Interview with... York Place Studios ...Dominique Shaw and Liam Shaw.

Will you start by telling us where you work and live and the type of photography you do?


Dominique:We have a studio in the seaside town of Scarborough, North Yorkshire. Yorkshire is a beautiful area to work in and we’ve found Scarborough a great place to base our studio and a lovely place to live. We specialise in wedding photography and love being a part of a couples’ big day. We also do portraits, model portfolios and photo makeovers. We enjoy all the areas of our photography and wouldn’t like to choose our favourite!

What inspires you as a photographer?


Liam: I draw inspiration from cinematic imagery and am always looking to combine this into our photography, in particular our wedding photography. At the moment I'm finding inspiration in the extraordinary cinematography of the 1950’s.


Dominique: For me working with fun, exciting people is the biggest motivation you can get. Everyone we photograph brings their own style and dynamic to the image and we are always looking for the next best shot of our career.


How long have been a photographer?


Liam: Professionally, 5 years.


Dominique: The same, although I studied photography at University and did some part-time work before then, so it’s always been my passion.

When you’re not photographing, where can we find you?


Liam: In our studio, editing and coming up with new ideas for future projects.
Any books that inspired you {or helped you} in your business?


Dominique: We love the The Decisive Moment by Henri Cartier-Bresson, his street photography has influenced generations of photographers. Also, Annie Leibovitz; in particular how she poses her subjects, it’s very striking.

Best marketing idea? 


Dominique: I think it is imperative that you have a great web presence.
Liam: That, and referral by meeting or exceeding expectations. 

Worst marketing idea?


Dominique: I think at the beginning of your career it is important to spend your marketing budget wisely and we wouldn’t recommend spending loads of money on something that is not tried and tested by others.


Do you have a studio and if not do you feel having a studio would help your business grow?


Dominique: We own a lovely studio in Scarborough, it does help our business grow by allowing us to take on a wide range of projects and as we are based in the centre of the town we get plenty of passing trade too.


What do you think makes a photographer successful?


Dominique: Lot’s of hard work, a natural flair for capturing moments and oodles of creativity and energy.

What’s your weakness in this business?


Liam: We would like to concentrate on developing a stronger presence in our marketing.


Are you a Nikon or Canon?


Dominique: Canon, definitely.
and Lens?


Liam: We love all prime lenses but I think the 85mm 1.2 is absolutely gorgeous. 


Dominique: Also, the 24-70 F2.8 is pretty essential for its versatility.

If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be?


Liam: Something in a related creative field, perhaps a cinematographer. I think it’s inevitable that in the next few years the boundary between photography and filming will be well and truly blurred.


Can you give the readers your best piece of advice for starting or running a photography business.


Liam:  Firstly, work hard. No matter what you do, putting the hours in is so important with a new business. Secondly, pay attention. Learn from everything and everyone all the time. Finally, be passionate about your work, realise you are in a lucky position to be able to do something you love, so enjoy it.
Tell us your proudest moment of your career?


Dominique: We love it when our clients come to pick up their photos in person and feel immensely proud when they love the shots. Probably the proudest moment though was getting the keys to our studio; that was an amazing feeling!

Many thanks to Dominique & Liam, and you can find more of their great work here...


website http://www.yorkplacestudios.co.uk/
blog http://www.yorkplacestudios.com/blog/
twitter http://twitter.com/yorkplacestudio
facebook http://www.facebook.com/yorkplacestudios

Interview with Vicki Knights from Vicki Knights Photography

1. Will you start by telling us where you work and live and the type of photography you do?

I am based in Surbiton, Surrey and cover the whole of Surrey and SW London. I specialise in lifestyle photography of babies, children and families using natural light.

2. What inspires you as a photographer?

The children I photograph constantly inspire me and I love capturing what it is that makes them special. Whether it’s that shy smile, the hilarious laugh, or even the odd sulk!

I am also inspired by everything in life;  nature, the changing seasons, fashion, interiors, magazines and other photographers.

3. How long have been a photographer?

I picked up my first digital SLR less than 4 years ago and set up my business just over 2 years ago when my first son was around 6 months old.

4. When you’re not photographing, where can we find you?

Annoying my boys by smothering them with kisses and cuddles! I love the outdoors and walking in the countryside with my family is one of my favourite things to do. I also love a few glasses of wine and a gossip with the girls!

5. Any books that inspired you {or helped you} in your business?

I love Tamara Lackey’s ‘The Art of Children’s Portrait Photography’. It offers great advice on running a business and getting the best out of kids during the shoot.

I recently bought Alicia Caine’s Easy as Pie pricing guide, which has changed the way I think about pricing and made it so much clearer for me.

6. Best marketing idea? 

I believe the best marketing is word of mouth and I get most of my new business in this way. If your images are great and you offer fantastic customer service, then your customers will want to spread the word. People love to talk about a good experience they’ve had!

My blog is also one of my best marketing tools and I get a lot of business from it. It’s a big thing to invite a photographer into your home and lives for an hour or two, and I think a blog is a fantastic way for potential customers to learn more about you.

7. Worst marketing idea?

Many photographers run competitions to give away free photo sessions and prints. I did this once when I was first starting out and got a lot of entries but I didn’t actually get any new business out of it (and still had to do the free session!) I think by running competitions you can attract people who love a freebie and don’t necessarily value lifestyle photography. It’s very nice to have hundreds of fans on your Facebook page, but not much good if they aren’t your right target audience!

I would much rather incentivise customers to come back to me for future sessions, and I do this by offering a complimentary 10x8” gift print with any future sessions.

8. Do you have a studio and if not do you feel having a studio would help your business grow?

No I don’t have a studio. I LOVE working on location and believe that we have so many beautiful places to photograph in this country, in seems such a waste to have a family portrait in front of a white background! I also love working with the change of seasons and the new opportunities (and challenges!) that each season brings. I have nothing against studio photography, and some of it is lovely, it’s just not my style. I also think babies are always happiest in their own homes.

All that being said, when I have to reschedule yet another shoot due to the miserable British weather I do find myself dreaming of a huge natural light studio like Chicago’s Audrey Woulard!

9. What do you think makes a photographer successful?

Branding, marketing and customer service are key. Many of the photographers I admire the most aren’t necessarily the best photographers or the most skilled. But they do have powerful brands.

I also think people skills are as important, if not more important, than your skills with the camera. It’s all about making people feel relaxed and natural in front of the camera. That is what results in an unforgettable portrait, not what shutter speed you were using!

10. What’s your weakness in this business?

I spend way too long pouring over photography blogs and websites. Sometimes that 2 hour editing session I’d planned in, ends up being 90 minutes of oohing and aahing over fantastic websites, and 30 minutes of editing! (sshh, don’t tell my husband!)

11. Are you a Nikon or Canon?

Canon. Although with hindsight maybe I should have started with Nikon as I hear so many good things about them.

12. and Lens?

Canon 50 1.4mm is my favourite lens and the one that is on my cameras the most. I also use the Canon 24-70 L 2.8 lens for most of my location shoots. I shoot with 2 cameras on most location shoots, as I don’t want to miss amazing shots when I’m changing my lens!

13. If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be?

It probably sounds cheesy but I really wouldn’t want to do anything else. I worked in advertising for 10 years and used to dream about owning my own creative business, and now I do it. I’m just full of new ideas for the business and how I can grow it, I just need an extra day in the week to implement them all!

14. Can you give the readers your best piece of advice for starting or running a photography business.

Don’t start offering your services too cheaply like I did! Make it clear that you are portfolio building and your prices are low for a very limited time only. Then you can start charging what you should be much more quickly. It’s so easy not to take into consideration all of the costs that go into running your business and therefore price yourself way too low. Even though you love what you’re doing, you’re running a business at the end of the day, and need to ensure that you are making a profit.

15. Tell us your proudest moment of your career?

There have been many amazing moments and I feel a huge sense of pride every single time I get a client email me or ring me saying they are delighted with the photos. But I think my proudest moment was when I entered my first ever photo competition and won a gold award with the SWPP which got me into the final for the Baby Photographer of the Year 2009. And it made it even better that it was this photo of my first boy as a baby!

Here is where you can find Vicki Knights:

Website: http://www.vickiknights.co.uk/
Blog: http://www.vickiknightsblog.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/vickiknightsphotography
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/VickiKPhoto

Marketing for beginners - Photographers Boutique

Marketing yourself doesn't have to be expensive, and it doesn't have to be difficult!

There are probably hundreds of low cost marketing ideas, I'm sure you have your own; but these are ones I've used or come across myself. 

1. When I first started out I wanted to build a portfolio and found the easiest way to do this was to either offer free portrait sessions but with full priced prints etc, or simply ask friends with kids.  I wanted lots of people to see my photos and by offering to take photos of people I didnt know I felt I might be widening my circle of potential customers.
2. I also reward referrals. I make a policy to reward anyone who brings me a referral. When a client brings in a propective client, I give them a gift, such as a coupon worth reprints, frames, or to a local spa or restaurant. As an added incentive, I give a small gift to the new client as well, usually a scented candle or chocolates.
3. Brag books are a great way to share your photos.  After every session I give each client a small book (2in x 2ins) containing around 10-15 photos that they can carry in their handbag (or wallet).  They then show this to their friends and as it has my contact details inside they know who to contact!
4. Create a tie-in with another business. Contact a local business and offer to exchange coupons or even photograph their stock. For example, your client receives coupons from a local restaurant, hair salon, spa, or wherever your typical prospect would shop. A great place to start is with clients of yours who already own their own businesses
5. Run a competition from your facebook page.  Check facebooks rules but bascially run a competition where you offer a free mini session (30 minutes max) and perhaps ask for cute photos of kids, then get people to vote.  To vote they will have to become fans of your facebook page and you are bound to get some more custom even if they dont win!
6. Create a photo display in a local boutique, or offer prints to a local hospital or doctors waiting room.  Make sure your logo and contact details are visable.
7. Raise money for charity either by offering your services for a charity or offering a free session. Not only do you help a good cause, you get plenty of free, positive publicity and exposure.
8. Leave your business cards everywhere. Whenever you are at a restaurant, leave a nice tip and your card.
9. Do photos at kids parties.  The parents will more than likely want a good photo of their kids, and if you can collect enough email addresses and pass out lots of business cards!
10. Guest blog on blogs like this one or on blogs which are more specific to what you do?  Maybe you could write an article about wedding photography and how to prepare, and team up with a wedding blog or wedding planner?

Anyway I hope that this has given you a few ideas, there are so many out there, you just need to give them a go - no one is going to just find you!  Get out there and find some clients!

Camera Bags for Girls - Photographers Boutique

Yet again I've had to look to the US for inspiration...this time with camera bags.  I currently have a couple of Lowepro's, which are great, functional and exactly what is needed for the job...but so uncool.  I wanted bag that didnt look like a man's rucksack...

The Kelly Moore Bag

Epiphanie Bags

The Savvy Photographer

Jill e Designs

Photojojo

I'm not sure which one I prefer at the moment, but I'm leaning towards the Kelly Moore one.  They are very expensive but look gorgeous, and perhaps some of Kellys photography skills might rub off one me ;)

and the winner is....

Sonia Thorpe from http://www.soniathorpephotography.com/, Sonia wins the newborn hat from http://www.tiarasandteddybears.co.uk/.

Dont forget to subscribe so that you find out about our next competition!

Interview with Samantha Pommells - Photographer Spotlight

This weeks photographer in the spotlight is Samantha Pommells of Tiaras & Teddy Bears Photography

Will you start by telling us where you work and live and the type of photography you do?

I live near Dudley in the West Midlands & work mainly in the surrounding areas although I do assist a wedding photographer in Oxford occasionally too.

What inspires you as a photographer?

People are what really inspire me, especially children; they are so innocent & natural. I’m a terrible people watcher, it drives my Husband mad. I will never be a landscape photographer, there are some beautiful images but it just doesn’t move me as much as capturing someone’s personality in a picture.

How long have been a photographer?

I’ve been interested in photography since I was a child, I used to very often get told off for using a whole roll of film on the cat!  My Grandad was a keen photographer & gave me an old Praktica film camera when I was about 12 then when I was at school I was lucky enough that my school offered GCSE Photography which was quite unusual back then, it was invaluable to me as I learnt all the basics you just don’t come across now that everything is digital. 

 When you’re not photographing, where can we find you?

Well I have 3 children so I’m pretty busy but I’m also the lead singer in a function band so when if my camera isn’t my hand there’s usually a microphone instead!

Any books that inspired you {or helped you} in your business?

I must admit I don’t really read many photography books, I prefer to attend workshops & learn from other people. I just find I learn better that way.

Best marketing idea? 

Well I’m still experimenting to find that one but so far Facebook has been the best tool for spreading the word.

Worst marketing idea?

My business is still in the very early stages so I haven’t had any really bad ideas.....YET!

Do you have a studio and if not do you feel having a studio would help your business grow?

I haven’t got a studio & for now I don’t feel I need one as I’m still building a client base. I prefer to be on location anyway as I prefer my images to natural. I would like a studio in the future though, just to be able to expand my product range & have some where to work when the good old British weather rears its head.

What do you think makes a photographer successful?

Well obviously a good eye & being good at what you do comes high up there but I also think you have to be a people person. Being able to put people at ease & gain the trust of their children is so important & I don’t think you could be a successful photographer if you can’t talk to people. 

What’s your weakness in this business?

I’m too nice lol!!! I am forever doing free or really cheap photo shoots for people. I find it really difficult to make money out of people I know so when Mum’s from the school or friends of friends ask I always end up giving them a freebie. I really need to stop it!!

Are you a Nikon or Canon?

Canon 5d

And Lens?

My favourite is my 50mm f1.8. I’m currently saving for the Canon 24-70mm L lens because of the flexibility for when I assist at weddings but for my portraits it’s primes all the way.

If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be?

I would concentrate more on my singing. I’m so busy at the moment with having 3 kids that I’ve really had to choose between getting more singing work or photography work & I decided on photography.

Can you give the readers your best piece of advice for starting or running a photography business?

Be prepared to have to work extremely hard at marketing for very little return. There is so much competition now that DSLRs have become more accessible to people. But if you really want to, you can do it, go for it & believe in yourself.

Tell us your proudest moment of your career?

The first newborn photo shoot I did...I made them a little DVD slideshow of the images & they burst into tears (with happiness) when they watched it. They were so pleased with the pictures.

Here is where you can find Tiaras & Teddy Bears Photography

http://www.facebook.com/Tiarasandteddybears

http://www.tiarasandteddybears.co.uk/


Thanks Sam, it was a pleasure
Maryanne

PhotoProp Floors-Backdrops - Gorgeous backdrops

I've been looking around for backdrops but the only ones I found were pretty dull, until I found Photo Prop Floors & Backdrops.  Ok, so they're an American company and generally speaking its a pain getting things shipped over from there but their delivery charge isnt too bad.  For a  7 foot backdrop the delivery is $50.49 with insurance included. They also combine shipping so if you ordered more than one it wouldn't increase to much for each added item (since it's based on the weight). it takes 3 weeks for the backdrop to printed and then 6-10 days for delivery. It could be worth getting together with a few photographer friends and combining your order.

The choices of backdrops are amazing, look at some of these....

I know that I'm definitely going to be placing an order very soon!  Find them here http://www.facebook.com/PhotoPropFloorsandBackdrops/posts/154970261208386?po=1&ref=notif&notif_t=feed_comment#!/PhotoPropFloorsandBackdrops

Newborn Baby Hat - Competition

To celebrate the launch of http://photographers-boutique.blogspot.com/ we’re offering you the chance to win one of these gorgeous newborn hats, kindly donated by http://www.tiarasandteddybears.co.uk/

If you want to win your very own Tiaras & Teddy Bear’s newborn hat here is what you need to do:

1. Post or RT "I really really want to win a newborn hat from @photoboutiqueuk at http://photographers-boutique.blogspot.com/ " on twitter & leave a comment here telling me that you have done so, with your twitter name.
2. Follow me on twitter and leave a comment on my website telling me you are a follower and leave your twitter name
3. Follow me on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Photographers-Boutique/121405661249228 and leave a comment here telling me you have “liked” me.
4. Follow Tiaras & Teddy Bears on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/Tiarasandteddybears  and then leave a comment here telling me that you have “liked” them

Please leave a separate comment for each of the four things :)

That's all there is to it – if you leave 1 comment you get 1 chance to win and if you do all 4 then you get 4 chances to win :) The winner will be chosen at random on Friday 22nd October 2010 at 10am.

Newborn Props by www.tiarasandteddybears.co.uk - Photography Boutique

A couple of days ago I came across these gorgeous newborn baby hats on facebook. They're created by a great photographer called Sam Pommells (http://www.tiarasandteddybears.co.uk/) and she crochets them all herself!

They're currently on Ebay and they're just £10 (and £2.50 delivery)

Sam also does these gorgeous Handmade Crochet Beanie Hat & Matching Cocoon 

Its £15 and £2.50 postage.

You can see more of Sam's photos and newborn hats here:

Facebook

http://www.tiarasandteddybears.co.uk/

 Ebay

Kraft Packaging, stamps & ribbon - Photography packaging, UK

I like to keep it simple with my packaging.  I use kraft paper bags, a stamp, ribbon and tissue paper.

The kraft bags are from ebay (various ebay sellers sell them!), the tags on the side are from http://www.moo.com/, the ribbon is from a local fabric shop and the stamp was from http://www.englishstamp.com/.  They're not cheap (£24.99) but so useful and it arrived really quickly. 

If you'd like to share your packaging email me photographersboutique@gmail.com.

Maryanne M Photography - Photographer Interviews

Welcome Maryanne, will you start by telling us where you work and live.
Thank you for having me!  I live and work in North Yorkshire (just outside York). I am a natural light photographer and I occassionally rent studio space (when the weather is particularly bad...)

What inspires you as a photographer?
Other photographers, magazines, fashion, basically anything around me.

How long have been a photographer?I have been a photographer for just over 2 years. I started out mainly photographing friends and family, doing the occassional weddding an generally not taking it all too seriously.  After a while my wedding clients and friends started having children and asked me to photograph their kids and this is when I absolutely fell in love with children’s portraiture. Since then, I have been photographing fewer weddings and more children – and now I book a few select weddings a year and mainly fill my calendar with families.

When you’re not photographing, where can we find you?At home in front of the fire, out on my bike with Andrew or in the local pub (which is only two doors away...)

Any books that inspired you {or helped you} in your business?I read Alicia Canes ebook on pricing for photographers, it made me look at how I was charging clients ina  new light.

Best marketing idea?Using facebook by posting a photo of the mum (that she can use for her profile) and one of the child straight after the session. 

Worst marketing idea?Giving away too much when I first started out - people would be happy to have the sessions but not as keen to pay for the photos...

Do you feel having a studio would help your business grow?Yes – I think as a portrait photographer it’s really important to be able to show ideas and wall collections to your customers so they can imagine what the concept would look like in their homes. Being able to host clients in this way I think would enhance the experience we are able to provide them.

What do you think makes a photographer successful?Its important to know the business side of things, including marketing, really well.  Obviously being able to take a stunning photo helps, but it isnt much use if no one knows who you are? Oh and have a really clear pricing structure.

What’s your weakness in this business?I constantly have ideas and try to put everything in place at once.  Oh and I find it hard to say no to a sob story - which meant that when I was starting out I was almost paying people to take their picture!

Are you a Nikon or Canon girl?
Canon

and Lens?
50 1.4

If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be?An author, I love writing and have had a couple of cookbooks published.

Can you give the readers your best piece of advice for starting or running a photography business.
Personally I get an idea and then try and make it work, I learn as much as I can, research everything and try and make lots of photography friends to give me advice!

Tell us your proudest moment of your career?
When I sold my first collection... It wasn’t the money (though clearly that is always nice) it was more that they liked my images.  I'm always eager to please.

Here is where you can find Maryanne…
twitter.com/cherrymayPhoto
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maryanne-Madden-Photography/113949821951173
http://www.maryannemadden.com/