Client N - photo restoration

BACKGROUND:

I have been networking for a year now and know that I do not make the most of this - yet. This is because I need to concentrate on my studies. The reason for networking is to get enough work to cover the costs of networking and in the meantime make sure people know and trust me and I will turn up the dial once I have graduated.

However, as Christmas is approaching I thought about parts of what I offer and how to get people to engage with me, spend their money with me and continue to develop my business.

I have often shown a selection of images that I have restored and suggesting that they look out for precious images as they go home over Christmas and see if there are any images that need saving and repairing.

SITUATION:

Client found a couple of images of his grandfather and great grandfather and asked if I could restore them.

PROCESS:

I spent a very pleasant hour or so scanning and restoring these images.

INVOICE AND DELIVERY:

I will not be seeing my client until early new year so I will prepare the invoice, a print and also burn the images to CD so he can use them online ready for when I see him.

IMAGES:

Before restoration

After restoration

I still need to do some work on these as they are not quite right yet - but there is not much more to do.

Reflection:
I realised as I was doing this work that whilst I have the results of some of my previous restorations on my website I have not included how much I charge for this service. I have now updated my website.

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Client M - Photo Book

BACKGROUND:

I have been networking for a year now and know that I do not make the most of this - yet. This is because I need to concentrate on my studies. The reason for networking is to get enough work to cover the costs of networking and in the meantime make sure people know and trust me and I will turn up the dial once I have graduated.

However, as Christmas is approaching I thought about parts of what I offer and how to get people to engage with me, spend their money with me and continue to develop my business.

I have produced many books in the past and really enjoy doing that and so have been encouraging my networking buddies to think about a photo book as a gift idea. I generated a lot more interest when I took the book I had created for Mum for Mother's Day this year - suddenly they could see what I meant.

SITUATION:

Client's parents have just celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary and she had been to see them and stolen all their photographs and photo albums. The book is needed for early January when the family will next be all together - or Christmas if deadlines allow - but not essential.

PROCESS:

I had an initial meeting with the client where we went through all the images she wanted to see in the book - this was a selection of images on a memory stick, photographs stuck into an album and loose photographs in a jiffy bag. I noted all requirements and used post-it notes to show which were required. We discussed the size and style of the finished book and the time scale. I was also going to be sent some high-res images of the anniversary cake from the cake designer.

I began by scanning all the images and making a note of the time this took. as I charge by the 15 mins for this service. The client had asked for all images scanned to also be available on a memory stick once completed.

When I had all the images I prepared a contact sheet so I could monitor where I was with the project and began creating the pages and telling the story she had told me.

 RESULTS:

I got the book created surprisingly quickly. I prepared a quote based on the time each part of the process had taken to make sure the client was OK with the cost of the book before I hit the print book button on the Blurb website. She was more than happy with the costs and so I hit send on the book and hoped it would arrive before Christmas.

INVOICE AND DELIVERY:
Book arrived on 19th December (9 days before the expected delivery date) and I had a meeting with the client on 22nd December where I handed over my invoice, the book, the photo album, the jiffy bag of photographs and the new memory stick with the scanned images on.

BOOK:

Reflection:
I realised as I was completing this project that I had not added this service on my website. I have now updated it.

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Bowens

Lighting kits come in many guises. But if you want the best that will not fall apart after being used half a dozen times then you'll need a Bowens lighting kit.

Having borrowed a lighting kit a good few times I would agree with this. However you also need to go onto some sort of fitness programme to be able to lug the coffin sized bag on wheels around. Also my car is too small to fit it, and an assistant, in! I therefore strive to find something as good but lightweight. The Bowens kit comes out only when I need the big guns.

Images look so much better when they have been taken using good lighting that has been carefully thought through. People also respond favourably to images that have clearly had time taken over their construction.

I have always hated the messing about that some with all the extra kit, the time taken to plug in, screw together, unpack it all. I usually need to capture images in a hurry, and if you are on the clock with a client then you need something that is light, easy, fast and not in their way. However when time is not the issue then there is nothing better than getting the kit out and setting it up and impressing the client.

I am becoming a convert to the whole strobist way of working. It is also presenting me with a challenge which has to be a good thing. I am currently experimenting with flash guns and cold light as these present to me a lightweight way to carry three lights.

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Erik Knudsen

Took notes and reflected.

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Retail

My work is now available for sale in a local shop in Ashby de la Zouch on The Green (opposite the Bowling Green pub).

Locally Green is a new venture offering a retail outlet for local artists. It occupies the shop that was formally called Fair 2 All on North Street.

I took some of my prints, canvasses and greetings cards in for them to display for sale ready for the Ashby Christmas Fair on 3rd December when and the whole of Market Street is closed and everyone is in festive holiday mood.

Will pop into the shop on Monday to see how today has gone and also see if there are things I need to do to my products to ensure they are doing their best to get sold.

Reflection:
In my haste I may have not prepared my images in the best way. Mostly I gave her mounted prints and I think I need to ensure they are wrapped in cellophane to protect them. I also think I need to say what they are on the back. I have put my business stickers on the back of each mount so people know they are mine- but some of them are images of somewhere and I think I need to say that.
The photography really is the easiest part of this work. I seem to spend a lot of my time considering packaging and buying things to protect my work - things that will ultimately be thrown away. I hate it when supermarkets over package things because all you do is throw it away. But I do need to protect my work so that I remains sellable.
My discussions on Monday will resolve this.

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Kindle

No this isn't a list for Santa.

The book by Nick Corbett which features my photography on the cover is now available on Amazon -- at the moment it is the Kindle edition only. But there it sits with my image on the cover. Wont be long now until the hardback and paperback versions become available.

Very chuffed.

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White gloves

Always wear white gloves when:

• handling prints
• mounting and framing images
• preparing a portfolio
• manhandling images into archive slips to be stored in clam boxes.

What is also important is to wear white gloves when handling products when you are shooting them. This not only reduces the amount of dust on the product but makes sure none of your finger prints are transferred onto the product. These will spoil your beautiful image and require lots of  photoshop work to remove the marks.

White Archive Gloves - essential for any photographer

Bought myself a pair today!

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Now it's December

SAY CHEESE ...

It's December - It's official.

This means that now I am going to start marketing my Camera Appreciation Gift Cards with avengence to help people who are having difficulty finding a suitable gift for someone who is interested in photography.

Gift Card

I have organised to attend 7 networking meetings in the next few weeks and will be explaining what I can do for people who want that 1-2-1 attention when learning to get the best out of their camera.

The Card it presented in a plastic card holder and in the holder on the reverse is a booklet explaining to the recipient of the gift card what happens next.

Booklet

To find out where I will be visit my website events page.

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Studio

a brief history 

(from what I remember)

Background:

Adrian Heapy Studio, Belper. 8,000 sq ft studio in the centre of Belper offering two studios, one which is large enough for room sets to be built in. They do product shots - jewellery, food and furniture - as well as location portraits. Adrian started in photography at 16 whilst working in a bar in Spain then moved into press photography when returning to UK. His client come from all over the UK and come to him for his ability to turn their investment in him to capture their products into an enormous return on investment.

Equipment:

It seems to me that Adrian either uses equipment he has had for years because he likes the results he gets from them and how to fix them and to keep them going right across to brand new equipment to keep him up to date and on top of the developments in the industry. Kieron has a thorough understanding of photoshop and how to finish the images. 

Workflow:

Workflow is logical and precise and it is essential that an excellent and well followed routine for backing up work and client information is established. To burn everything to 2 CDs and have one on site and the other safely stored off-site is an excellent and well thought out system to accomplish this.

Photoshop:

It is clear that the work produced by the studio would not be suitable for clients without the judicious intervention from photoshop. Adrian even leaves items messy on the set knowing that it will be easily spotted and rectified in photoshop.

Portfolio:

It is essential for a photographer to have examples of his work. It is very difficult to get clients to offer copies of brochures and leaflets that your work appears in but it is essential that you have them so that you can show off your work to future clients visiting students!  

Clients:

They are fickle but they trust you. You need to keep them on track but be willing to bend and adjust as their ideas and requirements form. This can slow down a job and can sometimes means one can be cancelled. Some clients can go bust in the time you are working for them - you need to protect yourself from this with insurance, credit checks and common sense. Some clients will ask for test shots and then use them even though they are tests. You need to have a keen eye for your own work to ensure that it is not misused. Keen sense of copyright issues, clear instructions regarding infringements of use should be on your website and you should also have a good solicitor that understands the law relating to this. Copyright remains a mess and difficult to understand but a good solicitor will be able to help.

(I am not going to recount some of the stories Adrian told us as this is a public blog and I do not want to get him into trouble - I have therefore described things in general terms without specifics).

Roomsets:

It seems to me that being a photographer in this particular studio is the smallest part of what you need to be and do. Chippy, plumber, electrician, painter and decorator, project manager, an A-Z knowledge of local businesses to call upon, accountant, financial advisor, DIY store, builder, creative.

Reflection:
In a way this type of large scale photography might put some people off (I do hope so) but for me I find that exciting. Knowing that photography will mean I can be creative in so many other areas is very exciting to me. I do not want to do the type of work that Adrian does but I do know I am creative in the way I deal with people, generate ideas, deliver ideas and complete projects - and sometimes this all happens without touching a camera.
I was amazed that in creating all the photography for the cookbook Adrian and his team had to buy and cook all the recipes. I had assumed that the client would have turned up with all this themselves! This has intrigued me.
I picked up some many ideas from this visit I am starting a new note book just to get them all written down.
I had a lot of my business ideas and thoughts reinforced by Adrian. I know how important it is to deal with clients in a way that means they will come back for more; I know that you need money before you hand over images (I have learnt that the hard way); I know that I need to protect myself with knowledge about the law and also insurance; I know that I have to charge at a level that means I can survive and also continue to grow; I know that whatever I do this has to be fun and enjoyable.

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Product Studio

Very interesting to see the hasselblad being used for a simple product shot:

"Sledge hammer to crack a nut"

Sledgehammer

Because the H4D was new to the studio it was being used for this test shot. Was fascinated by the set-up and use of the black cards to reduce the amount of light hitting the sides of the product.

Black card

I have used this technique on a photograph I took in the studio a year or so ago.

Black boards were used either side of her face

I have finally received a quote for the adaptations to my product table so I will be able to experiment with this over the Christmas so it was interesting to see how this studio set it up.

Studio set up

Love the idea of having the light directly above - very simple. Most useful piece of advice given in relation to lighting is to start with one light and sort it out because then you know what you are dealing with and what you adjustments are doing to the final image. Do not start complicated.

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Clients

Older and wiser

Being self employed means you can be choosey. Do you say YES to every offer of work? Do you choose your clients with care because you trust them to pay you? Do you work with people you like?

Balance that with the need to earn money. Do you say yes to everything because you need the money? Do you lose your creativity? Do you spread yourself too thin?

Accept every offer:

I already choose who I want to work with - I do not accept every offer of work. I do create ideas and products and services to encourage people to spend money with me. This way I can control my working day and have fun and can specialise and keep on top of my work.

Credit Checks:

How do you make sure your clients can pay - there are company registers and if your client is about to spend thousands of pounds with you and you have never heard of them before then it is wise to check their credit rating. 

Fun:

You do not have to work with people just because they offer you work. You can choose the fun stuff. You can choose the nice people to work with.

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Shadows

Interesting chat with Kieron who described how he handles the workflow of images from the studio - particularly when shooting (tethered) products. Was very interested to see how he uses cutting paths and his meticulous attention to detail. He mentioned that he is updating the website to educate clients about what to expect and what parts of the work cost money and why and showing examples.

screen grab will follow - as web page is being created

The camera is not as effective as the eye and sees white as 18% grey - this means that product shots that need to go onto a white background need work. The web page explains this and is key to their jewellry work. Had a look through some of the catalogues of products that Adrian has created and I was intrigued by the way they had dealt with the shadows on some images and then not on others.

Reflection:

Cutting Paths - Feel I need some advice and guidance about how to do this effectively. Have looked online for information - but feel I need a human being to teach me this one. Have asked Lance for help.

Jewellry - I recently received a catalogue for silver jewellry and can see that the photographer/designer has used the same concepts and ideas that Kieron discussed.

Brochures - I know that now when I see a photograph in an advertisement I will be looking at how they have lit it, how they have dealt with the shadows and how clean and neat they are.

For example I have noticed an issue with this image of Adrian's:

Have some concerns with the skirting and shadows

The skirting board does not appear on the left of the bed but it is there along with a white edge under the wallpaper on the right. There is a shadow from the right as well as the shadows formed by the window on the left.

I appreciate that the products HAVE to be well lit so I understand some of this - but the skirting is odd.

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Continuous Tungsten Lighting

Adrian sparked a discussion about lighting when he talked about his tungsten lights and how he hates flash and the word 'strobist'.

Thinking about this I decided the following:

Pros:  

• Can see where the shadows are and ensure they fall exactly where you want them.
• Offers a natural looking light.
• They were cheap when purchased - rescued from a film studio.

Massively hot

Cons:

• Very hot, uncomfortable for models.
• Uses lots of electricity.
• Might need long exposures - which is difficult for models.

With all lighting (and in fact any area of photography) you prefer what you are used to, because you develop experience, knowledge and skills with that piece of kit.

The lesson learned has to be buy your kit, experiment with your kit, get used to the results, develop a style that is all your own.

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Client L - Training

BACKGROUND:

I have been networking for a year now and know that I do not make the most of this - yet. This is because I need to concentrate on my studies. The reason for networking is to get enough work to cover the costs of networking and in the meantime make sure people know and trust me and I will turn up the dial once I have graduated.

However, as Christmas is approaching I thought about parts of what I offer and how to get people to engage with me, spend their money with me and continue to develop my business.

I produced the 'Gift Voucher' to encourage people to buy them for their family and friends as a Christmas gift. The route to creating these can be found here and here. I have already started selling them and last week I delivered an hour of training to someone I network with.

SITUATION:

Client is an interior designer and needs to photograph her work as she finishes a room so that it can be used on her website, in print, in brochures etc. It is not feasible to revisit with a photographer. She has a camera and did photography as part of her GCSE in Art, so has some knowledge.

TRAINING:

I usually ask what type of camera a person has so that I can familiarise myself with its buttons before I arrive, but I didn't with this client and was surprised to get my hands on a Nikon D200. My first time with a Nikon. She had shown me some of her images and I realised there was something not quite right with the camera. I discovered that although the camera was set to auto it was not actually doing things automatically which explained the problems with the shots she had taken.

After reading an online manual for the camera I figured out how to set it to fully automatic. At least now the camera will be helping her.

I then talked about how the camera focuses and what the lights and information seen in the viewfinder means and how she needs to make use of that. I reminded her about composition, the rule of thirds, depth of field. It was all slowly beginning to come back to her.

RESULTS:

We did not have time during the hour to take any photographs as it was dark and she does not have a flash. She did feel more confident about using it and getting results.

I grabbed a quick shot of Daisy

A day or so later she had taken her delightful dog - Daisy for a walk at Chatsworth and took her camera too and this appeared on Twitter:

"If you want any photography lessons
@PhotoJoanne is amazing...

I can already tell the difference :)".

FUTURE:

We have decided that another hour is going to be necessary once she is more confident to ensure she captures a room effectively and thinks about light, reflections and composition.

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Client K - Author

Brief:

This brief has two parts 1 - images suitable for a book cover and 2 - portrait. Cover - Summary of the chapters helped pin down my ideas. I captured a selection for use by the Designer who was creating the cover layout. When the Author called in to look at the cover designs took opportunity to captured head and shoulders shot for the dust jacket.

Set-up:

Cover: wanted to incorporate the 5 people referred to in the book and also get across some mystery and to have a feeling of being in a forest. Needed a good sunset or sun rise - only available time is Friday - rain forecast for whole week.

Portrait: simple head and shoulders shot in a studio setting. 

The Shoot:

Cover: Friday sun rise was the only time I have available. I used my 'little people' from my Small World project to represent the 5 characters in the book making sure I had 2 women and 3 men. After processing the images I think I have some interesting shots which I will be happy to pass to the designer for consideration.

Portrait: full studio set up - all lighting available. Tripod. Sync leads. Triggers. Fabulous. Brilliant to do this when in control of everything.

Invoice and Delivery:

No invoice as this is a favour for a friend. 

Cover: Low res images emailed 4 days before the deadline and high res versions delivered on disc the following business day.

Portrait: Images were delivered as promised: low res versions by email that evening to Author and Designer and high res versions on disc passed to Designer the following morning.

Issues:

Cover: Really enjoyed the sun rise images with the little people - I am very comfortable doing this and in my element. full on comfort zone stuff.

Portrait: using the studio kicked me outside my comfort zone and had to fight against rising panic. Kind words and tiny piece of advice really helped and I was OK after that. Had one issue with the camera as I was not using my own trusted 5D but using a borrowed 5D Mark II.

Feedback:

Author grateful. Designer able to create a suitable design. 

Mission accomplished.

Images:

Cover Image:

Portrait Image:

Finished Cover Design:

to follow

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Hasselblad

The Rolls Royce of cameras. It is often thought that Hasselblad is a German product but it is in fact Swedish.

The Apollo missions were given slightly Modified Hasselblads. They were given a much larger shutter button so that astronauts wearing large pressure suit gloves could capture an image.

The astronauts were given rudimentary instruction on how to use them and had little control. It is said that there are 12 Hasselblad bodies on the moon. They were left to ensure that the rocks from the moon could be carried home.

Anton Corbijn prefers to use a Leica and a Hasselblad using film rather than digital. "For a good picture I don't need all that information, striving towards perfection but not getting there is how I like to photograph". 

 

There was a Christies sale (Autumn 2011) of images taken with the Apollo mission Hasselblads. They were the original prints from the negatives that had come from the moon. Prices for these prints ranged from £200-£30,000 per print.

Hasselblad continue to make improvements to their equipment.

It continues to offer a Rolls Royce service to its customers and recently began an advertising campaign offering all Hasselblad registered users the chance to use their state of the art studio in London.

"I believe that if you buy a camera from us you should expect more than just a fantastic piece of equipment. These are difficult times for photographers. Costs are rising and work opportunities have seen a decline. The Hasselblad Studio gives professional photographers, serious amateurs and students a seriously viable, fully equipped studio option right in the middle of London, at highly discounted rates for registered Hasselblad users." 

Chris Russell-Fish Managing Director - Hasselblad UK Ltd.

Oh so there is a cost?

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Product Table modification

After trying out the Cold Light I have been in touch with an engineering friend to see if the product table can be modified. 

I have drawn up what I require and am meeting the engineer on Friday to discuss it and for him to find out what it is made of.

Quote excited about this as it means I will be able to start offering a mobile product photography service. I already have one client waiting for this and once I have some images to show others I can market this service more aggressively and more widely.

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First Sale

After producing my 'Camera Appreciation Cards' and beginning to market them at a number of network meetings - I have sold my first one.

SOLD

I have attached this card in a see-through wallet onto a leaflet and all of that in an envelope - this means that the person buying them can pass them on as a gift.

Leaflet currently looks like this - but I am developing this with my Graphic Designer because I think it can look much better.

Leaflet that gift card is attached to 

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Client fullfilment

A client recently had an issue with the CD I gave them with their images on. I work on PC and she has a mac. It seems that the way my PC formats the CD is not compatible with her mac. Now this could be the age of her mac but it is something I need to resolve. I realise this might be an issue in the future so I have been once again investigating the idea and cost-effectiveness of memory sticks. I want to make sure the sticks are branded.

There is a company that will etch or print your logo onto a memory stick. I got a quote for these. The smallest quantity is 25 sticks - bearing in mind VAT and delivery - a 2GB stick costs £8.15

I can buy a 2GB stick without my logo for £4.50-£5.25 each. However as I will be giving these away I want to make sure that people remember who has sent them the stick. I have been investigating ways of attaching tags to the stick and love this idea of attaching Moo mini-cards and my stickers to the stick. Here's where I got my inspiration from:

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Client J - New Bouncing Trainer

Brief:

My personal trainer has employed a new instructor to take her classes on weekday evenings as her business continues to build and grow. She asked me to go along to the Tuesday evening class and take portraits of her new instructor - Matt.

Set-up:

I needed to capture images of Matt taking a class. These will be used on her website and in publicity including press releases.

The Shoot:

This was great fun - as usual. It was 7.30-8pm so it was dark. Although the classes take place inside they are in a room where one wall completely opens - so I knew I could use flash and bounce it off the ceiling and/or wall knowing that the background would be black.

Invoice and Delivery:

I processed the most suitable images and sent my top three to her via email that evening. They were then all put onto a memory stick. We have had a problem with images on a CD. We think because her Mac does not like images formatted by a PC. The stick will be delivered when I next see her (on Monday). An invoice was prepared and converted to PDF and emailed with the top three images.

Issues:

The darkness was difficult to deal with and on one occasion the flash did not sync with camera - but the resulting image is so funny I have processed it for her - Matt looks like an angel. Travelling to the venue it was incredibly foggy - which made the journey much slower. Driving at night is not my favourite anymore and foggy dark rainy evenings are just a bit scary.

Feedback:

I really enjoyed this shoot. Feedback from client: "Thanks for the super fast turn around! Pics look awesome :-)"
Well that is the icing on the cake.

Images:

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Glass Products

Set up the product table to capture images of glass products using the light box as the underneath light and experimented with various setting on the Speedlite flash.

Whilst I find the effects with the colours and bands of grey etc very pleasing I do not think this is the best solution. I think I will need another light source that is more controllable than a light box. I will seek some advice and guidance on how to achieve a more bright and white background. On each of these images I have upped the brightness to a factor of 30 - otherwise they are straight out of the camera.

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Desktop Product Table

Whilst I was away in Paris FedEx tried to deliver a parcel. Fingers crossed it's the table top product studio.

Went over to Burntwood on way to a gig in Wolverhampton to collect it. It was in a surprisingly enormous box, thought this was going to portable and easy to carry.

Thankfully it was in a smaller box inside the huge box, I modified this box to create handles and make it easy to carry. I will be putting it through its paces on Wednesday when I will have an assistant to help and talk through ideas with.

Product table set up using a light box to illuminate the underneath

As I only have one speedlite flash and I need that to create shadows and light on the surface of the products, I decided to think about a different source of light for underneath the product table thereby illuminating the products on the table in a pleasing way - in particularly the glass. I used my light box to provide a soft even light.

I had tried a spot light earlier in the week but this only produced a very narrow point of light and not what I was after.

Whilst amusing the spot light was not suitable for illuminating the underneath of the table

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Marketing

Following on from my blog about my 'marketing idea' this weekend I have been creating the Gift Card after speaking to my Graphic Designer.
I want to start promoting this service in preparation for Christmas. I need the card to be available from this week and so it needed producing this weekend so it will be ready for a meeting on Thursday. I will be selling this at my network meetings over the next 6 weeks.

Please see Camera Appreciation for more information.

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Epic fail

At last something I wanted to do that didn't work. This is great because I have learnt so much from it. I now have a better idea of where I want to go with this idea and will think through how best to achieve what I want.

The set up I wanted was an over-exposed image of two hands. What I got was beautifully sharp images of two hands. The reason for it failing was due to light - a dull and rainy day and the light was fading when my models were available. This meant I was unable to get the bright light behind their hands.

Looking through the images again I shouldn't be quite so disappointed. There is potential with the images I captured. I might be tempted to try a few tweaks in photoshop and see what I can do before I organise a reshoot with my models and get what I had in mind.

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Influences

I have been spending time considering where my creative influences flow from:

Architecture - Stirling Prize

Photographers - Corbijn

Art - Rothko

Fauvism

Photographers - Paolo

Modernism

Photographers - Carl

Art

Follow the links to find out more

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Models

Today I shot Rheanne.

We had beautiful weather and a wood close to her house to explore. I went out with these images in my head: 

I am not sure who the artists are because I am using a new piece of software to view some downloaded images, lectures and papers and I cannot quite work out how it references the work.

I spent an hour in the woods setting up 4 different settings, using two different lenses (24-105mm and 50mm f1.8) along with flash and reflector as necessary. Captured the following:

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Client I - Personal Trainer

Brief:

My personal trainer often updates her website with training and instructional videos. She asked me for a suitable location in the Moira area for her to shot the video. I gave her a list of many - one of which was Moira Furnace - which is the one she chose.

Set-up:

I needed to capture images of her for use on her website along with images of her being filmed to be used on the DVD packing and also on the website.

The Shoot:

This was great fun. The weather was flat and grey - perfect for me but not the video maker.

Invoice and Delivery:

The most suitable images have been processed and burned to CD and posted to her along with an invoice and a covering letter. In the covering letter I send to my clients I explain the license and usage of the images along with copyright and what they are paying for.

Issues:

The CD had somehow corrupted itself and so she was unable to use the images. I burned the images instead to a DVD. I find DVDs to be less flaky.

Feedback:

I really enjoyed this shoot and am hoping to do even more for her in the future. She loves the images and is already using them on her website.

Images:

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Products and props

Whilst speaking to my client about the glass bottles of oil that I will be photographing soon I suggested that we use props to enhance the image. For example: if we are photographing a bottle of lavender oil then we should also have a sprig of lavender alongside it.

To this end I thought I would have a look at what other photographers say about using fresh herbs/plants in product shots. Here's a review from the natural beauty workshop:

"Using fresh ingredients such as herbs, plants, fruits as props can easily enhance product photos. Make sure to pick your props carefully, looking for the freshest, most brightly coloured specimens, being careful to avoid any bruised or over ripened fruits.
Make sure to keep your fresh props well stored if not used straight away. They can be rejuvenated prior to the shoot by being dipped in a quick bath of cool water. Allow any leaves or steams to soak up plenty of water before removing them. Drain on a clean towel and gently dab to dry. This will also help the fruits and greenery to appear as fresh and colourful as possible."

Found a product photography studio based in Cumbria - 2nd Image Photography. I particularly like this delightful image captured for the Sedburgh Soap Company.

I like that they haven't gone for a high key finish on this shot probably because of one of the products is white. The shadows add something and reinforce the vertical positioning of the soap. The droplets of water are a touch of genius - after all you only use soap with water. I like this style.

Here it is being used in the company brochure:

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Leads - product and at work shots

Have made plans to work with Vibrant Life Aromatherapy to provide them with a set of stock images for use on their website, on printed materials, in presentations and for business cards.

The set of images will include:

• product shots of oils
• oil preparation
• oil use
• treatments
• equipment
• people

This will provide me with a good photography workout as I will be using many different skills and techniques. We will be getting together within the next month to work on these ideas. I will be buying a desktop product table to photograph the oils in glass bowls and bottles.

Calumet Desktop Product Table £56

To assist in producing images similar to these:

When it arrives I shall start practising.

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Philanthropy

My very dear friend lost her brother last week. To honour his memory and the struggles he had in life she is planning on setting up a group that offers art to people with mental health issues.

Her brother got a lot out of producing his art and poems and so she wants to do this in his memory. I will be helping her with this.

It is very much at the ideas stage at the moment and there is a lot of work that needs doing to see how it is going to work and what form it takes. I will be involved with it as much or as little as she requires. But I can see this as being a truly rewarding project even if my involvement is limited to making tea and tidying up.

Whatever I do it will be an honour to be involved.

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Tilt and Shift

Have started experimenting - see here.

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Leads - products - jewellry

At a network meeting on Wednesday evening I found an artist whose ideology, passion and products where of interest to me. We discussed ways of working together. She is preparing a funding package and needs shots for it but I cannot help her with this urgent project but we have made plans for the future.

Anna is a contemporary jeweller creating beauty out of recycled plastic bags and cans. She has won numerous awards and recently returned to the UK to launch new products.

Anna displays her work at The Making House where she runs workshops and offers gallery space. I am very interested in this as I would like to find a way of exhibiting my work and so will make every effort to visit her with an artist friend of mine to find out more.

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Model

Went to see my fashion model today to check her availability. We have planned a shoot during her week off school. I now need to find out when my make up artist friend is available that week and we can go and shoot and have some fun.

I am really looking forward to it, and so is the model, even though she is a little nervous.

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Client G - bouncing children

Brief:
Local fitness trainer, that I meet at network meetings, held a Bounce-a-thon at a school in Loughborough. She asked if I would pop along for half an hour to capture her and the children at the end of the event. These images will be used by her PR company to accompany a press release. As well as on her website to show her diversity.
Set-up:

Had wrongly assumed that they would be outside - but they were in the school Assembly Hall. Good job I took camera bag with ALL equipment.

The Shoot:

This was great fun. My client had organised model release forms as she needed parental consent. Once the children had been identified I could photograph those children only.

Invoice and Delivery:

The most suitable images have been processed and burned to CD ready to be delivered. I have emailed some that will be suitable to accompany the press release and she will choose her favourite. Client paid on the day.

Issues:

The light was awful in the Assembly Hall and as the room was big I had trouble with flash bouncing off walls - they were too far away to help me. As the children were bouncing (the whole point of the event)  there is a lot of motion blur. But I prefer that as this is a movement and activity event. Also I feel that my preferred option of shooting with shallow depth of field (a favourite of mine) is not good for this.
Feedback:

I really enjoyed this shoot and will be doing more for her in the future. She loves the images, has passed her favourites to the PR company and the others will be used on website and in promotional material.

Images:

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