Roth Read Photography

Workshop: Make Your Business Impossible to Overlook

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 18:39:33 GMT

Words, Photos and Socials - All in One Place!

Are you looking to sharpen your messaging, update your photos, and feel more confident about your socials?

Then why not join me (Perrin), Janet Bebb and Sophie Seddon on our one-of-a-kind workshop designed to help you get seen, heard and remembered for all the right reasons.

Messaging - nail what you want to say and how you say it with Sophie - Sophie Seddon PR

Photography - own purpose drive brand photos that build confidence and connection with me

Socials - show up online with purpose, consistency and ease with Janet - Social Progress

Limited spaces available.

On: Tues, 8th July 2025

At: 9 am to 5 pm

Location: Manor House Lindley, Lindley, Huddersfield

Prefer a Leeds location - then please register your interest on our Waitlist.

To discover more or book onto the workshop, head to Eventbrite here.

Early bird tickets end this coming Friday 20th June!

We look forward to seeing you there,

3 Ways to Prepare for Your Photoshoot

Sat, 26 Apr 2025 17:48:30 GMT

From nervous to natural

Have you ever felt a bit nervous before a photoshoot? Trust us, you’re not alone!

A lot of people worry about how they’ll look or if they’ll feel comfortable in front of the camera. But here’s the good news: feeling confident can really change the game when it comes to your photographs.

When you feel good about yourself, it shines through in every photograph. In this blog post, we're sharing three simple ways to help you feel more confident during your photoshoot. From picking the right photographer to getting your outfits ready, these tips will make sure you enjoy the experience and capture some beautiful memories.

Tip 1: Choose the right photographer

One of the most important steps to feeling confident during your photoshoot is choosing the right photographer. You want someone who understands your style and can make you feel at ease. When you connect with your photographer, it makes a world of difference!

Here are a few things to consider when picking your photographer:

Look at Their Portfolio: Check out their previous work to see if their style matches what you’re looking for. Do their photos make you feel excited? If so, that’s a good sign!

Read Reviews: Hearing from past clients can give you insight into their experience. Look for comments about how the photographer made them feel during the shoot.

Have a Chat: Don’t hesitate to reach out and have a conversation with them. A quick chat can help you gauge if you’ll feel comfortable working together.

When you find a photographer who gets you, it can help ease those nerves and allow you to focus on having fun during your shoot!

For more advice about choosing the right photographer, download our 10 Questions to Ask a Photographer guide!

Tip 2: Prepare your outfits in advance

Another great way to boost your confidence before a photoshoot is to prepare your outfits ahead of time. Trust us, having your clothes ready can really help reduce any last-minute stress! Here are some tips to make outfit planning easier:

Choose What Makes You Feel Good: Pick outfits that you love and feel comfortable in. When you wear something that makes you feel great, it shows in your photos!

Think about Patterns and Colour: Avoid large bold patterns, including logos and pictures; you should be the focus. However, bold colours make your images pop! So don’t be nervous about embracing those bright colours. And if black and/or white is your preference they will look great and create a cool look.

Try Everything On: A few days before the shoot, try on your outfits to see how they fit and feel. This way, you can make any adjustments or changes if needed. Of course, we can always use clips to shape an outfit, just as boutiques do with their mannequins.

Accessorise Wisely: Accessories can make all the difference! A stylish scarf, hat, or piece of jewelry can add a personal touch to your look. But if they don’t feel like you, there’s no need to force it - authenticity is key.

If you’re unsure about an outfit, bring it along - it’s always better to have it and not need it than to wish you’d brought it. And remember, we’re here to help every step of the way - including assisting you in choosing your perfect outfits.

Preparing your outfits in advance helps you feel relaxed and ready to shine in front of the camera!

Tip 3: Practice posing

Now, let’s talk about posing. During your photography session we guide you through posing techniques to help you look and feel more confident whilst matching the style of your photos.

If you’ve come across any poses you love, feel free take those along to your photoshoot. Practicing some poses at home can also give you ideas and help you feel more prepared. Here are a few easy tips to get started:

Look in the Mirror: Spend a little time in front of a mirror trying out different poses. It’s a great way to see what feels natural and discover your best angles.

Play with Angles: Everyone has their best angles. Experiment with tilting your head or shifting your weight to see how subtle changes can make a big difference.

Relax Your Body: Tension can show in photos, so take a deep breath, loosen your shoulders, and shake off any stiffness.

Smile Naturally: Instead of forcing a smile, think of something that makes you happy or laugh. This will help create a genuine smile that shines through in your photos.

By practicing these tips, you’ll feel more confident and comfortable when it’s time for your photoshoot. Plus, it’s a fun way to discover what works best for you!

In this blog post, we’ve explored three simple ways to help you feel more prepared for your photoshoot. By following these tips, you can boost your confidence and make your photoshoot a memorable experience! And of course, we're with you every step of the way!

If you’re ready to capture some beautiful memories or have any questions about preparing for your photoshoot, please don't hesitate to reach out!

We’re here to help you every step of the way. If you have anxiety about having your photograph taken, and wish to talk about a possible photoshoot, please contact us or call 07790 753852

Portrait Photographers of the Year!

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 23:13:28 GMT

The Roth Read household is full of giddiness after snagging the Prestige Portrait Photographers of the Year 2023/24 award. Hoorah!

The Prestige panel carefully assessed our on-location portrait photoshoots, recognising not only technical aspects but also the unique locations, the collaborative relationship with our clients, and the guidance provided throughout each session. Every business seeks a distinctive quality that sets them apart, and ours lies in the dedicated time invested in our client’s sessions. It’s truly rewarding to see that aspect recognised and appreciated.

Living a life we love

It’s been a fair old trip since we left our IT contracting roles in the NHS in 2017 to set up our photography business. The passing of our dads, within a year of each other, served as the calling card to live a life we love.

Photography has featured significantly in both our lives, tracing back to our early teens when anything digital only turned up as a plastic prop on Star Trek. From using a parents' Box Brownie to a tiny Kodak Extralite 400, progressing through the earliest digital cameras to our latest Canon 5D mark IV’s, the fascination of capturing a moment in time has remained.

Pastime to professional

Turning that love into a business presented its fair share of challenges, especially as we had no idea how to kickstart or run a business. Our starting point was to build a portfolio, inviting friends to be photographed in our kitchen against a simple black or white backdrop. We took those images, created a website and waited for customers. Alas, no calls, no emails, no idea!

Naturally, coming from NHS backgrounds our identity as photographers was unknown, and we found ourselves buried under a stack of Google pages. The turning point came when someone introduced us to networking, sparking a steady climb. We gained momentum, successfully built our brand, established a studio and identified our ideal customers.

Everything was going swimmingly until the world shut down for Covid. In total, it set us back around two years, since we were amongst the last businesses to be released from lockdown. Bouncing back took some effort, but we’re grateful that we did.

Photographing for the future

Now here we are! Our business growing, with Portrait and Commercial photoshoots flowing in – and to top it off, a cool award to celebrate not just our pictures, but our hard work, resolve and enduring love of photography.

And we’ll continue photographing people and weaving their stories into framed wall art, because the idea that our images will spark conversations and evoke emotions across generations, affectionally connecting the present to the past, is a sheer privilege.

Lincoln & Perrin

How to Boost Your Google Ranking

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 12:44:58 GMT

What is SEO?

I’m pretty sure you know, or have a pretty good idea, what SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is.

For those who are unsure, SEO is the process of refining a website with relevant keywords, high quality content and back links, in order to drive users to its pages.

Search engines, such as Google , love SEO and in turn reward you with a higher ranking (everyone wants to hit that front page).

Of course, the higher a website is listed, the more visible the site is, and the more traffic it draws.

But you may not know that human beings are very visual creatures. Which means images play a vital part in optimising your website.

Benefits of optimised images

The benefits optimised images bring are:

Increased traffic flow from Google image searches.

Extended period of time on a page from viewing images.

Shared images leading to higher social influence.

Improved keyword searches by utilising the various ways of naming a photograph.

Of course, your web designer should have taken care of optimising your images with keywords (unless you’ve designed it yourself).

Which just leaves you with the images you upload for blogs or for refreshing your website.

Luckily, websites make it pretty easy to optimise your photos, here’s what to look out for:

Alt text

Alt Text has two functions: to describe an image if it fails to download, and to assist partially sighted people. Both of which surreptitiously boost your SEO.

Keep it short: maximum of 12 words with spaces in between will suffice. By all means associate your keywords where you can but stay true to the content of the image.

This is a screen shot of our Site Editor where you can clearly see our Alt Text reads: Headshot lady wearing red dress.

We are advertising Headshots – but it also accurately describing the picture.

Description or Caption

A Description (also known as a Caption) sits beneath an image.

It adds context to the scene and consequently improves the user’s experience. And it’s a great space to add in those keywords and improve your Google ranking.

Descriptions need to be used wisely though as they can be as distracting as they are functional. And overkill on your keywords can send a red flag to Google as being spammy.

If you check out our Photoshoots page you’ll notice none of the images carry a Description. They are already surrounded by descriptive SEO busting content and anymore would be viewed as excess.

However, to give you some clarity:

Our Description example in the above image, identifies the difference between Helen's informal and business Headshots.

The text reads: Helen's business style Headshot. Which is functional, and hits the keyword 'headshot'.

Stick to the same rules as Alt Text to boost optimisation.

Title

Even though Titles don’t actually impact SEO let’s give them a quick mention (for no other reason than to save you time pondering on them).

Titles pop up when a cursor is hovered over an image which may, or may not, enhance the user experience.

Our Title example simply says: Lady in Red .

It describes the image and (somewhat lamely) nods towards Chris de Burgh’s song of the same title.

File name

An easy SEO win is to rename an image from a meaningless Filename to a descriptive one.

At camp Roth Read, we named Helen’s image:

HN (27)-HR-1920 .

Which is perfect for our filing purposes, but will do diddly squat when it comes to highlighting our Headshots.

Luckily it’s easy to remedy. Before you upload the image just rename it to a Filename which is more SEO friendly.

Helen’s file was renamed:

' Female-Headshot-Leeds Studio '.

The Filename is automatically stored as the image’s URL on your webpage.

The stats . . .

Oh, and if you’re still not convinced to optimise your images, this little Google Stat may do the trick:

10.1% of traffic searches are via the Images category.

Which equates to around 1 billion people every day.

Now if doesn’t define amazeballs . . . we don’t know what does!

Header Image: by Roth Read Photography for Gary and Lee, the Cyber Security experts and owners of Consultants Like Us .

Like to see how we created a polished Headshot for Gary's profiles - and fun Emotipics® to show off his personality in posts? Just click here .

3 Truths Women Tell Photographers

Fri, 07 May 2021 11:02:00 GMT

Anxiety impacts your business

Feeling anxious is generally fleeting and can affect us for a whole range of reasons. However, let people know you are a photographer and even the most confident of women will often respond with feelings of apprehension.

Regrettably, it can deter female business owners from having a photoshoot, despite professional images contributing to their overall branding and success. Market research reports that photographs encourage engagement and increase the likelihood of people to act.

We are sharing the three most popular questions we're asked by women, in the hope you are reassured that a photoshoot is not only confidence building but enjoyable too!

“I hate having my picture taken”

We hear this a lot . . . an awful lot! No doubt most of you have muttered this to yourselves at some time or another. In fact, you are probably reaffirming it right now.

Facing lights and lenses is enough to make anyone feel vulnerable and unsettled. All those natural expressions and smiles disappear if you over-think the situation. The outcome usually resembles an uncanny likeness to Wallace & Gromit!

A good photographer will guide you through your photoshoot session and uncover those genuine expressions. It can take time to look beyond the camera and naturally engage with the photographer, but it is well worth it for the end results.

“I don’t know how to pose”

A combination of lens, lights and camera tilts can make what you love about yourself prominent and what you least love concealed. Whole books are written on posing techniques but as a rule they create shapes and space, enhance natural lines and angles, and help you to look natural and convey the message you want to get across.

No need to worry about all of this though – as photographers, we’ve got you.

Try this simple example for a headshot and see how you get on:  

Imagine a piece of string in the centre of your head pulling you up.
(Now you should feel stretched and upright).
Push your head forward (like a turtle) to define the jaw-line - but keep shoulders relaxed back.
Drop your head very slightly and look directly into the camera.

“I hope you have photoshop”

This statement is usually followed by “You’ll need it if you’re photographing me!”

Initially the aim is to ensure you look remarkable at the point of taking the picture, using the techniques we spoke about.

However,  we do use Photoshop and post process our images. Typically to adjust highlights, shadows and whites but also to brighten the eyes, remove stray hairs or an unexpected blemish.

To demonstrate, below is the same image taken before and after post processing, you will notice some slight adjustments, but overall it stays true to the person.

Headshot Before and After Retouching

Are you feeling a little better about having your picture taken? We hope so! If nothing else do it for your business . . . and stand out from your competition.

Do you feel nervous about having your photograph taken? You're not alone - even the lovely people at Novis & Co, who know us really well, felt a little wobbly before their shoot. Click here to see how we helped them feel right at home.

And if you'd like to chat it through, just call us on 07790 753852 or message via our Contact Us page. No pressure at all.

As seen in our column in the Yorkshire Businesswoman Magazine .

Importance of Quality Website Photos

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 13:32:00 GMT

Hire a professional photographer

My friend has a good camera, so he’s doing our website photography”. Crikey, even writing that causes us palpitations!

Of course, a camera won’t take quality website photos any more than a laptop writes a best-selling novel. All the know-how is in the hands, heads and hearts of the professionals wielding the gear.

Hiring a professional photographer will give you a sense of pride in your website photography. More importantly though, it represents the credibility of your business to every consumer.

Combine quality website photos with SEO laden text and striking colours, and it is guaranteed your brand will ride high.

Why do we love images?

Human beings are visual creatures so the brain registers images much quicker than text. Whether we are flicking through a magazine or jabbing on-line links, our brain is rapidly filtering images to determine what is of interest and who is deemed trustworthy.  It’s not personal . . . it’s instinctive.

Furthermore, images are saved in our long-term memory whereas text is saved in our short-term memory.

As a result, biology turns your website photography into a rather powerful brand.

All exciting stuff, but before we get too giddy, every business needs their website photography to be remembered for the right reasons. 

 Be clear and sharpen up

I n a simpler time, we popped into Happy Snaps clutching a finished roll of film ready for developing. Customers pondered over three sizes, generally represented by templates taped to the counter-top; not to forget the additional exciting option of a matt or gloss finish.

The digital world changed all that.  Now it is important to understand on-line resizing, file types, pixels, high-res, low-res.  It can be exasperating. 

Worse still, poor quality website photography leads to a business looking unprofessional, inferior, and consequently by-passed.

One head scratcher is the difference between those pesky high-res and low-res images.

If you have any resolution doubts, two figures will simply determine if it is high-res (300dpi) or low-res (72dpi).

In fact, it is relatively easy to avoid falling into the trap of pixilated images . . .

High-res vs low-res

High-Res has more pixels and therefore more detail to create a sharper quality.  Always reach for a High-Res image first for on-line requirements and especially for printing. Use them wisely as website photos because they take up more space and load slower.

Low-Res (or Web Sized) has less pixels. It is much smaller in size, takes up less space and loads faster. Generally, these are ideal as website photos.  Nonetheless they can appear pixilated and blurred if not resized correctly or uploaded to a site that compresses images automatically.

Drop the stock

Avoid taking the easy route and uploading stock images. Everyone else in the world has access to them (including your competitors).  You may as well have a big banner across your website saying Move along. Nothing to see here .

Your website is your virtual shop window. All those potential new customers’ little noses pressed up against the screen looking for an incentive to click in.

If you were a High Street shop would you dress your window the same as your friendly neighbourhood rivals?  No, that would be just plain crazy.

Our client was stunned when we revealed his main competitor used the exact same stock photography.  You may also find businesses in the same field as yours are using similar, if not identical, themed images. Have a mooch around and check them out.

Pique interest with pictures

Every business, no matter how small, needs quality website photography which exhibits creativity, intrigue, and interest. 

Which is why magazines are full of them. Advertisers and content writers are all trying to pique our interest and draw us onto their page.  Website photography operates in exactly the same way, every image vying for the users’ attention.

If the huge corporations invest in website photography, then surely it is wise for SMEs to follow suit.

We may not have access to their colossal budget, but the blueprint is readily available and adaptable.

Knock out visual quality

Any photographer worth their salt will hold a Pre-Shoot Consultation with their client. Crucially it is more than an overview of the project and their products and/or services.   Discovering the genuine person behind the brand is where the magic happens.

Understanding their values, listening to their stories, and discussing what matters to them sits at the core of every commercial image.

Now the photographer can creatively run with all that information.

A factory floor filled with machinery may seem dull and uninteresting to an owner.  However, to a photographer, armed with the ability to use creative lighting and angles, it is anything but.

Be authentic . . . be you!

Authentic website photography creates an instant connection with the user.  A story telling image not only generates interest but instils connection and trust.

Now you are standing out from your competitors because you are relatable.  In an emotional sense, when you meet in person, you've already invoked a sense of familiarity and confidence.

We guarantee you are unique and interesting with a story to tell that people really want to connect with.  Be exclusive, professional, and outstanding . . . because you are!

You have worked too hard on your business not to make a great impression.

If you need help reviewing your website please contact us or call us on 07790 753852 .

To read about some of our corporate clients' photoshoots click here . . . there's a great selection of short stories to inspire you.

We’d love to thank the lovely people at Glow for asking us to submit this blog as one of their guest bloggers.

Glow is where your website is constantly monitored. An easy-to-use website maintenance app for businesses, agencies and web developers. Submit help requests 24/7, view a timeline of activity and get tips to improve your site.

Are 2 Photographers Better than 1?

Fri, 23 Apr 2021 13:35:00 GMT

Two photographers for an event

This question particularly relates to capturing a group shot or an event. Many photographers work alone, but they can hire an assistant or better still a second photographer if they need to.

Here at Roth Read Photography we're lucky enough to be in a position where we can do all our shoots together.

Will you have an assistant?

A photographer can only be in one place at a time. Bring in a second photographer and now it is possible to capture the event as it unfolds across numerous areas.

For instance, one photographer is capturing the awards ceremony on stage and the other is capturing the reactions of the guests at the award winner’s table.

It is also an opportunity to take photos from different angles and positions: the detail and drama from the stage and the whole scene from the back or above the event.

Manage group shots

Gathering everyone together for a group shot, whether at an event or in the office, can be time consuming. Often people are eager to get on with their day or return to the celebrations.

Managing those final technical adjustments to the camera and lights can take a few moments and may cause some frustration for the photographer and group alike.

This is the moment the Assistant will step up to organise and pose the group; now the group is engaged and the photographer taking the shot has space for fine tuning.

Capture all the action

Once the ceremony is over and the guests begin to interact, there are more opportunities to capture any action with 2 photographers around. We actually use walkie talkies to communicate and improve co-ordination – and, it has to be said, to look like spies.

No two photographers are the same and, although we are very similar, we each have a couple of areas where we shine. This is where a second photographer can rally take the images to a new level as now it is possible to offer a varied perspective and capture multiple, simultaneous aspects of the event.

So, there you have it, a few good reasons to ask your Photographer whether he is flying solo or has a wing (wo)man.

If you have any questions about this blog or would like more information, please contact us or call on 07790 753852

To read about how we help people celebrate their special events, head to our Photoshoots page.

You can read about Bibis Restaurant Showcase event, Vicki and Rich's Medieval Party, and Tracey's birthday party, to name a few.

As seen in our column in the TopicUK Magazine

Ask A Photographer About Fee & Time

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 18:31:00 GMT

When is a photographer right for you?

Professional Corporate images not only market your business and sell your products and services, but also capture your message, values and people.

The problem is, how do you determine if a photographer is right for you and your business?

It can be difficult to interpret a photographer’s professional, technical and creative abilities from their portfolio.

Talk me through it

Buying a tangible product is pretty straight forward in terms of what you receive for handing over your hard-earned cash. However, some are a little more ambiguous which is often the case when investing in the services of a photographer.

A reputable photographer will set your expectations at a Pre-Shoot Consultation, not only for creativity and design purposes, but for costs and delivery timeline.

What do I get?

Determine straight up what you are receiving for your money.

How many images do I receive and what format are they in?

Commercial clients generally request digital images as they are uploaded to websites, social media platforms and utilised for their marketing products.

Consequently, you need digital images in both lo res and high res formats. Lo-Res is perfect for online use as it has less pixels, so it is small in size, takes up less space and loads faster. High-Res is required for printing as it has more pixels and therefore more detail, creating a sharper quality.

Occasionally a Commercial client will also request images in printed format for their business premises. Ensure the paper-type (ie lustre, gloss, matt, metallic etc) and size of the print are clearly captured as any revisions can alter the price.

Does the cost include a licence to use the images?

A licence is provided by the photographer to determine how, when and where you can use the images.

Check the licence for hidden costs such as an expiration date with a requirement to renew the licence; or a clause that only permits the photographer to manipulate the images (consequently charging you for any edits, or not allowing the changes at all).

In short you want to be able to use your images wherever and however you choose for as long as you feel like it.

How long with the photoshoot last?

It is the photographer’s responsibility to get the job done within the prearranged time.

Admittedly, it is possible the shoot will overrun. What you want to know is, will you be charged for that additional time.

How long do I have to wait?

For digital images, two weeks should be enough time to download, sort and post process the images. It depends on the number of images and the amount of editing required.

Printed images will take a little longer to arrive. We use a professional printing laboratory and generally make allowances for an additional week.

If you have any questions about hiring a photographer contact us or call 07790 753852

The header photo is an Emotipic® - curious to see how they bring personality to life? Check out Gary’s story here

As seen in our column in TopicUK Magazine

The Impact of a Killer Headshot

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 14:48:00 GMT

Stand out in the crowd

Do you want a proven first step to get ahead of your competitors? Then stride out and lead your brand with an image which radiates your confidence and approachability . . . a killer Headshot.

Imagine a consumer entering your business-type into the LinkedIn search bar. Right there is your profile fighting for recognition amongst the long list of your competitors.

The amygdale region of the consumer’s brain is rapidly filtering all the information in those tiny portraits. It determines who is deemed trustworthy and who is not. It is not personal . . . it is instinctive. And we all do it.

The decision is made in nanoseconds and, before the consumer can consciously justify their choices, they have inevitably scrolled on.

As a result, biology makes this small, seemingly ineffectual picture, rather powerful.

Time to be honest

The first step to a killer Headshot is to ask the hard questions about your image.

As luck would have it, we have 6 questions to help you. All you need to do is simply answer Yes or No to each one. You can either answer these yourself or better still ask an impartial business owner to do the dirty deed.

Is it up close and sharp, are you well-lit and professionally posed?

A Headshot is a close crop which captures the head or head and shoulders; anything else is a Portrait picture. A professionally taken image will stand out from the sea of cropped snapshots, the out-of-focus selfies and blank profiles.

Would you meet a potential client or walk into a networking event looking as you do in your current profile picture?

Imagine meeting a client to clinch that perfect deal which will make your heart and business soar. In other words, this is you as the figurehead of your business, with your best foot forward.

Do you connect with a warm welcome and engaging eye contact?

The subconscious seeks out these traits whether meeting face to face or through an image. Eye contact is deep-rooted in our DNA. It is the most powerful way to feel relevant and validated.

Are you at eye level?

A subject who is looking up or down at the camera can reflect being submissive or overbearing. It is considered polite etiquette to stand up when we greet someone. Similarly, it is impolite to stand over someone when we speak with them.

Do you look professional?

This is not a dating or personal profile – it is a business profile. No need for dramatic lighting, fashion poses and overly processed pictures. Moreover, avoid cropped snapshots or images of your family, friends or pets (no matter how adorable they are).

Are you easily recognisable?

ie same age, hair colour, hairstyle, glasses etc. Imagine nurturing an on-line relationship only to not recognise them in person. At best it is the opening conversation – at worst it questions trust.

All done! If you answered any questions with ‘No’ there is one more question to ask: Is it time to consider a new headshot?

I hate having my picture taken

Ahh, the usual response to us after we've said we're “We’re Portrait Photographers".

A headshot photoshoot may feel close and quite intrusive. However, it is your photographer’s job to take his or her time and put you at ease. A good pose will make you appear more poised, confident and approachable.

We feel you have worked too hard on your business not to make a first good impression.

If you want to talk to us about Headshots just please contact us or call 07790 753852

Want to see how we created two distinct Headshot styles for Helen’s two businesses? Click here to read more.

As seen in our column in the Yorkshire Business Woman Magazine

5 Quick Tips to Improve Your Selfies

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 12:20:00 GMT

1. Stop the blur

Fancy some top tips to improve your selfies? Fantastic . . . here we go!

Whether you're holding a mobile with one hand or two the chances are, when you press the Home/ID shutter button to take the picture, your mobile will move resulting in a slightly blurred image.

For a steady image set the Camera Timer for 3 or 10 seconds. Get yourself all prepared and fabulous for your picture the press the shutter button. The screen will count down the numbers 3 2 1 – then automatically click!

It’s great for group selfies too as everyone can see the numbers counting down and are ready for the moment the camera takes the picture!

2. Prop it up

One of the things that spoils a photo is when it’s taken through a mirror, and the back of the mobile phone is on display.

To avoid this, take a little time to prop up your mobile (such as on a shelf) or better still use a tripod, then get yourself into position. Once you’ve practised this a few times and you’re happy with the results, press the shutter (have your 10 second timer on), hit your spot, and strike a pose!

This is particularly great for people who take regular mirrored photos of themselves in the same spot (usually in their home).

3. Light up

When taking a picture in a room, during daylight hours, turn your face towards the window where the natural light is streaming in. Keep the light at eye level (if the light is above your eyes it will cause shadows under them). Now you’re beautifully and naturally lit.

The same applies when you’re taking pictures outside. Just be mindful of facing directly into bright sunlight though as squinting is not a good look. However, to avoid squinting, close your eyes for a moment and open them just before taking your picture.

4. Tell the story

Rather than having just you and/or your friends’ faces in the shot – show what's in the background too. It'll be much more interesting for people to see where you are, and you will have meaningful memories to look back on.

Who wants to end up with 100’s of selfies all looking the same with no context whatsoever?

Also be mindful of what's in the background . . . there maybe something you don't want the world to see! Check your images carefully before uploading - and don't forget the reflections in mirrors too.

If you really want your picture to stand out find a spot that complements your outfit. You'll be surprised the difference it makes.

5. Rotate your image

You may find you look a little different in a selfie because you are used to seeing yourself in a mirror where your reflection is horizontally flipped.

However you can create a mirror reflection by simply taking your picture and then editing it afterwards.

Head to your Photo Album and click on your new image. Next click on Edit and tap the Crop tool. You will see the Flip icon with a two-way arrow at the top - tap that and your image will flip!

Again, remember to check your image before posting - there may be something that looks odd when flipped (like lettering for instance).

Happy selfie-ing!

You’ll find all these images — and so many more — on our Photoshoots page, each with its own behind-the-scenes story of how the magic happened.

If you’ve got questions or just want to chat about bringing your own shoot to life, drop us a message through our Contact Us page or give us a call on 07790 753852 . We’d love to hear from you!

Shoot with Cricket Ace Ryan

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 10:48:00 GMT

TopicUK magazine asked us to create their cover this month by photographing Ryan Sidebottom.

Firstly we discussed with TopicUK what they had in mind for their interview and where they’d like the portrait session to take place. The interview was a chat with the flamboyant Yorkshire man about his legendary cricketing career and his audacious appearance as a contestant on Dancing on Ice.

Secondly it was important to speak with Ryan himself to see how he would like to be photographed. Often people in the public eye don’t have this option. However, as with all our portrait photography, we want everyone to have the opportunity to be involved in the creative process.

The brief

Our final briefing was pretty straight forward.

The location was Collingham, North Yorkshire where Ryan started his journey to become a phenomenal cricketer. Images needed to echo the topic of conversation reflecting on his past, present and future career.

Jokingly, Gill the Editor of TopicUK, mentioned it would be brilliant if we could include a dog as their readers loved the previous front cover of the Yorkshire Vet and his pup! As most of you know, we love a challenge.

As a nod to the past, Ryan had a sparkly cricket bat he used in a ice dance routine which was a perfect.

We took advantage of his sharp dress sense by asking him to bring along a couple of favourite outfits; this identified Ryan as moving forward with his career. He seemed pretty relieved to not be wearing cricketing whites or a sparkly ice-dancing costume.

Shoot day

We set about photographing Ryan Sidebottom.

First stop was Collingham and District Cricket Club for that all important front page shot. Ryan looking dapper, and cooly posed with his sparkly cricket bat. Added bonus was the wind gently blowing his long curly locks about!

Next we moved onto two other Collingham locations which, we like to think, were a little more subtle: a willow tree and a field full of round straw bales (we know you get it).

Eddie stole the show

Suddenly all Gill’s hopes and dreams came true. Bouncing into the field came Eddy the Pointer dog!

We asked his owner Kevin if he’d like to be in a photoshoot: “Try and stop him, he loves posing! Would you like him to jump up on the hay bales?” Would we ever! And, as you can see, he did.

Ryan was wonderful company: very easy to work with, great fun and professional. We hope his future brings much success and enjoyment.

Would you like capturing in an environment that's special to you? Then please contact us or call for a chat on 07790 753852 .

Of course you can always see how we've worked with other clients. Just head over to our Photoshoots page to be inspired!

As seen in our column in TopicUK magazine

Power of a Cover Image

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 11:37:00 GMT

Missed marketing opportunity

One of the often-missed marketing opportunities on a social media page is the cover image. Many businesses leave this area blank or contain an image which is ill-fitting, of low quality or generic from a stock photography site.

This important leading space is the perfect place to reflect you and your brand (something unobtainable with a stock image). A virtual shop window where you can throw open the shutters, be creative and entice people to look inside!

This image can be frequently switched up so those prominent posts which slip down your newsfeed can now occupy this space. Therefore, you can visibly entice those clients speedily surfing across the web, stop them in their tracks and divert them down your page.

Let’s look at the ways you can maximise the marketing potential of this space:

Showcase products

Perfect to display consistent, seasonal and new items tempting people to head to your website to see further product details and prices.

In the creative world you can showcase our works of art, books, photography etc. A picture paints a thousand words which saves an awful lot of description in the 'About' section

Celebrate

Have you or your business won an award recently? Has your business been established for a significant number of years? Maybe you’ve hit the headlines (in a good way). Banners are displayed to celebrate special events – now do it on-line.

As an example, one LinkedIn member displays an image of her addressing a large audience. It demonstrates her status and importance within her field, and instantly creates kudos for the business.

Promote

Take the opportunity to tell people about offers and up-coming events. While you may not wish this to be a permanent feature, utilising it when you have something special to publicise will interest your visitors.

Call to action

Again, use this sparingly and be creative to arouse interest and encourage action. It doesn’t need to be an obvious pitch such as ‘buy now!’ To welcome a person to a group or ask for their opinion demonstrates you value them. For inspiration Google ‘best call to action’ and see how the large corporates do it.

Maybe you can think of some marketing ideas yourself. If you do, please let us know, we’d love to hear them.

If you'd like some help utilising your banner please contact us or call on 07790 753852

As seen in our column in TopicUK Magazine

Boost Every Single Post

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 15:51:00 GMT

Our idea for a collection of Personal Branding images was born out of a passing comment.

A friend happened to remark how easy it is for us to boost every single post across our social media. Why? Because we have a stash of professional images to choose from.

And she was right.

Why should you have to scrabble around for a half decent image to accompany your snazzy post? Even when you do find one, your “Woo hoo . . . post uploaded!” moment doesn’t last long. Another post is just around the corner waiting for inspiration.

It was time for us to help businesses out by providing them with their own personal collection of images.

What do you receive?

Professional images which exclusively capture you and your business. We photograph everything and anything you want to talk about.

It can be you, your people, values, services, products, office space, factory, machinery, an event, a process . . . anything goes!

Your gallery can be as small or large as you like and updated any time to suit you.

How do you utilise them?

Not only are they perfect for Online purposes but also ideal for printed marketing materials and design projects. Moreover, it means no more sharing stock images with competitors.

With personalised photos at your fingertips you can quickly and effortlessly post a picture in real time, or even prepare posts in advance. So, you can easily boost every single post.

Bibis Italianissimo Restaurant

Bibis asked us to capture many aspects of their restaurant in Leeds to utilise on their website and social media sites.

There were so many aspects to capture: the glorious art deco, the friendly serving staff, the busy kitchen, beautifully presented dishes and cocktails - not to mention their fabulous Showtime events.

Now they have a large gallery of professional images that tells their story and invites viewers into their world.

Bibis story features in our Photoshoot page - click here to read it and see more images.

If your business is in need of a collection of Personal Brand images then please contact us or call on 07790 753852

Mother & Daughter Portrait Session

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 16:54:00 GMT

A Mother and Daughter/s portrait session is an occasion to spend a special day together and create a wonderful memory!

At the photoshoot you will have your photographs taken together and individually.

We have a studio in Leeds but we specialise in on-location photography.

Maybe you will find yourself by an old fashioned canal or next to a tumbling waterfall. In the same vein you may be in derelict graffiti building or in the luxury of a 5 star hotel. In short, the scenes and scenarios are endless.

Furthermore, you can include our special treats to create an extra special day. Ranging from professional hair and makeup to a personal shopping experience for an evening gown, from champagne to evening dinner.

This beautiful Mother & Daughter Portrait Session is a time to remember and tailor-made for both of you. Of course it may be you have more than one daughter or would like to include your own mother . . . fabulous!

All our Photography Sessions are bespoke which means they are tailored to you and your family.

At your Consultation we discuss how, where and with whom you’d like to be photographed.

This is an investment and personal to you . . . it has to be an image you cherish. Not only will it be a treasured image for you but for future generations.

Finding Your Perfect Photographer Match

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 12:14:00 GMT

First impressions happen fast

Research suggests it takes 50 milliseconds (give or take a ms) for an on-line user to form an impression. Unless that user is a warp 9 speed reader, those initial reactions are formed by the web design and images.

A website needs enticing images to encourage visitors to stop – and scroll down your Home page. And you really need a professional photographer to create those remarkable images.

General vs genre

A general photographer may be less expensive but may also lack expertise in the style you require. There are distinct variations in style, technique, and perspective within each genre of photography.

A professional photographer will either demonstrate they can fulfil your requirements or recommend another photographer fit for purpose. In other words, they want the very best images to represent your message, values, services and/or products.

As a business, your first step is to seek out a Commercial Photographer. Their job is to produce high quality images with the intent to market and sell a product or service.

Next choose a genre fit for purpose: Portrait, Product, Food, Landscape, Architecture, Macro, Event etc. It may even take more than one photographer to create a profound gallery of images.

Having said all that, a Commercial Photographer may expertly deliver more than one genre. It’s not an exact science, all we are saying is you wouldn’t ask Banksy to paint you a Rembrandt, right?

And don't leave events to chance!

It’s worth taking a moment to mention Event photography. Often viewed as something a colleague with a good camera can do . . . it is anything but.

There is only once chance to capture the action, reactions, and emotions . . . one chance to get it right. Ruined images can badly impact months of marketing and disappoint your sponsors and clients alike.

If you need any advice choosing the right type of photographer for your requirements, please contact or call us on 07790 753852 .

Looking for photoshoot inspiration? Take a peek at what we've created for our clients on our Photoshoots page - your next great idea might be waiting there!

As seen in our column in TopicUK Magazine

Image features Julia Lee, NLP Coach, Hypnotherapist

and owner of Common Sense Initiative

Do Your Images Reflect Your Business?

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 19:11:00 GMT

Before you book, take a closer look

A lady recently mentioned to us that she selected a photographer because “he sounded nice on the phone”.   Admittedly, it’s hard to know where to begin the selection process but an ideal starting point is to view their work and speak with their clients.  

Of course, all photographers like to show off their best work on-line (we’d be silly not to). However you need to view more than their selected photos, and be satisfied they’re genuine.

Unbelievably, some photographers upload images that are simply not their own. 

Such as images taken during photography workshops where the shot was entirely set up by the tutor. We know this happens because we’ve seen it.  Occasionally they display another photographer’s image reasoning they can replicate it anyway.

If a portfolio appears inconsistent and mismatched (ie bad images alongside terrific ones) then ask the photographer why this is.

Chat to their clients

Ultimately, you need to know that that their photography studio is providing a constant flow of high-quality pictures. Images which exceed their clients’ expectations.

Testimonials will reveal what their clients saying about their experience.  The most reliable testimonials are where a client uploads the review themselves; such as Google, LinkedIn and Facebook.  

These people can be contacted directly, which enables you to ask these questions:

Did the Photographer make you feel at ease and take his/her time?

Were you directed throughout the photoshoot?

Did you have a positive experience?

Did the final images match or exceed your expectations?

Would you use this photographer again?

Of course you may find out much more once you get chatting!

Need a little photoshoot inspiration? Explore our Photoshoots page and see how our clients brought their stories to life!

And if you'd like to talk with us about your ideas, please contact us or call 07790 753852 .

As seen in our column in TopicUK Magazine

Headshots: Unlock Your Acting Career

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 12:02:00 GMT

Prepare for stage and screen

If you're a budding actor, about to embark on your first Headshot session, you may like to know there's a difference between corporate and actors Headshots.

Here's a quick over-view of what you need for the screen, the stage . . . for Hollywood!

Firstly, it is absolutely imperative an Actor’s image is up to date and, as a rule, visit their Photographer at least once a year.

Always work with a Professional Photographer, as a poor-quality Headshot indicates the actor is not serious about the business. Sadly, even if they’re considered the next Lawrence Olivier, they won’t make it to the auditions.

Furthermore the opinion that a good headshot will last you for years is especially inappropriate. Who naturally remains the same for years?

The role of a Casting Director

A Casting Director's job is to find the right person who not only acts the part but looks the part too. First impressions really do count. Imagine submitting a Headshot with long hair and a beard, only to show up clean-shaven with cropped hair! Chances are, you’ll have missed the mark before you even open your mouth.

Casting Directors are incredibly busy, and they rely on Headshots being accurate and up to date. An actor is very unlikely to land a role based on how they used to look.

That’s why any actor worth their salt will research what a particular Casting Director expects to see in a headshot - and make sure their portfolio matches. Your Headshot is your calling card; it needs to tell the right story at the right time.

The essential requirements

As photographers we have rules and opinions to contend with, and as you know, opinions vary. However, let’s have a look at some of the essential requirements:

As with any Headshot, the head is crucial, therefore no props, no hands and no distracting backgrounds.
Casting Directors require a natural look with little or no makeup.
Black and white Headshots are acceptable in this country, however it is not the same across the pond. For anyone wanting to break into Hollywood, the USA consider them to be outdated.
The standard image size is 8″ × 10″.

Overall, from our perspective, an actor’s Headshot requires a white background with focus on the eyes, whilst paying attention to those facial micro-features.

Look your best, be your best and show yourself at your best!

Oliver, in the main shot, joined us for an amazing dance photoshoot with his dance partner Annabelle - see it here!

Ready for your own headshot? Reach out at 07790 753852 or send us a message via our contact us page

Do Photographers Need Insurance?

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 17:42:00 GMT

Protect your memories - choose well

We recently completed a commercial photoshoot for a medium sized business which comprised Headshots and Group shots. Having previously hired two general photographers for the job, they had been disappointed with both sets of results.

These services seemed inexpensive, but the end result was wasted time and a cost of £375 for absolutely nothing in return.

A photography business is no different from our other suppliers; they must carry insurance.

The same applies for any photographer you hire in your private life too. Particularly those unique occasions such as weddings and special events where there's only one opportunity to capture those memories.

Is your photographer insured?

If a photographer isn’t insured, you have no more questions to ask. Thank them for their time and say goodbye.

It’s easy to find a cheap photographer but if they don’t have the necessary insurance then the cost could be more than you bargained for. Accidents can happen especially when working with lights, wires, tripods, backdrops etc. If an employee is injured, who's liable? You may find yourself sucked into a court case either as a defendant or a plaintive.

Seek out a photographer who holds both Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance.

Public Liability demonstrates a photographer appreciates the value of your employees and your property.

Professional Indemnity safeguards you from any actual or potential financial losses.

Moreover, these insurances demonstrate the photographer’s integrity, professional attitude and obligation to safeguard you.

If you'd like to discuss our insurance policies with us please contact us or call on 07790 753852

As seen in our column in TopicUK Magazine