Specialist Car and Campervan Rental Website Photography at Wedderburn Castle
I've been allowed to drive some superb cars in the name of photography. Just look at this VW Bumblebee Camper Van; it’s my favourite, and you can even watch movies on the dashboard!
Car photography is not my usual line of work but this job was a real joy. The owners of Arkvendor Specialist Car Hire have some stunning vehicles to hire and wanted to showcase some on their website. Our friends at Wedderburn Castle allowed us the use of their grounds for this photo shoot which makes it extra special. It’s a real cross-border collaboration.
Written by Sarah
Gunsgreen Extravaganza in Perfect Eyemouth Sunshine!
Put together by Jenna Shields, assistant manager at Gunsgreen House, the Extravaganza proved a very popular event for Eyemouth and the weather was perfect!
Organised to celebrate the launch of the Smugglers’ Trail at Gunsgreen House, the event saw nearly 1,000 people visit the seaside town to enjoy a variety of food stalls and be entertained with displays of birds of prey as well as a performance from the Lynella School of Highland Dancers and live music.
Holiday Accommodation Interior Photography Bamburgh and Alnwick
A quick photoshoot this morning at a 3 bedroomed cottage near Bamburgh and Alnwick, this was a 2.5 hour session which is our Space and Place package, details of what is included in the Space and Place package are below:
1-1 consultation call with Sarah to discuss your accommodation.
Planning of props if required.
2.5 hours of photography (this is enough time to cover a 3 bedroom holiday cottage with some details and exterior shots).
Travel within 15 miles of Berwick upon Tweed.
Custom, hands-on processing of all final images.
Claimable business expense.
25 professionally retouched, high-resolution digital images.
Online password-protected gallery to choose your images from.
Available to download online or via USB.
Licence to reproduce for business use.
£395 for 25 digital images (both high and web resolution)
If you can't be around for the photography like this customer who lives elsewhere, I can arrange key collection from a neighbor or masterlock box and get on with the photography with minimum fuss, saving you time away from your busy schedule.
Music at Paxton: Brochure, Website, and Documentary Photography
I’ve photographed the Music at Paxton festival in a reportage style several times now, I’ve also photographed musician’s portraits and some of the beautiful details of the location at this 10 day event is a lovely family friendly collection of the best classical chamber music in the Scottish Borders held at Paxton House, Berwick.
Sanderson McCreath Edney Solicitors, Illustrative photography for website and traditional branding
Today I had the pleasure of photographing the beautiful and quirky old quay walls building that is currently used as sanderson, mccreath and edney solicitors firm. The photography was done to illustrate their website to show the long standing, traditional firm that have been in Berwick for 165 years.
https://solicitorsberwick.co.uk/
Carter's Family Butchers and Holiday Home in Bamburgh, Northumberland
Last week I went out to Bamburgh to photograph Carter's. The Carter family have been the village butchers for over 100 years and have built up a great reputation by providing a personal service and top quality produce. Each time I'm in Bamburgh I make sure I pick up a couple of scotch pies, totally yummy!
I love the fact that all their meat comes from local farms holding the certificate of Farm Assurance. Their cattle lambs are grass fed and they obtain the meat from their prime cured bacon, hams and sausage from free range pork. In addition R Carter & Son makes a variety of pies, black and white puddings and they also roast and boil their own meats.
I had to go out to the Bamburgh shop really early in the morning to avoid the queues! Seriously, this is a popular village shop, with locals and holiday makers alike. Sue and Mike were really kind to me and made me a coffee and bacon sarnie which was utterly delish! After photographing the shop I went up to their holiday accommodation and took some interior shots for brochures and website marketing. The pictures from the shop are to be used in a new website designed by Northern Lab in Berwick.
Carter's is the home of the 'Bamburgh Banger' and has even been endorsed by Rick Stein as a Food Hero. It's easy to see why Carters is so popular, as someone famous once said (who's name escapes me) 'You get the business you deserve'.
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
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!
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.
Berwick Library Children's Trip to Heatherslaw Railway
To celebrate Bookstart, Berwick Library's Dianne Wright organised a 'Wheels on the Bus Trail' to Heatherslaw Light Railway with a picnic and fun day with local services at Etal Village Hall. The day was to promote rhymes, communication and family learning through ECAT.
Dianne Wright, Berwick Library 01289 334051
Allan Brothers Ltd. Bi-Centenary Supplement for The Berwick Advertiser
Working with HOME strategic at Allan Bros Ltd, Berwick to create images that will illustrate a 12 page supplement commissioned about their Bi-Centenary year to go out in the Tweeddale Press newspapers this summer.
The images were shot over several days and involved some interesting projects and topics. Apart from being in the factory shooting key staff and interiors and meeting 2 of the joinerettes who took over working in the factory during the war. I was sent out to Berwick Fire Station and RNLI station to photograph staff who give their time to these roles and are supported by their work. I went out to Horncliffe and Berwick to photograph the home's the Allan Brothers lived in, I even visited the grave stones!
I have to say though, the highlight for me was going up high in a caged fork lift for the large group shot outside head office, that beats a ladder hands down!
'Allan Brothers, based in Berwick-Upon-Tweed, celebrates its bi-centenary this year and is a name still synonymous with the manufacture of quality timber windows and doors for customers throughout the UK."We are a 21st-century company but with a heritage we are proud of," says managing director Jan Ehlers Lonstrup. "Windows represent a major investment and we offer the right solutions for our customers who are looking for craftsmanship, sustainability, security and a supplier they can trust and have confidence in."While Allan Brothers have designed and manufactured traditional sash windows for many years, their latest designs incorporate modern thinking and technology coupled with traditional styling."We are an action-oriented group with a strong consumer focus," says Jan. "Everyone we communicate with, independent of their professional role, is a consumer and it's that consumer we choose to talk to"
Farm Workers and Family Christmas Fireworks Party at Cranshaws near Duns
Farm Workers and Family Christmas Fireworks Party at Cranshaws near Duns
An exciting and technically challenging night at a rainy staff fireworks display and coloured bonfire disco night at a farm in Cranshaws near Duns.
It was extremely cold and wet. I was up to the ankles in mud. It was extremely dark… so it was a bit of a challenge for the photography but with a few little tricks we turned out some creative and exciting imagery. The local chippy delivered about 50 portions of fish and chips and there were some really yummy brownies on offer which obviously helped with the photo-taking. Everyone had a brilliant time and luckily the rain didn't spoil the fun!
Fireworks and blue/green bonfire by http://www.aurorafireworks.co.uk/
Written by Sarah
Natural Daylight and Ventilation Domes used at The New Tesco Building in Berwick
Natural Daylight and Ventilation Domes used at The New Tesco Building in Berwick
Shooting for Tesco and Passivent's PR company to illustrate the natural daylight and ventilation domes being used at the new Tesco Building in Berwick.
I took a photograph of the office inside Tesco and shot it using only the natural light coming in from outside.
Thurston Manor Publicity Photo Shoot
Thurston Manor Publicity Photo Shoot
Over 2 days I photographed this vast 5-star holiday park's fantastic array of facilities which include a freshwater fishing lake, gym, swimming pool, entertainment lounges, restaurant, lodge interiors, holiday homes, and caravans.
These photographs are to be used for national press advertising for the park and also in future brochures and on their website.
Having worked in the past at the head office of Parkdean Holidays in Newcastle I had a good understanding and insight as to what Dunham Leisure required from me on this shoot.
Follow the link below to visit their website!
Written by Sarah