Interview with Wonderland Avenue - UK's finest wedding photographers, selected by professionals

Will you start by telling us where you work and live and exactly what you do?

We (James & Louise) live In Bristol with our 2 year old son (expecting our 2nd baby any day now). We run a website called Wonderland Avenue an online directory promoting the very best UK wedding
photographers.

http://www.bigdaypictures.com/

How did you end up doing this?

When we got engaged back in 2006, James, a commercial photographer, was sent off to ‘find the perfect wedding photographer’.  He thought a couple of hours on the web would do the trick but he was very wrong!!  It took months of scouring websites, magazines and directories to find a photographer who could offer what we were looking for, and just as we thought we had it cracked, he would stumble upon another… What we really needed was a site that brought brilliant photographers together and had already done all the research for us, so finding a wedding photographer could be as painless as possible.  And so Wonderland Avenue was born!

What inspires you?

When we started the research for WA we didn't really know what we'd find, however when I came across photographers like Steven Gerrard, Emma Case, David McNeil & Ed Peers I was absolutely blown away with the quality of their work & it's talented photographers like these that provide the inspiration for our site.

If you weren’t running your business ,what would you be

 Along side WA I run my own business (james king photographer).. photography is all I know & is all I've ever done. 

http://www.steveshipmanphotography.com/weddings/

When you’re not running your business, where can we find you?

With my family, or at a motocross track or when I can persuade Louise, both!

How can photographers get listed on your site?

Photographers can apply for membership via the form on our website [http://www.wonderlandavenue.co.uk/photographers-area].  If after having a look at their work I feel our site is right for them they will be invited to upload information & images. Our members can either pay Monthly £22.00 or annually £220.00.

We are looking for talented photographers, some may have been in the business for years, some may be just beginning to establish themselves but the bottom line is quality. We like to see clearly designed & well presented websites with galleries showcasing full weddings not just a dozen 'best of' shots. Sensitive application of post production techniques is also very important to us.


Why would they want to be listed on your site?

There are literally dozens of photographers directories online today all vying for a piece of the action, ours is different. Our members are hand-picked, you cannot simply pay & join. A Google search of 'wedding photographer London' returns over 3 million results, couples are overwhelmed by choice. We aim to make that selection process much easier, instead of having to wade through thousands of websites wondering 'is this wedding photographer any good?' visitors to our site can simply browse a concise list of quality wedding photographers in their area and trust that we strive to include the very best the UK has to offer.

http://www.chriscrawford.co.uk/

What tips can you give readers?

It's well worth making sure your own website really showcases your work to its full potential.  There is so much choice out there for engaged couples and a well designed website can really make the difference. 

http://www.samanthabrownphotography.co.uk/

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

Because we were developing a website we looked at other successful online businesses, We really liked sites like Baby Friendly Boltholes and Mr and Mrs Smith who provide directories with a twist.  Well designed, clearly laid out sites coupled with expertly researched options. We always felt reassured booking through them & I think that’s the kind of experience we want couples to have when they visit us.

http://www.frankaphotography.com/

Best marketing idea?

We identified very early on the influence of blogs like Rock'n'Roll bride & Love my Dress who were promoting talented & creative wedding photographers, by advertising on these blogs we can get our message to ten's of thousands of couples at a fraction of the cost of print media. Twitter & Facebook are also excellent marketing tools.

Worst marketing idea?

The hard sell.

http://www.lucasphotography.co.uk/

What do you think makes a photographer successful?

 When I think of successful wedding photographers Allister Freeman always springs to mind. Allister is a real storyteller.  When looking through his photographs you understand why each one was taken, he isn't just going through a mental check list of shots or snapping away until he has the 600 images he promised the bride, every frame is considered.  His website & blog are also excellent, superb image galleries alongside useful advice & information for his visitors.

http://www.mcbweddings.com/

What’s your weakness in business?

 I'm too thinned skinned.

http://www.mikegarrard.co.uk/

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

It's an old one but it's true... do your research.

http://www.oacphotography.com/

.
Tell us your proudest moment of your career?
I think seeing the site go live was pretty special, having spent so long with it in our heads we were thrilled to see the real thing.

http://www.reniraandjanephotography.co.uk/

Here is where you can find Wonderland Avenue

twitter @Wonderland_Buzz
Facebook Wonderland Avenue
Website http://www.wonderlandavenue.co.uk/
Blog http://www.wonderlandavenue.co.uk/blog

Interview with Sian Robertson Photography

Interview with ..............................
1.
Will you start by telling us where you work and liveand the type of photography you do?
I am based in Staffordshire and am currently photographing Weddings, baby portraits, business and fashion! Quite a variety! 
2.
What inspires you as a photographer?
Everything! Just looking in magazines, blogs, people and places... You just have to look around you to find inspiration. 
3.
How long have been a photographer?
I started professionally in the industry about 18 months ago, however, photography has always played a large role in my life, especially when I went traveling.
4.
When you’re not photographing, where can we find you?
Like every photographer, im sure the first place to look would be in front of the computer, researching, editing or communicating! If i'm not there, im out with my husband and dog either cycling or walking! 
5.
Any books that inspired you {or helped you} in your business?
I LOVE the Scott Kelby series... he is straight to the point and doesn't baffle you with unnecessary jargon.
6.
Best marketing idea?
Still working on it!! lol
7.
Worst marketing idea?
Thinking that advertisements in magazines would be a good idea... I think you really have to do your research and plan, otherwise you could end up wasting valuable pennies!!! 
8.
Do you have a studio and if not do you feel having a studio would help your business grow?
Im looking into the idea of a studio. I am doing a lot of creative pieces which a studio would be useful for, but i will need to research more! 
9.
What do you think makes a photographer successful?
Hard work, patience, manners and a smile!? Heres hoping!! 
10.
What’s your weakness in this business?
Sometimes I don't give myself enough credit... I think we all suffer from lack of confidence from time to time- especially in an industry thats so competitive. Self belief and self motivation are key if you're self employed and I think its always worth stepping back and appreciating what you have done!
11.
Are you a Nikon or Canon?
I've always used Canon. I did try Nikon when I was upgrading, just to make sure... but i prefer the feel and layout of Canon! 
12.
and Lens?
Canon of course! 
13.
If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be?
I would like to think i would do something creative, like a set designer! 
14.
Can you give the readers your best piece of advice for starting or running a photography business.
Believe in your own abilities, research and just go for it! :-)
15.
Tell us your proudest moment of your career?
Photographing at London Fashion Week and having one of my first photographs published in the Telegraph, Australia. 

Here is where you can find

Website     http://www.sianrobertsonphotography.com/
Facebook  www.facebook.com/smileyM14
Twitter      http://twitter.com/#!/sianrobertson

Interview with Charlotte Stone

1.
Will you start by telling us where you work and liveand the type of photography you do?
I live in Bristol at the moment and currently have two day jobs which are a world away from Photography. The Photography that I do is mostly Portrait & Fashion, with a small bit of Commercial.
2.
What inspires you as a photographer
?
Everything & Anything! Generally a lot of magazine & editorial work; Vogue, Elle etc.
3.
How long have been a photographer?
I first picked up a camera when I was about 15, so 6 years now.
4.
When you’re not photographing, where can we find you?
Usually at work unfortunately!
5.
Any books that inspired you {or helped you} in your business?
Richard Avedon’s “Performance’ is full of such gorgeous photos but actually books aside, lighting seminars online have helped me so much.
6.
Best marketing idea?
Flickr. Ever since I joined Flickr, I’ve had almost 500,000 views and it has such a wide audience across the world.
7.
Worst marketing idea?
I would probably say Tumblr – for the one reason is that people never, ever give credit. However, the audience on Tumblr makes it worth it on the other hand.
8.
Do you have a studio and if not do you feel having a studio would help your business grow?
I don’t own a studio space but I turn my flat front room into a studio. I love being able to turn my home into my workplace.
9.
What do you think makes a photographer successful?
It’s hard to define. I think passion is one, because there are a lot of impassionate photographers out there, but I think you need to have a good business head. It doesn’t come on a plate, and you really need to want it and work for it. You need that ‘want’ to make it work.
10.
What’s your weakness in this business?
I would say it would be saying ‘no’! I find it hard to turn models down when I work on a Test basis, even though they won’t benefit my portfolio. I am getting better at it too!
11.
Are you a Nikon or Canon?
I am a Nikon girl, born and bred.
12.
and Lens?
My two favourite lenses are Sigma 30mm 1.4 and 50mm 1.4
13.
If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be?
I’m not actually sure. I think somewhere in Marketing & Advertising.
14.
Can you give the readers your best piece of advice for starting or running a photography business.
Be realistic, and be prepared to work for free. It’s a long hard run before it starts to show, but if you’re dedicated and you want it, there is no reason as to why it won’t work for you. Remember it is a business too!
15.
Tell us your proudest moment of your career?
Oh that’s hard. One would be walking into a pub & 5 star B&B where my images are on every table in a A5 brochure and on a digital photo frame for everyone to see.
Other than that, it would be having an e-mail from someone on the other side of the world saying that they saw my photos in a magazine. That was surreal!

Here is where you can find Char
twitter.com/ www.twitter.com/charloustone
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Char-Stone-Photographer/232535842966
Website: http://www.charlottestonephoto.com/
Blog http://www.charlottestonephoto.blogspot.com/

Interview with Ines Banks of Source Images Photography

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

My main discipline is as a wedding photographer but I also spend a lot of time second shooting/assisting my husband when he is shooting travel assignments’. I live in the small village of Pinkneys Green in the Berkshire countryside but I am originally from Dubrovnik, Croatia so I still spend a lot of time over there working. Our offices are in the village of Cookham but I am fairly lucky that my work takes me all over the world. 

What inspires you as a photographer?

Anything and everything inspires me really. Most of the best photographs I have taken I didn’t have a camera so I guess my memory and the drive to produce images that live up to what I have stored in my head are what inspires me most.

How long have been a photographer?

Roughly 5 years now

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

At home working on the interior of our house. I love interior design!! If I’m not at home the airport would probably be the best place to start.

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

Ansel Adams the Camera, the Negative and  the Print. These are a must for any photographer really wanting to master the skill required to take great images. After that I would be James Nachtwey’s Inferno

Best marketing idea? 
Do a good job. Nothing will beat that but getting your work published in magazines and blogs is a very close second.

Worst marketing idea?

Photography listing sites where you are one of 10,000. I won’t mention any names but I am sure all the photographers reading this have been contacted by at least some of them.  No one will ever find you even if they have the patience to troll through these mundanely boring sites.

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

We do have a studio but I don’t think it has really made that larger impact on our business.

What do you think makes a photographer successful?

Practice, hard work, patience, professionalism and above all great work.

What’s your weakness in this business?

Saying no and knowing when to stop working. It is possible to work too much and it will eventually harm your productivity.

Are you a Nikon or Canon?

Nikon & Leica but they are all boxes to capture light so the next question is more important to me.

and Lens?

50mm 1.4 leica or a 24-70mm 2.8 Nikon

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

A fashion designer most likely but I would love to be an interior designer too.

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

Don’t think of photography as a nine to five job. It’s a lifestyle and If you can cope with that you should be fine. 

Tell us your proudest moment of your career?

It hasn’t happened yet and until Magnum or VII ask me to join them I am going to have to go with the day my husband believed in my ability to let me go on shoots without him. It was a while ago now but I guess that would be it.

Here is where you can find Ines

http://twitter.com/source_girl
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Source-Images-Photography-wwwsource-imagescouk/140967442585015
Website http://www.source-images.co.uk/
Blog http://www.sourceimagesblog.co.uk/

Interview with Daniel Cadden Photography

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

 I live in Chorlton cum Hardy, one of Manchester’s vibrant southern suburbs with a very active arts scene and loads of great character. I do provide photographic services throughout the UK, but I’ve found I love nothing more than working with local businesses. Having clients on your doorstep makes it incredibly easy to build up relationships with them and when required, work closely with them. It’s also great for referrals. I undertake a wide range of photography, portrait, wedding and product photo shoots all being good staples.

What inspires you as a photographer?

 This is actually a tough question to answer because inspiration comes in a variety of ways. I like taking a clients brief and delivering something based upon it which is more interesting and captivating than the client originally expected. In portraiture I like bringing out peoples natural beauty and revealing in images selected facets of their personality. I like revealing in photographs beauty which is often completely overlooked in the natural course of our lives. And of course, if I see a beautiful landscape, building or sculpture of course I want to create an image which does it justice.

How long have been a photographer?

 I have been dabbling in photography for just over five years. I became a part-time professional photographer in early 2010 and just recently I’ve made it a full time venture.

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

I can be found working on my other venture (an business internet and media company), exploring the countryside on my bike or spending time with friends and family.

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

 I’ve recently read Maria Piscopo’s “The Photographers Guide to Marketing and Self-Promotion” and also a few of the small guides from Oliver Cameron.

Best marketing idea? 

Twitter! It’s a great tool for interacting with other local businesses and for promoting the brand.

Worst marketing idea?

Twitter! It’s so easy to lose hours reading through tweets and their related material!

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

No and No. It’s easy enough to hire a studio as and when required. That said, I’m sure having my own studio would prove to be more convenient and change my approach to marketing. It would definitely change the shape of my business but I believe the overheads involved make it unviable just now.

What do you think makes a photographer successful?

Confidence, drive, ambition and good prioritisation.

What’s your weakness in this business?

Marketing. With my base in Manchester, there are many outfits offering photographic services and that makes distinguishing yourself from the competition quite the challenge.

Are you a Nikon or Canon?

Seriously? I’m a Nikon user!

and Lens?

My favourite lens is the one attached to my camera! It’s no use snuffling around in your kit bag when you are in the moment and by the time you’ve fitted your preferred lens the moment is gone. My favourite lens is the lens that gets the best results and that depends on the brief and the occasion. I enjoy shooting in low light situations, so I tend to favour lenses with larger apertures. I also enjoy the challenge of composition with a prime lens. Countless times though I’ve been thankful for having a long zoom and also having VR, so I guess my real favourite if you had to push me is my 70-200 f2.8 VR.

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

I honestly have no idea! I like the freedom of being self employed and I like being able to work directly with clients so whatever I did would have to lend itself to those two requirements.

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

Take your time. Learn and read as much as you can before you jump in.

Tell us your proudest moment of your career?

My first paid portrait shoot.. with a group of 7 teenage girls! I thought I’d bitten off more than I could chew, but when I look back at the results they please me no end.

My contact details are:

Website: http://www.danielcaddenphotography.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/DanielCaddenTog  

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Daniel-Cadden-Photography/114354728600818

Better Writing for Photographers - Circus Circus

This is one of those times that I almost don’t want to share something I’ve found...

I don’t find writing easy, I usually spend a lot of time agonising over what I’m going to put on my business website and then keep it very brief and generic – where as here on Photographers Boutique I have a habit of waffling on and on...

I recently came to a decision about my own business.  I get married later this year (have I mentioned that lately?) and know that I’ll be changing my name, so thought perhaps now is the time to work on something new.  But where to start? 

I came to the conclusion that I needed to re-brand my website and have a clearer idea of what I wanted.  So I began reading marketing books, visiting Flourish (a favourite), finding out all I could about rebranding and thinking about how I wanted to be seen.

Now the main problem as I mentioned was the actual writing on my site – how to make it sound interesting and sincere, and that’s where Brand Camp Blog & their book “Circus Circus” comes in.
“Circus Circus” is a brilliant workbook on how to write better for your business.

I was introduced to Brand Camp Blog “Circus Circus” and  by Easy as Pie on the site Served Up Fresh – the pricing guide by Alicia Cane (another great buy if you’re struggling with your pricing) – to be honest I didn’t really take too much notice of it.  It was just another way that I was going to have to part with money and would I see the benefit? 

However I visited Brand Camp Blog - run by successful Photographer Kristen Kalp, and discovered that she has the brilliant idea of giving away the first chapter to entice you into buying it – and be warned it certainly works. 

Basically the first chapter works on your manifesto – what you’re all about.  So I worked on my manifesto and at the end of it came up with something which is very me. I didn’t take me too long, and I enjoyed the process Kristen took me through.  I’m not sure I will call it a manifesto as it sounds a little too grand but it helped me clarify what my photography is about.

Anyway suffice it to say that I bought the rest of the book...

I printed it off and went through it methodically, and at the end of it I had some writing that was most definitely “me”.  Now, it might need some tweaking in future but fundamentally it has helped me express what is different about me and what I have to offer.  I have written all those bits on my site that tend to sound dull and generic.  You know the bits where I tell you that I picked up a camera at the age of 5 and that I love kids....arghhhh my worst nightmare!

Kristen, has an English & education degree, and has a wonderful way of taking you through the writing process with the right amount of examples of how she’s done it and encouragement to think it through yourself.  She holds your hand throughout your work and because the language she uses is entertaining and funny, it isn’t like reading the usual business books.

It asks you to think about yourself and what you have to offer without comparing yourself to others. So no peaking at other photographers’ websites!

I really hope that I’ve done justice to the book, but the only way to actually find out for yourself, is to have a read.  I’m glad I did and I think its going to help my new site.

You can find out more about Brand Camp Blog here and I believe there is a giveaway at the moment if you join her facebook page (Oh how I wish I had seen this myself before buying it at full price)

PS Going back to her blog there are a number of other free resources and ebooks available on the site – you can sign up for all sorts of help – something I have done myself... the only problem is she might actually be worried that I’m stalking her...

(Small print: Just in case anyone is worried I have been paid to write this – I haven’t, it just so happens that it’s really good and if you are bothered by my use of the word “brilliant” – at last count used 17 times – deal with it...)

Interview with Mark Osborne Photograph​y

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

 I'm primarily an events photographer covering weddings, parties and anything else in between! I have some experience shooting portraits and is something that I'd be interested in doing more of. I live and work in central London but I'm more than willing to travel further afield to cover an event

What inspires you as a photographer?

 Observing the world around me is pretty inspirational; I often find inspiration in the most unlikely of places. Living in a fast paced city such as London, it's very easy to get swept away in all the craziness; it's really nice to sometimes slow down and just observe. I think this helps in training your eye to anticipate events and be able to capture those fraction of a second moments. I also love watching films which are another great way to get inspired.

How long have been a photographer?

 I've always had a keen interest in photography and I'm purely self taught. I started out by taking photos at various family events for a number of years. This lead on to a few friends and family members asking me if I would photograph their weddings, which I offered to do. Then early last year I thought I would do this properly, so set up my website and started working on my business. I'm therefore in the early stages of being a professional photographer.

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

When I'm not behind the lens or in front of the computer screen, you might find me in the gym, spending time with my girlfriend, or out for a meal with friends.

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

A great book for business is The Complete Guide to Professional Wedding Photography by Damien Lovegrove. He goes into great depth about business techniques as well as covering the practical side of photography. There are also lots of great website out there full of business tips. http://www.zenologue.com/blog/ is an excellent example.

Best marketing idea? 

Networking is a great way to get yourself known. You might be thinking why would I want to meet other people who are all competing for the same type of work, and how is that good for my business? Well through the power of social networking (Facebook/twitter) I'm now in contact with lots of photographers who have referred me onto potential clients when they cannot cover a particular date. Word of mouth and referrals are a great way of marketing yourself. Once you have booked that client, and if you do a great job, they might then refer you onto their family members/ friends.

Worst marketing idea?

 Getting into the trap of saying yes to everything and then not being able to deliver.

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 moment, but it might be something I would consider in the future. In an ideal world it would be great to have one as I find that I'm more motivated when working outside the office!

What do you think makes a photographer successful?

 I think being different from the competition and offering something distinctive would help to make a photographer successful. Things like being professional at all times, pleasing your clients and delivering a good service also go hand in hand with a successful business.

What’s your weakness in this business?

 I think pricing is something that is always a problematic area and something that I certainly struggle with; its hard to price yourself correctly and at a level that you are comfortable with.

Are you a Nikon or Canon?

I use a Canon 5D mkII

and Lens?

I prefer shooting with natural light and so have a selection of fast prime lenses which tend to be sharper than zooms and are very useful in low light situations. My favourites are the 35mm f/1.4L, 50mm f/1.2L and the 85mm f1.2L

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

 I've dabbled in bedroom DJing, so I guess I would love to be a DJ, playing in front of a large crowd!

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

 If you're starting out in the photo business, try not to compare yourself to everyone else. It's a very hard thing to do and I've done it myself. But it's important to develop your style so you are comfortable shooting in a certain way.

Tell us your proudest moment of your career?

Pleasing my clients make me proud, because if they're happy, I'm happy!

You can find Mark here:

http://www.markosbornephotography.com/

www.twitter.com/markmaker

www.facebook.com/pages/Mark-Osborne-Photography/112780608797769