How I make our shoots stress-free, efficient and fun.

The secret? Pre-production. It happens before I get there.

Recce. Game-changer.

During planning, I ALWAYS push for a location recce. We walk the spaces and discuss shot options so I can see, ahead of time, how I’ll bring the most impact to the images. Following the recce I’ll share a deck presenting each location I’d recommend and what we’ll be capturing.

Schedule. Discipline = freedom - Jocko Willink

By locking down our shoot schedule we not only have a defined order of the day, we allow for freedom. Freedom to explore and play outside of the brief. Yes we’ll have allocated time for people and place, but I’ll also factor in breathing room for trying spontaneous ideas in the flow of the day, or cut things short if it’s not working and time would be better spent elsewhere. I want to be respectful of people’s time and their patience, while ensuring quality images.

Shotlist

Your brief might be something like, “I need 6 hero images for website headers, 10 lifestyle images showing business culture and 5 environmental portraits.” In knowing this I can align our schedule with a shotlist to a) make sure we’re covering the requirements b) assign subjects to each shot so you’re comfortable with who and what is featuring in your homepage image.

Management. I drive.

A large part of my job is making sure we’re getting what we need. The pressure is on me to push and pull what’s happening on the day to bring the shoot together. I don’t just show up with a camera. I’m a partner in your business for the duration of the project to bring your ideas and brief to life.

My legs are kicking non-stop under the surface to deliver an impactful image library. My experience and jolly demeanour makes this happen 😃 .

My 3 steps for getting younger subjects to trust me

STEP 1: Brief

Initially I’ll give them a tight brief. Specific instructions to take any performance out of the situation. I’ll literally put them into positions.

STEP 2: Involvement

I shoot tethered. I take a shot, it comes up on my laptop screen. Once I’ve shot a few frames, I’ll have them come take a look. In that moment, the usual reaction is something like “Oh, that’s not as bad as I thought it would be.” THIS IS A COMPLIMENT and all too common. They’re not talking about the overall quality of the image, they’re talking about themselves. Translated it’s more like “I’m surprised I like how I look here, my confidence has grown.”

STEP 3: Freedom - Trust Initiated

In that moment, they see where things are going and I give them freedom to explore. And let me tell you, they’re not short of ideas and it makes for better images. We’re collaborating now. We’re on the same team and everyone’s a winner.

Take this image of Ron in the sports hall at Leeds Trinity University. Initially I set up for Ron holding a basketball under her arm. We took the shot, she had a look, then presented an arsenal of ball skills.

Brief + Involvement + Freedom = Trust and Better Images.

When they see I’ve got nothing to hide and I care what they think, they know I’m on their side. 

3 things I work through when making a portrait

1. Composition
2. Lighting
3. Pose

I have a blueprint developed for Composing and Lighting, but Posing is a different kind of variable.

The nuance of posing a subject can not be overstated. The subtle drop of the chin, shifting weight, lowering a back shoulder, creating shape with arms/legs. Nuance!

My environmental portraits are posed portraits. With respect, I manipulate my subjects into positions that compliment and set a tone. Once set, I’ll relax them into place with a few verbal cues that work for my preferred style of expression “proud, confident, warmth.”

Because I know what I’m looking for, I’ll sometimes photograph myself in the pose before they arrive so they see what I mean. Like this one.

My subjects want to look 'good'. They want to be confident in the photographer. I take pride in that responsibility because we want the same thing.

Catalysing Growth: 3 Transformative Business Shifts Over the Last 3 Months

In the dynamic world of business, adaptability and innovation are the lifeblood of success. Over the past three months, I've embarked on a journey that has reshaped my approach to entrepreneurship and transformed my business landscape. In this blog post, I'm excited to share three key shifts that have been instrumental in propelling my business forward.

1. Biweekly Video Calls with a 'Competitor': Accelerating Learning through Collaboration

The notion of collaborating with a competitor might sound counterintuitive, but let me assure you – it's a game-changer. I've had the privilege of engaging in biweekly video calls with a fellow entrepreneur who operates in a similar niche. Our shared trajectory and commitment to growth have fostered an environment of mutual learning and rapid adaptation.

This collaboration isn't about divulging trade secrets or undermining each other's success. Instead, it's about harnessing the power of collective knowledge. By openly sharing experiences, insights, and strategies, we've effectively compressed the learning curve. It's like learning and adapting at twice the speed. This partnership has not only enriched my perspective but has also led to innovative ideas and approaches that I might not have stumbled upon otherwise.

2. Retainer Contracts: Nurturing Long-Term Partnerships for Lasting Impact

"Play long-term games with long-term people," the words of Naval Ravikant ring true in the realm of business relationships. While one-off projects can yield immediate results, I've come to appreciate the profound impact of long-term commitments. Embracing retainer contracts has transformed my role from a fleeting contributor to an invested strategic partner.

The value of these extended partnerships extends far beyond financial gains. As a strategic partner, I become deeply attuned to my clients' goals, challenges, and aspirations. This newfound intimacy allows me to craft solutions that resonate on a profound level, driving meaningful and sustainable growth. The trust that flourishes within these relationships empowers me to take risks, explore innovative avenues, and ultimately contribute to my clients' enduring success.

3. Investing Back into the Business: Fueling Momentum through Continuous Improvement

As entrepreneurs, we often celebrate the euphoria of watching our business accounts flourish. Yet, I've discovered that the real magic happens when we channel these gains back into our business. Reinvesting in skills and equipment has proven to be an invaluable catalyst for momentum and expansion.

The journey of business growth is akin to climbing a mountain – each learned skill is a foothold that propels us closer to the summit. By dedicating time and resources to mastering new processes, I've unlocked doors to heightened efficiency, enhanced quality, and enriched customer experiences. One small but learned process can set off a chain reaction that transforms the way I operate, setting the stage for growth.

In Conclusion: A Call for Shared Insights

As my business undergoes these transformative shifts, I'm eager to hear from fellow business owners. Have you cultivated a collaborative relationship with a competitor or peer? What shifts have you witnessed in your business landscape over the past three months? In this era of rapid change, our collective experiences serve as a wellspring of inspiration and wisdom. Let's come together to foster a culture of innovation, adaptability, and growth.

A love affair with gritty British industrial locations

There’s no hiding it, I’ve got a love affair with gritty British industrial locations. From timber processing, to suede tanning and now slate mining, I gravitate towards crafts and processes that haven’t changed much over the years.

Honister Slate is a collection of portraits and reportage images in partnership with The Honister Slate Mine. Pren and Lauren at Honister kindly granted me access to their slate workshop and working mine. I even had the opportunity to experience a ‘blast’ - harvesting material using explosives. A surreal and unique moment.

Our shoot landed on the hottest week on record. Luckily for us, driving deep into the mine gave us respite from the baking heat, where it remains a consistent 10C all year round.

Having a camera in your hand is like a passport. A passport to a destination where most don’t get to go. Meeting people who most don’t get to know. That’s what attracts me to these places. It’s the unseen and showcasing the people and places with the respect they deserve.

I’ll keep following these curiosities. Perhaps a juxtaposition with ‘modern industry’. What motivates me is my ambition to present things differently with my eye and techniques, my storytelling. Annie Leibovitz explained this beautifully - her inner driving force. “I’m interested in what I see, and I’m interested in the way I see it.”

Please check out the full collection of images here.