Pier Road Development 'The Maltings' Berwick upon Tweed
Today I photographed a new development on the old site of William Leith Marquees, these houses are finished to an amazing standard and the views are rather outstanding too - they nearly had me signed up for one!
Website Content for Hutton Stone
This week I spent 3 days at Hutton Stone Co. documenting their operations and systems to give clients a broader sense of the size and extent of what goes on.
Products I photographed include paving, walling, rockery, and masonry. Services I shot included bespoke carving, sawing, and delivery. Cutting-edge heavy machinery and the stringent health and safety at Hutton Stone featured heavily too.
Below there are a couple of examples of the stone samples on a plain white background with colour matching for e-commerce and brochure purposes. I also shot some key staff members to bring across the craftsmanship and welcoming personality of the company; I also feel that it's quite nice to see who you are dealing with over the web!
The website will be getting a fresh new look in the near future, keep a lookout for www.huttonstone.co.uk.
Written by Sarah
Kezie Adventurous Foods Styled Food Photography Scottish Borders
It's amazing what is hidden away in the borders, I was really excited when Kezie Foods commissioned me to shoot the packaging and a range of serving suggestions for their 12 new exotic, gourmet ready meals.
After taking the booking over the phone, the next morning a large white package arrived with a range of meals in for me to have exactly the same experience as their customers would after placing an order online. It was a chance for me (and the kids!) to sample the foods and play about with ideas for styling the shoot.
I had a really helpful meeting with the designer and printer of their booklets to see exactly how the images were being used in the new booklet and what formats they were required to be in.
We collected a multitude of props for the shoot and came together in a large room with great light for an entire day of cooking and shooting.
Here are some of the shots from the day, they make my mouth water!
What to Wear for Beautiful Family Photos
What to Wear for Beautiful Family Photos
Trying to figure out what you are going to wear for family portraits can be stressful. It used to be that everyone wore white tops and denim, and it was that simple. The problem is that this doesn't show your personality (and who wears white t-shirts and denim these days?!), and it has been seen many times before. With more relaxed lifestyle portraits there is so much more choice available. Decide on clothing that matches your style; colourful classic neutrals or quirky vintage pieces, the options are endless. Talk with your photographer who will be able to assist you with the look and location to help get you beautiful family portraits.
Here are 10 top tips to help you:
1. Decide on your Colour Scheme
The first thing to think about when you are choosing colours is where you plan to hang the portraits in your home and what colours are in that room. If you plan to hang the prints in a family room that is painted green and cream, and you plan to wear red and black, you need to think again about your clothing choices.
If your room is neutral and you'd just like a pop of colour from the portrait, take a look at Design Seeds website. The artist finds beautiful images, and picks a colour palette out of those images that you might not otherwise notice. It can be applied to home décor or clothing. It helps your eye to see colour patterns that go together.
You can do a search by colour palettes or themes (spring, autumn, ocean, edible), find an image or colours that appeal to you and go with that.
2. Select one focal piece
Shop around to find one patterned piece that you love. It can be a little girl's floral dress or a boy's plaid shirt, but if you find one central piece, it helps to plan everything around that. Since mums like the kids to be the focal point, then use this piece on one of the children. That doesn't mean that they will stand out the most. After accessorizing, everything will flow together.
3. Pick 3 colours
It's a good idea to pick 3 colours to work with as your main colours, and then consider greys, whites, blacks, or browns as extras. Not necessarily all of them together, but one or two that work with the 3 colours you chose.
4. Layers & Accessories
Cardigan, necklace, headband, scarf, button-up shirt, tights, hats, ties. Layers and accessories add dimension, fun, texture, and therefore richness to the overall look. It's a good idea to lie out all your outfits and start throwing in accessories to see what works. If you have 2 girls they don't both need to get the same colour headbands. Instead, try two variations in colour. Boys have fewer options when it comes to layers (and seem more difficult to dress). Try to put 2 boys in two types of shirts and layer them differently. One a button up with a t-shirt underneath, the other a polo type with a t-shirt underneath and maybe sleeves rolled up into each other.
5. Don't leave yourself until last
Don't pick everyone else's out and then just grab something from your closet that only looks ok because it matches the colour scheme. You need to feel great in your family pictures! If anything, pick something that you think looks fabulous on you, and then plan around that! It's tough enough to get parents into the pictures, so when you are in them, you want to feel and look good!
6. Split up the colours
If there are 6 people in the family, and you have selected 3 main colours, don't put all of those colours on top or on those close in age. You want to split them up! Put some colour towards the bottom in one or two as well. You can do this with shoes, skirts, and trousers. There are so many more options now with coloured jeans and footwear so I’m sure you can find something.
7. Clothing boards on image-based social media
You can see fashion and clothing boards on Pinterest that are great for ideas! (Here is my 'What to Wear' board for families looking for inspiration http://pinterest.com/pictorial/what-to-wear/) But sometimes they don't have the perfect configuration for your family. You can make your very own style board using the website Polyvore - it has a wealth of fashion ideas and styles.
8. Split up the pairs
If you have natural pairs in the family (Mum and Dad, Brothers and Sisters, Mum and Baby), try to split up the colours as those pairs will often be standing near each other. Try not to dress mum and baby alike as they will always naturally be a pair. Parents are the obvious other pair, so make sure they are also not too similar in colours. This part can get complicated, so do your best, and then let it go! The photographer will notice when people match and split everyone according to their colours. But ultimately natural or candid outdoor shots won't be so planned.
9. Plan ahead
Make sure you start this planning when you book your session (hopefully a few weeks before it takes place). Be thinking of it, look around in your wardrobes and shop well in advance so you aren't stressing at the last minute.
10. What not to wear
Don't wear clothing with large logos, writing or pictures on them. When you look at your photographs you want to be looking at faces and not be distracted by what is printed on the clothing. White trainers or shoes are also a distraction. If you are out on location and the weather is colder, rather than have large unflattering padded coats on, wear lots of thinner layers. Children can wear a vest, t-shirt, long-sleeved top and a jumper, then a scarf and hat if needed.
Finally for more timeless photographs that won't date as clothes go out of fashion, wear plain and classic items.
Hopefully, this guide will help you to think more about your clothing choices for your photography session and help to get images for your wall that you will love.
Want to have a no-pressure chat about whether or not Pictorial Photography is right for your family portraits? E-mail me at sarah@pictorialphotography.co.uk and let me know what you are thinking!
Written by Sarah
Cute Little Elsie's 8 month shoot, sitting but not yet walking. Duns, Berwickshire
Little Elsie was the cutest, most smiley little scone today. For babies, after the newborn stage 8 months is a really brilliant age, loads of personality and sitting confidently, we nearly caught her first crawl on camera but it wasn't yet to be. her mum brought the red and white bunting out from her nursery - where she plans to hangl some wall art.
After a while we managed to get some shots of Elsie with her mum, she wasn't keen initially and didn't expect to be in the shoot but I just love to capture the bond that children have with their parents, preserving the memories of fleeting childhoods and relationships that transform over time.
This got me thinking, why wait until we have the perfect hair, perfect clothes, perfect weight or perfect weather? I need a family shoot myself, it's been nearly 2 years since the last one! My children don't mind or even care what I look like and future me will be so glad to have a special glimpse into this moment in time, and we'll all get to cherish it forever.
It's my ongoing quest as a mother and photographer to bottle up time. What better goal could there possibly be as a photographer? I must practice what I preach.. Watch this space!
Should you use a Logo as your Profile Image?
Should you use a Logo as your Profile Image?
Guest Blog by Helen Barlow, Ethical Graphic Designer
From a designer who loves designing logos, you'd probably think I'd say "Yes", but I love designing brands even more. Your profile image, like your logo, is simply one element of your brand in its entirety.
Like all elements of your brand, it needs to work for you. We like to think of social media graphics as a tool in your brand tool kit, which also contains, at a minimum: your brand promise, mission statement, colour scheme, typography/photography style, brand language, and graphic devices.
Therefore this tiny little square is part of a much bigger picture and needs to be thought about in terms of your business, marketing and brand strategies. It would be wrong to assume it should be a logo or a headshot without thinking about how you can make that free advertising space useful for you. If you had to pay fifty bucks for that ad space you'd think more about what you wanted it to communicate.
Use your brand as a tool, a visual salesperson when you're not there. You'll save a lot of time and be able to fall in love with the things you like doing in your business on a day-to-day basis.
So when it comes to profile images, how can you use them as a tool? Well, the obvious answer is if you have your headshot on social media then those awkward networking events become a lot less awkward. People you've been tweeting on the run-up to it know what you look like, so no more fumbled first interactions!
Seriously though, people buy from people. Think of your brand as a person and design a logo with that in mind. Give it its own voice and story and your customers will be able to resonate with it on an emotional level.
As the digital landscape grows, consumers are becoming increasingly concerned with trust. If they can't see the person behind your brand, how can you expect them to engage?
A headshot is the perfect way to start building that personality behind your brand (and no Sarah didn't pay me to say this.) I can speak from experience. In 2013 when we changed the One Line profile images to my face rather than our logo the engagement and follower levels jumped right up within moments.
For businesses who are trying to reach a wider audience and make themselves more visible and recognisable online, a headshot will resonate far better with people who don't know you than a brand logo that they've never heard of. It's a great way to build your profile.
You could even do both at the same time. We did this with The Little Fair Trade Shop's social media graphics. Sabeena was well recognised online and had built a great following using a headshot. Working with us on a rebrand she wanted to push the brand identity a bit more. This was all part of a bigger strategy because the logo was about to be the single visual used on the packaging; we needed to connect her packaging with what people also saw online without losing the personal touch. So that company mug does come in handy after all.
Of course, if your logo is everything about your brand, then yes, use it as your profile image. If you're Nike or FedEx we're probably not going to want to see a photo of your CEO but actually, a shot of real-life people on your team would be quite interesting and it lets us know you're not a team of robots. Don't forget you have that huge banner behind your profile image to use as free advertising space. So if your strategy dictates that you have your logo in the square, then have a team shot in the banner. If it's a headshot in the square then use your logo in the banner. Think about combinations of photography and logo or key messages that will work hard for what you're trying to achieve with your digital marketing.
Like, follow, connect and check out my website at http://www.onelinestudio.co.uk/
What to Wear for Your Business Photo Shoot
Guest Blog by Nicola English, Personal Style Coach
As a Personal Style Coach, I’m often asked to collaborate on photo shoots from vintage to business. One of the key questions I often get asked before the shoot is: “What should I wear?”
Firstly, it differs from shoot to shoot and it also depends on if it’s in a studio or on location. The indoor or outdoor location will have an influence on your photo shoot wardrobe.
Here are a few simple tips to help with the “what should I wear?” question on photo shoots.
Corporate Attire
If you work in a corporate environment or serve corporate clients, conservative classic outfits are usually the way to go. But remember corporate looks don’t have to be boring or simply black or grey in colour palettes. It’s ok to add a pop of colour, which can help to brighten up your face and make your picture stand out for all the right reasons.
Wardrobe
I like to pull a few key pieces from the client’s wardrobe and then build core outfits based on the client’s style requirements for their photo shoot. It’s important leading up to the shoot to have run through of all the outfits chosen, so you feel confident on the day with your chosen outfits, as it will show in the final images. If you’re thinking about necklines and what to opt for go for a V-neck which is very flattering on all you ladies because it helps to lengthen your neck and displays your beautiful feminine décolleté. If you choose to wear a jacket, team it with a collarless top, keeping it looking modern and the neckline simple and chic.
Make Colour Your Friend
Choose light, soft, and bright tones for your photos. Colours are a great way to express your emotions visually in a picture. But unless you’re feeling super confident, pass on bright red or orange. Please stay clear of neon or fluorescent colours; they really don’t get on well with the camera. If the very thought of colour sends you into a panic, just add a pop of colour with your accessories.
Patterns and Prints
I love mixing up plain solid colours with patterns or prints on clients’ shoots because they really do look good on camera. However, do try to use one pattern or print that will match the colour palette of the rest of your outfit. Don’t be afraid to go with fabulous florals which never go out of fashion.
Accessories Are Your Best Friend
Say yes to accessories! The term accessories cover a multitude of items from necklaces, earrings, watches, brooches, hats, and scarves. Accessories can take your outfit from drab to fab. They also add individuality and style in such a way that nothing else can. They can easily make you look like you’re wearing a whole different outfit!
Makeup
Makeup can make a big difference in terms of getting a fabulous professional look. A photograph isn’t just about the great arrangement, colours, or even the outfit, but having amazing makeup can bring the most out of your own natural looks. If natural and basic is your own style then stick to that look. Or if you wear a lot of make-up or sparkles then go for it. If you find makeup isn’t your thing, then get a professional make-up artist on board. I work with a few make-up artists and it really pulls everything together from the outfit to the hair to create the perfect photo shoot.
Hair
Think of your hair as another element of your wardrobe as it represents you and can be styled depending on your mood and outfit. Experiment with scarves, clips, headpieces, and even clip-ins (always make sure you have a colour match with clip-in hair extensions as you want them to look as natural as possible with your own hair). If you’ve decided to be brave before the shoot and opt for a new style or cut, always remember it should play up to your best features.
Final Note
Finally, the most important thing is for you to feel comfortable, happy and confident. How you feel during the shoot reflects in the photos, so make sure to wear something that reflects you!
Interview with Candy Rafferty, Radio Borders Charity Manager
Hi Candy, can you tell us about yourself and what inspires you?
I work for Radio Borders, running their charity Cash for Kids, which supports disadvantaged children in our broadcast area. We grant funds to individuals as well as other children's organisations, so long as they are local, and living in poverty or with an illness or disability. I don't have to look far for inspiration. A 9-year-old I met last week, for example, had recently been diagnosed with a terminal condition. He's not expected to live through his teens and he is aware of that. I spent time with him and his incredibly brave family, learning about his illness so I could understand how Cash for Kids might help. As I left, he ran after me, gave me a big hug, and said "Thank you for helping other children too."
What does a typical workday look like for you?
My desk is always snowed under. In fact, by midday, there's a high risk of an avalanche on to the news desk next to mine. I am only part-time and solo. Even with the help of my long-suffering colleagues, the summit always seems to be just out of reach. There's an endless range of tasks; I might be filling in a risk assessment, forecasting income or expenditure, writing a press release, processing an emergency application, dressing up as our mascot Courage the Cat, ordering disability equipment, clothing or bedding, writing thank you letters, paying bills, attending a school assembly, making a presentation, briefing volunteers, letting the listeners know what's happening with the charity. There are epic peaks and crevasses even in a day. One minute I'll have my head in my hands, looking at a massive shortfall, and the next, I'll get a call from someone who's just run a marathon for us. I am never, ever bored.
Which part of your job do you feel most passionate about?
My background is in advertising. I'm a copywriter to trade and worked in London until I had children myself. Two days a week I still work as a freelancer. I love finding creative ways of getting a message out. (Thanks for this one by the way!) I'm so lucky to have that opportunity in both my jobs.
What tips would you give someone starting out in your industry?
Balance your head and your heart.
What's the best feedback you have ever had?
From a social worker who phoned to let a Mum know Cash for Kids funding was on its way. That phone call interrupted Mum in the act of taking her own life.
She'd become so desperate, she felt her kids would be better off without her. Just a few hundred pounds made the difference between three children having a Mum or not.
Who do you most admire in the world and why?
People often ask me how I stop myself from crying when I hear the stories of abuse and neglect, or the challenges of disabilities, bereavement or homelessness; but I am driven to tears by the generosity of people who don't have a spare penny but still stick £1 in my collection can. Or those who give up their precious time to help because through personal experience they know the true value of it. Those people I admire. And I am surrounded by them here.
Do you have a favourite quote that you turn to for inspiration?
"…always try and be a little kinder than is necessary." Appropriately, it's from children's author, JM Barrie.
What are your future plans for Radio Borders Cash for Kids?
I have a lyric on the back of my business card: "...with a little help from my friends." As the charity grows, I need to find more help. A voluntary committee in every locality that can run fundraisers, attend events, or support our big campaigns like Mission Christmas. I need SM and digital expertise. I need local businesses to get behind the charity, and set up staff fundraising groups, I need friends to dedicate their time, energy, commitment and imagination to making sure every child in our community fulfils the potential they were born with.
Candy, that feedback… what can I say? It is amazing what you do and it all sounds pretty hectic. If any businesses or individuals would like some info on how to get involved and help, please visit http://www.radioborders.com/charity/
To apply for a grant from Cash for Kids, visit http://www.radioborders.com/charity/grant-application/
Interview with Katie Chappell, Illustrator and Designer
Interview with Katie Chappell, Illustrator and Designer
In one sentence, what do you do?
I get paid to draw pictures and colour in. I'm an illustrator and designer.
Which part of your job do you feel most passionate about?
Being able to communicate through illustration. One of the most satisfying feelings is taking a solid chunk of text, and being able to inject life and meaning into it by providing pictures that people can 'read' at a glance. It's the best kind of problem-solving. Recently I collaborated with the Science Central team at Newcastle University to illustrate a brochure about Newcastle upon Tyne being a future smart city, and it was wonderful to be able to see those ideas translated into images.
What is the most important lesson you have learned in business so far?
You are never stuck unless you decide to be. This applies to everything: finding inspiration; feeling stuck geographically, financially, or emotionally. Also, I find that as creatives we can be predisposed to feel that our work is not worth that much or that we shouldn't earn as much as other professionals. Overcoming that fear is important to be able to feel confident in your abilities and career and create a sustainable business practice.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in your industry?
Get your work out there! Working for free is a highly controversial subject, especially in the creative industries. However, those first few live briefs that I entered into magazines, such as Amelia's Magazine and various blogs, really helped me get my name out there. Sharing work online and having a professional online social media presence have also been key factors in attracting work. Starting to produce work for live briefs while you are still studying is a great way to get a head start and really push yourself creatively. If you can balance university coursework and real live briefs then that will put you in good stead for the real world when you have several projects on the go at once.
What is the best feedback you have ever had from a client?
I have a terrible memory! However, I recently got an email that said "You've done a great job of these, Katie.” That's good enough for me. Feeling like I've done a good job and knowing that the client agrees is one of the best results to hope for.
Who do you admire most in the world and why?
I admire a lot of people and it's really difficult to choose just one. I do love the work of spoken word artist Kate Tempest, however, and I think she gives out really good energy as an artist. The world needs more people like that; people who can wake everyone up and make them rethink what they are doing and how we are as a community, as a nation, and as a planet.
Do you have a favourite quote that you turn to for inspiration?
"Whatever you are, be a good one" -Abraham Lincoln.
What drives you forward more than anything else?
I love the freedom that being self-employed gives me, and being able to travel and still produce work is something that I value greatly. At the moment I am splitting my time between Berlin in Germany and my hometown of Berwick upon Tweed in Northumberland. The knowledge that working freelance allows me to travel drives me forward and keeps me motivated. Even when I eventually settle down I hope to keep travelling regularly.
What is the biggest challenge you face in business?
My biggest challenge in business so far has been balancing the quiet times with the busy times. There can be relatively long stretches where I have no projects coming up and I am only working on the bare minimum. I've learnt that it's wise to have some security savings stashed away and to always make the first connection with potential clients. Sometimes the work won't just come to you and you have to go out there and ask for it yourself. Let people know who you are and what you do! I've taken on part-time jobs in the past to help with paying the rent and bringing in the 'bread and butter money' and that brings a new challenge in itself. Finding the space and time to be creative when you are working in a non-creative job can be exhausting! I feel so lucky to be working solely on illustration and design at the moment.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
A typical workday for me starts at around 8am. I'll get up, make coffee, and sit down to work straight away (usually still in my pyjamas). For the past 2 years, I have been working with Megan Claire, a personalised card company, and I will do any orders from them before I have breakfast. After breakfast, I get ready and cycle to the studio where I will work on whatever projects I have happening at the time. When I am travelling or living in Berlin, my routine doesn't change much. I definitely don't work as many hours while I am travelling, and when I'm in Berlin I spend a lot more time cycling around the huge city. Going to meet-ups with fellow English-speaking illustrators in Berlin really helped me to network and meet like-minded people. Berlin is massive and I've been amazed at how much more effort it takes to meet new people there and maintain connections. It's a far cry from the tiny town I grew up in.
If you would like to learn more about Katie's work you can visit her website HERE.
BeDigital Northumberland Springboard Programme
In October, I was selected as one of 20 women entrepreneurs in Northumberland to participate in the fully funded 'BeDigital Springboard Programme' which is a 6 month intensive programme of business mentoring, masterclasses, meetups, and Google+ mastermind sessions.
As part of BeDigital, a photographer and a video company visited to help create my story. It's interesting to be on the other side of the camera and feel what my customers must feel like. I usually love to chat but I found speaking on video very difficult!
Thank you to RJM Photos and MC Media for taking the time to come up to Berwick; it was a great fun day.
Here is the interview article that accompanies the photography:
Hi Sarah, can you tell us about yourself and what inspired you to set up your business?
Hello, I'm Sarah and I have run a small business called Pictorial Photography in Berwick for 9 years now. I specialise in portraiture and photograph family groups in natural locations. I also do professional business headshots for ambitious and creative individuals and I style themed backdrops for children's photo sessions in the studio.
I had wanted to be a photographer since the age of 14 after starting a beginners photography course at the local community centre, simply for 'something to do' as a bored teen in a small town. I soon became hooked on the magic of the darkroom and enjoyed photographing architectural details and dilapidated buildings. I furthered my studies at college with a graphic design and print background and went on to contemporary photographic practice at university. It was actually long after graduation that I discovered portraiture was where my passion really lay.
After studying, I worked at Northumbria University Design School as an Apple Mac and photography demonstrator for 4 years. I helped students to realise their design and fashion ideas in the studio and demonstrated how to use specialist software to produce their work. After maternity leave, I started to grow tired of the commute and wanted to spend time in a more creatively rewarding position that could work around having my own family. Employment in the creative sector is rare in a small town so starting Pictorial Photography seemed like a natural step.
What tips would you give other women who are thinking about setting up their own business?
Surround yourself with positive people. I am part of a very positive group of female photographers, which started on Facebook. We support each other with advice, ideas and encouragement. If there is a photography event or conference, we often meet up and go together. This is great as some of us might not go by ourselves, having the company of other female photographers is a real plus.
I'd also say not to be scared to ask for help; you can't do everything. For example, recruiting a professional copywriter to help with editing the text on my website saved a lot of time and enabled me to get across what I wanted to say in a much clearer way than I could have on my own.
We love your website and your studio looks fabulous. What are the benefits of the internet for your business?
Thank you! A lot of time has been spent in making my website easy to use and informative so that customers have a positive experience right from the start.
The internet also helps me run the business much more efficiently. I use tools like Eventbrite for managing online bookings, Paypal for taking payments, and Mailchimp for creating and sending out newsletters. Sharing what is happening on social media is a great free way to keep in touch with my customers.
What are your future plans for Pictorial Photography?
Alongside what I already do, I have started to create online articles to help customers. I want to use the website to share lots of helpful tips, features and free resources. Currently I am writing an article on 'How to prepare your skin for a headshot session when you've only got one week to go'. This will make sure people get the most benefit out of their photography session. Providing more content online is something I'm passionate about and is an area I want to grow the business into.
Name of interviewee: Sarah Jamieson
Business name: Pictorial Photography
Website: www.pictorialphotography.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PictorialPhoto
Twitter: twitter.com/SarahPictorial
Business type: Lifestyle Photographer
Location: Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland
You can visit the BeDigital website to find out more about the other women HERE, there are also great resources for those thinking of starting their own business or just getting a bit more 'digital'.
New strategy planning. It outgrew the folder!
Written by Sarah
Cashmere Scarf Design with Sinclair Duncan and Radio Border's 'Cash for Kids'
Cashmere Scarf Design with Sinclair Duncan and Radio Border's 'Cash for Kids'
In February I was commissioned by Radio Borders to photograph various models wearing a pretty cashmere scarf. I was intrigued by why the radio station was promoting scarfs for Valentines and Mothers Day so when I heard that Sinclair Duncan had been making limited editions, designed by a local school girl, and that all the profits were going to the Cash for Kids charity, I was very keen to be involved.
Here is the story behind the scarf.
In late 2015, Sinclair Duncan invited 70 Primary and Secondary schools in the Scottish Borders to enter a competition. They asked them to design a scarf for a local charity, Cash for Kids. The scarf would be 100% cashmere and it would be made in Scotland by Sinclair Duncan.
Sales and Marketing Director at Sinclair Duncan, Debbie Paterson, announced the winner live on the radio at the winner's school assembly: “The entries received were of such a high standard, but there was one that stood out for all of us. The careful choice of colour and contemporary design shows talent beyond her years.” Little did the winner (9-year-old Eve McKenzie from Knowepark Primary School in Selkirk) know what an impact sales from her scarf would have on her community:
All profits from the scarves would go to charity and the profits ensured that:
7 children snuggled up in their own bed for the first time
3 autistic children can play in specially adapted safe places
1000 children woke up to gifts at Christmas of 2015
45 children will have warm clothes and shoes
A family can sit down to warm cooked meals
Here is Eve getting ready to model the scarf.
CLICK HERE to watch the video showing some of the manufacturing processes of the winning scarf and also. Proud Eve showing off her amazing talent.
These scarfs are limited edition and are bound to sell out fast, remember all profits from every scarf in this design go to local children's charity Cash For Kids, CLICK HERE to buy now!
Even Lorraine has one. (Not my photo, Lorraine took her own selfie.)
Here is one of the Valentine-themed and some of the Mother’s Day-themed photographs.
Remember, the scarfs are limited edition and selling out fast, ALL of the profits from every scarf in this design goes to local children's charity Cash for Kids, CLICK HERE to buy a lovely scarf.
Well done Eve!
Written by Sarah
Ginger Duck Soap and Cosmetics Product Photography
Some product photographs for The Ginger Duck's etsy and not on the high street page - we wanted to keep the images consistent but needed to illustrate the different fragrances in each soap and candle.
We used an old wooden door as background to keep the photographs looking natural and warm.
Publicity Head Shot Photography: Biorationale
Publicity Head Shot Photography
Today we had 2 publicity photoshoots, mainly head shots and profile photographs for websites of small - medium sized businesses working from home, the first and most interesting was of Roma, a horticultural scientist from Lintlaw near Coldstream..
We used a variety of different natural and farming backgrounds for several organic style images and also some on a white background for a more clinical and scientific look.
Online Identity: Headshots That Make A Compelling First Impression
By Sue Brettell, Online Identity Design and Communication specialist creating compelling personal brand web design and copy for dynamic solopreneurs and professionals.
When building a strong and compelling brand for yourself, quality professional photographs are essential. Whether you're a solopreneur or practitioner, an executive or a careerist, your headshot can make a big difference to how you are perceived.
If you are communicating a message of quality, your entire marketing campaign is dependent on strong personal images. The portrait on your website attracts or reassures your prospective clients; the headshot on your CV or resume could make a first impression that determines whether you get the interview or audition; the picture that accompanies your fabulous magazine article gives you credibility.
It's well documented that people make up their minds about each other within the first few seconds of meeting. The way you look, your body language, your tone of voice and your overall presentation comprises a staggering 93% of the criteria people use when they form an opinion about you. This impression tends to stick, no matter what you say or do subsequently. The same can apply to your online identity, including your photograph.
Even the most beautifully crafted layout and copy can be let down by a poor head shot, yet many people make do with home snapshots which do them no justice at all.
Why do you need a head shot on your website?
A good head shot is an opportunity for you to personalise your website. It helps to build a picture of who you are and establish a connection with your prospective client or employer. If you want to make a terrific first impression, it pays to look your best and to exude warmth and sincerity. It's an opportunity to visually project your brand attributes: colours, characteristics and quirks that are associated with your brand.
Find a good photographer
Make sure you're going to have a good rapport with the photographer: if you're happy and relaxed, your headshots will be more natural and attractive.
To truly set yourself apart from the rest and establish a brand identity for your business, you should aim to set aside a portion of your marketing budget for professional quality product photography. By all means, if you're looking to hire a friendly commercial photographer, feel free to check out our portfolio and contact us.
P.S. We have expert retouchers, and designers on hand who can airbrush your shots so that you look fabulous and the shots still look natural and untouched - this can also be done for clients who are registered with dating websites or those who are a little self concious and would like to have that bit more confidence in their profile images.
PR Photography for The Railway Man Premiere at The Maltings, Berwick upon Tweed
The Railway Man Premiere PR Photography
I was honoured to do some PR photography for The Maltings Theatre and Cinema in Berwick where The Railway Man film (starring Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman) was premiered.
The premiere was hosted by The Maltings and was a very special event for Berwick town; the venue was chosen as it was near the writer Eric Lomax’s home but we don’t usually get celebs around here!
I enjoyed the film and seeing parts of Berwick in it and I thought the book was exceptional. I’m glad I read the book before seeing the movie.
Headshots for Carol from SPEAK
Carol and I met at a wedding fayre in Kelso earlier this year. I was fascinated by her zesty stand which featured a massive bowl of bright, fresh lemons. Her stand was for SPEAK which offers professional workshops for individuals (including best men, fathers of the bride, and grooms!) who want or need to successfully present themselves.
I chose to attend one of the workshops myself as public speaking is something I have had trouble with. This might seem rather strange to those of you who have attended a wedding I've photographed as you will know that I don't have any problem in standing up to direct a group of 200+ wedding guests into a group. I guess it only overcomes me during 'set' presentations. I think it all started at university; I'd stand up to do a talk and my knees would start to wobble. This would then move up my body to my hands, shaking the notes, eventually, even my jaw would start to shake making my voice wobble. So embarrassing!
Carol was brilliant! Her experience and knowledge shine. She taught me how to express my ideas and to give information in a really clear way. I'm actually looking forward to putting my new techniques and presentation into practice which is something I thought I would never want to do again.
Here are some photographs from a portrait shoot Carol commissioned. The photographs will be used for advertising and promotion for the new SPEAK website and in publications featuring SPEAK.
“Thank-you. You take a good photo whether indoors or out, even though I was tired on the day. You capture my animated enthusiasm in a ‘thoughtful’ context. You have real talent and wonderful eye.”
Do you have trouble talking in public? Visit http://speak.uk.com/ for more information on the workshops with Carol, I'm highly recommending them (in case you hadn't realised).
Written by Sarah