors as well as backdrops. Another expense included a health and safety audit on the studio for the course provision for under 16s.
In the balance sheet you will note a deferred income of 1,500, the reason this is marked as such is due to an incorrect income from a private person. When the MIPP realised there was this unexpected deposit, they reached out to the bank to return the monies to their rightful owner, however the payment outwards occurred in the financial year of 2026 and so was still on the books as of 2025 close.