1. Will you start by telling us where you work and live and the type of photography you do?
I cover the whole of the UK, I’m currently based in the south but I enjoy travelling to new and exciting venues and places and it’s great that I can incorporate that into my work. I’d consider myself a social photographer, that’s anything involving people, and of course weddings are the ultimate event to capture lots of people looking and feeling their best.
2. What inspires you as a photographer?
I’m inspired by being able to re-tell the story of any special occasion with photography, capturing the emotion and atmosphere of a wedding or social event is something that fascinates me. When I meet with my clients and they choose me over the competition I am honoured to be their photographer and inspired to create timeless images that will last forever – my stamp on the world (albeit a small one)
3. How long have you been a photographer?
I have now been a photographer for around 5 years, my background started as a nightlife and event photographer and evolved into what I do now.
4. When you’re not photographing, where can we find you?
Well the best way to take a photo as they say is to have your camera with you, so I try to follow that rule wherever I go; I’m a keen traveller so I’m often on the hunt for new and excited places to visit.
5. Any books that inspired you {or helped you} in your business?
For budding pro togs I would have to recommend the book by Damien Lovegrove, normally I’m sceptical about these kinds of books, but I found it a very worthwhile purchase. If you are looking to develop your brand then a book called ‘Brand You’ by John Purkiss & David Royston-Lee is a very inspiring read and I’m certain it will help you develop your business.
6. Best marketing idea?
Social network marketing! You can no longer avoid it; you have to be up to date with these trends because they are going to at the forefront of the way we work soon. Facebook has changed the way we communicate. I used to add the couples and people I met after the wedding or social function, now I add them before hand. I can create an event, they can invite all their guests/ friends, and when the images are uploaded the tagging begins. Can you think of a more efficient way for your work to reach out to people and in return the people come back to you? I get more enquiries from facebook than direct emails now.
7. Worst marketing idea?
I think the worst marketing ideas are the ones that cost the most and give you the least; I was quoted over £100 a month for a 4cm x 4cm ad, that’s just a bit bigger than a stamp. You don’t need to pay that these days; your money would be better spent on facebook or Google ad words.
8. Do you have a studio and if not do you feel having a studio would help your business grow?
I don’t have a studio and these days it’s all about going to the customer, my equipment is fully portable which adds to the clients experience when you set up in their home or back garden. The internet has changed the way we think, now almost everything gets delivered to us, you can order your food shopping online and have it delivered an hour later
9. What do you think makes a photographer successful?
Different types of photography demand different qualities, if you don’t like people or socialising you can’t do wedding photography. If you’re outgoing and love being amongst others then landscape photography probably isn’t for you. But whatever you do passion, creativity an open mind and an absolute belief in yourself are core qualities to have.
10. What’s your weakness in this business?
Digital camera’s cost much less now and you have to offer something else to the clients you work with to stop a family friend or uncle bob taking away your business, almost every wedding I shoot I am asked if I’m a family friend and there is almost surprise when I tell them no I’m the professional photographer. I have friends come to me and ask about shooting their mates wedding or a close relative and I tell them don’t do it, it’s not easy, then they do it anyway seeing an opportunity to try something new and regret it instantly knowing they are out of their depth. This isn’t the place to learn photography you have to have mastered it first.
11. Are you a Nikon or Canon?
Canon, I shoot on the 5d mkII which has transformed my work and I have a back up just in case.
12. And Lens?
I’m a big fan of prime lenses and wider angles. My kit includes a 50mm F1.4, 85mm F1.8, 17-40mm L lens, and a 15mm fisheye
13. If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be?
Tough question, I really feel that this is who I am and what I was made for; imagining anything else would almost be admitting that I wasn’t meant to do this.
14. Can you give the readers your best piece of advice for starting or running a photography business?
Take your time, learn at your own pace, learn from your mistakes quickly to minimise impact and don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice.
15. Tell us your proudest moment of your career?
I decided to put all of my efforts into starting my business in the middle of the recession, I invested in a new website and branding, learnt what needed to be learnt and can now say that I’m on target for the year ahead – purely through word of mouth, recommendations and social networking. And in this climate with competition at an all time high I think that’s a pretty strong indication of the quality of my work.
Here is where you can find Sean
twitter.com/sean_odell
Website – www.seanodellphotography.co.uk
Blog – A new blog is currently being created.
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