Interview with Anneli Marinovich Photography

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

Originally from sunny South Africa (Jo’burg), I now live in Leatherhead, Surrey with my wonderful husband, Wayne. I am a wedding & portrait photographer. The majority of my time is taken up by weddings, but I enjoy family & newborn shoots when I get a chance to do them. To fill in the gaps I enjoy arranging “concept shoots” – sometimes collaborating with other wedding suppliers to come up with a creative shoot to keep my portfolio fresh & the creative juices flowing.

What inspires you as a photographer?

Inspiration is a funny thing….it can literally come from anything / anywhere. I am inspired all the time by patches / blocks of natural light. I have moments when I’m walking down the street, spot a patch of sunlight against a wall and make a mental note to come back with my camera & a model! I am also inspired & excited by the promises the future hold! I enjoy photography immensely and I feel very blessed to be able to express myself creatively and have the opportunity to work with lovely clients & wedding suppliers!

How long have you been a photographer?

I have been doing wedding photography for exactly a year now (albeit not full time yet)! My interest in photography goes back further than that though - I have always loved taking photos. Even though I specialise in wedding photography, I love travel photography - the combination of interesting cities / rural landscapes & candid photos of the “locals” fascinate me and of course being able to look back at photos of the amazing places I’ve travelled to with Wayne, is priceless.

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

Editing the photos I have taken! Lol. No, when I’m not out taking photos / photographing a wedding, I am either out for a run in the Surrey countryside, watching Come Dine With Me (guilty pleasure), spending time with my friends,  Skype-ing with friends & family back home, or spending some quality time with my hubby.

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

I had numerous light bulb moments while reading Fast Track Photographer by Dane Sanders. I have a very short attention span (honesty is the best policy!) and it takes a lot for me to read a book all the way through, especially when it’s about business, but FTP really inspired me to start dreaming about the photography business I want to have and how to make that happen, by just being myself (and the best at it). My pink highlighter worked overtime!! A definite must read for all photographers – regardless of where you are in your photographic journey.

Best marketing idea? 

Making sure I get as many of my concept shoots, engagement shoots and weddings (where possible) featured on my favourite wedding blogs. My clients read the blogs I am featured on, so it makes sense to utilise this opportunity. Also making sure that I keep friends & potential clients up to date on my latest shoots / weddings via Facebook & Twitter have resulted in healthy levels of traffic to my site on an ongoing basis as well as quite a few referrals.

Worst marketing idea?

I have to say, other than testing banner advertising this year & being featured on wedding blogs, I haven’t really invested in any other paid forms of marketing, so I have no “worst marketing” idea to share.

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

I don’t at the moment. For where I’m currently at in my photographic journey, it’s not really a priority. I often meet clients either at their homes / in cafès or restaurants to discuss their wedding day, which has proven very successful so far. In a few years time, when I’m a bit further down the road, I will have a studio – preferably one adjoining to our house so my clients can come over, kick off their shoes and perhaps have a G&T while we discuss their wedding day / look at their wedding photos showcased in the best way possible. A complete “AMP” experience!

What do you think makes a photographer successful?

Really understanding who you are and what your strengths are & then using that to set yourself apart from the myriad of other photographers out there. Every photographer is different – unique, and the ones that really stand out for me, are those who do it their own way, focusing on being the best they can be, instead of comparing themselves to other photographers.

What’s your weakness in this business?

I like to believe (and expect) the best of people, which means that I can sometimes be a little bit naïve. I don’t think that’s a bad thing, but it is something I need to work on to make sure I protect my ideas, my business and grow as much as possible!

Are you a Nikon or Canon?

Canon

and Lens?

Favourite lens has to be my Canon 50mm 1.8. Gorgeous!

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

I would be a ‘florist-coffee shop’ owner (maybe one day I will be!!). I have always dreamt of having my own little florist with an adjacent coffee shop….preferably by the seaside! I would arrange flowers all day and chat with my guests in the coffee shop when I’m not sourcing arts and crafts, all the while enjoying the sea breeze!

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

I guess you could say I’m still “starting out” so the best advice I can other wedding photographers starting out, is to second shoot with other photographers you admire and whose style you like. Not only will you very quickly establish whether wedding photography is for you, but you will also get a chance to learn how to handle tricky situations and build your portfolio.

Also – keep shooting…as much as possible and be proactive! If you want to try a certain technique, hire some models, collaborate with stylists & makeup artists and make it happen!

Tell us your proudest moment of your career?

I have had an incredibly blessed ‘career’ so far and it would be very hard to single out one “proudest moment”. Highlights during my first year of wedding photography include, one of my very first bridal images being published in Professional Photographer, being featured on some of my favourite wedding blogs like Love My Dress, English Wedding, Oh My God I’m Getting Married, Staggered (Real Grooms) and also Belle Bèbes with a newborn shoot I did last year.

Here is where you can find Anneli Marinovich Photography

Twitter: www.twitter.com/AnneliMPhoto  

Facebook:  http://on.fb.me/hZYY2L

Website & blog: www.annelimarinovich.com

Interview with Lauren Rutherford of Lauren Rutherford Photography

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

I live in Belfast, but since Northern Ireland is so small I shoot all around the country. I suppose I'd be termed a lifestyle or social photographer, I take photos of people – newborns, families, portraits and weddings.

2.     What inspires you as a photographer?

The thing that inspired me most when I was starting out was the new wave of wedding and lifestyle photographers who have come out of America (California in particular) in the past few years, who have really made the industry exciting again. I also love reading wedding blogs to discover the fantastic talent we have here in the UK and to see what is influencing today's brides, and looking at fashion magazines to check out the latest trends. I'm constantly inspired by the things around me – the shapes and textures of the city and the colours and beauty of the countryside. I'm quite often caught staring at strangers if the light is falling particularly nicely on their face!

3.     How long have been a photographer?

I've always loved photographs, but mainly looking at other people's! I bought my first dSLR to document a trip to Peru in 2007, but didn't really learn to use it properly until the end of 2009. I fell head over heels in love with photography and started my business 6 months ago.

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

When I'm not photographing for work, I photograph for pleasure. Now that it's Spring again you'll most likely find me out and about in the parks of Belfast, taking photos of birds and macro shots of insects and flowers. It was my hobby before I became a professional photographer and it's still my hobby now. It's so different from photographing people that it still helps me unwind. I also enjoy going for drives with my boyfriend around our beautiful coastline, and hope to spend more time hiking in the mountains this year, a love of mine that I've been neglecting recently.

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

I haven't read many books on the business of photography, I get most of my information online and through workshops. I couldn't have got my business up and running as quickly as I did without the help of The A to Z of Photography and Business course, run by Aspire (http://www.aspirephotographytraining.co.uk). I've also found the CreativeLIVE (http://creativelive.com) workshops really valuable, and love blogs like Tofurious (http://www.tofurious.com). I also get a lot of really valuable advice from the online communities I'm a part of, like the [b] school (http://www.thebschool.com) and Drama Free Photography (http://www.dramafreephotography.co.uk). On my 'to read soon' list are books like Purple Cow by Seth Godin, and Fast Track Photographer by Dane Sanders.

6.     Best marketing idea? 

Social media is vitally important to me – the triangle of twitter, facebook and my blog. Having a bride or parent share their photos on facebook gets the kind of exposure that would cost an absolute fortune in print advertising. Nothing beats word of mouth, which is why I concentrate on building real relationships with the people I photograph. Through twitter, clients can become friends, and that's so powerful.

7.     Worst marketing idea?

For me, probably getting leaflets printed without really knowing where to put them! When I started, I got a lot of printed promotional materials because I felt I should, but I don't think the kinds of clients I really click with find photographers by picking up leaflets. When people find me online they're almost always a perfect fit, because they know more about me and my style, so I want to concentrate my marketing in that area. When I do use printed leaflets from now on, I'll make sure I use them in a targeted way.

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 at the minute. I love doing my family and portrait sessions on location, because I love being outside and I don't think the studio environment suits my relaxed style. I would really like to have a natural light studio for my newborn work though, but it would be more of a luxury than a necessity at the minute. I currently visit babies in their own homes, but it often means compromising on space, quality of light, and even just which props I can fit in the car. A dedicated newborn studio with all my props at hand is definitely something I aspire to.

9.     What do you think makes a photographer successful?

I take a lot of pride in the technical quality of my images, so I'd love to say that that is what makes a photographer successful, but in reality it's so much more than that, and the photographs are just a small part of the equation. It's about having the personality to connect with the people you photograph, so that they feel comfortable to put all their trust in you. These days a quality, consistent, professional web presence is also a necessity. Ultimately, so much of the success of a photographer is down to having a good business head, something I know I need to keep at the forefront over the next few years. I don't want to be a starving artist!

10.   What’s your weakness in this business?

My big weakness is my shyness. Anyone I've met or photographed will think I'm talking nonsense because when I'm chatting about photography or out on a photoshoot I'm always full of confidence, I'm totally in my comfort zone. But I'm absolutely outside my comfort zone when it comes to sales, and singing my own praises. I know that confidence in those areas is vital to promote myself and to build a successful business, so I'm working hard at it!

11.   Are you a Nikon or Canon?

I'm a Canon girl, and I use a 5D MkII. I love the look of the images it produces, but I'm not anti-Nikon.

12.   and Lens?

I prefer to shoot with prime lenses. My favourite is the 135mm f2L, it's such a dreamy portrait lens, but I've recently bought a 100mm f2.8L and it's a lot of fun too, it gives the 135 a run for its money!

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

Maybe a quantum physicist, since that's what I did my PhD in. Either that or a teacher - I love working with people and am passionate about science education and communication. I know, I'm a geek :)

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

Don't let anything hold you back! Chances are there will never be 'the right time' so just do the absolute best with the circumstances you find yourself in. I dived straight in, full-time, and although I haven't had the finances to invest the way I could if I had a salary as well, I've been able to invest time, which can be just as valuable. Be realistic, it takes a long time to get established and you shouldn't be disheartened if you aren't immediately booked up. Finally, and most importantly, do your research. Be like a sponge soaking up every piece of information you can, and learn from the mistakes of others so you can avoid making too many of them yourself!

15.   Tell us your proudest moment of your career?

It's been a short career, but my proudest moment so far was having my first ever wedding featured on my favourite wedding blog, Rock n Roll Bride (http://www.rocknrollbride.com/2011/03/emma-james-wedding-of-love-laughter/). Recognition like that, knowing how much Kat (the blog owner) values photography, is a real boost when you're just starting out. Even though I know that my photography will just keep on improving, I'm so pleased that I'll be able to look back on my first wedding with pride.

Here is where you can find Lauren
twitter.com/Rutherfordium
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LaurenRutherfordPhotography

Website: www.laurenrutherford.co.uk

Blog: www.laurenphotoblog.com

  

Interview with Carey Sheffield Hoi Polloi Events

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

I live in Windlesham, Surrey and am a portrait, wedding photographer but also have a commercial client base and sell fine art pieces

2.What inspires you as a photographer?

People, Places, Emotions and beautiful things, this is gonna sound a bit cheesy but I’ll admit I see everything as an image, and I snap it in my head if my cameras not in my hand!

3.How long have been a photographer?

I have been a working professional for about 5 years.

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

On the school run!  Walking my dog…or in a Starbucks

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

Annabel Williams – 99 portrait Ideas (For beginners)

4inchs  – Great Inspiration for my boudoir looks

But I have learnt most from magazines: Professional Photographer, Practical Photography, PhotoPro, my house is full of them.

6.Best marketing idea? 

Do a great job and look after your client, they are gonna talk about you, make sure they say something nice.  FB and Twitter have also been great.

7.Worst marketing idea?

Local Press, unless its free PR, its good to see yourself in print but for me its not a cost effective method of marketing when you are small or just starting out

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

I am fortunate to have a studio at my home, it is custom made and lovely and at the end of the garden! Its been funded entirely from profits of my work.  I don’t use it everyday as I shoot on location a lot but its good to know its there if I need it.  I definitely wouldn’t be without it.

9.What do you think makes a photographer successful?

You need to be a great photographer but also have good communication, sales & marketing skills.  I have worked in sales & advertising and was a florist for a few years, so I was always creative but my sales & marketing experience has helped me drive the business.

Patience is a must and an ability to put people at ease and make them feel good also.

Get good training a good camera is nothing without a well trained operator…

10.What’s your weakness in this business?

Selling my products…I know I am going to give my clients great photos but find it hard to sell them expensive products, I want them to have everything they want and I give them too long to think about it…I need to toughen up.

11.Are you a Nikon or Canon?

Nikon…I know nothing about Canon..completely different language, I didn’t get to choose, my husband bought my first camera

12.and Lens?

All Nikon – 85mm Prime plus 24-70mm 70-200mm, these are my job essentials, plus a 80-400 for sports, wideangle and a macro lens for my arty closeups.

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

I have been many things, lifes been good and full…but probably a novelist or in my dreams an actress.

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

Get well informed, invest in good training and revisit this annually.  There are many great schools out there offering

One, two day courses and longer.

I initially started by doing a one night a week photography course, at Reading college.  Training should never stop, you need to keep fresh, photography fashion changes too.

Photoshop skills are a must, I studied Photoshop for Photographers in London for a year, you may not use everything but you need to know it.

Make friends with other photographers, nice ones like me will share info!  I joined the SWPP straight away, it’s a good organization to get you started until you grow.

15. Tell us your proudest moment of your career?

My first magazine front cover…it was a trade mag but great nonetheless, seeing my images used in editorial always rocks my boat!

Here is where you can find Carey Sheffield…


Twitter: @HoiPolloiEvents 

Facebook: Carey Sheffield Photography

Website: www.hoipolloievents.co.uk

Blog: http://web.me.com/careysheffield