How do you get the best from your school prospectus photographs?

Common Myths About Property Photography (And What Actually Matters)

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:42:12 GMT

Property Photographer Berkshire | Property Photography Berkshire

If you’re marketing a property, whether that’s for sale, to rent, or as part of a wider business, the photography plays a much bigger role than many people expect.

With most people now having a smartphone in their pocket, it’s easy to assume that taking a few quick photos using that will be enough. However, when it comes to presenting a property at its best, there’s much more to consider than simply capturing the space.

Over the years taking professional photographs for property developers, interior designers, builders and Architects, I’ve noticed a number of common assumptions about property photography. Some are understandable, but they can sometimes hold people back from getting the most out of their images.

So I thought it might be helpful to share a few of the most common myths, along with what actually makes the difference.

Myth 1: “A quick phone photo will do the job”

Phone cameras have improved a lot, and they’re perfectly useful in many situations.

However, property photography is about more than just capturing a space. It’s about showing it clearly, accurately and in a way that feels inviting.

Things like lens choice, composition and lighting all play a part in how a space is perceived. Small details can make a room feel either open and welcoming or slightly cramped and unclear.

Myth 2: “The property needs to be perfect before photos can be taken”

It’s easy to feel that everything needs to be completely finished and styled before a shoot.

In reality, it’s more about presentation than perfection.

Simple steps such as decluttering, adding in a few style props and letting in as much natural light as possible can make a significant difference.

Part of my role is to guide you on this beforehand, so you know exactly what is worth focusing on and what isn’t.

Myth 3: “It’s just about photographing rooms”

Property photography is not simply a checklist of different rooms.

It’s about showing how spaces within the property might be used with clever prop staging and to help those looking at the photographs to get an impression of the overall feel of the accommodation. My aim is always to give a clear, honest impression while still presenting the space at its best and making it look inviting.

Myth 4: “All property photos look the same”

It can sometimes feel as though property images are quite uniform.

While there are certain principles that need to be followed, with a little creativity and a good eye, there is still room (pardon the pun!) to reflect the character of a property. The way a space is framed, what details are included and the overall style will vary according to the target market. For example, a functional small flat for rental, will be photographed differently to a luxury 5 bedroom property which is for sale.

Myth 5: "It doesn't matter what time of day the photos are taken"
In reality, timing can actually make a huge difference. The direction of light, shadows and even how a space feels can change throughout the day. Planning the timing helps ensure the property is shown at its best. As a rough rule of thumb, for east-facing properties, morning is the best time to shoot and for west-facing properties, go for the afternoon. If your property faces north, any time between 10:00 and 14:00 is ideal. And if it faces south, you'll want your photos taken first thing in the morning, or last thing in the day.

And finally......Property photography is often associated with estate agents, but it’s just as valuable for architects, interior designers, developers and builders. Professional images help showcase their work, highlight the details and create a strong first impression. With experience photographing a wide range of properties, I understand how to present spaces in a way that feels natural, professional and true to the project. If you're planning to showcase a property or completed project, I’d be very happy to have a chat about how I can help.

Pennie

Professional Photographer Berkshire: Your Questions Answered

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:19:56 GMT

Professional Photographer Berkshire | Commercial & Event Photography

It may be that you're considering employing a professional photographer in and around Berkshire. If so, the chances are that you’re looking for more than just excellent, professional photos. You will undoubtedly want images that represent your particular business, support your marketing activity and help you stand out from your competition. As with any industry, unless you already know someone, or have a recommendation, it can sometimes be a minefield knowing how to select the photographer you want to work with.

To try to help, I’ve answered some of the most common questions I’m regularly asked by clients across Berkshire, Reading and the South East. These relate mostly about how we go about planning a photo shoot - this is the same whether there is 1 of you in the business or 1000!

Where do we start?

The first stage is an initial discussion during which my aim is to find out as much as possible to fully understand your business and what you are looking to achieve with our photography. So for example, I may ask you things like 'describe your business/brand in 3 words'. I will also ask who your target market is, where your images will be used, what services do you offer, what format do you need the photos taken in etc etc

How do we create a shotlist?

Once I know a lot more about your business, I can set about putting together a shotlist which outlines the what, where and how for the shoot. This is very much a 'working document which includes input from you too. It is the main reference point that I work from on the shoot to ensure we get exactly the shots we need.

Where can we shoot if I don't have anywhere appropriate for photography?

I can advise on locations/backdrops depending on the kinds of photos you are looking for. I've used everything from cafes, co-working spaces, hotels and the streets of London - so fear not, we will find something suitable for your business!

What if we need models for our photography?

In terms of models, in 16 years of business, I have never had to actually pay a professional model - we usually find either willing staff members, or rope in friends or family! I can advise everyone on what to wear, how to approach the shoot etc. If relevant, I also can arrange a hair and make up artist to be on hand on the day.

What actually happens on the day of the photo shoot?

I appreciate that some people get extremely nervous about the idea of taking part in a photo shoot. Rest assured, I work very hard on the day to make sure everyone is as relaxed as possible and I talk everyone through exactly what's going to happen and when.

What happens after the session?

I edit and retouch the images and upload them to an online gallery. You can download these as both high res and low res jpegs depending on where you plan to use them. The images are supplied to you with a full and unrestricted licence to use them in any media over any time period.

What type of photography do you specialise in?

My work focuses on commercial photography for all different types of businesses. This includes headshots, school/college prospectus and website photos, corporate events and photos for social media/marketing activity.

Do You Work With Small and Local Businesses?

Very much so - but equally, I also work with global organisations. I'm happy with to work with businesses of any size.

Where Are You Based and Do You Travel?

I’m based near Reading and work all across Berkshire , but I also work with clients in London and all over the South East . I have worked everywhere from Bournemouth to Belfast!

One last question - why should I invest in professional photography?

Research shows that content with relevant images gets up to 94% more views than content without* . Also, studies indicate that high quality images can boost conversion rates by around 30 - 33% compared to lower quality images**.

So, if you're considering planning a photo shoot for your business, why not give me a call or drop me an email and we can have an initial, no obligation chat about what you're looking for. I look forward to hearing from you.

Pennie

* Source - https://shorturl.at/R2sh9

** Source - https://shorturl.at/fN61K

Why Personal Branding Photography Is One of the Smartest Investments You Can Make for Your Business - plus a special offer!

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 13:52:15 GMT

Corporate photography Reading | Corporate photographer Berkshire

Let’s be honest — we all judge a book by its cover.
And when it comes to businesses, we judge a brand by its photographs.

When someone lands on your website or scrolls through your social media feed, they make a decision within seconds. Do they like what they see? Do they want to find out more? Most importantly, could they see themselves working with you?

That’s why the images you use to represent your business really matter. Professional, striking photography doesn’t just look good — it tells people who you are, what you do, and why they should choose you.

This is exactly where personal branding photography comes in.

(For a special offer on personal branding photography - see at the bottom of this blog)

And finally......the good bit!

Special Personal Branding Offer – Kick-Start 2026

To kick-start 2026, I’m offering a special introductory rate on my Personalised Branding Package.

For any bookings received before the end of March 2026, a 2-hour personal branding shoot is just £300 (usually £350).

This includes:

A 2-hour photoshoot
Full editing and professional retouching
Your final images delivered via an online gallery

It’s a simple, stress-free way to get a professional set of images ready to use across your website and social media.

Ready to Get Started?

If you're potentially interested, just drop me an email here or give me a call on 07715 889457 and I’ll take care of the rest.

Pennie

Planning a Q1 Corporate event? Here’s How to Brief Your Photographer

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 12:18:14 GMT

Event photographer Reading | Event photographer Berkshire

As an event photographer based near Reading, this is always an exciting time of year. Companies are planning everything from Q1 corporate events and awards ceremonies to team-building days and product launches. My role? Capturing the atmosphere, the energy, and those natural, candid moments that make an event memorable.

Sometimes, I get briefed just five minutes before the doors open—but ideally, a photographer’s brief has been thoughtfully prepared in advance. A clear brief helps ensure I capture exactly what’s important to your business, while still allowing me to work my creative magic.

Below are some pointers to include in your event photography brief in order to get the best results:

1. Event Details

Type of event & expected number of attendees – Helps me plan coverage and equipment.
Venue & exact room name – especially if multiple events are happening at the same location!
Event timings – Include setup time so the photographer can scope the venue, and key timings so they’re in the right place at the right time.

2. Photo Style & Usage

Type of photographs desired – Natural/candid, plus maybe some staged group shots?
Headshots/team photos – Good to know if these are required at some point during the event.
Format required – High resolution, low resolution, or both.
Where the photos will be used – This may influence landscape vs. portrait orientation.
Highlight shots for social media – Let your photographer know in advance if you need quick turnaround a selection of images for social media posts
For the final images, are you looking for colour jpegs/black and white or a mixture?

3. Special Considerations

Special guests or VIPs – Make sure I know who to prioritise.
People who don’t want to be photographed – Essential to respect privacy.
Speeches, awards, or key moments – Include exact times and any specific “grip and grin” shots required.
Dress code – Helps the photographer dress appropriately for the event.
Lighting conditions – If the venue is dark, special equipment may be needed.
Shots to avoid – Any individuals, confidential displays, or situations that shouldn’t be photographed.

4. Insurance & Professionalism

Ensure your photographer has professional indemnity insurance for peace of mind.

As you can see, a little preparation goes a long way!

The more detail you include in your brief, the more your photos will reflect the essence of your event —ready to share on your social media, in PR activity, internal comms, or on future event publicity.

If you haven’t chosen a photographer yet, please take a look at my event photography gallery here and get in touch for an informal chat. I’d love to see how I can help capture your next event.

With best wishes,

Pennie

Pennie Withers Photography

A look back at 2025

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 18:24:43 GMT

Professional photographer near Reading | Professional photography Berkshire

As 2025 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on another incredible year behind the camera. My 16th year in business.

The year has included photo shoots on busy London streets to locations all across the South East. It's been a year full of variety, challenges, and plenty of memorable moments.

When I look back at the well over 125 jobs I worked on, it makes me extremely grateful for every opportunity I have had to capture moments that tell a story, From an emotional service held to celebrate International Nurses' Day to spending time across the Chilterns photographing equine vets caring for their clients horses. I also photographed many schools and colleges for their websites and prospectuses, plus took a trip across to Belfast to capture some images for an insurance business. I am very lucky that almost every week is different.

One thing that is consistent though, is how often clients start with, ‘I hate having my photo taken…’—and then end up telling me they actually enjoyed the experience! I'll take that as a win.

With Christmas not far away now, I’m going to take a break from photography to focus (pardon the pun!) on the people who make the rest of my life so full. That includes my long suffering husband, Charlie who — belatedly — deserves a proper thank-you for all his support (something I’ve shamefully never done in a blog before ��).

Also, my 3 'children' who either patiently endure me taking endless photos of them ..... or keep me entertained with photos of their own adventures: Archie settled in Melbourne, Ollie living and working in London, and Anna enjoying her far-flung travels this summer before finally settling down to work.

All that leaves me to do is to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy 2026.

Pennie

Beyond headshots - how personal branding photography builds trust and grows your business (plus a special offer!)

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 15:47:08 GMT

Professional photographer near me | professional photographer reading

Let’s be honest — we often judge a book by its cover. Or when it comes to businesses, we judge a brand by its imagery.

When someone lands on your website or scrolls through your social media feed, they decide in seconds whether they want to stick around. So, it's hugely important that the photographs that you post are professional and really show who you are and what you do.

That’s where personal branding photography comes in.

But what exactly is Personal Branding Photography?

Personal branding photography is all about creating a collection of professional, images that showcase you and your business . Think of it as a bank of photos you can use on your website, social media, marketing materials, email newsletters, or anywhere else that you show up online. They are typically candid, lifestyle images which show your personality and you doing 'your thing'. If you’re a small business owner, these photos are an absolute game-changer as they differentiate you from your competition which is often using stock images. Or worse......no imagery at all.

And why should you have a set of personal branding photographs ? In short, here are just a few reasons why:

They build trust and credibility. People buy from people they trust. Simples
They tell your story (without words)
They keep your brand consistent everywhere- consistent brand imagery makes your brand feel cohesive
It saves you time having a bank of professional photographs - you've got just the right photos at your fingertips
They help you stand out - and also show your personality, unlike generic stock images
And finally......they provide huge ROI. Once your photo shoot is done, these photos can be used EVERYWHERE!

Here are a few examples of personal branding photos I have taken for clients recently:

I have over 16 years experience working with many different businesses (both in term of size and sector) in order to help them invest in their business story with a set of personal branding photos.

To kick start 2026, I have a special offer on my Personalised branding package - for any bookings received before the end of this year, a 2 hour shoot will cost £300 * . This price includes the shoot itself, all editing and retouching then supplying the images to you on an online gallery. This is an easy way to get a set of professional photos to market your business on your website and social media. See below for further details.

Finally, how does a personalised branding shoot with me work?

First of all, we will have a chat during which you will tell me about your business. From that, using my background in marketing, I will help you to work out exactly what photographs you need for your business and how we can achieve them. If you have a business location, then great. If not, I can come up with some location suggestions. After the shoot - you will have a bank of photos (typically, between 100-150) with which to use all over your social media and website.

At this stage, all you have to do is pick up the phone, or drop me an email to indicate your interest and I will do the rest!

I look forward to hearing from you.

Pennie

* usually £350.

Photography tips from a professional property photographer based in Berkshire

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 10:58:00 GMT

Property photography Berkshire | Property photographer Reading

We’ve all heard the saying: a picture is worth a thousand words — but when it comes to property photography for case studies, it couldn’t be more true.

If you are a Property Developer, Architect, Interior Designer or Builder, your projects deserve more than average phone snaps. You might have delivered an incredible result for your client, but if the photos don’t do it justice, that story risks going untold. Professional property photography has the power to turn an ordinary case study into a standout marketing asset.

But wait......as a professional property photographer based in Berkshire, I'm bound to say that?!

I also do appreciate however that at times, taking your own photographs of your property projects is better than none at all. So, I thought it might be helpful to give a handful of easy to implement tips to help you take the best possible photographs to showcase your work.

Tip 1 - think about the light

Use natural light wherever possible
Shoot during daylight hours - ideally mid-morning or early afternoon
Open curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible.
Ideally, take photos into the room with the window light behind you. This makes it much easier to expose for the room.

Tip 2 - Stage the room for your target audience

Declutter and depersonalise the room. Remove personal items/photo frames etc...
Make the space look inviting using flowers, lifestyle magazines and neatly folded towels in bedrooms and bathrooms.
Use accessories which will be aspirational to your target audience. For high end properties, cheap accessories just won't cut it.

Tip 3 - Keep the Camera Level

Use a tripod with a spirit level - there's nothing worse than wonky photos!
Smartphones often have a spirit level function in the settings
Consider using the wide-angle option on your smartphone . But don’t overdo it — too wide can sometimes make rooms look odd.

Tip 4 - Take multiple angles of each room

corner to corner shots often make spaces look bigger
take external shots to show the neighbourhood

Tip 5: The money shot.....

Work out which angle/room/interior/exterior really is the shot with the 'wow factor' for your potential new clients. Then photograph that in the best light possible. Eg - for east facing properties, the best time of day to photograph them is morning or properties facing west, the afternoon would be better.
Also, capture unique selling points of the property eg: fireplaces, kitchen islands, garden views, parking etc.
Detail/abstract shots always work well too

So - hopefully there are a few useful tips to help you take some more attractive looking property photos.

Alternatively, why not get in touch to find out about my case study packages to give you beautiful photos which can be used across all your marketing collateral. I have worked in both the residential and commercial sector. Here are some more examples of photos I have taken for various Interior Designers, property developers, architects and builders: case study gallery . Or, if you're still unconvinced why you need professional photographs for your website/case study pages, why not take a look at my recent blog here which explains why they are so important to your business.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Pennie

How to choose the right event photographer for your corporate function

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 11:59:47 GMT

Event photography Berkshire | Professional photographer Reading

Professional event photography is the art of documenting events—such as corporate functions, conferences or product launches. The focus (pardon the pun ��) is on achieving high-quality, candid, and some posed images. A good professional event photographer captures the atmosphere, key moments, guest interactions, speakers, branding elements, and the venue itself. A professional photographer who specialises in events also knows how to capture shots that tell a story. The resulting images are not only memories but also valuable marketing assets.

All of the above seems pretty straightforward - however, how do you actually go about finding the right professional event photographer? Here are 5 tips.....

1. Evaluate Their Experience and Portfolio

Their work should demonstrate experience in capturing key moments and bringing life to an event. However, do look for variety in their past work - this will give you an insight into their versatility and ability to adapt to your event's specific requirements. Corporate event venues vary hugely, a good event photographer must be able to work in all sorts of different light conditions.

2. Understand Their Style

Every photographer has their unique style, so it's essential to look at their portfolio to establish if their style matches your own personal visual preferences, and also that of your brand/business too. For example are their images more natural and candid or posed and traditional? Which do you personally prefer?

3. Professionalism and Personality

Corporate events usually involve a diverse group of attendees, many of whom might be from different professional backgrounds. It's crucial to choose a photographer who can easily blend in with the crowd and interact with attendees professionally. They should be friendly, approachable, and able to make attendees feel at ease. However, they should also not actually be part of your event - they should blend into the background and ideally 'seen but not heard'.

4. Budget and Pricing

It is essential to discuss budget very early on in discussions - most event organisers will have a budget in mind from the outset, and this will automatically eliminate some photographers in the early stages of negotiations. Anyone you approach should be able to give you a detailed quote which clearly outlines what's included, as well as any additional costs that may arise ensuring there are no surprises after your event.

5. Post-Event Deliverables

Again to be discussed early on is what deliverables you will require and when. If you are going to need highlight photos either on the day or straight after, this needs to be made clear from the beginning so the photographer can factor this in in their shoot workflow.

If you’re ever in need of professional event photography, I’d love to hear from you. I’ve covered everything from sales conferences and product launches to company parties and town hall meetings — and just about everything in between. My approach is natural and unobtrusive, ensuring you’re left with a strong collection of photos that not only document the event but can also serve as a valuable marketing asset. Here are a few examples of my work.

Or if you'd like to know more about why an experienced photographer at your event is important for your business - take a look at my previous blog here .

Celebrating 16 years being a professional photographer based near Reading

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 08:46:10 GMT

Professional photography Reading | Professional photographer Berkshire

Well here we are again with another work anniversary - this time - it's 16 years in business!

Wow - little did I know back in 2009 when I started working as a professional photographer, that I would still be working with fantastic clients all over London and the South East.

This milestone has got me reflecting on how differently things looked back in 2009. Instagram didn't exist, smartphones took grainy, pixelated photos and most people thought photography was something typically reserved for weddings, families and holidays.

Sixteen years later, I’ve witnessed firsthand how much this industry has changed—not just in terms of equipment and technology, but in how people value visual storytelling. Whether you're a fellow photographer, a curious client, or someone thinking of entering the industry, I thought that I would share a handful of the biggest changes I’ve seen.

The rise of Smartphones and DIY Culture: There's no doubting that smartphones have been a game changer - today, everyone has a decent camera in their pocket. In theory, us photographers could see this as a threat - however, while smartphones made photography more accessible, they also taught people what great photography really looks like. People are much more visually aware and they recognise a decent photo when they see one. And let's be honest - it's not just what you take a photo with - it's also the lighting, composition and having an eye for a cracking shot - a smartphone can't replicate that.

Social Media has changed everything - back in 2009, the main social media platform in use was Facebook. Whereas nowadays, it's Instagram reels, TikTok and DM'ing people. My social media posts are now as important to my business as my website is. Clients want to see the person behind the business - your work and your workflow. People buy people - and it's never been more important to show your face, your story and enable people to connect with you.

Clients are more informed (and that’s a good thing!) - nowadays clients often share Pinterest boards, mood boards or references from image libraries when discussing their upcoming photo shoot. When I first started in 2009, I'd be lucky if I got anything more than a verbal brief! So now the photo shoots are more of a collaboration and a creative partnership.

The AI Boom: 16 years ago, my editing was mostly done in photoshop and AI wasn't even on the radar. Nowadays, editing software is incredible - if necessary, you can replace a sky with the click of a button or even completely change the subject background. However, I still believe that you can't replace the energy or the emotion that can come from a beautifully captured image.

So, to sum up, the past 16 years have been an absolute blast and I still get a buzz from the wonderful feedback I get from my clients after I have delivered their gallery of photos. The variety of clients that I get to work with always blows me away - just this week I have taken some headshots for a firm of Solicitors in Newbury, photographed an event at a beautiful location in London and created a bank of images of a stunning property in Surrey for an Interior Designer. Long may that continue ��

It's summer holiday season - here are some easy tips to help you take better photos on your smartphone

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 10:35:47 GMT

Professional photographer Reading | Professional photography Reading

In my day-to-day work as a professional photographer based near Reading, I rely on professional photography kit and a variety of lenses for client shoots.

But when I'm on holiday, I love the simplicity of leaving my heavy camera bag behind. Instead, I make the most of my iPhone camera, along with a few tried-and-tested techniques I've picked up over the years. I thought I'd share some of these tips with you, so you can capture better holiday photos too.

Tip 1 - I'll start with what I feel is the most important (and indeed easiest) tip of all. It can be summed up in just 3 words - CLEAN YOUR LENS .

Have you ever noticed that sometimes your photos are a bit blurry? That'll be fingerprints/grime/grease which inevitably gets onto your phone lens while it's in your hand, in your pocket or at the bottom of your bag. By simply getting in the habit of wiping your phone lens before taking every single photo will make a massive difference. (Remember to do the front one too if you're taking a selfie).

Tip 2 - Composition is so important in photography and one of the first things I want to introduce you to is the Rule of Thirds . This is simple both to learn and to implement. All you have to do is imagine you have split your camera screen into a grid - just like a noughts and crosses board. Then, place the main subject(s) of your photo where the lines intersect. For example, in the photo below, the person is placed to the left of centre which is much a more dynamic composition than if it was bang in the middle. To help you, you can turn on your camera’s grid lines (Go to Settings > Camera, and toggle on Grid under Composition). The grid lines will also help you keep your phone level when taking landscapes.

Tip 3 - Use Portrait mode. This will blur the background, creating that beautiful depth of field so often seen in professional photos. But always make sure that your subject is in focus first with a simple tap on the screen on the person/animal/subject in your photo, then press the shutter.

Tip 4 - Timing - make the most of the beautiful, soft, warm light during the Golden Hour. This is the last hour before sunset and the first hour after sunrise during which almost everyone and everything looks absolutely gorgeous. You can even download the Golden Hour app to get recommendations for best times to go out to take photos based on where in the world you are. Also, it's always best to avoid the midday sun - it's very harsh and creates unflattering shadows.

Tip 5 - this also relates to the light - whenever you can, always face the light - whether that's a window or towards the sun if you are taking a selfie. If it's too bright, look for some top shade under trees or in a doorway.

Tip 6 - Use a tripod or the phone self-timer function . Are you never in family photos because you're always the one taking them? Then it's time to get a tripod for your phone. It doesn't have to break the bank ( mine was less than £20 and doubles as a selfie stick). They also often come with a Bluetooth remote control to make it even easier to take photos. However, if you don't want to pay for a tripod, your smartphone already has a built-in timer inside the camera app, so you can set it, then jump in and be part of the photo. (Or if you have an Apple Watch, you can take a photo using the camera remote app).

Tip 7 - another simple tip to improve your photos is to always make sure that the subject on your phone screen is definitely in focus . To do this, tap the screen on the part of the image you want to focus on. This can either be a close-up item or something in the background. The iPhone will focus where you tap for a clearer picture (see photo above).

Tip 8 - capture moments like jumping into the sea, dancing or children running towards you with Burst Mode . This will capture a rapid sequence of photos. To take a burst of photos, open the camera app, swipe the shutter button left and hold it down. Lift your finger to stop. You can then select your favourite photo out of the selection.

Tip 9 - An alternative to burst mode is to t urn on Live Photos . In this mode, your iPhone records what happens 1.5 seconds before and after you take a picture. You can then choose the best one that you want from the selection (and make your key photo - see below). You can turn this on (or off) using the target symbol which is top right of your phone screen.

And finally.......Tip 10 - let's get creative! Lying down on the floor and shooting from a low angle can get you a really different viewpoint but apart from being back breaking, it's still hard to get really low because the camera lenses are at the top of the phone. So instead, turn your phone upside down. That way it will be right down at ground level. This is perfect for taking reflection photos using a puddle or at the edge of a pool, like this:

So - there should be no stopping you from getting cracking holiday photos now you are armed with a few simple tricks which you can implement immediately - but just remember - always CLEAN YOUR LENS first!

Thanks for reading - Pennie

PS - as a side note, these tips are based on using an iPhone. However, there are usually similar features on Android phones too.

Why is having an experienced photographer at your event important for your business?

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 15:06:17 GMT

Event photography Reading | Summer event photographer Berkshire

With so many people having smartphones these days, you may wonder why it is important for corporate clients to have a professional event photographer when holding a sales conference or awards ceremony.

The simple answer is because a professional event photographer can have a significant impact on the success of your event.

How? Well, a decent event photographer will not only take photos of the people there, they will also capture the essence of your brand , enhance attendee engagement and generate invaluable content for your marketing team. The ideal corporate event photographer will capture shots that tell the story and enable you to market future events too.

In fact, depending on the business objectives for your occasion, event photography can achieve very specific outcomes. Let me give some examples of potential business objectives and how professional event photography can help achieve them:

Brand Visibility - your event photographer can compose their photographs to maximise branding opportunities (see above)

Attract sponsors for future events - your event photographer can also maximise visual opportunities to show exposure for any sponsors (again, see image above)

Engage your audience - any event photographs taken can be used to foster a sense of community amongst attendees - and even create a sense of FOMO from those who didn't attend

Content creation - your photographer will generate a bank of images from your event which can be used to promote future events, generate interest on social media and highlight speakers (see photo below)

Documentation for stakeholders - event photography can also provide evidence for stakeholders showing involvement of certain people within the business (eg Non Executive Directors etc)

High quality images - and finally, many corporate events take place in venues with challenging lighting conditions. Professional event photographs will be much higher quality than smartphone photos and an event photographer will be experienced in maximising photo opportunities in dark venues.

So, to sum up why it is important for your business to have an experienced event photographer, I would say the following:

Hiring a professional photographer for your conference/fundraiser/gala/product launch/company party is an investment with a huge amount of potential value to be gained from using the images after the event. Not only do you get beautiful images that tell the story of important moments of your event, but you also get a hugely valuable visual record that you can use for marketing and promotional purposes for many years to come.

Thank you for reading.

If you would like a set of 6 simple tips to help you get great event photography - take a look here at my previous blog.

Win a free professional headshot session

Fri, 02 May 2025 13:18:43 GMT

...with Pennie Withers, Headshot Photographer Berkshire

WIN A FREE PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOT SESSION

Did you know you only have 7 seconds to make a strong first impression online?

Whether it's LinkedIn, your website or any other social media platform, a high-quality headshot can make all the difference. Selfies, holiday snaps, or — dare I say it — no photo at all just won’t cut it.

That’s why I’m giving one lucky winner the chance to win a FREE professional headshot session with me , valued at £135.

What’s included:

A 1-hour bespoke headshot session at a location of your choice within a 15-mile radius of Reading, Berkshire

What kind of headshot will you take:

My photography style is candid and natural. I like to take headshots of people in their own environments, ensuring my clients are relaxed and that their photos are professional yet approachable. If however, you would prefer a headshot on a plain studio background, I can do that too. For examples of my professional headshots - click here .

What to Expect After Your Headshot Session:
You'll receive a link to your private online gallery, featuring a selection of relaxed, natural headshots that capture your personality. Simply choose your favourite, and I’ll send you both a high-resolution and web-optimised JPEG via email—ready to use across any media platforms you like.

How to enter:

Head over to my Facebook page
LIKE the competition post
COMMENT why you'd love to win a headshot session
SHARE the post to help spread the word!

Entries close on 31st May 2025
Winner announced on 2nd June 2025

Good luck!

And if you don’t win this time, don’t worry — check out my blog post here for tips on getting the most out of a professional headshot session.

Thanks for reading.

Pennie

Full T&Cs available at: www.penniewithersphotography.co.uk

Why Case Study Photography is Essential for Your Property Business

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 13:03:27 GMT

Property photography Berkshire | Property photographer Reading

Have you ever wondered why businesses invest in case study photography? Especially those in the property sector?

The answer is simple: case study photography is crucial in educating your customers and increasing your conversions. In fact, a case study by VWO found that simply swapping an image for a real-life example on a webpage increased their click through rate by over 40%! That’s a significant boost, making case study photography a marketing staple for any business.

Why Case Study Photography Matters

Case study photos are incredibly valuable for architects, property developers, interior designers, office fit-out companies, and many other trades. While customer reviews are great, let’s be honest — anyone could write a glowing testimonial. But photographs? They serve as undeniable proof of your expertise, design skills, and craftsmanship. They position your business as an authority in your field and build trust with potential clients. It’s a win-win!

Bringing Your Work to Life

As a professional property photographer based near Reading and working across London and the South East, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing lots of different types of property photography. Including:

High end residential apartments for property listings and brochures
Office space fit out photos for website case studies
Bespoke kitchens for marketing campaigns
Rental properties for air bnb listings
Interior photography for social media posts

So, investing in case study photography means you’ll always have a bank of high-quality images at your disposal, ready to showcase your work in the best possible light. Whether you're looking to impress potential clients, enhance your online presence, or add credibility to your brand, professional photography can help you achieve those goals.

Please do get in touch with me if you'd like to discuss any property projects that you may need photographing.

Or if you'd like to find out more about how a property photo shoot works, take a look at my previous blog here .

I hope to speak to you soon.

Pennie

Maximizing the Value of Your Event Photos in 2025

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 11:06:14 GMT

Event photography Berkshire | Event photographer Reading

Whether you’re hosting a sales conference, new product launch, awards ceremony, or even a company party, have you considered how the photos from these events can be used to market your business? As an experienced event photographer in Berkshire , the Thames Valley, and London, I can offer guidance on how to make the most of your event photos—not just as memories, but as powerful marketing tools.

Read on to discover how you can maximise the value of your event photos and a few key tips on selecting the perfect event photographer for your business needs.

Immediately After the Event:

Social Media Buzz: Post your event photos across social media platforms to recap the experience for those who attended and to engage those who couldn’t make it. A captivating photo can spark interest and encourage people to attend next year’s event. Don’t forget to tag your guests in your posts—it’ll generate buzz and lots of comments.
Press Coverage: If your event has received press coverage or is featured on industry blogs, use your event photos to enhance your media presence. Photos can add life to your media coverage and increase its reach.
Keynote Speakers: If your event features a keynote speaker, make sure to tag them in any posts with their photos. This not only provides them exposure but also connects your brand with theirs, reaching a wider audience.

For Future Marketing Projects:

Create Blog Content: Use the photos to write a post-event blog, reflecting on the key takeaways or moments from the event. Event photos are perfect content for creating informative and engaging marketing materials.
Yearly Event Promotion: If the event is an annual tradition, you can use photos from previous years to build excitement for next year’s event. This is especially effective for creating “Save the Date” reminders or promotional materials.
Website Content: Add event photos to your “About Us” page or create a “Company Culture” section on your website. It’s a great way to show potential clients and recruits the vibrant atmosphere of your company.
Company Annual Report: Featuring event photos in your annual report helps promote your company culture and showcase your employees’ engagement and achievements.

And finally......

Top Tips for Finding the Perfect Event Photographer

When looking for the right photographer for your event, consider these top 10 tips to ensure you’re getting the best service and results.

Recommendations Matter: Ask your colleagues or business contacts for recommendations. It’s always better to go with a photographer who comes highly recommended by someone who has already worked with them.
Set a Realistic Budget: While it might be tempting to choose a photographer based solely on price, remember the saying, "You get what you pay for." Get quotes from at least two or three photographers to compare prices and services.
Consider Lighting Needs: Pay attention to the lighting at your venue. Will it be a dark setting that requires flash photography, or is the space well-lit? Make sure your photographer is prepared for your venue’s specific lighting requirements.
Portfolio Review: Take the time to review the photographer’s portfolio. Does their style align with your brand’s image? A photographer’s previous work can tell you a lot about their style, expertise, and ability to capture your event's tone.
Social Media Sharing: Make sure your photographer is comfortable with you sharing event photos on social media. Additionally, ask how quickly you can receive “highlight” shots to post while the excitement is still fresh.
Create a Shot List: Prior to the event, collaborate with your photographer to create a shot list. This ensures all key moments are captured—like keynote speakers, important guests, and memorable interactions. Make sure your photographer knows the schedule so they can be in the right place at the right time.
Post-Event Marketing Photos: Think ahead about which photos will best serve your marketing efforts. Whether it’s a photo of your CEO giving a speech or a candid group shot, make sure you have the right content for future promotional use.
Equipment Matters: Ensure your photographer has the right gear for your event. Whether you’re in a dimly lit conference room or a brightly lit reception hall, the photographer should have the appropriate equipment to ensure high-quality shots.
Check Insurance: Confirm that your photographer has professional indemnity and public liability insurance. You don’t want to be held liable for any injuries or equipment damage that may occur at your event.
Stress-Free Event Photography: If you want to eliminate the stress of coordinating all of the above, book me for your event photography in Berkshire, the Thames Valley, and London. I’ll take care of everything and ensure you get the best possible coverage for your event.

Ready to Capture Your Event?

Don’t let your event photos go to waste! Use them to promote your business, share memorable moments, and engage with your audience both now and in the future.

If you’re looking for an experienced photographer to make your event truly shine, feel free to reach out. Take a look at my portfolio or give me a call at 07715 889457 for more information.

Good luck with your event—I’d be happy to discuss how I can help you make the most of your photos. Here's my contact page.

Why is it important to have professional photographs to market your school?

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 09:57:30 GMT

Pennie Withers - School marketing photography

As a professional photographer for over 15 years, I have worked with many schools and colleges to create beautiful photographs to be used in school prospectuses, on websites, social media posts and PR activities. During that time, I have often worked alongside the team at Maxx Design who are fantastic at working with many of the top Independent Schools in the UK and producing the most beautiful marketing collateral for them.

I recently had a chat with their Creative Director, Matt Barrett to ask him a few questions about his experience using professional photographs for his clients.

What prompted you to use Pennie to take professional photos of your school clients? We work with some of the top Independent Schools in the UK and often find that they do not have professional images to use in the marketing materials (printed prospectuses, websites and social) we are producing for them. This leads us to often recommend using commissioned photography and taking Pennie along as part of the team... good imagery is vital in capturing the life and personality of the school.
What are the benefits you find from having professional photos to market your client's schools ? You cannot underestimate the power of having stunning images to complement good design. In an image hungry world and with people having less and less time to read materials, great images bring the piece that we have worked on to life and sell the 'real' school.

How did the photo session run on the day? When we work with Pennie, we always art direct the day to ensure we capture the images we are after for the specific project needs. But if needed and with a good briefing, we'd be confident in sending Pennie in solo to capture general imagery. Throughout the day, Pennie barely stops, and we often find, when reflecting at the end of the day, the fact it feels like two days because of the amount of images we capture and how many steps we've clocked up. For me, having worked with other photographers, one of Pennie's biggest USPs and why we keep using her is her approach to minimal disruption to what is happening in the school ... this helps capture 'real' shots that don't feel staged with heavy posing or lighting. It also helps that Pennie is quite small so can sneak about and has a very friendly way about her which helps the children feel relaxed.
Were you pleased with the results? Yes, absolutely! Getting the preview link to view the shots taken is always an exciting moment.
Any other comments? We've worked with Pennie for over 10 years and consistently get fantastic results. With her background in marketing, Pennie is very good at interpreting what the image needs to achieve and how it will be used. I would highly recommend working with Pennie to create a bank of beautiful images with which to enhance any marketing campaign.

So, if you are updating your school prospectus/website or bank of marketing images for social media etc... please do get in touch to discuss how I may be able to help. I look forward to hearing from you.

Pennie

Are you looking to drive business with more social media posts this year?

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 13:33:45 GMT

Pennie Withers Photography - Professional Photography Reading, Berkshire

Are you looking to drive more business to your website using social media posts? If so, hopefully you will recognise the need to have some professional photography to add visual impact to your posts.

So much of our lives is viewed through a visual medium these days, and therefore having a set of images that tell the story of you and your brand, is critical. This is called Personal Branding Photography - and it plays a powerful role in showing the Who, What and Why of your company. It helps tell your Business Story and differentiates you from your competitors.

I have over 15 years experience working with many different businesses (both in term of size and sector) in order to help them invest in their business story with a set of personal branding photos.

To kick start 2025, I have a special offer on my Personalised branding package - for any bookings received in January and February 2025, a 2 hour shoot will cost £300*. This price includes the shoot itself, all editing and retouching then supplying the images to you on an online gallery. This is an easy way to get a set of professional photos to market your business on your website and social media. See below for further details.

Here are some examples from a branding photoshoot I carried out for Alison Harmer, copywriter, content writer, editor and proofreader for her website and social media . Alison ended up with a gallery of over 100 photos of her at work, the props she uses and also some classic headshots,

* usually £350.

So how does a personalised branding shoot with me work?

At this stage, all you have to do is pick up the phone , or drop me an email to indicate your interest and I will do the rest!

I look forward to hearing from you.

Pennie

2024 - My Review of the Year

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 12:27:56 GMT

Celebrating 15 Years as a Professional Photographer in Berkshire

So, here we are again - that time of year to take a look back at another 12 months of Commercial Photography. This time, I'm reviewing my 15th year in business!

As with many of those 15 years, 2024 has been another great year of photographing everything from Schools to Solicitors and Corporate events to Kitchens. The variety of places that I find myself and my trusty Canon camera in is enormous - from shooting on rooftops....

.......to standing on a platform to photograph tall clients ��

One of the great things about writing my review of the year, is it enables me to take a step back from the day to day business of taking and editing photos. And it gives me the opportunity to look back at all the clients I have had the pleasure of working with and see what channels they have come through to find me (mostly google enquiries).

I also find it interesting to quantify what proportion of my shoots were from repeat clients. This year - it was 40%! Many of these clients have been coming back to me year after year - and that gives me so much satisfaction - I must be doing something right?!.

However, I also get a huge sense of pride from seeing the proportion of jobs I did for new clients (60% in 2024) and, of those, how many came through organic google enquiries (58%). This makes all the hours spent behind the scenes writing blogs, doing social media posts, updating my website etc....so worthwhile.

Thankfully, with my background in marketing, this isn't completely alien to me. However, I can't take all the credit. If it weren't for my bi-monthly meetings with Lisa from One to Three Marketing Solutions , I wouldn't have such clarity in my marketing strategy or indeed the know-how to interpret things like google analytics ��. Thank you Lisa - it's always a pleasure working with you.

Another great support to my business is Tony from https://magikos.co.uk/ . Whilst I may know my way around a camera and editing software, I'm a bit of a luddite when it comes to running my IT systems. So, it is great to have Tony and the team on hand when things go wrong (as they did this year in a major way). It's thanks to Tony that all my client images are now securely stored and backed up in the cloud rather than on hard drives which can potentially corrupt.

Finally, on a personal note, it has been another great year for my family who are always the reason I get out of bed in the mornings.

My eldest son continues to travel the world working for Hawkeye as a cricket systems operator, my middle son is working hard as a Senior Surveyor in London and my daughter is in her final year at vet school. And this not so little chap keeps me company by snoozing (and snoring) under my desk during long hours of editing.....

So, my 15th year in business has turned out to be a good one.

And all that remains for me to do is to wish all my clients and connections a very Happy Christmas and a healthy 2025.

Pennie

Event photography season is upon us - here are 3 of my favourite locations

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 12:50:52 GMT

As an event photographer based near Reading, I have been incredibly lucky to take photos for clients in some of the most beautiful locations. From the Victoria and Albert Museum in London to Leander Club in Henley.

As I'm celebrating my 15th year as a Commercial Photographer, I thought I would select a handful of my favourite locations.

First up has to be the Royal Albert Hall in London. I spent an amazing afternoon in December 2017 taking photographs for my client, David Firman . David is an orchestral conductor, TV and theatre musical director, composer and arranger. He was looking for some photographs of him doing what he does best - conducting an orchestra to an incredible score. This time, he was conducting the symphonic soundtrack live to a screening of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. I was lucky enough to photograph the rehearsal, and so, without an audience, I had free rein to explore behind the scenes at this famous venue - including even sneaking into the Royal Box! It was an experience I won't forget.

Another favourite venue of mine is the iconic Shoreditch Town Hall where I have photographed events for specialist SEO Agency, Blue Array for the past 3 years. This beautiful Grade II listed building was opened in 1866 and has played an important role in East End working class culture as both a Music Hall and a boxing venue. It also has associations with notorious East-End gangsters, The Kray Twins. In the 1960s they hosted regular card games in the large antechamber of the men’s toilets. They used this area so that if the police raided they could quickly disperse into the toilets and all look as if they were just making use of the facilities! At the events I have photographed there, it has provided a unique, historical backdrop which is a direct contrast to the speakers discussing the 21st Century topic of SEO!

And finally, an event venue closer to home which I love photographing. Well, right on my doorstep in fact. It is Wargrave Village Festival which is over 35 events spread across 2 and a half weeks in June and held biannually for 50 years. Some of the events are held in a purpose-built marquee on the village green, others are held in the Grade II listed Woodclyffe Hall which was gifted to the village in the early 1900s. The festival highlight for me is Songs from the Shows featuring homegrown talent Adam Linstead whose career has seen him appear in many West End Shows including Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera.

Whilst these three venues are some of my favourites, I have also had the pleasure over the past 15 years of taking photographs for clients in such beautiful places as the Merchant Taylors' Hall, the Institute of Physics, the Royal Society of Medicine and Twickenham Stadium. Closer to home, I have loved working at Henley Festival, Henley Regatta and also many events held in local hotels.

If you are hosting an event and are looking an event photographer, please do get in touch. Or click here to take a look at my previous blog which highlights why it's important to have an event photographer.

Many thanks for reading.

Pennie

www.penniewithersphotography.co.uk

Wow - has it really been 15 years?

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 14:24:37 GMT

I really can't quite believe that the photography business I set up on the back of my favourite hobby is now 15 years old.

Back in 2009, my children were much younger and I had done a 3 year photography course to improve what had until then been just a hobby. Facebook had around 350m users and I was one of them posting photos of my family up in the woods having fun, using natural light and beautiful settings.

I think the outdoor settings were a real contrast to the kind of photos that a lot of friends had had done at Venture studios and I started getting requests for photo shoots for their families too. Before I knew it, my business was born in September 2009. It was ideal as it was a job that fitted around my family, used my favourite past time and was also complimented with my background in marketing.

After a few years and a lot of networking, I branched out into Commercial photography - still mostly using natural light and always including people. By 2016, corporate photo shoots were filling the diary, so I took the decision to focus solely on being a Commercial photographer.

This is my first headshot - and me in action on a family photo shoot.

Nowadays, the bulk of my client bookings can be divided into the following:

I absolutely love what I do - the variety of photo shoots mean that one day I could be taking a bunch of headshots for a big corporate in London and the next day, photographing a conference. Or I'll be taking website and social media photos for a school, then another day, photos of a property for an airbnb listing.

I also find myself getting into all sorts of peculiar situations - from standing on railings to get a better angle........to hanging out of windows.....and on stepladders. Luckily, being only 5ft 2", I can get into some small spaces!

There have obviously been some highs and lows over the years - highlights mostly include some of the stunning locations I get to shoot in, lowlights definitely occurring during Covid when my work diary emptied overnight. But thankfully, many clients came back when the time was right.

Over the years, the business has grown and evolved, but the heart of what I do remains unchanged - I'm driven by the same core values that inspired me from the very beginning. This can be nicely summed up by singer-of-the-moment, Taylor Swift in her song Fearless: “In this moment now, capture it, remember it.”

So, I have one big thank you - and that's to my fantastic clients - none of this would have happened without you - lots of which I have been working with for many years. From sole traders to multi nationals, I have loved working with you all.

As a thank you from me......for any clients I have worked with before, I am offering a 15% discount on any bookings* received until the end of the year.

And finally, given that a 15th year anniversary is typically associated with Crystal, it got me thinking about if I had had a crystal ball in 2009, what would I have wanted for my business? Well, as I mentioned, there have been plenty of highs and lows, but mostly I have been incredibly lucky to work in amazing locations, with amazing people. I’m sure I would have been very happy with that.

Thanks for reading - and do connect with me on my social media channels below if you want to hear more from me in the future.

Pennie

*15% off any bookings made by previous clients before 31st December 2024 and taken before 31st March 2025

10 simple tips to take better holiday photos on your phone this summer

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 14:38:48 GMT

If you're off on your holidays soon - here are some easy tips to help you take really great photos on your phone

In a typical week, I use professional photography kit and multiple lenses for my client photo shoots. However, when I'm on holiday, I enjoy the freedom of not having to lug my heavy camera bag around. I simply use the camera on my iphone and a few handy techniques I've learnt over the years.

I thought I would share these tips so that you can improve your holiday photos too:

Tip 1 - I'll start with what I feel is the most important (and indeed easiest) tip of all. It can be summed up in just 3 words - CLEAN YOUR LENS .

Have you ever noticed that sometimes your photos are a bit blurry? That'll be fingerprints/grime/grease which inevitably gets onto your phone lens while it's in your hand, in your pocket or at the bottom of your bag. By simply getting in the habit of wiping your phone lens before taking a photo will make a massive difference. (Remember to do the front one too if you're taking a selfie).

Tip 2 - Turn on Live Photos . This is a great mode because your iPhone records what happens 1.5 seconds before and after you take a picture. You can then choose the best one that you want from the selection. You can turn this on (or off) using the target symbol which is top right of your phone screen.

Tip 3 - another simple tip to improve your photos is to always monitor your image brightness . To do this, tap on the subject you’d like to light meter on, then use your finger to move the sun dial up (for brighter) or down (for darker) as needed before you press the button. (see photo below left)

Tip 4 - Composition is so important in photography and one of the first things you are taught is the Rule of Thirds. This is one of the simplest principles to learn and to implement. And for all those visual learners out there (like me!) it's very easy to understand. All you have to do is imagine you have split your camera screen into a grid - just like a noughts and crosses board. Then, place the main subject(s) of your photo where the lines intersect. For example, in the photo below right, the tree is placed right of centre which is much more striking than if it was bang in the middle. Turn on your camera’s rule-of-thirds grid (Go to Settings > Camera, and toggle on Grid under Composition). The grid lines will also help you keep your phone level when taking landscapes.

Tip 5 - Use Portrait mode. This will blur the background, creating that beautiful depth of field so often seen in professional photos. But always make sure that your subject is in focus first with a simple tap on the screen on the person/animal/subject in your photo, then press the shutter.

Tip 6 - Timing - make the most of the beautiful, soft, warm light during the Golden Hour. This is the last hour before sunset and the first hour after sunrise during which almost everyone and everything looks absolutely gorgeous. You can even download the Golden Hour app to get recommendations for best times to go out to take photos based on where in the world you are.

Tip 7 - Always face the light

Take advantage of natural lighting and make sure your subject is always facing the light source (or make sure that you are facing the light when taking a selfie). If it's too bright, look for some top shade under trees or in a doorway.

Tip 8 - Use a tripod or the phone self-timer function . Are you never in family photos because you're always the one taking them? Then it's time to get a tripod for your phone. It doesn't have to break the bank ( mine was less than £20 and doubles as a selfie stick). They also often come with a Bluetooth remote control to make it even easier to take photos. However, if you don't want to pay for a tripod, your smartphone already has a built-in timer inside the camera app, so you can set it, then jump in and be part of the photo.

Tip 9 - Never Ever Zoom in normal photo mode

Even with the fantastic quality lenses that now come with your iPhone, if you zoom in, all you are doing is increasing the size of the image and decreasing the quality of the photo and you often then end up with grainy images. Either use your feet and move closer to your subject. Or, take the photo, then crop it afterwards.

And finally.......Tip 10 - let's get creative! Lying down on the floor and shooting from a low angle can get you a really different viewpoint but apart from being back breaking, it's still hard to get really low because the camera lenses are at the top of the phone. So instead, turn your phone upside down. That way it will be right down at ground level. This is perfect for taking reflection photos using a puddle or at the edge of a pool, like this:

So - now there should be no stopping you on your holidays from getting cracking shots - but just remember - always CLEAN YOUR LENS first!!

Have fun! Pennie

PS - as a side note, these tips are based on using an iPhone. However, there are usually similar features on Android phones too.

Are you looking for an event photographer? Here's why it's important to have one

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 13:49:50 GMT

Pennie Withers - Event Photographer Reading, Berkshire

Whilst I absolutely love all types of Commercial photography, probably my favourite type is event photography. I have been fortunate enough to shoot in so many beautiful places including the Victoria and Albert Museum, The Royal Albert Hall and also The Garrick Club. There's nothing better than catching a spontaneous reaction from someone who doesn't realise I've got my zoom lens pointed at them ��

There are many positive reasons for having a professional photographer at your event. If you're not convinced, my latest blog explains why.

In addition, my client, Liam from Blue Array , an internet marketing service agency, has kindly answered a few questions about the benefits of professional event photography and why, for the past three years, they have booked me to take photos of their SEO event at Shoreditch Town Hall.

What prompted you to want to have professional photographs at your event? LondonSEO XL is an annual event that we hold at the iconic Shoreditch Town Hall. We usually have around 300 attendees. The event takes months of planning from our event team and our speakers put in a lot of effort to deliver great talks. So, we believe that it's important to capture the best moments to look back on and enjoy. While the focus is mostly on the stage, Pennie captures natural and candid photos of our attendees with lots of smiles and positive energy.

What are the benefits of having a professional photographer at your event? One of the main benefits of having a professional photographer at LondonSEO XL is that it allows us to capture the experience of the entire room. If we had chosen to ask team members to take photos using their phones instead, we'd have likely only got photos of speakers on stage with mixed quality. Instead, the professional photos showed all areas and angles while showcasing the energy and expressions of audience members alongside speakers on stage.

Also, hiring a professional meant that our team members had one less thing to worry about. None of us are experts when it comes to photography, so it made a lot of sense to leave this in the hands of an expert so that we could enjoy the day and focus on other things.

What do you do with the photos after your event? Using Pennie means that we have lots of high-quality photos to use within our marketing material. We share them on social media, our website, and in presentations when applicable. They also help us to promote future events to attendees, sponsors, partners, and potential speakers that we'd like to invite. Alongside this, we often use these photos when speaking with prospective customers by showing them the community that we've built.

Professional photos are also a token of appreciation to our speakers. We share the entire folder with them, which includes several action shots of them on stage. Quite often, our speakers will share these on social media and use Pennie's photos as their new profile picture.

What was your experience of working with Pennie? We've been running LondonSEO XL for three years now and have used Pennie for each one (including some other events). Pennie is a pleasure to work with and makes our lives much easier during the day. We can trust Pennie to capture the feel and vibe without giving instructions and worrying about the output. Pennie is a pleasure to work with, is flexible with requests, and has a fast turnaround for delivery.

Any other thoughts/comments? I'd highly recommend using Pennie for professional photography services. I'm sure that we'll be working with her again in the future to capture our events!

So, if you are hosting some sort of event - whether that's launching a new product, having a sales conference, hosting a festival or simply having a party, do get in touch to find out more about having a professional photographer there to capture it. I look forward to hearing from you. Pennie

How do Commercial photography shoots work?

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 12:44:11 GMT

I have worked as a Commercial photographer based near Reading for almost 15 years - I love working with businesses from lots of different sectors and also different sizes - from global organisations to sole traders.

What my clients all have in common however, is the fact that having a set of professional photographs with which to market themselves is crucial in the digital age that we live in. These photos are perfect for using on websites, social media posts, marketing materials, pitch documents and PR activity.

In working with all these businesses, I have noticed that I am often asked the same question at the beginning - How do we go about planning a photo shoot . So, I thought it would be worth briefly explaining the process of setting up a commercial photo shoot - this is the same whether there is 1 of you in the business or 1000!

Stage 1 - The initial discussion.

In this conversation, my aim is to find out as much as possible to fully understand your business, and also how you would like to represent this in photographs. So for example, I may ask you things like 'describe your business/brand in 3 words'. I will also ask who your target market is, where your images will be used, what services do you offer, do you have a location or locations at which we could take the photographs, what format do you need the photos taken in (eg - landscape/portrait/panoramic/square). Basically, all sorts of questions in order for me to really get under the skin of your business and what you are trying to show with your marketing photography.

Stage 2 - The shotlist

Once armed with information from our initial discussion and I know a lot more about your business, I can set about putting together a shotlist which outlines the what, where and how for the shoot. For a multi-location shoot with different people involved, this will list each scenario we want to photograph, including who will be in the photo, any props needed and also the location/backdrop for that image. This is very much a 'working' document that can evolve throughout the planning process (and on the day of the shoot too) - but essentially, it is the main reference that I work from on the day of the shoot to ensure we get exactly the shots we need.

Stage 3 - Location

If my client has business premises, then that can dictate where the photography will take place. However, for some, this might not be suitable/appropriate or they might prefer an alternative, relevant location. I can advise on locations/backdrops depending on the kinds of photos you are looking for. I've used everything from cafes, co-working spaces, hotels and the streets of London - so, fear not, we will find something suitable for your business!

Stage 4 - Models and props

For most shoots, some form of props will be required to represent the business but it is important to plan exactly what is going to be shown and to ensure they are available on the day. In terms of models, in 15 years of business, I have never had to actually pay a professional model - we usually find either willing staff members, or rope in friends or family! I can advise everyone on what to wear, how to approach the shoot etc. If relevant, I can arrange a hair and make up artist to be on hand on the day.

Stage 5 - on the day

I appreciate that some people get extremely nervous about the idea of taking part in a photo shoot - they imagine all sorts of lighting rigs, make up artists etc. In reality, it's not like that at all - it's just me and my camera. Rest assured, I work very hard on the day to make sure everyone is as relaxed as possible and I talk everyone through exactly what's going to happen, giving guidance where necessary and holding everyone's hand (not literally!) to make sure the experience is as enjoyable as possible.

Stage 6 - The deliverables

Following the shoot (usually within a matter of days), I edit and retouch the images and upload them to an online gallery. You can download these as both high res and low res jpegs depending on where you plan to use them. You can also share this link with anyone else who needs access to the photos eg; your website designer/marketing agency etc.

So hopefully, now you know more about what's involved in planning a commercial photo shoot. Obviously, the more people that are involved, the more detailed it becomes, but with nearly 15 years of experience, I am here to ensure that the right questions are asked throughout the planning process so that it runs as smoothly as possible.

Essentially, it's like anything in life - if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

With detailed preparation for even the simplest of photo sessions, the results will be many times better than shoots that are rushed into and not thought out well.

If you are thinking about creating some engaging images to market your business, feel free to give me a call for an initial chat - you can tell me what you're hoping to achieve and we can discuss a few ideas so that you can decide if I'm the right photographer for you - no hard sell, I promise!

Pennie

Pennie Withers Photography

07715 889457

5 Questions about Property Photography

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 13:58:32 GMT

Property photography Berkshire | Property Photographer Reading

As a professional commercial photographer, a lot of the shoots I undertake involve taking photos of people. However, I also really enjoy property photography - whether it's providing beautiful professional images for a lettings website, or case study photos for an Architect, property developer or interior designer. I have had the pleasure of photographing everything from brand new bespoke kitchens to entire property renovations, office spaces, skin care clinics and even engineering laboratories.

When I am approached to photograph properties, I am often asked the same questions - so I thought it could be helpful to provide answers to the 5 most commonly asked questions. Here they are:

Question 1 - How long do you need at the property you are photographing? Obviously this is a bit like how long is a piece of string, but as a rough rule of thumb, say I'm taking photos of a 3 bed property for a lettings website, I would allow approx. an hour and a half. During this time, I would take external photos front and back, then internally, I would also photograph each room from different angles. This assumes the property is tidy and presentable. Obviously it takes longer if I am required to 'dress' the rooms.

Question 2 - How many images would you provide? Again, taking my example of a 3 bed property, I would estimate that post-shoot, you would be looking at receiving in the region of 40 - 50 photos of your property. However, if it is a commercial environment, for example offices around 8,000 sq ft - you could expect around 60 - 70 photos.

Question 3 - What's the turnaround time on the photographs? Generally speaking, I aim to provide my clients with a link to their edited photographs within a couple of days of the shoot.

Question 4 - can you 'dress' a property? In short, yes. I can advise you on the kinds of accessories required to dress your property. If necessary, I can also source the props. On the day, I would add in the items and ensure I leave the building exactly as I found it.

Question 5 - What can I do with the photographs after the shoot . This is perhaps the most important question. If you are simply looking to market your property for rental/sale, obviously they would be used on lettings websites. However, if the photographs are being used to demonstrate work you have carried out for your clients - then they can be used on your website case study page, social media posts, PR activity and even tender documents. Case study photos are fantastic for Architects, Property developers, Interior Designers, Office fit-out companies and plenty other 'trades' too. that's because although reviews are great, frankly, couldn't they just have been written by anyone? Whereas photos of the work that you have carried out is proof of your expertise, your design skills and can position your business as an 'authority' on what you do. So it's a win:win!

So, if you're looking to have some photographs taken of your property - do get in touch with me and I can let you know how I may be able to help you show your property at it's best. Or - take a look here at some of my other blogs about property photography.

Thanks for reading.

Pennie

Why is having an experienced photographer at your event important?

Wed, 15 May 2024 14:53:35 GMT

Event photography Berkshire | Event photographer Reading

It's time to start planning for summer event season, and I'm really looking forward to capturing beautiful, natural photographs for my clients at various different kinds of events - including summer parties, awards ceremonies, conferences and new product launches.

But why is it important to have an experienced photographer at your event?

Well, for anyone who has organised any kind of corporate event, I have no doubt that they will tell you that on the day, with all the logistical aspects going on, it is almost impossible to capture on camera (or phone!) all the essential moments. Whereas a professional event photographer can be there with the sole responsibility to document the event for you. This is what they can do:

An experienced professional event photographer can provide you with a set of photographs which really capture the essence of your event. They can mingle around unnoticed by most, capturing wide shots to show the scale of your event - but also zooming in like a trained sniper to get those audience reactions (both good and bad!).

A professional event photographer can also create a sense of community , by providing a set of photographs which can be shared by attendees on social media. Group photos can be added to the shotlist so that people can be tagged in them and used to demonstrate what a great event you held.
Having a set of professional photographs from your event can also provide you with invaluable marketing collateral with which to promote any subsequent events. They can be used on any comms materials used to announce your next event and to attract attendees. Photographs of speakers can also be used to add credibility.
Sponsors can gain a huge amount of additional publicity when their logos/banners are in the background of any professional event photos - especially if they are on the screen behind any speakers or on the speaker podium!

Photos from your event can also be used in marketing activity such as blogs and Press Releases - or on your website/annual report to show your company culture .
Finally, an event photographer can also add value to your event by taking professional headshots on the day for attendees. A separate area can be allocated to allow delegates to update their profile photo, saving them time arranging a specific headshot session.

So, in response to the question "..... why is having an experienced at your event important " , my view is that hiring a professional photographer for your conference is an investment with a huge amount of potential value to be gained from using the images after the event. Not only do you get beautiful images that capture the important moments of your event, but you also get a valuable visual record that you can use for marketing and promotional purposes.

If you would like a set of 6 simple tips to help you get great event photography - take a look here at my recent blog

Win a professional headshot session!

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 10:42:51 GMT

...with Pennie Withers - Berkshire-based Linkedin Headshot Photographer

With only 7 seconds to make a good impression on Linkedin and other social media, I highly recommend that you have a professional Linkedin headshot. Selfies, holiday photos or (worst of all....) no photo at all simply won't do. So, look no further as I am running a competition to win a FREE headshot session with me, worth £135 . At the bottom of this blog are instructions to enter.

But don't just take my word on the importance of having a professional photo - I have worked with many clients over the past 15 years who agree with me, and Susie Lawman, Business Manager at Abley Letchford Partnership Ltd has very kindly provided me with some great feedback on why as a company, they wanted some professional imagery of the team and how having a photo shoot with me went. I'll leave it to Susie to explain;

What prompted you to ask Pennie to take professional headshots for the team at ALPCE ?

We are undergoing a brand refresh, and recognise the importance that professional headshots play in enhancing our company's image and branding. Pennie was recommended to us, and after discussing our requirements, I felt that she instantly understood our needs. We have had sessions at both of our offices, and Pennie’s marketing background ensured that she captured the shots we needed.

Where will you use the photos?

The professional headshots will be used across various platforms including our website, LinkedIn profiles, social media posts, marketing materials, and internal communications. They will serve as a visual representation of our team's professionalism and expertise.

What are the benefits of having professional headshots of your colleagues?

Professional headshots offer several benefits for our company. Firstly, they provide a cohesive and polished look to our team's online presence, fostering a sense of credibility and trustworthiness among clients and stakeholders. Additionally, they help improve our brand by putting faces to the names, making interactions more personal and relatable. Moreover, they contribute to a unified brand identity, reinforcing our commitment to professionalism and excellence.

What was your experience in setting the headshot session up?

Setting up the headshot session with Pennie was a seamless process. She was highly responsive and accommodating to our scheduling needs, ensuring that the sessions fit into everyone's busy schedules – not always easy when trying to coordinate lots of diaries! Her attention to detail and clear communication throughout the planning stage ensured everything went smoothly on the day of the shoot.

How did the photo session run on the day?

The photo session ran exceptionally well on the day. Pennie's professionalism and expertise put everyone at ease, resulting in relaxed and natural-looking portraits. She provided clear direction and guidance to ensure that each team member felt comfortable in front of the camera, resulting in photographs that truly captured their personalities and professionalism. The session was efficient yet thorough, and Pennie's attention to detail ensured that every shot exceeded our expectations.

Any other thoughts?

Overall, working with Pennie to capture professional headshots for our team was a highly positive experience. The resulting photographs exceeded our expectations and will undoubtedly enhance our company's image and brand identity. We are grateful for Pennie's talent and professionalism and look forward to working with her again in the future.

For your chance of winning a free professional headshot session* with Pennie, simply go to my Facebook page here , LIKE the post and COMMENT below with why you'd like to win. Please also SHARE the post to help spread the word. The closing date is 30th April 2024 and I will announce the winner on 1st May 2024. Terms and Conditions can be found on my website www.penniewithersphotography.co.uk.

Good Luck! Pennie

*We will pick a date to suit you and the session will last for around an hour. Please note that I am happy to travel a 15 mile radius of Reading, Berkshire.

My photography style is candid and natural. I like to take headshots of people in their own environments, ensuring my clients are relaxed and that their photos are professional yet approachable. For more examples of my work - click here . And if you're not lucky enough to win, why not take a look at my previous blog here with tips on how to make the most of a headshot session with a professional headshot photographer.

Personal Branding photography - why do you need it for your business?

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 14:48:01 GMT

So much of our lives are viewed through a visual medium these days, and therefore having a set of photographs that tell the story of your business and your brand, is critical. This is called Personal Branding Photography - and it plays a powerful role in showing the Who - the What and the Why of your business. It helps tell your Business Story and differentiates you from your competitors.

Over the past 15 years, I have worked with many different businesses in order to help them invest in their business story with a set of personal branding photos. Everything from a global events company, Solicitors, Accountants, Care Homes, Equine vets and many Sole Traders.

Here are a couple of testimonials from two lovely clients I have worked with recently, including Specialist Accounting Solutions and Naturopath, Catherine Carrington.

So, how does it work?

The process typically starts with a phone call or face to face chat so that I can find out as much as possible about your business.

During this conversation, I use my background in marketing to help work out what photographs you need for your business and how we can achieve them. If you have a suitable/relevant business premises, then great. If not, I can come up with some location suggestions.

Following this fact-finding call, I will create a shot list in order to maximise the time we have on the day. I will also advise you/your colleagues on what to wear, any props you might need to bring and any preparation you may need to do.

On the day, I will manage everything - I work very hard to make sure everyone is as relaxed as possible and I talk everyone through exactly what's going to happen, giving guidance where necessary and holding everyone's hand (not literally!) to make sure the experience is as enjoyable and as productive as possible.

Finally, after the shoot - you will have a bank of photos (typically, well over 100 even just from a 2 hour shoot) with which to use all over your social media and website and any other marketing collateral that you use.

If you would like to have some beautiful, professional photographs to use on your website and to brighten up your social media posts - why not get in touch?

We can have a chat about your business and come up with some ideas as to how I can help you show who you are and what you do in a brilliantly visual way.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Pennie

Commercial photography shoots - How do they work?

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 13:15:00 GMT

Stage 1 - The initial discussion.

Stage 2 - The shotlist

Stage 3 - Location

Stage 4 - Models and props

Stage 5 - on the day

Stage 6 - The deliverables

Essentially, it's like anything in life - if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

With detailed preparation for even the simplest of photo sessions, the results will be many times better than shoots that are rushed into and not thought out well.

Pennie

Pennie Withers Photography

07715 889457

Why have professional case study photos of your property projects?

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 09:02:32 GMT

As a professional property photographer based near Reading, Berkshire, I have worked with a range of Architects, property developers and office refurbishment companies to create beautiful case study photographs of their projects. Why?

Put simply.....showing well shot, beautifully lit photographs of their property development work is the perfect way to showcase their skills to prospective clients.

But don't just take my word for it - my client, Giles Edwards from office design, build and project management company, 3-Space has provided me with some feedback for my photographs which explains why they use my services and how straightforward the process is.

I asked Giles what prompted him to ask me to take professional photos of office refuribishment projects by 3-space? This is what he said:

" Having previously seen examples of Pennie’s work, it was clear that she was able to capture the essence of what 3-Space does best which is invaluable to our business as it helps us market our services ".

I also asked a few more questions.....here are Giles's responses:

How do you use the photos?

" ....The photos are used in all our marketing material - website, social media, credentials documents and blogs."

What are the benefits you find from having professional case study photos?

"....Our industry is very visual, and you just wouldn’t get the same impact from describing a design. We need to be able to showcase our skills quickly and effectively which is why it is so important to have professional photos"

How easy is it to arrange the photography session?

"....A quick email and we are done!"

Any other thoughts about using professional photos of your work?

"....Suppliers and partners often request images to add to their own marketing material which in turn gets our name seen by potential clients"

So, I just wanted to say thank you to Giles at 3-Space for taking the time to give this feedback for the property case study photography I have carried out for them.

If you are a Property Developer, Interior Designer, Architect or Builder - do get in touch if I can help with professional case study photography for your business.

Many thanks

Pennie

Pennie Withers Photography

2023 - My Review of the Year

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 12:40:55 GMT

I can't believe another year has flown by in no time at all - and here I am again, reflecting on another fantastic year as a Commercial photographer in Berkshire - my 14th year in business.

When I look back over the 110 photoshoots that I have done this year, it always amazes me how every day is different - I have photographed everything from Solicitors to Schools, Engineers to Care Homes and also worked in conjunction with Design Agencies and Web Designers. The subjects I photograph are invariably different but my brief is very often the same - to create a bank of professional photographs with which to market themselves on their websites and social media.

Along with the variety of locations, I also do sometimes find myself in some very strange positions - luckily, being only 5ft 2" and still (relatively!) flexible - I can often squeeze into tight corners or spaces if needs be - it's not uncommon to find me in amongst the plants or standing on anything to hand just to get the best shot....

A few highlights from the year include being interviewed by the team at Cube Video for International Women's Day and also being given flowers by my lovely client, Kelliher Insurance Group who I worked with a few times over the summer.

Finally, on a personal note, my family continue to be the reason I get out of bed in the mornings. My eldest son is travelling the world working for Hawkeye as a cricket systems operator, my middle son has just qualified as a Chartered Surveyor working in London and my daughter is half way through her 4th year at vet school.

We had an interesting family holiday negotiating Storm Daniel on a yacht in Greece, but thankfully there were plenty of sunny days to make up for it too....

....and not forgetting the newest member of the family - Ted - who is now 1 and is my constant companion by my feet whilst editing the thousands of photos I have taken over the year.

That's about it for now......other than to wish all my clients and connections a very Happy Christmas and a healthy 2024.

Pennie

Bring your website and social media posts to life with professional photographs

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 14:52:43 GMT

....why? because posts with a relevant image will have 65% post recall*!

The written word is a very powerful tool. Used well, it's a marketer’s best friend.

However, at least 65% of the population are visual learners , and so often, a striking image is what is going to get your potential customers to stop and look. And this is why corporate photography will play a powerful role in showing the Who - What and Why of your business. It helps tell your Business Story and differentiates you from your competitors.

What other benefits are there of having a bank of marketing photos for your business?

Ready to post regular social media content
Show the faces behind the business
Differentiate your business from your competitors using stock images
Show what services you offer
Striking visual content for your website/PR activity
Gain credibility for showing who you are and what you do

All the images in this blog were taken from a marketing photo shoot for PR Motors Ltd in Tidmarsh - a very proactive garage in Berkshire which regularly uses professional photographs to market themselves.

Isn't it very expensive to hire a professional photographer?

In short.....NO.

For many small businesses, all that is needed is a couple of hours' of photography after which, you will have a bank of anything up to 150 photos to use across your marketing mix.

Is it complicated to set up a marketing photo shoot?

Again, NO!

I have over 10 years working in marketing and over 14 years running my photography business, so I am very used to guiding you through the process which includes:

An initial chat/meeting to find out more about your business - including what services do you offer etc
Together, we will work out who needs to involved in your photography, how the shoot will run, what props we will need, any locations that will be used
Following this, I use my years of experience photographing businesses of all shapes and sizes to put together a shot list
After the shoot, you will have a library of images which you can use in any of the following:

Your Website
Social media posts
Linkedin/Zoom/Teams/Skype Avatar photos
Linkedin/Facebook/Instagram Banners
Google Business Profile (formerly Google my Business profile)
Newsletters
Printed marketing materials/PR/Magazine articles
Blogs
Email Footer
You Tube Profile

So - if you would like to find out more about having a marketing photo shoot for your business, why not get in touch? We can have an informal chat about your business and how I can help you create a selection of beautiful, professional images to really make your website and social media posts POP!

I look forward to hearing from you.

Pennie

07715 889457

www.penniewithersphotography.co.uk

* source - Linkedin ' The Power of the Picture '

Event season is kicking off....have you booked your event photography yet? Here are some tips for your event photography brief

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 13:22:36 GMT

As an event photographer based near Reading, this is always a fun time of year as companies plan their end of year corporate events - everything from company awards, new site launches, team building activities to Christmas parties! The role I play in this is capturing natural, candid photos of the event.

Sometimes, I get briefed 5 minutes before the event starts - but in an ideal world, the event photography brief will have been put together with a good deal of thought. Here are a few hints and tips which may help you putting together your brief.

What kind of event are you hosting? Inc. rough numbers of attendees
What sorts of photographs are you hoping to have afterwards? (eg; natural/candid images with some staged groups?). If you have a clear idea, this will hugely increase your chances of getting the results you are looking for.
Where is the event being held (inc. the exact room name - some locations have multiple events on at the same time!)
Event timings - allowing a little time at the beginning for the photographer to scope out the venue. Also, times of any specific things that are happening so the photographer can be in the right place at the right time.
Do you require any specific headshots/team photos during the event
Are there any special guests?
Is there anyone who does not want to be photographed?
What format do you require the photos to be in? I tend to supply photos in both high and low resolution
Where will you be using the photographs? This may dictate whether the photographer shoots in landscape vs. portrait format
Are there any specific shots you're looking for? If so - an outline shotlist would be helpful
Will you need any 'highlight' photos for social media posts quickly after the event?
Are there any speeches/awards happening at your event? If so, brief your photographer exactly what time this is expected to happen. Also, mention if you need a photograph of the award recipient with the speaker (known as a 'grip and grin') immediately as they receive it.
What is the dress code for the event - this is helpful for the photographer to decide what is appropriate to wear
Is the venue especially dark? If so, the photographer may need to bring special equipment
Are there any photographs you specifically don't want? eg: high profile people who don't want to be photographed, or who will be leaving the company etc...
Double check your photographer has professional indemnity insurance

If you have not as yet chosen a photographer for your event, please take a look here at my gallery of event photography and do get in touch for an informal chat to see if I can help. I look forward to hearing from you.

With best wishes. Pennie

Pennie Withers Photography Website

Schools and Colleges - are you updating your marketing photography?

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 12:17:02 GMT

Tips for getting the most out of your School Marketing Photoshoot

It won't come as a surprise to hear that your prospectus and website is the first port of call for prospective parents when deciding on which school/college to consider for their children. So it's essential that your school marketing photography includes compelling images which lay the foundations of showcasing what’s special and unique about your school or College.

Your bank of marketing photography needs to show students in a vibrant and engaging learning environment which can then be used across the whole marketing mix. And of course, the Autumn term is a great time to arrange a School Marketing photo shoot - often work will have been carried out over the holidays to freshen up the school and pupils look great in their brand new uniforms!

So, if you have a photo shoot planned, take a look at the blog below written by Education marketing expert, Sally Alexander from Ambleglow . Sally very kindly featured me in this blog following a shoot that we worked on together last year. Here, she shares her tips for getting the most out of your School photography . Click here for the blog.

Incidentally, if you don't have a photo shoot planned - do get in touch with me. With over 14 years of experience working with schools and colleges across London and the South East, hopefully I can help.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Pennie Withers

Pennie Withers Photography Website

How to take better holiday photos this summer - 5 easy tips and tricks

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 15:32:17 GMT

Hopefully like me, you will be heading off with friends or family (or both!) on holiday this summer. If so, I'm sure you're looking forward to coming back with some great photos to remind you of the time you had.

Having been a commercial photographer for over 14 years, I have learnt plenty of ways to take great photographs. So I thought I would share with you a few very easy techniques to quickly and easily improve the photos you take. All you need to have is a smart phone and an open mind....

Tip Number 1 - Clean your lens every time you take a photo!

It may sound really obvious, but you’d be amazed what I see…. sometimes photos that look like vaseline has been smeared all over the lens! Your phone sits in your pocket, your handbag, on your desk etc. and gathers finger prints and goodness knows what else in the process.

Useful tip - Before you take your photo – give the lens a little wipe and you’ll be guaranteed crystal clear photos every time!

Tip Number 2 - The rule of thirds

Composition is so important in photography and one of the first things you are taught is the Rule of Thirds. This is one of the simplest principles to learn and to implement. And for all those visual learners out there (like me!) it's very easy to understand.

All you have to do is imagine you have split your camera screen into a grid - just like a noughts and crosses board. Then, place the main subject(s) of your photo where the lines intersect. For example, in the photos below, the subject is placed left or right of centre which is much more striking than if it was bang in the middle.

Useful tip. - turn on your camera’s rule-of-thirds grid to improve your photography skills.

Tip Number 3 - Use leading lines to create interest in your shot and draw your eye into the photo. So – a bit like the rule of thirds, you are making your shots that little bit more creative than just photographing from straight on. Move around and experiment with different angles - straight on isn't always the best angle. Below are two examples where leading lines add interest to a photo.

Useful tip - things like walls/pathways/rivers/fences/staircases can lead be used to lead your viewers' eye further into the picture. This will make it a much more interesting image.

Tip Number 4 - Look for the light . Everyone thinks the best photos are taken on bright, sunny days. Not true !

If you place your subject in the bright sunlight, all you will get is someone squinting with shadows/rings under their eyes. The absolute prime time of day to take photos is during the 'golden hour'. This is the time either shortly after sunrise or before sunset during which almost everyone and everything looks absolutely gorgeous. (Think of those lovely early evening holiday photos when the sun is going down). See below for an example.

Useful tip - If you can’t avoid a bright, sunny day, head for some top-shade . This is created by doorways/under trees etc. Your subject will still be lit beautifully, but won’t be blinded by the sun. Or lastly, my best advice would be to take your photos on overcast days – the clouds act like a virtual soft box.

Tip Number 5 - Control exposure

This is fairly limited on smart phones, but can still make a big difference. On I-phones when you have a photo you’d like to take, simply tap and hold the screen on the part you would like the best exposure (eg someone's face). You will see a slider, which allows you to increase/decrease exposure.

Useful tip - You can also lock focus – so you can decide what is in focus and what is not.

I hope you find these tips useful and can start putting them into practice straight away. Even if you only use one or two of them, hopefully, your holiday photos will immediately look better!

Have a lovely summer.

Pennie

How can case study photos help grow your business?

Wed, 31 May 2023 12:22:07 GMT

Have you ever wondered why businesses invest in case study photography?

Especially those involved in the property sector? It's because they are crucial in educating your customers and increasing your conversions . Don't just take my word for it..... a case study by VWO , found that simply changing an image to a real life example on a webpage increased conversions by over 40%. They really should be a marketing staple for any business.

Case study photos are fantastic for Architects, Property developers, Interior Designers, Office fit-out companies and plenty other 'trades' too. that's because although reviews are great, frankly, couldn't they just have been written by anyone?

Whereas photos of the work that you have carried out is proof of your expertise, your design skills and can position your business as an 'authority' on what you do. So it's a win:win!

Win a free professional headshot....

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 05:15:00 GMT

...with Pennie Withers - Berkshire based Linkedin Headshot Photographer

WIN A FREE PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOT!

With only 7 seconds to make a good impression on Linkedin and other social media, I highly recommend that you have a professional Linkedin headshot. Selfies, holiday photos or (worst of all....) no photo at all simply won't do.

So, look no further as I am running a competition to win a FREE bespoke headshot session with me, worth £125 .

We will pick a date to suit you and the session will last for around an hour. Please note that I am happy to travel a 15 mile radius of Reading, Berkshire.

Good Luck!

And if you're not lucky enough to win, why not take a look at my previous blog here with tips on how to make the most of a headshot session with a professional headshot photographer.

Are you needing an Event Photographer?

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 12:07:59 GMT

My favourite type of photography is without doubt, event photography. Milling around, photographing people who don’t realise my lens is on them – you get the most natural, candid photos. I have been lucky to be commissioned to take event photos at some amazing venues in London and across the South East including the Royal Albert Hall, Shoreditch Town Hall and Henley Regatta. Sometimes it's a conference, an awards ceremony, or it's the office Christmas party!

This is what I was shooting in December when again, I got to work in beautiful surroundings - this time, it was the De Vere Beaumont Hotel in Old Windsor. The backdrop was a Chapel which was built in the 19th-century. The painted, vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows created a unique setting and the ideal backdrop for professional photos.

With a close-up magician, a photo booth and a flash mob dance group my clients got a huge selection of natural, reportage-style photos to remember their party.

If you are having an event in the Thames Valley or London, contact me for beautiful, natural photos. Click here to find out more.

Thanks for reading. Pennie

Commercial photography in schools

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 13:00:58 GMT

Is it time to update your school website and prospectus photos?

As you know, your prospectus and website is the first port of call for prospective parents when deciding on which schools/colleges to consider for their children. So I'm sure you will agree that it's essential for your school prospectus photography to include compelling images which lay the foundations of showcasing what’s special and unique about you.

Your bank of school marketing photography needs to show pupils in a vibrant and engaging learning environment which can then be used across the whole marketing mix.

My background is in marketing, so for me, it’s not just about getting the perfect light for a specific shot (although that does help!) - it's working out what each photograph will show about your school. For example, if the school is known for its academic prowess - does it show engaged, hard working pupils? Or if the school is especially proud of its pastoral care, are there plenty of photos showing the children interacting with teachers and fellow pupils?

For the past 14 years, I have photographed a huge variety of schools throughout London and the South East including Westminster School, Kings College Wimbledon, Wellington College and Ludgrove School. I have also photographed lots of colleges including East Surrey College, Central Bedfordshire College and Milton Keynes College.

Earlier in the year, I was very excited to be featured in a blog about school photography by the education marketing agency, Ambleglow . It features 8 Top Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Your School Photography and also a FREE photography briefing template - so it's super useful!

Click here to read the blog: https://www.ambleglow.co.uk/8-top-tips-for-getting-the-most-out-of-your-school-photography/

If you would like to discuss the best way to run a school marketing photo shoot either give me a call on 07715 889457 or email me on pennie@penniewithers.co.uk

Professional photography for your business - make your website and social media posts POP!

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 10:04:01 GMT

So, here we are again - the start of another year......and hopefully a renewed energy to make your business stand out from the crowd.

Have you considered doing this with professional photographs to use on your website and social media? Not just stock images that any other business could use?

How about using some professional photographs to show the real people behind your business? And differentiate yourself from your competitors.

For many small businesses, all that is required is a couple of hours' worth of photography to set yourselves up with a bank of beautiful, professional photographs which can be used across the whole marketing mix of activity. The photos featured here are from a recent photo shoot with Reading based accountants, Specialist Accounting Solutions Ltd who are already using these photos of the team at work on their marketing activities.

Here are some ideas as to where you can use the photos from your session:

Your Website
Social media posts
Linkedin/Zoom/Teams/Skype Avatar photos
Linkedin/Facebook/Instagram Banners
Google Business Profile (formerly Google my Business profile)
Newsletters
Printed marketing materials/PR/Magazine articles
Blogs
Email Footer
You Tube Profile

So why not start off the new year by booking a branding session with me - then before you know it, you will have a set of photographs that you can use to really bring your business to life.

If you'd like to know more - read my previous blog here on how to use professional photographs to market your business:

I look forward to hearing from you.

Pennie Withers

pennie@penniewithers.co.uk

Website

2022 - Review of the Year

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 12:33:52 GMT

Unbelievably, it's that time of year again when I sit back, take stock and review the last year of Pennie Withers Photography. This is my 13th year in business and it has been another record year as a Professional Photographer in Reading.

When I look back over the 108 photoshoots that I undertook, it always amazes me at the variety of clients that I am lucky enough to work with.

From Care homes to Solicitors, IT Companies to property developers. From Schools and Colleges to Equine Vets. Every day, I find myself in such different surroundings and yet, the requirement is nearly always the same - the need for a set of professional photographs with which they can market themselves on their websites and social media.

Whilst I regularly work with lovely loyal and regular clients, I was also delighted to see that this year, over 62% of my clients were brand new to me. And what's even better is that 45% of those were from genuine organic google enquiries - recognition that the work I do behind the scenes on my SEO is working.

(100% of the credit for this goes to the fantastic Lisa from One to Three Marketing Solutions - without which I wouldn't have a clue what I was doing!).

With the variety of work that I do - there are inevitably some interesting situations I end up getting into - like trying to take photos on a squash court, without getting hit by the ball....��

Or when I was photographing interiors with an open fire on the hottest day of the year ��!

Often I'm hanging out of windows to get the best angle.....

or in high vis on rooftops

I'll be photographing science explosions one day, then standing on a chair to get higher than my natural 5ft 2" another!

Whilst the business has been growing, there have been a few personal highlights too - my eldest son is now travelling the world as a cricket systems Operator for Hawkeye, my middle son now lives in London working as a Surveyor and my daughter turned 21 this year and is in her 3rd year as a Veterinary Student at Bristol Uni. We enjoyed a lovely family holiday Sailing in Croatia in the Summer.

Sadly, we lost our naughty, but gorgeous Jack Russell, Woody in November. But at nearly 15, he had a great life.

So that wraps up another year - and all that remains is for me to say thank you to all the clients I have worked with - and here's to many more years of Pennie Withers Photography.
.

Wishing you all a very happy and healthy Christmas.

Pennie

Are you looking for a property photographer?

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 09:10:11 GMT

Property photographer Berkshire | Property photographer Reading

You're the best Interior Designer in the area, right? Or you're the most experienced builder/property developer in the Thames Valley?

But why should anyone believe you? How do you prove to them that you create beautiful spaces from tired, old homes. Or that you can totally change the layout of old-fashioned offices and turn them into a stunning, open-plan space that is functional, light and airy? Well - you show them your work - using beautiful, professional photographs as proof of the fantastic jobs that you carry out day in, day out.

And don't just take my word for it........it's no secret that featuring great images on your website can significantly improve your conversion rate. In fact, a case study by VWO , found that simply changing an image to a real life example on a webpage increased conversions by over 40% .

As a professional property photographer in Berkshire and the South East, I have had the pleasure of photographing everything from brand new bespoke kitchens to entire property renovations, office spaces, skin care clinics and even engineering laboratories.

Click here to see how one of my office fit-out clients ( 3-space UK ) regularly creates case studies to bolster their position as an authority in the office fit-out market and my photos help them to do just that.

Now, not everyone can afford a professional photographer all of the time, so I thought it might be helpful to share 5 simple tips that will help you get the best possible property photography:

Tip 1: Look for the light - make sure that you are photographing your property in the best light. Obviously if you are using a professional photographer (�� ), they will come armed with the right equipment to show each room in the best light. However, if you are not....then the best tip I can give is to take photographs into the room with the window light behind you. Your camera/phone will find it much easier to expose correctly for the room that way. Also, whatever device you are using, flash is rarely a good idea — unless you know how to balance the light, the photographs just don't come out right. Use natural light wherever possible.

Tip 2: Dress the room - this doesn't just mean make it nice and tidy, but also means stage the room for your target audience. If your property is a modern, stylish office space, make sure the accessories/furnishing complement that. Don't just use the old coffee cups and a few tatty business publications. Or, if you want a property to be aspirational, use high tech accessories, flowers, coffee table books and stylish furnishings to reinforce that look.

Tip 3: Use a tripod with a spirit level - there's nothing worse than wonky photos! Everyone knows that property photographs try to make the tiny box room look like a huge space, but at least they are usually straight! Most decent tripods have a built-in spirit level - use it and your photographs will be perfectly angled. You will also get much clearer, sharper photos.

Tip 4: Turn on the lights - even during the day, having all the lights on in the space you are photographing, will instantly make it look warmer and more appealing. It will also light up any darker spaces that your camera/phone can't expose for. Again, if you are using a professional, they will have the right equipment to deal with those awkward dark spaces.

Tip 5: The money shot..... work out what angle/room/interior/exterior really is the shot with the 'wow factor' for your potential new clients. Then make sure you photograph that space at the best time of day for that angle - for example - if it's an exterior shot - ideally, you would want the sun to be behind you to make your photograph beautifully bright and full of colour. You can use the Sun Seeker app if you want to work out exactly where the sun will be and at what time of day. But as a rough rule of thumb, for east-facing properties, morning is the best time to shoot and for west-facing properties, go for the afternoon. If your property faces north, any time between 10:00 and 14:00 is ideal. And if it faces south, you'll want your photos taken first thing in the morning, or last thing in the day.

So - hopefully there are a few useful tips to help you take some more attractive looking property photos. Or....alternatively, why not get in touch to find out about my case study packages to give you beautiful photos which can be used across all your marketing collateral. Here are some more examples of photos I have taken for various Interior Designers, property developers, architects and builders: case study gallery .

I look forward to hearing from you.

Pennie
www.penniewithersphotography.co.uk

Event season is getting underway....have you booked your event photographer yet?

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 11:13:11 GMT

Event photographer Reading | Event photographer Berkshire | Commercial event photographer

This October is the first time since 2019 that I can tell event season is well on it's way - I've had numerous enquiries for an event photographer required at functions. Everything from new site launches, company awards and team building activities to Christmas parties!

I can't wait to create beautiful candid photographs for my clients.

If you haven't yet booked someone to capture your event photography - here are ten quick tips to help you find the perfect event photographer:

Who to book – ask colleagues/business contacts for recommendations. It’s always best to go with an event photographer someone has used before.
Budget – don’t just book anyone with a decent camera. As the old adage goes……’you get what you pay for’. Get 2 or 3 quotes from recommended event photographers.
Lighting - consider if your venue will be dark….will flash be necessary? You may not want flash going off at your event all the time!
Portfolio – take a look at the event photographers’ portfolio. Do they take the kinds of event photos you are looking for?
Photo sharing – will your event photos be available to share on social media? And how quickly can you get a few 'highlight' shots to post?
Shot list – spend some time putting together a base list of ‘must have’ photos from your event. Eg – keynote speakers, important guests, detailed timings so your photographer can always be in the right place at the right time.
Post event marketing photos – if you want to use the event photos afterwards to market your company, consider what sort of photos will be useful and add those to the shot list too.
Equipment – If your conference is happening in a dark basement or a well lit room, make sure the photographer you use has the correct equipment necessary.
Insurance – does your event photographer have professional indemnity and public liability insurance? You don’t want to be held liable if your photographer causes an injury or has his kit damaged/stolen at your event!
Cut out all the stress of the above 9 tips and book me for your event photography in Berkshire, the Thames Valley and London. Take a look here to see more examples of event photos or call me on 07715 889457.

Good luck with your event - and feel free to get in touch if you'd like to have an informal chat to see if I can help: http://www.penniewithersphotography.co.uk .

I look forward to hearing from you. Pennie

It's lucky number 13 for me - 13 years in business that is...

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 14:24:31 GMT

Professional Photographer Berkshire

September is always an exciting time for me as a Professional photographer - it marks another year in business. This time, 13 years!
I set up my business in 2009 not really knowing where it was headed - and now, I have just had my busiest year ever!

I am very lucky that working as a commercial photographer, every day is different. One day I'm working with a sole trader who needs a straightforward headshot, the next, I'm working for a big corporate business who is hosting an event. Some days I am working in offices in London, the next day I'm outside high up on scaffolding photographing a building site. Despite advice to the contrary, I also frequently work with children AND animals - they're always fun shoots!

So, in recognition of 13 years in business, I thought I would select 13 memorable moments.

Memorable moment number 1 - photographing the Westminster School Christmas service from the organ loft in Westminster Abbey. I felt like a sniper hiding up in the organ loft! It was amazing to work in such a beautiful location.

Memorable moment number 2 - taking my first set of photos once covid restrictions started being lifted in May 2020. I was so happy to be dusting off my cameras, even if it was very hot working in a mask!

Memorable moment number 3 : being given a flower by a little boy on a prep school photo shoot. It made my day ��

Memorable moment number 4 : No photos to prove it unfortunately, but taking photographs at the Royal Albert Hall of a concert on behalf of the Conductor. It was incredible going behind the scenes at one of London's finest concert venues. I even snuck into the Royal Box!

Memorable moment number 5 : photographing a 'meet and greet' with 80s icons, Level 42!

Memorable moment number 6 : conquering my fear of heights while shooting up on scaffolding!

Memorable moment number 7 - memorable for all the wrong reasons......hitting my head on a low lying TV screen while trying to discretely take some photos at an event at Twickenham Stadium!

Memorable moment number 8: trying to pretend I was completely unfazed by being so up close with a huge horse on a shoot for equine vets, Farr + Pursey!

Memorable moment number 9 : frequently worrying my Mum by posting pictures of me hanging out of various windows in order to get 'the shot'!

Memorable moment number 10 : Making friends with Roco at a pre-school shoot - he was like my little shadow the whole time I was there!

Memorable moment number 11 : spending lots of times taking photos from boats of different sizes....(anyone who knows me well knows I'm happiest either on or in water)

Memorable moment number 12 : taking event photos at incredible venues including the Victoria and Albert Museum, The Yorkshire Show, Twickenham Stadium and the Royal Society of Medicine.

And finally..... memorable moment number 13: literally being 'shot' myself - photographing in a shooting range....thankfully they were using blanks!

And that's it - there have been plenty more memorable moments than these, but for now, I will be taking a quiet moment to reflect on being lucky enough to have turned my hobby into a full time job and looking forward to continuing to do so as long as my mind and body allows!

Thank you for reading. Pennie

School Marketing Photography - is it time to update yours?

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 13:25:31 GMT

Your bank of school marketing photography needs to show pupils in a vibrant and engaging learning environment which can then be used across the whole marketing mix.

Click here to read the blog: https://www.ambleglow.co.uk/8-top-tips-for-getting-the-most-out-of-your-school-photography/

Tips to use your professional photographs to market your business

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 13:48:21 GMT

Pennie Withers Photography, Commercial Photographer Reading, Berkshire

As a commercial photographer based near Reading in Berkshire, I have worked with many different businesses to set them up with a bank of professional photographs with which to market themselves and bring their brand to life. After all, it is a well-known fact that content with relevant images gets 94% more views than content without.

However, some businesses only use these photographs on their website, then move on. They don't realise that they are missing a HUGE opportunity to use the photos in many other social media and marketing platforms – there is so much more value to them than just on your website!

You could have a whole marketing mix of activity which includes a beautiful set of photographs which consistently represent your brand story - showing who you are and what you do.

So, assuming you already have some photographs which represent your business (or if you don’t……get in touch with me and I can help you with that!), here are some tips to make sure that you are getting the most out of them. (Please note - some of the tips relate specifically to headshots, but others relate more to photos of your business 'in action').

Where else can you use your marketing photos?

· Social media posts – Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram, Pinterest – just think how useful it would be to have a library of photos to dip into every time you posted on social media? Use your 'at work' photos to talk about the different services you can offer or Headshots to offer 'Spotlights' on certain employees

· Linkedin / Zoom/Microsoft Teams/Skype/google Hangouts – use your headshots as your Avatar/profile photo – it’s so much more professional than a blank silhouette

· Linkedin/Facebook/Instagram banners – obviously you can use your headshot for your profile photo. But you can also use your business ‘in action’ photos for the banner image

· Google My Business - ensure you have your headshot under the 'Identity' section and other photos spread across each category. Google loves when you regularly update content, so update your photos little and often.

· Newsletters and Mailchimp emails – use photos to break up the text and show the what, where and how of your business.

· Business cards – having your photo on your business card is a great way for people to remember you

· P r inted marketing materials and PR/Magazine articles – it’s always great to show the faces behind the business

· Blogs – bring your blogs to life with photos relevant to the copy

· Email footer – you can use either headshots of business photos here

· You can also use photos on your You Tube channel – and you can even create videos from your still photos (iMovie is really easy to master).

Just a couple of things to note:

· If you are looking to get a bit creative with your photos, take a look at Canva ( https://www.canva.com/ ) - this is a fantastic free website which you can use to create social media posts/banners. They are created for you to the correct dimensions for the various different platforms, so it's super easy to get really professional looking posts.

· Also, when you use the photos on your website/social media etc, make sure you use keyword-loaded Alt text to maximise SEO opportunities

So hopefully there are some useful tips here to help you make the most of your marketing photos – but if you’d like some advice on how to make the most of your photo library (or if you’d like to discuss me helping you create a photo library), do get in touch with me on pennie@penniewithers.co.uk or give me a call on 07715 889457.

www.penniewithersphotography.co.uk

Planning your commercial photo shoot - 6 quick tips

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 13:46:31 GMT

Pennie Withers Photography - Commercial Photographer

As a Commercial Photographer, I often get asked how do I get the most out of a photo shoot. My usual answer is that it's like anything in life - if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. For most clients, more time is actually spent planning than shooting ! With detailed preparation for even the simplest of photo sessions, the results will be many times better than shoots that are rushed into and not thought out well.

Below is a checklist to help make the most out of every commercial photography session, using photos from a recent shoot I did for the fabulous London menswear outlet, Lipman and Sons . This is an ideal example as this was quite a complicated shoot with multiple locations, outfits, models etc....so planning was crucial!

Step 1 - The initial discussion . During this conversation, we discuss things like what services does the client offer, do they have an outlet or a relevant location? Where will the photos be used? Will the business continue to run while we are carrying out the shoot? Or can it be closed or used out of hours? For Lipman + Sons, the photos were to be used on a brand new website being designed by the fabulous Sarah from 181Digital.com . So, it was great to be able to hear what sections we needed photos for, what sort of format of photo is needed (portrait? landscape? panoramic?) and have a rough idea of how many photos are needed in total.
Step 2 - Create a shotlist . Once armed with information from the initial discussion, I create a shotlist which outlines the what, where and how for the shoot. This can have many iterations as planning continues, but it is the main document that I will work from on the day of the shoot to ensure we get exactly the shots we need. Again, for Lipman + Sons, this was carried out in conjunction with the client and the web designer, so everyone knew what was going to happen on the day and in what order.
Step 3 - Location. If the client has a business premises, then obviously that can dictate where the photography will take place. However, for some, this might not be suitable/appropriate or they might prefer an alternative, relevant location. Lipman + Sons have been providing menswear for over 100 years. Their shop is rammed to the rafters (see below!) with suits, coats and accessories so it wasn't an appropriate location. It was agreed that we would shoot near the store using London's West End as the backdrop. Whilst this was fantastic in terms of the variety on offer, when photographing in public spaces it does create issues in terms of avoiding members of the public, so we selected a morning shoot before the streets became too busy.

Step 4 - Models and props . For most shoots, some form of props will be required to represent the business but it is important to plan exactly what is going to be shown and to ensure they are available on the day.

In terms of models, in 13 years of business, I have never had to actually pay a professional model - we usually find either willing staff members, or rope in friends or family! A good trade-off can be had on the day - they give up a little of their time in return for a free professional headshot which can be carried out during the shoot. Another question to ask is if a hair and make up artist will be required on the day too. For Lipman + Sons, we used 3 models to represent different ages, shapes and sizes!

Step 5 - Delivery. It is very important to agree before the shoot exactly what is going to be delivered and when. I supply photographs to my clients via an online gallery system - they can download their photos directly as both high resolution and low resolution jpegs, So, they are set up with files which can be used online or for print. I always try to manage my clients' expectations as to when they will get the photos, depending on when I know I will have time at my desk to edit them.

Step 6 - Back up plan . One thing I have learnt running my business all these years is that it is always important to have a back up plan and also to be extremely flexible! When you are working in public spaces, you cannot always dictate exactly where you are going to shoot, or what the weather is going to be like. In an ideal world, I do a recce prior to the shoot and I also use the LightTrac app so I can see exactly where the light is going to be coming from at any location, at any time, on any day. However, sometimes even the best laid plans go astray! On this particular shoot, it started to rain, so we managed to talk our way into The Round Table pub and take photos in there!

So hopefully, if you are planning a photo shoot for your business, these 6 steps will help you make the most out of your session. But if you need any help, please feel free to give me a call on 07715 889457 or take a look at my website here . Thank you for reading. Pennie

6 tips for Great Event Photography

Sun, 01 May 2022 15:33:13 GMT

Event photographer Berkshire | Event photographer Reading | Commercial event photographer

As an event photographer based in Berkshire, I am really pleased to see conferences and business get-togethers very much back on the agenda. My favourite kind of event photography is to capture colleagues and clients enjoying meeting face to face or to catch a speaker delivering their presentation to an engaged audience. In previous blogs ( here ), I have written about how you can use event photography to market your business.
However, I thought it might also be useful to publish 6 quick tips for briefing your event photographer in order to make sure you get the most out of them. Giving a clear brief prior to your event, you are much more likely to get fun, exciting and engaging photos which you can use on your social media, website and even your invite for next year's event! So, here goes:

Tip 1 - Where are the photos going to be used - event photos are often used on social media and 'About Us' pages to reinforce company values - but also, sometimes, event photos are used tactically in the press, brochures, marketing activities etc to gain publicity. So, in order to get really great event photos, make sure you let your photographer know where they are going to be used. This may change the way they shoot your event.
Tip 2 - The Context - what is the event and why is it being held? I have photographed all sorts of different types of events - sometimes it's an opportunity to get everyone in the business together to announce changes/promotions/celebrate achievements etc. However, also sometimes corporate events host keynote speakers and interactive sessions or present awards. Either way, it's always good to be given the context in which the event you are photographing is be held.

Tip 3 - The running order and key timings - often as an event photographer, there are lots of different things going on at the same time, so it's always essential that you give a running order so they are in the right place at exactly the right time. Things like keynote speeches, break out sessions or if there are any awards are really helpful to know so that the photographer can get in position to get the best shot. Or - if you have any 'surprises' - again, it's about the photographer being in the right place at the right time to get those spontaneous reactions.

Tip 4 - The 'must haves' - are there any specific people you want photographed? Maybe high profile VIPs or high ranking execs who it would be good to get some more informal photos of? Or even to update their headshots. If so - make sure these are pointed out on the day/night so that the photographer can make sure they get those shots. Perhaps even consider getting these done before the event starts. Equally, if there is anyone who has asked specifically not to be photographed, then let the photographer know too. We don't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable.
Tip 5 - The Location - sometimes as an event photographer, you have the luxury of doing a venue recce before the event, but often this isn't possible. However, I have had some clients send me a few photos they took on their phone when they visited the venue - these can be really useful just to get an idea of the space you will be photographing in or any limitations in lighting etc...
Tip 6 - The deliverables - In short....what do you need and when do you need them? It is important to communicate with your event photographer when exactly you need your photographs. I have sometimes had clients who need a selection of highlight photos the morning after the event for social media, then the rest of the images within a co uple of days. As long as this is communicated and agreed in advance, the photographer can pre-plan the editing time.

Being an event photographer in Berkshire for over 13 years, I have been fortunate enough to shoot at such amazing venues as The Royal Albert Hall, Westminster Abbey, The Victoria and Albert Museum and Twickenham Rugby Stadium but wherever your event is held, the success of having beautiful, atmospheric and engaging photos afterwards is in briefing your photographer with the right information. If you would like to see more of my work as an event photographer, please click here or feel free to pick up the phone for an informal chat on 07715 7889457. I look forward to hearing from you. Pennie

School and Colleges - is it time to update your prospectus and website photography?

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 14:24:31 GMT

Pennie Withers - School Prospectus Photographer Reading

It won't come as a surprise that your prospectus and website is the first port of call for prospective parents when deciding on which school/college to consider for their children. So it's essential that your school prospectus photography includes compelling images which lay the foundations of showcasing what’s special and unique about your school or College.

Your bank of marketing photography needs to show students in a vibrant and engaging learning environment which can then be used across the whole marketing mix.

For the last 13 years, I have photographed a huge variety of schools throughout London and the South East including Westminster School, The Dragon School and Kings College Wimbledon. I have also photographed lots of colleges too including East Surrey College, Central Bedfordshire College and Milton Keynes College.

I thought I would share with you what makes for a really effective school prospectus photography session and how to get the most out of your photographer . Here are my top 10 tips:

Tip 1: Has your photographer worked in schools before ? I can't stress the importance of this one - school photography sessions are usually fast-paced. They have to fit in around lessons, keeping disruption to an absolute minimum, working in tight spaces as well as checking uniforms are correct, ties are done up etc. You can't spend time setting up lights/staging a shot....experience working in schools goes a long way here!
Tip 2: Get your photographer to have a chat with your website or prospectus designer before the shoot - they may have some suggestions on the sort of images that are needed - or indeed, there may be some specific 'hero' shots that are needed to be photographed in a particular way/shape/dimension.
Tip 3: Brief your photographer on what the school prides itself in: - academic results/pastoral care/sporting achievements? If your photographer knows this, they can bear this in mind when they are 'visualising' specific shots.
Tip 4: Consider which subjects are important to show ? Don't just plan photographs for every single subject - remember, topics like geography, history, English etc…all look very similar in photos, whereas more practical subjects like science/music/art are much more impactful and visual.
Tip 5: Involve the teachers - this is REALLY important. Photo sessions are always much more effective if the teachers are briefed that a photographer will be coming into their lesson. If you have 15 minutes on the schedule to be in a particular lesson - it's much better that the teacher has specific tasks already set up rather than interrupting a planned lesson and then trying to set up certain scenarios.
Tip 6: Engage with the pupils - try to get reactions from them or get them engaging with each other. It's much more interesting to see photographs of pupils enjoying themselves than just immersed in a book.
Tip 7: Timetable 2-3 shoots in the academic year - this way, you will get a good mix of weather in the photos, but also, sometimes different uniforms, seasonal sport activities and extra curricular activities.
Tip 8: Uniforms - the best possible term for a photo shoot is the new Autumn term. You'll have lots of fresh-faced pupils in new uniform to photograph. Also - establish how much emphasis the school puts on smart uniform. Some really like to make sure that uniform rules are adhered to. Equally, some schools like to allow pupils to express themselves through what they wear at school, so in this instance, uniform rules will be more relaxed.
Tip 9: Have a shoot timetable - this brings together many of the other points as it means teachers will know when to expect you photographing their lesson. It also will mean that you are able to review what lessons you are going into to ensure that you are going to be getting exactly the right mix of photos that you want. But within the timetable, allow for some flexibility - the photographer will need to get between classrooms and sometimes, you will come across scenarios around the school which are naturally happening which you won't want to miss. Eg: pupil interactions at break times/meal times etc.
Tip 10: Warn parents/pupils that photography is taking place . Some parents don't like their child being used in publicity photographs. Conversely, for those who are being photographed, parents can ensure that their uniforms are smart and correct!

A typical full day school/college photo shoot will set you up with on average, around 300 photos which will provide you with a hugely valuable marketing collateral .

You will have a library of photos which will not only form the basis of your school prospectus, but can also be used on your website, in social media posts, press releases, advertisements and also displaying aspirational images around the school to inspire staff, students and parents. So, the value from even just one photo shoot, is huge.

Finally, I have also worked with schools taking photographs of speech days, results days, alumnae events, sports days and drama productions. So, remember that these provide opportunities to boost your bank of photos too.

Hopefully these tips will enable you to plan a really effective photo session for your school prospectus and website photography. However – working with a professional photographer, hugely experienced in school prospectus photography (like me!) will mean that together, we can formulate a plan to deliver captivating school prospectus photographs. To see more examples of my work, click here .

I was recently delighted to be featured in the latest blog by leading School Education Marketing Agency, Ambleglow. Click here to read their ' 8 Top Tips for your Best Professional School Photoshoot' :

Personal Branding Photography - special offer!

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 12:55:17 GMT

Pennie Withers. Corporate Photographer Berkshire. www.photosbypennie.co.uk

I can't believe it's February already....but here we are with Spring on the horizon, lighter evenings and hopefully, a renewed energy for businesses to focus on marketing themselves.

So much of our lives is viewed through a visual medium these days, and therefore having a set of images that tell the story of you and your brand, is critical.

This is called Personal Branding Photography - and it plays a powerful role in showing the Who - What and Why of your business. It helps tell your Business Story and differentiates you from your competitors.

Over the past 13 years, I have worked with many different businesses (both in term of size and sector) in order to help them invest in their business story with a set of personal branding photos.

The way I do this is with a Personalised branding package which is designed to provide small businesses with an easy way to get a set of great photos to market their business on their websites and social media. And don't panic - it needn't break the bank - SPECIAL OFFER - for bookings received in February and March, a 2 hour shoot package is £300*.

Using my background in marketing, I help you to work out what photographs you need for your business and how we can achieve them. If you have a business location, then great. If not, I can come up with some location suggestions. After the shoot - you will have a bank of photos (typically, over 100) with which to use all over your social media and website.

Here are a couple of examples of personal branding shoots I have done:

*This package price includes the shoot itself, all editing and retouching then supplying the images to you on an online gallery.

So, why not get in touch - we can have a chat about your business and how I can help you create a selection of beautiful, professional images that tell the story of you and your personal brand.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Pennie

07715 889457

pennie@photosbypennie.co.uk

www.photosbypennie.co.uk

Win a free professional headshot.....

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 12:54:04 GMT

...with Professional Headshot Photographer in Berkshire, Pennie Withers

WIN A FREE PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOT!

With only 7 seconds to make a good impression on Linkedin and other social media - your New Year's resolution may well be to find a professional headshot photographer.

Look no further as I am running a competition to win a FREE bespoke headshot session with me, worth £125 .

We will pick a date to suit you and the session will last for around an hour. Please note that I am happy to travel a 15 mile radius of Reading, Berkshire.

My photography style is candid and natural. I like to take headshots of people in their own environments, ensuring my clients are relaxed and that their photos are professional yet approachable.

For your chance of winning, simply go to my Facebook page here , LIKE the post and COMMENT below with why you'd like to win. Please also SHARE the post to help spread the word. The closing date is 31st January 2022 and I will announce the winner on 1st February 2022. Terms and Conditions can be found on my website www.photosbypennie.co.uk

Good Luck!

And if you're not lucky enough to win, why not take a look at my previous blog here with tips on how to make the most of a headshot session with a professional headshot photographer.

www.photosbypennie.co.uk

2021 - My review of the Year

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 13:16:43 GMT

Pennie Withers - Commercial photographer Berkshire

It's that time of year again when I take a look back at another 12 months of Pennie Withers Commercial photography.

2021 seems to have gone by in a flash (pardon the pun!) and yet, when I think back to Lockdown v3.0 last January, weirdly it also seems like a lifetime ago.

This is my 12th year in business and yet again, I am blown away by the variety of work that I have been lucky enough to experience. I'm sure you know by now that Commercial photography is my 'thing' and yet, who knew that in one year, my work would include me shooting on the rooftops of Westminster School and on another day, taking photos of chickens, horses, pigs and goats (not all at the same time!). Over the course of the year, I also got to go out in various boats of different sizes to take photos of rowers, paddleboarders and a huge luxury cruiser. I have also photographed kitchens, offices, houses and building sites. No two days are the same! But then as they say, variety is the spice of life - and I certainly get a lot of that.

So obviously in January, with many businesses still working from home, my camera kit was stashed away. It felt like a rough start to the year, having also had many shoots cancelled at the end of 2020 due to Lockdown 2.0. However, thanks to fantastically loyal clients and also a great number of new clients, business came back with a vengeance and I carried out a little over 100 shoots and over 65% of them were for clients I had not previously worked with before.

Here are just a few examples of the types of businesses I have worked with:

Solicitors | Architects | PR Agency | The Womens' Institute | Residential care homes | SEO Agency | Schools | Podiatrist | Global publisher | software specialist | Design Agency | Yoga instructor | Colleges | Massage Therapists | Residential Builders | Interior Designer | Boat Charter company.

Luckily for me, it seems that there was pent up demand from a lot of businesses who had had to put their marketing on hold, so once we were out of Lockdown, I was able to dust off my lenses and crack on with taking lots of photos. One of the highlights of the year has to be making friends with a little boy called Rocco who shadowed me for nearly the whole of my photoshoot at Little Fishes Preschool in Maidenhead ��

On a personal level, my eldest son graduated from his Masters in Aerospace engineering, my middle son started a job working for a commercial property company in London and my daughter started her second year Veterinary course at Bristol Uni. And finally in September......my husband started working back at the office in London. So, I was back to editing photos in my office with my trusty four footed furry friend, Woody!

So, all that remains is for me to dedicate this review to my Father and Father-in-Law, both of which we lost in 2021. My Father was a very keen photographer who photographed my brother, sister and I to within an inch of our lives. And my Father-in-Law was once known to say to me ' Well, if you take enough photos, you're bound to get a good one '. Hopefully, I have succeeded in doing that a few times this year ��!

Wishing you all a very happy and healthy Christmas and 2022.

Pennie

How can case study photos help increase your business?

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 13:24:40 GMT

You're the best Interior Designer in the area, right? Or you're the most experienced builder/property developer in the Thames Valley? But why should anyone believe you? How do you prove to them that you create beautiful spaces from tired, old homes. Or that you can totally change the layout of old-fashioned offices and turn them into a stunning, open-plan space that is functional, light and airy?

Well - you show them your work - using beautiful, professional photographs as proof of the fantastic jobs that you carry out day in, day out.

As a professional property photographer in Reading and the South East, I have had the pleasure of photographing everything from brand new bespoke kitchens to entire property renovations, office spaces, skin care clinics and even engineering laboratories.

Whatever the job, it is always a really good exercise to get some case studies together of your best work to showcase what you can do for potential clients. Sometimes that means before, during and after photos to really show the transformation.

But don't just take my word for it........it's no secret that featuring great images on your website can significantly improve your conversion rate. In fact, a case study by VWO , found that simply changing an image to a real life example on a webpage increased conversions by over 40% .

So - why not get in touch to find out about my case study packages and hopefully I can work with you to set you up with a bank of photos of your work which can be used across all of your marketing collateral.

Here are some more examples of photos I have taken for various Interior Designers, architects, property developers and builders: https://photosbypennie.pixieset.com/propertygallery/ Or if you'd like to read another of my property related blogs, click here .

I look forward to hearing from you.

Pennie
www.photosbypennie.co.uk

6 tips for Great Event Photography

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 15:12:00 GMT

Event photographer Reading | Event photographer Berkshire | Commercial event photographer

With party season creeping up on us, hopefully many businesses are planning on having an event photographer to capture colleagues and clients having fun and celebrating the end of a somewhat 'interesting' year.

So I thought it might be useful to publish 6 quick tips for briefing your event photographer - giving a clear brief prior to your event, you are much more likely to have fun, exciting and engaging photos which you can use on your social media, website and even your invite for next year's event!

Tip 1 - The Context - what is the event and why is it being held? I have photographed all sorts of different types of events - sometimes it's just an end of year party or an opportunity to get everyone together to announce changes/promotions etc. However, also sometimes corporate events are held to boost morale at times of uncertainty. Either way, it's always good to be given the context in which the event you are photographing is be held.
Tip 2 - Where are the photos going to be used - event photos are sometimes used on social media/'About Us' pages to reinforce company values - but also, sometimes, event photos are used tactically in the press, brochures, marketing activities etc. so, in order to get really great event photos, make sure you let your photographer know where they are going to be used. This may change the way they shoot your event.
Tip 3 - The running order and key timings - often as an event photographer, there are lots of different things going on at the same time, so it's always essential that you give a running order so they are in the right place at exactly the right time. Things like key note speeches or if there are any awards are really helpful to know so that the photographer can get in position to get the best shot. Or - if you have any 'surprises' too - I've had events where the CEO jumped out of a cake and no one had pre-warned me. Luckily.....I was in the right place to capture it, but boy, would I have known about it if I wasn't!!

Tip 4 - The 'must haves' - are there any specific people you want photographed? Maybe high profile VIPs or high ranking execs who it would be good to get some more informal photos of? If so - make sure these are pointed out on the day/night so that the photographer can make sure they get those shots. Perhaps even consider getting these done before the event starts. Equally, if there is anyone who has asked specifically not to be photographed, then let the photographer know too. We don't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable.
Tip 5 - The Location - sometimes as an event photographer, you have the luxury of doing a venue recce before the event, but often this isn't possible. However, I have had some clients send me a few photos they took on their phone when they visited the venue - these can be really useful just to get an idea of the space you will be photographing in or any limitations in lighting etc...
Tip 6 - The deliverables - In short....what do you need and when do you need them? It is important to communicate with your event photographer when exactly you need your photographs. I have sometimes had clients who need a selection of highlight photos the morning after the event for social media, then the rest of the images within a couple of days. As long as this is communicated and agreed in advance, the photographer can pre-plan the editing time.

Being an event photographer for over 13 years, I have been fortunate enough to shoot at such amazing venues as The Royal Albert Hall, Westminster Abbey and The Victoria and Albert Museum but wherever your event is held, the success of having beautiful, atmospheric and engaging photos afterwards is in briefing your photographer with the right information. If you would like to see more of my work as an event photographer, please click here or feel free to pick up the phone for an informal chat - 07715 7889457. I look forward to hearing from you.

If you'd like to read my other blog about being an event photographer - click here

Small Business professional photography - personal branding shoots special offer!

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 09:07:21 GMT

Pennie Withers. Professional Photographer Reading. www.p enniewithersphotography.co.uk

It's finally September and, with that often comes renewed energy for businesses to have a big push on the marketing front for the final quarter of the year.

Presumably, a part of that will be an objective to drive more traffic to your website? What business-owner doesn’t want that?!

In which case, I’m guessing that part of your marketing plan will be to use your website and social media posts to tell your ‘Business Story’. That is, showing who you are and what you do in order to showcase your business.

Well, I read the other day a very interesting stat…. apparently content with relevant images on it gets a staggering 94% more views than content without relevant images. That’s nuts! So....this proves something that I have been saying for years.... that having bespoke photos of your business (as opposed to using stock/library photos) can genuinely help you stand out from the crowd.

And that’s where I come in….... over the past 12 years I have worked with many different businesses (both in term of size and sector) in order to help them invest in their business story with a set of branding and marketing photos .

The way I do this is with a Personalised branding package which is designed to provide small businesses with an easy way to get a set of great photos to market their business on their websites and social media. And don't panic - it needn't break the bank - SPECIAL OFFER - for bookings received in September and October, a 2 hour shoot package is £300*.

But first.....here are a few photos I took recently for Coach Joseph Webb . Joe is a personal trainer specialising in weight loss and personal transformation. He wanted an Image Bank of photos to provide visual content for his website & social media programme. Using different locations and clients as models Joe now has over 300 photos at his disposal to make his blog and social media posts more visually appealing.

So, how does the Small Business photography package work ? There are essentially 4 steps to getting to the point where you have a bank of photos that you can use across your marketing collateral...

1. Meet / chat over the phone to discuss your business – what do you do, who is your target audience, how do your market yourselves, what photos do you need to show your business 'in action'?

2. Shot list – following on from step 1, I put together a shot list with location suggestions (if necessary). Within this, if you want a set of headshots too, no problem.

3. The shoot – for most small businesses, a 2 hour shoot is plenty to show your business ‘at work’ and tell your story (you will get in the region of 100-150 or so photos from a 2 hour shoot).

4. Your photos – a few days after the shoot you will receive a link to an online gallery from which you can download your photos. These come with a full and unrestricted licence to use them in any media over any time period.

If you’d like to see examples of a couple of businesses that I helped set up with photos to tell their unique business story, take a look here: L ittle Fishes Nursery and Engage and Connect Ltd . Both businesses now use their photos on their websites and also across their social media in order to drive awareness and tell their business story.

Finally, drop me an email or call me on 07715 889457 to make the most of my special offer Small Business photography package and let me help you tell your business story. I look forward to hearing from you!

Pennie Withers

Click here for my website

*This package price includes the shoot itself, all editing and retouching then supplying the images to you on an online gallery.

How to use Event Photography to market your business

Sun, 01 Aug 2021 09:22:13 GMT

Pennie Withers Event Photographer Reading, Berkshire

I can't tell you how happy I am that after 15 months of no events to photograph, bookings are coming back in for businesses that are hosting events for their colleagues and or clients.

So I thought it would be timely to point out that if you are hosting a sales conference/new product launch/awards ceremony or a company party.....do consider the fact that photos of these events can in fact be used to market your business. As an event photographer in Berkshire and the Thames Valley , I can help advise on getting great value out of your event photos.

Read on to find out how you can get the best ‘value’ out of your photos plus a few handy hints for what to look out for in a great event photographer.

Using your event photos to market your business....

Immediately after your event:

Use this content on social media platforms after your event as a recap for your guests and for those that did not attend. A great photo could make someone wish they had attended the event and look for next year’s 'save the date' invite.
Tag people who came to your event on social media - this creates a buzz and plenty of comments.
Use the photos in press coverage in industry media or social pages
If you have a key note speaker - tag them in any posts with their photo - get exposure to their followers too!

For future marketing projects:

Write a blog about the event or a marketing piece - any photos you have paid for during the event, are yours to use!
If it is a yearly event, you can use photos from the previous year for next year’s invitation
On your website , you may have an 'about us' section or a page on your company culture - use photos from your events to show potential new recruits or clients what kind of company you are.
In your company annual report - again, to promote the company culture and it's people

And finally......Here are 10 top tips to help you find the perfect event photographer:

Who to book – ask colleagues/business contacts for recommendations. It’s always best to go with a photographer someone has used before.
Budget – don’t just book anyone with a decent camera. As the old adage goes……’you get what you pay for’. Get 2 or 3 quotes from recommended photographers.
Lighting - consider if your venue will be dark….will flash be necessary? You may not want flash going off at your event all the time!
Portfolio – take a look at the photographers’ portfolio. Does their style match your branding and image?
Photo sharing – is your event photographer happy for the photos to be shared on social media? And how quickly can you get a few 'highlight' shots to post?
Shot list – spend some time putting together a base list of ‘must have’ photos from your event. Eg – keynote speakers, important guests, detailed timings so your photographer can always be in the right place at the right time.
Post event marketing photos – if you want to use the event photos afterwards to market your company, consider what sort of photos will be useful and add those to the shot list too.
Equipment – If your conference is happening in a dark basement or a well lit room, make sure the photographer you use has the correct equipment necessary.
Insurance – does your photographer have professional indemnity and public liability insurance? You don’t want to be held liable if your photographer causes an injury or has his kit damaged/stolen at your event!
Cut out all the stress of the above 9 tips and book me for your event photography in Berkshire, the Thames Valley and London! Take a look here to see more examples of event photos or call me on 07715 889457.

Good luck with your event - and feel free to get in touch if you'd like to have an informal chat to see if I can help. Here is my contact page.

School prospectus photography - is it time to update yours?

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 11:28:12 GMT

Pennie Withers - School Prospectus Photography Reading

Your prospectus and website is the first port of call for prospective parents when deciding on which schools/colleges to consider for their children. So it's essential that your school prospectus photography includes compelling images which lay the foundations of showcasing what’s special and unique about your school or College.

Your bank of school marketing photography needs to show pupils in a vibrant and engaging learning environment which can then be used across the whole marketing mix.

For the last 12 years, I have photographed a huge variety of schools throughout London and the South East including Westminster School, Kings College Wimbledon, Ludgrove and Shiplake College. I have also photographed lots of colleges too including East Surrey College, Central Bedfordshire College and Milton Keynes College.

I thought I would share with you what makes for a really effective school prospectus photography session and how to get the most out of your photographer . Here are my top 10 tips:

Tip 1: Has your photographer worked in schools before ? I can't stress the importance of this one - school photography sessions are usually fast-paced. They have to fit in around lessons, keeping disruption to an absolute minimum, working in tight spaces as well as checking uniforms are correct, ties are done up etc. You can't spend time setting up lights/staging a shot....experience working in schools goes a long way here!
Tip 2: Get your photographer to have a chat with your website or prospectus designer before the shoot - they may have some suggestions on the sort of images that are needed - or indeed, there may be some specific 'hero' shots that are needed to be photographed in a particular way/shape/dimension.
Tip 3: Brief your photographer on what the school prides itself in: - academic results/pastoral care/sporting achievements? If your photographer knows this, they can bear this in mind when they are 'visualising' specific shots.
Tip 4: Consider which subjects are important to show ? Don't just plan photographs for every single subject - remember, topics like geography, history, English etc…all look very similar in photos, whereas more practical subjects like science/music/art are much more impactful and visual.
Tip 5: Involve the teachers - this is REALLY important. Photo sessions are always much more effective if the teachers are briefed that a photographer will be coming into their lesson. If you have 15 minutes on the schedule to be in a particular lesson - it's much better that the teacher has specific tasks already set up rather than interrupting a planned lesson and then trying to set up certain scenarios.
Tip 6: Engage with the pupils - try to get reactions from them or get them engaging with each other. It's much more interesting to see photographs of pupils enjoying themselves than just immersed in a book.
Tip 7: Timetable 2-3 shoots in the academic year - this way, you will get a good mix of weather in the photos, but also, sometimes different uniform, seasonal sport activities and extra curricular activities.
Tip 8: Uniforms - the best possible term for a photo shoot is the new Autumn term. You'll have lots of fresh-faced pupils in new uniform to photograph. Also - establish how much emphasis the school puts on smart uniform. Some really like to make sure that uniform rules are adhered to. Equally, some schools like to allow pupils to express themselves through what they wear at school, so in this instance, uniform rules will be more relaxed.
Tip 9: Have a shoot timetable - this brings together many of the other points as it means teachers will know when to expect you photographing their lesson. It also will mean that you are able to review what lessons you are going into to ensure that you are going to be getting exactly the right mix of photos that you want. But within the timetable, allow for some flexibility - the photographer will need to get between classrooms and sometimes, you will come across scenarios around the school which are naturally happening which you won't want to miss. Eg: pupil interactions at break times/meal times etc.
Tip 10: Warn parents/pupils that photography is taking place . Some parents don't like their child being used in publicity photographs. Conversely, for those who are being photographed, parents can ensure that their uniforms are smart and correct!

A typical full day photo shoot will set the school up with on average, around 300 photos which will provide you with a hugely valuable marketing collateral .

Is it time for a new Business Headshot since many of us are still 'meeting' online these days?

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 12:19:07 GMT

Pennie Withers - Headshot Photographer Berkshire

With many of us continuing to work very much online these days, our business headshots have become more and more crucial in creating the right impression. As a Headshot photographer in Berkshire, I have 'met' many new clients/colleagues online via Teams/Zoom calls and Linkedin and I have found it hugely noticeable that many online profile photos are simply not up to the job of representing professionals. Many have out of date profile photos, selfies (yes, really!), holiday photos and worst of all.....no photo at all!

And yet, according to Linkedin, you are 14 times * more likely to have your profile viewed if you have a professional headshot. And with 575 million* people on LinkedIn, you really do want to find ways to stand out. But many people are still reluctant to book a session with a Headshot photographer - maybe they feel nervous about the idea or just don't know how to get the most out of the session.

Fear not - with these 5 easy tips, you can make sure your photo session runs smoothly and you come out of it with a photo you can be proud of and that you're happy to share across the ether.

Tip 1: What should I wear? I am asked this ALL the time. My answer is always the same.....

My advice is always to wear something that you feel confident in and not something you feel you should wear. Also, bear in mind that potential and current clients will see these photographs - so, I think the best advice would be to wear whatever you would wear for a client meeting.

· For women in particular here are a few general tips:

You will always exude a much more relaxed persona when you are wearing something that you feel comfortable in. Also, you want your headshot to last more than a year, so classic, timeless clothes are best rather than something that will date.
You can never go wrong with a classic, crisp white shirt which you can dress up/dress down with say, a colourful scarf/cardigan/necklace or jacket.
Long sleeves are good – much more flattering
Consider a jacket or a cardigan – something that can be removed/put on to give another look. (also consider scarves/necklaces which can also change an outfit)
Don’t opt for busy, bold patterns – they will date quickly and also distract from your face. Consider solid colours or simple patterns

· For men in particular here are a few general tips:

Wear an ironed shirt and also perhaps bring a suit jacket/tie so we can try a few different options. You may wear a suit for client meetings, but will perhaps consider an open neck shirt for more relaxed social media profiles?
Also perhaps bring a couple of different shirt/tie combinations - you'd be amazed how different you look in different colour combinations

· For men and women:

Remember – the photograph is only going to be you from the waist up so don’t worry too much about your lower half.
and most importantly – you need to look like YOU . Don’t go trying out a completely new look!

Tip 2: Should I smile or not?

To smile, or not to smile……that is the question! Some people are very self-conscious about smiling but my view is that a photograph of someone with even the slightest of smiles will convey the impression of being far more approachable, likeable and confident than someone just staring at you. This gives the impression that you are uninterested and lack confidence. I'm sure you agree the photo below is much more appealing with a smiley face than a straight face?

Tip 3: What about my glasses? Will they be an issue?

If you wear glasses for the majority of the time, I would suggest that you have your photo taken with them (we want the photo to look like you after all!). However, I won’t lie, they do add certain technical problems when it comes to reflections. So, if you only occasionally wear them, I would suggest having the photograph taken without them.

Tip 4: I hate having my photo taken – will you be able to get a natural photo of me?

Please don’t be put off having your photo taken just because you think you don’t like doing it. I promise that I have photographed hundreds of people – nearly all of which constantly tell me they hate having their picture taken. Nearly every single one of them has left my sessions pleasantly surprised. In fact – I usually receive the (slightly backwards) compliment of ‘It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be’. Some – have even said they enjoyed it!

So – trust me – the headshot session will be very relaxed. I can direct you on how to stand, what to do with your hands etc.. if you’d like me to but usually, most people find it just comes naturally as we chat and I click away

In fact, I very recently had a headshot session with a friend of mine - so I know exactly what it's like to be the other side of the camera ! Here's the proof...

Tip 5: What sort of headshot do I need?

I can take care of the technical stuff behind the camera, but sometimes it is difficult to get an impression of what exactly you want your photograph to look like. So, the best exercise I can recommend is to spend a few minutes on Linkedin looking up people in similar professions to you and see which photos you like and equally those you don’t like! Do a quick right click and copy the photos onto a word document. Then send it through to me. This is the best way of visually communicating to me exactly what you like and don’t like!

So, hopefully that will have reassured you that a session with me as your Headshot photographer need not be stressful and maybe now is the time to update your profile photo? Afterwards, you can use it not only on Linkedin, but also on Zoom/Microsoft Teams/Skype/or other video conferencing platforms, your Facebook business page, your email footer, google my business and newsletters.

So, what are you waiting for? Now's the perfect time to update your headshot.

If you would like to book a session with me - please email me on pennie@penniewithers.co.uk or phone for a chat on 07715 889457. I look forward to hearing from you. Pennie

You're looking for a professional photographer? Here are some tips to help you choose the right one

Sat, 01 May 2021 11:49:59 GMT

Pennie Withers | Professional photographer Reading

As a professional photographer based in Reading, I am often asked how a business knows what photographs they need and also, how do they go about choosing a professional photographer?

The first conversation I usually have with clients is…..what exactly is it you’re looking for? Headshots? Website Photos? Social media photos? Event photos? Location-Based photos? Studio photos? the list is endless! But, by asking a few of the right questions, we can usually whittle it down very easily and get a plan together. Hopefully you've decided to have some of your own photographs taken, rather than using stock photography. If so - the next step is to find the right professional photographer.

While anyone with a camera can technically refer to themselves as a professional photographer - don’t forget the old adage….if you pay peanuts….you get monkeys! The right commercial photography is never just about the quality of the photographs - it’s about an end objective which usually relates to your brand, your vision, your target audience and many other factors. So, it is vitally important that you find the right photographer for the right job - don’t just judge photographers based on price.

To help…..here is a list of things to consider when looking for a professional photographer near me....

Studio/Location - are you looking for studio shots with a set background/lighting set up or do you want your images to be location based? Some photographers do both, but equally, some just do one or the other. Ask that question right at the beginning. This also relates to specialisation - if you are looking for something specific like product photography….double check they have plenty of experience in this line. It is extremely technical work, so you need to know they are good at it.

Professionalism - will your photographer turn up on time, keep disruption to a minimum and work within your deadline? This is always a tricky one to assess, but you can generally get a good feeling about someone - especially if they turn up late and flustered to your first meeting. See the warning signs! Do they interact easily and politely with others? They will need to have a friendly manner in order to manage others on your shoot. Recommendations/reviews are usually a good pointer here too.

Background/experience - years of experience do count for a lot when choosing a photographer, however you need to check exactly the kind of work that they have actually done. For example, have they done commercial photography before? Perhaps ask them to select particularly relevant photos rather than just show a broad range? That will help you determine if they are the right person for the job.

Passion/Ideas - obviously technical expertise is vital when selecting a photographer - however, they also need to be passionate about their work and engage in the project you are discussing. A good photographer will ‘come alive’ when discussing ideas/thoughts about your project - they will engage in conversation with questions about your brand so they can fully understand what you are looking for. My background is in marketing, so I find this extremely useful in understanding my client's end objectives and I nearly always help them put together the shotlist.

Usage Rights - once you are sent over the photographs - what will the licensing rights be for you to use them? Some photographers will only supply usage rights for certain media/time periods. If that’s the case - make sure it fits within your brief. Other commercial photographers (me included) supply photos with a licence to use them in any media over any time period. Obviously this is much more useful for you.

Turnaround time - do you have a specific timescale? If so, discuss it with the photographer. If they are unlikely to be able to work with you to meet this deadline…..see the warning signs and walk away!

Insurance - does the photographer have professional insurance? They should at the very least have their kit insured against loss/damage but more importantly, they should also have public liability insurance (c. £2m) in case they cause damage/injury on the shoot.

DBS certificate - if your photoshoot is going to involve children - ask if your photographer has a current (within the last 3 years) DBS Certificate. if they don't - again, walk away.

Fees - It is extremely important to ask questions such as what do the fees include? Roughly how many photographs can you expect to receive? Will there be any extras? Some photographers supply just a set number of photographs for their fee. Others supply all the edited photos - it’s always worth checking before rather than after!

And finally - how can you expect to receive the photos ? Some photographers have online gallery links from which you can easily download the photos in different resolution formats. Others, supply them on a USB stick etc… Work out how best you would like to receive them and check you are on the same page as the photographer. I would also highly recommend that you ask for 2 sets - one high resolution and one low resolution so you can use them in different media without having to have to consider file sizes.

So - hopefully, there are a few tips to help you navigate the minefield that is finding a ‘professional photographer near me’. If you would like to discuss your commercial photography requirement with me or are specifically looking for a professional photographer near Reading and the Thames Valley, please do get in touch on 07715 889457 or pennie@photosbypennie.co.uk . Or click here to see some of my work.

Thanks for reading! Pennie

5 Reasons every Business needs corporate photography

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 14:49:34 GMT

Corporate photographer Berkshire - Photos by Pennie. www.photosbypennie.co.uk

With over 31 million people in the UK having had their first vaccinations and restrictions gradually being lifted, it feels like there is a huge sense of positivity about getting our lives back on track. And that hopefully means we are Back in Business ! I have had more calls and emails in the last week with business owners wanting to kickstart their business with new photos than in the last few months!

So, this month's blog is to highlight 5 key reasons why corporate photography is so important.

These days, modern marketers use visual content to promote their businesses. As a result, photography is more crucial than ever to help you stand out in a pool of competitors. In fact, according to research, articles with relevant images average 94% more total views than articles without images.

Whilst I recognise that stock photos can be helpful in certain instances, they are definitely not the best way to showcase your business - Why? Because they are not photos of your business.

So - I ask you is....what do people see when they look at your business online? Do they see photos of generic people from stock image? Or do they get to see exactly what you do, the real team behind the business and what services you offer? You're not going to be surprised to hear that I would always recommend having your own custom photography in order to make a strong visual impression to your customers.

And if you're not convinced - here are 5 more reasons why every business needs their own set of professional marketing photos:

Every picture tells a story - you’ve probably heard this old adage before. According to Business Insider, we only have 7 seconds to make a strong impression. That's potential customers deciding whether to stay on your website or hop on over to a competitor. Having custom photos on your website and social media enables you to deliver a message to your clients and customers without the need for words
They lend credibility to your brand - consistently excellent photography tells clients you care about the little details. That you invest in your business and don't just use stock images that your competitors could use too.
Photos of your business can add a whole new creative dimension to website content which engages audiences, enhances blog posts and makes social media posts stand out. Did you know that people remember visual information 6 times better than information they read?
Optimized professional photos can help your website SEO which will make your website perform better in overall search results. As I said above, content with relevant images get 94% more views
Professional photos are versatile assets - if you have a library of professional photos - you can use them across the whole marketing mix - not just your website. You can use them to build your brand on social media inc. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google My Business, Linkedin. They can also be used in blog posts, PR articles, in brochures and newsletters.

And don't worry that booking a photo shoot is going to be hugely expensive....To give you an example, I worked with a small business recently and we did a 2 hour photo shoot. This cost him £330 and he now has over 200 photos at his fingertips to market his business. Using these across his marketing mix, they're incredibly good value and an essential investment.

But don't just take my word for it - here are some examples of websites of clients that use my professional, personalised images to market their businesses:

And here are some of them being used on social media....

If you'd like to have a chat about setting your business up with a bank of professional photographs to promote your business, please give me a call on 07715 889457 or click here to email me.

Thanks for reading! Pennie
www.photosbypennie.co.uk

Improving your property photography - 5 top tips

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 12:34:52 GMT

Pennie Withers. Property Photographer Berkshire and the South East. www.photosbypennie.co.uk

One of the few sectors that has been able to continue to work in-person this latest Lockdown is the construction industry - property developers, architects and builders have been able to work on-site with the obvious social distancing measures.

And with all this work going on, a vital part of the process of selling on these properties is having a set of photographs with which to market them to prospective buyers. As a property photographer in Berkshire, I'm bound to say that but don't just take my word for it....according to a case study by VWO , just changing an image to a real life example on a webpage increased conversions by over 40% !

So, I thought it might be helpful to share 5 simple tips that will make your property photography really stand out and which in turn, will give you ammunition with which to market your business .

But first.....a quick recap on how you can use case studies to work for your business....

You're the best Fit out company in the area, right?

Or you're the most experienced architect/builder/property developer in the Thames Valley?

But why should anyone believe you? You may have reviews/testimonials on your website, but frankly......couldn't they just have been written by anyone?!

How do you prove that you create beautiful spaces from tired, old homes or commercial buildings. Or that, using your Interior Design skills, you can totally change the layout of an old-fashioned house and turn it into something that is functional, light and airy?

Well - you show them your work - using beautiful, professional photographs as proof of the amazing work that you carry out day in, day out. Then, using these case studies, you can tell your 'story '. Your case study can also have the added benefit of positioning your business as an authoritative figure in your industry. It's a win:win!

Take a look here to see how another of my clients uses my photographs in her case studies to boost their credibility: Nicola Scannell Design

Now - for the useful bit....

Here are 5 tips to help you get the best possible property photography that you can get:

I look forward to hearing from you.

Pennie
www.photosbypennie.co.uk

How to turn your smart phone photos from 'Ok' to 'WOW'. Here are my 5 top tips.....

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 17:55:51 GMT

Pennie Withers - Commercial Photographer Berkshire. www.photosbypennie.co.uk

Lots of business owners top up their photo banks with pictures taken on their own smart phones. And, I often get asked for tips that people can use to make their smartphone photos look more professional.

Obviously there are filters etc... that can be used to quickly improve your phone photos, but there are also a few basics principles that you can apply to make your photos instantly better and more visually appealing. So - read on to learn how......

But first.....a couple of quick stats as to why you should be using photos on your social media posts:

According to Twitter, Tweets with photos receive an average 35% boost in retweets .

Whilst over on Facebook, posts with photos receive an average 37% increase in engagement.

So, with over 3.8 billion* smart phones in the world today, there really is no excuse not to use photos in your posts!

Hopefully, you will have invested in some professional photos to market your business on your website etc (if not, here's the link to my webpage so you can soon rectify that! https://bit.ly/2MNx6pl ). But I recognise that these also need to be topped up every now and then, so here are my top 5 tips to help you instantly improve your smartphone photos:

Tip 1 - The Rule of Thirds

Composition is so important in photography and one of the first things you are taught is the Rule of Thirds. This is one of the simplest principles to learn and also to use successfully. And for all those visual learners out there (like me!) it's very easy to understand.

All you have to do is imagine two equally spaced horizontal lines and two vertical lines over what you want to photograph. Just like a noughts and crosses board. Then, place the main subject(s) of your photo where the lines intersect. For example, in the photo below left, the subject is placed left of centre which is much more striking than if he was just bang in the middle.

To make it even easier, many smartphones have a feature where you can have this grid of nine squares always on as a permanent reminder and a visual aid. Just click the 'grid' function in your camera settings.

Hopefully you agree that both of the images below look so much better with the subject placed off centre on one of the intersecting thirds than if they were simply placed dead centre.

Tip 2 - Leading lines

Use leading lines to create interest in your shot and draw your eye into the photo. So – a bit like the rule of thirds, you are basically just making your shots that little bit more creative than just photographing from straight on. Below are two examples where things like walls and a pathway are used to add that interest. The lines can lead to your main subject of interest or it can just lead your viewers' eye further into the picture. Either way, it'll be a lot more interesting image. So move around and experiment with different angles - straight on isn't always the best angle.

Tip 3 - Find the best light

Everyone thinks the best photos are taken on bright, sunny days. Not true !

If you place your subject in the bright sunlight, all you will get is someone squinting with shadows/rings under their eyes. So - if you can’t avoid a bright, sunny day, head for some top-shade . This is created either by doorways or under trees. Your subject will still be lit beautifully, but won’t be blinded by the sun. Or, my best advice would be to take your photos on overcast days – the clouds act like a virtual soft box.

Also - do NOT use flash ! If you are using a phone, the flash is never any good and the photos end up looking terrible.

Even better......try to shoot your photos during the ‘ golden hour ’. This is the time either shortly after sunrise or before sunset during which almost everyone and everything looks absolutely gorgeous. (Think about those holiday photos early evening when the sun is going down). See below for an example.

Tip 4 - Control exposure

This is fairly limited on smart phones, but can still make a big difference. On I-phones when you have a photo you’d like to take, simply tap and hold the screen on the part you would like the best exposure. You will see a slider, which allows you to increase/decrease exposure, and lock it. This can also lock focus – so you can decide what is in focus and what is not.

And finally......

Tip 5 - Keep your lens clean!

It may sound really obvious, but you’d be amazed what I see… your phone sits in your pocket, your handbag, on your desk etc. and gathers finger prints and goodness knows what else in the process. Before you take a photo – give it a little wipe and you’ll be guaranteed crystal clear photos every time!

I hope you find these tips useful and can start putting them into practice straight away. Hopefully, your social media photos will instantly start having greater impact.

If however, you would like to discuss possibly having some professional photos to market your business on your website or social media, do give me a call on 07715 889457 or send me an email on pennie@photosbypennie.co.uk.

https://www.photosbypennie.co.uk/

(*Source:Statista https://www.bankmycell.com/blog/how-many-phones-are-in-the-world )

2020 - the year we learnt about Social Distancing!

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 18:22:06 GMT

Traditionally at this time of the year, I take the opportunity to sit back and review the goings on in the world of Photos by Pennie.

This year, that task somehow feels a little harder than the previous 10 years! In the past, I have mentioned bumper years - percentage growth from new clients - how many tens of thousands of photos I have taken for clients.

Yet this year, for long periods, my kit has stayed tucked away in my camera bag waiting for restrictions to be lifted and for my clients to be back at work. However, as a generally 'glass half full' kind of a person, I have looked for the positives to see what can be learnt from this experience and how to make 2021 even bigger and better. After all.....as D:ream once sang......"things can only get better"!

So, grab a frothy coffee and sit back for a quick whistle stop review of 2020. Here goes:

After 10 fantastic years in business, with growth in turnover every year, I was feeling pretty confident that 2020 would continue in the same vain. However, as Boris informed us all to lockdown at the end of March, like many other businesses, everything got cancelled. My business was temporarily on hold. So, I took the opportunity to update my website and do all those admin jobs that I don't usually get round to doing. My office has never been so organised!

Also, with 7 of us Locked down in the house, there was certainly plenty going on - some working, some doing uni finals online and one getting her head around the fact that her A' Levels had been cancelled! There was never a dull moment.

Lockdown v1.0 still felt full of positivity though - it felt like we were 'all in it together' - a joint effort for the greater good. Yes, my business was shot to pieces, but so were many others and I was confident that with continued efforts on the digital marketing front (thanks as always to Lisa Vassallo from One to Three Marketing Solutions ) my business would pick up.

By mid-May, businesses started opening up and lots were realising that this wasn't just going to be a short-term issue and that marketing their businesses was more crucial than ever. So, I was able to dust off my cameras and socially-distanced shoots were on the agenda. Business got back to 'normal' levels for the time of year. Things were looking good (even if my glasses steamed up everytime I shot with a mask on!)

Then came Lockdown v2.0 and again, bookings in the diary were cancelled (or as I prefer to hope....postponed). This time it was tougher - our extended family were mostly back at uni so the long, summer evening socials in the garden were no more. Even though legally, I was allowed to work, my issue is that I need my clients to be working at their premises too - and of course, most employees were working from home!

I decided to pivot the business slightly and worked with previous clients who wanted to benefit from creating videos from photos I had taken for them in the past - creating new content from existing photos has worked well. And I have learnt a new skill along the way!

Lockdown learnings.....
Despite the negatives of this year, there have definitely been some highlights which are worth mentioning....and a lot of things that I have learnt, including:

Thankfully, I get on with my family! 7 of us spent over 6 months together in the same house and were still talking to each other at the end of it! Despite other holidays being cancelled, we did manage to grab a lovely week together in The Gower at the end of the summer before 4 of them headed off to uni.

Networking moved online and, although it's not the same as seeing people in 3-D it's most definitely better than not seeing them at all. I have found catching up most months with The Business Forum a great way to maintain contact with other local businesses and share tips on surviving lockdown.

Another important learning was to keep an eye out for low-lying objects when shooting at events. I didn't quite do this in February when trying to creep discretely back along the aisle, I managed to walk straight into the corner of a TV set and cut my forehead. Cue a sharp intake of breath and not quite such a discrete exit for me after-all �� !

I also learnt that cutting hair is more difficult than I realised - as is correcting the mistakes! My husband will be happy to hear that I will not be giving up the day job.....
I already knew I was an outdoor person - but since Lockdown, I have realised that I really HAVE to get outside every day - whether that's running, walking with my dog, or outdoor fit camp - Heidi Strickland-Clark's Fast track fit camp has been a life saver!

But probably the biggest thing I have learnt this year is that I LOVE what I do - and I really miss it when I can't do it. As Confucius said...."Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

It took a global pandemic to really remind me of this and it is helping me to approach 2021 with enthusiasm, renewed motivation and passion to continue to help businesses show who they are and what they do using professional photographs on their websites, social media and marketing materials. I'm not going to let some pesky virus knock me back!

So - here's to 2021 being a little like 2020 (the kindness to each other and the taking time to breathe) but much, much better!

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy festive period. Pennie

Is it time for a new Business Headshot since many of us are 'meeting' online these days?

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Wed, 28 Oct 2020 14:44:34 GMT

Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the most of your headshot session

Pennie Withers - Business Headshot photographer. Linkedin profile photos. www.photosbypennie.co.uk

With many of us continuing to work very much online these days, our business headshots have become more and more crucial in creating the right impression.

Since March, I have 'met' many new clients/colleagues online via Teams/Zoom calls and Linkedin and I have found it hugely noticeable that many online profile photos are simply not up to the job of representing professionals. Many have out of date profile photos, selfies (yes, really!), holiday photos and worst of all.....no photo at all!

And yet, according to Linkedin, you are 14 times* more likely to have your profile viewed if you have a professional headshot. And with 575 million* people on LinkedIn, you really do want to find ways to stand out.

With current Government guidance, I am delighted that I can still continue to do what I love best - and that's taking natural, professional headshots for Linkedin and other online media. My long 70-200mm zoom lens, plus the fact that many of my photo shoots are outdoors, means that headshot photo shoots can continue within all social distancing guidelines.

So, maybe now is the time to update your professional headshot? Once you have a professional profile photo, you can use it not only on Linkedin, but also on Zoom/Microsoft Teams/Skype/or other video conferencing platforms, your Facebook business page, your email footer, google my business and newsletters.

So, what are you waiting for? Now's the perfect time to update your profile photo.

For more information and some tips about how to make the most out of your Linkedin profile photo headshot session, here is a blog I wrote: Headshot tips

Here are just a few examples of outdoor headshot sessions that have taken place since the term 'social distancing' has become a part of our day to day vocabulary......

I'd love to hear from you if you'd like to have a chat about how I can help you with updating your business headshot. Either give me a call on 07715 889457 or feel free to email me on pennie@photosbypennie.co.uk . I look forward to hearing from you. Pennie

* “Mind-Blowing LinkedIn Statistics and Facts (2020)”, Maddy Osman, April 10, 2020

Corporate photography special offer continues....

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 10:16:34 GMT

Pennie Withers. Corporate Photographer Berkshire and the South East. www.photosbypennie.co.uk

Here we are in October and corporate photography for many businesses is very much back on the agenda.

I am being booked for lots of photoshoots to provide businesses with their very own personalised image bank with which to market themselves on their websites and social media. All are being carried out within current Government Covid-19 guidelines - so it's very much business as usual here!

So, I thought I would do a quick reminder of my special offer on a personalised shoot package for bookings received before October 31st 2020. This is perfect those businesses wanting to have a big push on their marketing activity for the final quarter of the year. And here's why....

I read a very interesting statistic the other day …. apparently content with relevant images on it gets a staggering 94% more views than content without relevant images. That’s nuts!

So....this proves something that I have been saying for years.... that having bespoke photos of your business (as opposed to using stock/library photos) can genuinely help you stand out from the crowd.

And that’s where I come in….... over the past 11 years I have worked with many different businesses (both in term of size and sector) in order to help them invest in their business story with a set of branding and marketing photos .

The way I do this is with a Personalised shoot package which is designed to provide small businesses with an easy way to get a set of great photos to market their business on their websites and social media. And don't panic - it needn't break the bank - SPECIAL OFFER - for bookings received in September and October 2020, a 2 hour shoot package is £300.

But first.....here are a few photos I took recently for the lovely Debbie Robinson from House to Home . Debbie was having a new website & social media content created by Aspen Weatherburn so we worked together to enable her to have a Personalised Image Bank of photos to call upon for daily instagram and Facebook posts. Here are a couple of them showing Debbie at work and a headshot:

1. Meet /chat over the phone to discuss your business – what do you do, who is your target audience, how do your market yourselves, what photos do you need to show your business 'in action'?

2. Shot list – following on from step 1, I put together a shotlist with location suggestions (if necessary). Within this, if you want a set of headshots too, no problem.

3. The shoot – for most small businesses, a 2 hour shoot is plenty to show your business ‘at work’ and tell your story (you will get in the region of c. 125-150 or so photos from a 2 hour shoot).

If you’d like to see examples of a couple of businesses that I helped set up with photos to tell their unique business story, take a look here: Complete Care Windsor and Clearbridge HR . Both businesses now use their photos on their websites and also across their social media in order to drive awareness and tell their business story.

Pennie.

Photos by Pennie website

Small Business professional photography - special offer!

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Wed, 02 Sep 2020 12:55:39 GMT

Pennie Withers. Professional Photographer Berkshire and the South East. www.photosbypennie.co.uk

It's finally September and, with that often comes renewed energy for businesses to have a big push on the marketing front for the final quarter of the year.

Hopefully, a part of that will be an objective to drive more traffic to your website? What business-owner doesn’t want that?!

Well, I read the other day a very interesting stat…. apparently content with relevant images on it gets a staggering 94% more views than content without relevant images. That’s nuts!

1. Meet /chat over the phone to discuss your business – what do you do, who is your target audience, how do your market yourselves, what photos do you need to show your business 'in action'?

2. Shot list – following on from step 1, I put together a shotlist with location suggestions (if necessary). Within this, if you want a set of headshots too, no problem.

3. The shoot – for most small businesses, a 2 hour shoot is plenty to show your business ‘at work’ and tell your story (you will get in the region of c. 100 or so photos from a 2 hour shoot).

Pennie.

Photos by Pennie website

Tips on how to make the most of your corporate photography

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 11:25:04 GMT

Pennie Withers. Commercial Photographer Berkshire and the South East. www.photosbypennie.co.uk

You have a bank of photos which your corporate photographer has taken for you (hopefully, me!). You're using them on your website, your social media, in PR activity and in your blogs.

But why stop there?

Videos allow you to be concise and capture viewers' interest in a few seconds. In fact, statistics show that 55% of people watch videos online every day - and social media videos generate up to 1200% more shares than texts and images combined!

So, why not have videos created from your existing photo library? You've got the content already, why not get the most out of it?

Here are some tips for converting your still photos into a professional looking video and how to get the most out of it:

Tip 1: Creating the video
There are some fantastic, easy-to-use apps which can help you make a video using your still photos. As always, some are easier to use than others. Here are a few:

StorySwag / WordSwag (to add text to your photos)
Ripl
iMovie
Animoto

Tip 2: Optimise your video for Mobile Viewing

57% of all engagement on Social Media is via mobile, so you need to ensure that your video marketing efforts pay-off by optimising content for mobile users. You can do this by using the correct format – preferably a high-quality video that can be orientated to fit a small screen. The maximum file size for LinkedIn video content is 5GB. Don’t forget to add subtitles for users who mute videos when watching in public, and preview your content on mobile before hitting the publish button.

Tip 3: Keep it Short

We all know that the attention span of a human is becoming increasingly short! We’re too busy to invest time in video when browsing social media, and the stats prove it: In 2017, the average length for a video was 3 minutes and 48 seconds… But only 10 seconds of that content was actually watched. You can prevent people from bouncing off your video content by keeping it short, and to the point. For optimum video length by social media type, click here .

Tip 4: Make it Professional

If you are using professional photographs on your video, make sure that your video production is professional too. Consider hiring a video marketing expert to create your video content. I would be more than happy to provide you with a quote to produce a short promotional video for you.

Tip 5: Use it everywhere
If you're taking the time to make a video from your professional photos, make sure that you use it across all your marketing platforms - your website, blogs, all social media, PR etc...

Hopefully these tips are useful to help you make the most of your professional photos when marketing your business. It might also be helpful to read this blog that I wrote in April with other ideas as to how you can get maximum use out of your business photos online.

If you would like to have a chat about any of these ideas or if you have any questions, please do give me a call or drop me an email here .

Good luck and I hope you manage to stay safe and well.

Pennie

Do you need photographs for your school prospectus and website to show the 'new normal' ?

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 13:10:12 GMT

....and reassure Parents your School is safe for pupils to return to? (whenever that might be.....)

I don't know about you, but whenever I see photos of people huddled together, touching shoulders or even just walking closer than 2m to each other, it all feels a bit strange! Surely, they're too close?!

Unfortunately this now means that a lot of the content on school websites, social media channels and in prospectuses has become out-of-date and no longer showcases schools in the current climate and the “new normal”.

Wouldn't it be reassuring to show parents the safety measures your school has put in place to build confidence that they should send their children back when allowed? Perhaps that means the markings on the floor to indicate safe distances between students or smaller classes with pupils sitting at least 2m from each other?

It would also send out a positive message to parents and students that you can't wait to have them back in school.

These new photos could be used on your social media channels to build confidence and offer reassurance to parents and pupils alike. They can also be used on your website and in your prospectus for the new academic year and for virtual open days.

If you would like to have a chat about potentially having a safe, socially distanced photoshoot, please get in touch via email here or by phone on 07715 889457. Or for more information on my experience of holding school photo shoots - click here

I look forward to hearing from you and hope that you stay safe and well.

With best wishes.

Pennie

Is now the right time for a new Linkedin headshot?

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 12:20:31 GMT

Pennie Withers - Headshot photographer. Linkedin profile photos. www.photosbypennie.co.uk

With Lockdown restrictions gradually being lifted, I am delighted that I can now get back to doing what I love - taking natural, professional headshots for Linkedin and other online media.

Having interacted with a lot of businesses online over the last 10 weeks, I found it hugely noticeable that many online profile photos are simply not up to the job of representing professionals. Many have out of date profile photos, selfies (yes, really!), holiday photos and worst of all.....no photo at all!

And yet, according to Linkedin, your profile is 10 times more likely to be viewed if you have a professional headshot. And we all know that we literally have milliseconds to make the right impression with our online presence.

So, maybe now is the time to update your professional headshot? Once you have a professional profile photo, you can use it not only on Linkedin, but also on Zoom/Microsoft Teams/Skype/or other video conferencing platforms, your Facebook business page, your email footer, google my business and newsletters.

All headshot sessions can be run according to current social distancing guidelines - with my zoom lens, I will be more than 2m apart and all headshot sessions will currently take place outside. So, what are you waiting for? Now's the perfect time to update your profile photo.

For more information and some tips about how to make the most out of your Linkedin profile photo headshot session, here is a blog I wrote: https://www.photosbypennie.co.uk/blog/Headshot-photography-top-tips

Here are just a few examples of outdoor headshot sessions that took place way before social distancing was even a word in our vocabulary......

I'd love to hear from you if you'd like to have a chat about how I can help you with updating your corporate headshot. Either give me a call on 07715 889457 or feel free to email me on pennie@photosbypennie.co.uk. I look forward to hearing from you. Pennie

Are you making the most of your Business photos to market yourselves in these Lockdown times?

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 09:13:09 GMT

Pennie Withers. Commercial Photographer Berkshire and the South East. www.photosbypennie.co.uk

Lots of businesses are having to adapt and diversify at the moment and some have a little more time on their hands to work on the marketing side of their business. I thought I would try to help out with some suggestions as to how you can use your business photographs to market yourself.

It's a well known fact that content with relevant images gets 94 percent more views than content without.

So, if you already have some photographs which represent your business (even if they're not professional ones (heaven forbid ��)) - now is a great time to get into the habit of using them on the various social media and conferencing platforms.

To help you - here is a checklist of ideas of where these photographs can be used. Note - some of the tips relate specifically to headshots, but others relate more to photos of your business 'in action'.

So - here goes.....

Are you using your business photos/headshots on your.....

Zoom/Microsoft Teams/Skype/Google Hangouts Avatar (or other video conferencing platforms) (specifically, Headshots)

Linkedin profile photo (Headshots)

Linkedin profile banner ('Business in action' photos)

Facebook business page (and banner)

Email footer

You Tube profile (lots of businesses are now creating videos)

Google My Business - ensure you have your headshot under the 'Identity' section and other photos spread across each category (see photo above for my GMB page)

Mailchimp emails

Newsletters

Blogs - bring your blogs to life with some photos to break up the words

Website (make sure you use keyword-loaded Alt Tags or Alt Text to maximise SEO opportunities)

Business Cards - having your photo on your card is a great way for people to remember you

Printed marketing materials

Social media posts - use your 'at work' photos to talk about the different services you can offer or Headshots to offer 'Spotlights' on certain employees

One last tip......if you are looking to get a bit creative with your photos, take a look at Canva ( https://www.canva.com/ ) - this is a fantastic free website which you can use to create social media posts/banners. They are created for you to the correct dimensions for the various different platforms, so it's super easy to get really professional looking posts. Or, for more sophisticated designs, you can sign up for a free 30 day trial of their pro version (although I have found the free version enough). Here is an example of a Linkedin Banner I created here...

If you would like to have a chat about any of these ideas or if you have any questions, please do give me a call or drop me an email.

Alternatively, if you’d like to ensure you are making the most of your photos, then I’m offering a 1 hour call over Zoom to ensure we implement all of the above together and I can also talk you through Canva. Zoom is the next best thing to a face-to-face meeting as we can share screens and I can guide you through everything. The cost of this session is £45 and you will come away with your professional photos being used to their full potential!

Good luck and I hope you manage to stay safe and well.

Pennie

5 Reasons every Business needs professional marketing photos

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 12:46:05 GMT

Professional marketing photos from Photos by Pennie. www.photosbypennie.co.uk

Regardless of your business and your marketing strategy, the power of visual communications can make all the difference.

These days, modern marketers use visual content to promote their businesses. As a result, photography is more relevant and crucial than ever to help you stand out in a pool of competitors. In fact, according to research, articles with relevant images average 94% more total views than articles without images. Whilst I recognise that stock photos can be helpful in certain instances, they are definitely not the best way to showcase your business - Why? Because they are not photos of your business.

So, here are 5 reasons why every business needs their own set of professional marketing photos:

A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words - you’ve probably heard this adage before. These days pictures are worth at least a thousand words – probably more! Photos enable you to deliver a message to your clients and customers without the need for words
They lend credibility to your brand - consistently excellent photography tells clients you care about the little details.
Photos of your business can add a whole new creative dimension to website content which engages audiences, enhances blog posts and makes social media posts stand out.
Optimized professional photos can help your website SEO which will make your website perform better in overall search results
Professional photos are versatile assets - if you have a library of professional photos - you can use them across the whole marketing mix - not just your website. You can use them to build your brand on social media, in blog posts, PR articles, in brochures and newsletters.

But don't just take my word for it - one of my favourite clients is St Christopher's and St David's Residential Homes in Ascot where I have done a variety of photo shoots. As a result, they now have a bank of over 200 photos which they regularly use to promote their business - not only on their website, but on social media and also blog posts.

Their website doesn't just feature a range of generic stock photos, it is full of original photos which show the delightful, caring staff that you will see when you visit one of their homes. It also shows the beautifully decorated rooms and the gorgeous location. Here are just a few examples:

This same bank of photos is also used regularly to add a visual dimension to their posts on their Facebook page. These bring the posts to life and make them really stand out. Here are some examples:

In terms of business expenses, professional photography is often an item on the list which is seen as expendable - however, the truth is that every business can benefit from having professional photos in their marketing arsenal. No matter who your customers are or what you are selling, high quality photography is an important asset that will contribute to your overall branding and success. Click here to see more information about photo shoots for your business: https://bit.ly/3cqLJ9l

Online, photos can be used to make your website more engaging. They can also be used to build your brand on social media, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Linkedin, Google My Business and more. They can also be featured in blog posts and articles - the possibilities are endless. Offline, they can also be used in brochures and promotional materials.
If you'd like to have a chat about setting your business up with a bank of professional photographs to promote your business, please give me a call on 07715 889457 or click here to email me.

Thanks for reading! Pennie
www.photosbypennie.co.uk

School prospectus photography - does yours showcase the values and strength of your school?

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Schools can’t just rely on knowing how to get the best out of children nowadays; they need to market themselves to parents with engaging websites, beautiful prospectuses and well-managed social media activity.

So, your bank of school marketing photography needs to show pupils in a vibrant and engaging learning environment which can then be used across the whole marketing mix.

My background is in marketing, so for me, it’s not just all about getting the perfect light for a specific shot (although that does help!) - it's working out what each photograph will show about your school. For example, if the school is known for its academic prowess - does it show engaged, hard working pupils? Or if the school is especially proud of its pastoral care, are there plenty of photos showing the children interacting with teachers and fellow pupils?

For the last 10 years, I have photographed a huge variety of schools throughout London and the South East including Westminster School, Kings College Wimbledon, Ludgrove and Kingston Grammar. I have also photographed lots of colleges too including East Surrey College, Central Bedfordshire College and John Ruskin College in Croydon.

I thought I would share with you what makes for a really effective school prospectus photography session and how to get the most out of your photographer . Here are some things to consider when planning your session:

Tip 1: Has your photographer worked in schools before ? I can't stress the importance of this one - school photography sessions are usually fast-paced. They have to fit in around lessons, keeping disruption to an absolute minimum, working in tight spaces as well as checking uniforms are correct, ties are done up etc. You can't spend time setting up lights/staging a shot....experience working in schools goes a long way here!
Tip 2: Get your photographer to have a chat with your website or prospectus designer before the shoot - they may have some suggestions on the sort of images that are needed - or indeed, there may be some specific 'hero' shots that are needed to be photographed in a particular way/shape/dimension.
Tip 3: Brief your photographer on what the school prides itself in: - academic results/pastoral care/sporting achievements? If your photographer knows this, they can bear this in mind when they are 'visualising' specific shots.
Tip 4: Consider which subjects are important to show ? Don't just plan photographs for every single subject - remember, topics like geography, history, English etc…all look very similar in photos, whereas more practical subjects like science/music/art are much more impactful and visual.
Tip 5: Involve the teachers - this is REALLY important. Photo sessions are always much more effective if the teachers are expecting a photographer to be coming into their lesson. If you have 15 minutes on the schedule to be in a particular lesson - it's much better that the teacher has specific tasks already set up rather than interrupting a planned lesson and then trying to set up certain scenarios.
Tip 6: Engage with the pupils - try to get reactions from them or get them engaging with each other. It's much more interesting to see photographs of pupils enjoying themselves than just immersed in a book.
Tip 7: Timetable 2-3 shoots in the academic year - this way, you will get a good mix of weather in the photos, but also, sometimes different uniform, seasonal sport activities and extra curricular activities.
Tip 8: Uniforms - On the subject of uniforms - the best possible term for a photo shoot is the new Autumn term. You'll have lots of fresh-faced pupils in new uniform to photograph. Also - establish how much emphasis the school puts on smart uniform. Some really like to make sure that uniform rules are adhered to. Equally, some schools like to allow pupils to express themselves through what they wear at school, so in this instance, uniform rules will be more relaxed.
Tip 9: Have a shoot timetable - this brings together many of the other points as it means teachers will know when to expect you photographing their lesson. It also will mean that you are able to review what lessons you are going into to ensure that you are going to be getting exactly the right mix of photos that you want. But within the timetable, allow for some flexibility - the photographer will need to get between classrooms and sometimes, you will come across scenarios around the school which are naturally happening which you won't want to miss. Eg: pupil interactions at break times/meal times etc.
Tip 10: Warn parents/pupils that photography is taking place . Some parents don't like their child being used in publicity photographs. Conversely, for those who are being photographed, parents can ensure that their uniforms are smart and correct!

A typical full day photo shoot will set the school up with on average, around 300 photos which will provide you with a hugely valuable marketing collateral .

How do you use case study photos to grow your business?

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Thu, 06 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Have you ever wondered why businesses invest in case studies? Especially those involved in the property sector? It's because they really should be a marketing staple for any business - they are crucial in educating your customers and increasing your conversions . Don't just take my word for it..... a case study by VWO , found that simply changing an image to a real life example on a webpage increased conversions by over 40% .

That's why I am going to give you 5 simple tips that will improve your property photography and which in turn, will give you ammunition with which to market your business . But first.....a quick recap on how you can use case studies to work for your business....

You're the best Fit out company in the area, right?

Or you're the most experienced architect/builder/property developer in the Thames Valley?

But why should anyone believe you? You may have reviews/testimonials on your website, but frankly......couldn't they just have been written by anyone?!

Take a look here to see how another of my clients uses my photographs in her case studies to boost their credibility: Nicola Scannell Design

Now - for the useful bit....

Here are 5 tips to help you get the best possible property photography that you can get:

Tip 1: Look for the light - make sure that you are photographing your property in the best light. Obviously if you are using a professional photographer (�� ), they will come armed with the right equipment to show each room in the best light. However, if you are not....then the best tip I can give is to take photographs into the room with the window light behind you. Your camera/phone will find it much easier to expose correctly for the room that way. Also, whatever device you are using, flash is rarely a good idea — unless you know how to balance the light, the photographs just don't come out right. Use natural light wherever possible.

So - hopefully there are a few useful tips to help you take some more attractive looking property photos. Or....alternatively, why not get in touch to find out about my case study packages - prices start from as little as £330 for beautiful photos which can be used across all your marketing collateral. Here are some more examples of photos I have taken for various Interior Designers, property developers, architects and builders: case study gallery .

I look forward to hearing from you.

Pennie
www.photosbypennie.co.uk

Small Business Corporate photography - special offer!

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 16:22:53 GMT

Would you like more business this year?

Are you hoping to drive more traffic to your website?

Of course you are – what business-owner doesn’t want that?!

Well, I read the other day a very interesting stat…. apparently content with relevant images on it gets a staggering 94% more views than content without relevant images. That’s nuts!

And that’s where I come in….... over the past 10 years I have worked with many different businesses (both in term of size and sector) in order to help them invest in their business story with a set of branding and marketing photos .

The way I do this is with a Personalised shoot package which is designed to provide small businesses with an easy way to get a set of great photos to market their business on their websites and social media. And don't panic - it needn't break the bank - SPECIAL OFFER - for bookings received in January and February, a 2 hour shoot package is £300.

But first.....here are a few of the marketing photos I have taken for Power of One Fitness Ltd :

1. Meet /chat over the phone to discuss your business – what do you do, who is your target audience, how do your market yourselves, what do you need to showcase your business?

2. Shot list – following on from step 1, I put together a shotlist with location suggestions (if necessary). Within this, if you want a set of headshots too, no problem.

4. Your photos – a few days after the shoot you will receive a link to an online gallery from which you can download your photos. These come with a licence to use them in any media over any time period.

If you’d like to see examples of a couple of businesses that I helped set up with photos to tell their unique business story, take a look here: Complete Care Windsor and Power of One Fitness Ltd . Both businesses now use their photos on their websites and also across their social media in order to drive awareness and tell their business story.

Pennie.

Photos by Pennie website

Here are just a couple of the photos I took for Complete Care in Windsor for their website:

Celebrating 10 Years of Photos by Pennie

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 11:39:30 GMT

I can’t believe it – I have now been in business for 10 years! I would never have thought that all those years ago, when I started doing local family photo shoots that the business would grow to become such a huge part of my life. Now, I get to work with an enormous variety of commercial clients – everything from sole traders, right up to global corporates.

And with the year coming to a close, it’s time to sit back with a frothy coffee and review where my business has taken me and the variety of clients I have got to work with. So, here goes:

Every one of the ten years, my business has grown in terms of turnover. I put that down to consistently working with regular clients, but also working hard behind the scenes to attract new clients. With that in mind, I am hugely grateful to be able to work with Lisa Vassallo from One to Three Marketing Solutions . Lisa turns google gobbledigook into plain English and guides me in all my online marketing activities. This year 40% of my clients were from direct google enquiries.

For the numerically minded, here are a few more stats:

· In 2019, I carried out 102 shoots

· I worked with 43 new clients

· On an average full day shoot, I take approx 2000 photos

· I drove over 3,500 miles to shoots in 2019

· The final edited photos of all the shoots I did this year amount to 1Tb of storage space

· If I were to include all the thousands of photos I took, but edited out, that would be nearly 2Tb!

I am always amazed at the variety of clients I get to work with – one minute I’m in a formal, corporate office environment, the next, I’ve got a hard hat on and I’m up ladders and scaffolding!) .

Here are just a few of the different types of clients I have worked with this year: Property developers, Schools, Accountants, Software Companies, Charities, a car Leasing company, Care Homes, Colleges, a Pharmaceutical business, Three mobile network, sports turf consultants, Solicitors and a Facial Aesthetics company. With this mix of clients, you can just imagine that every day is different!

If I had to pick specific highlights though, it would have to include whizzing along in a dinghy on the Thames photographing the Westminster School First Eight….or possibly, living more dangerously by facing them in the shooting range….

Other highlights include photographing an awards ceremony hosted by Mariella Frostrup:

And also….breaking the old adage of never working with children and animals. I did both at Shiplake College!

But hopefully you'll agree it was worth it - this was one of the final shots of the Headmasters' dog!

Another particular highlight was finally getting the chance to work on a shoot with my brother (also a photographer, although for a much more impressive 30 years!)…

So, that completes the roundup of the business for 2019…..but lastly, a quick update on a personal level with a little bit about my ‘Why’……

Behind the scenes of Photos by Pennie, my family continue to develop and running my own business enables me to still be hugely involved – my eldest two boys are both at University and my daughter is in the process of applying to Vet schools. The nest is gradually emptying….��. Here we all are in September celebrating my daughters' 18th birthday.

So all that leaves is for me to wish you all a lovely Christmas and a very happy and healthy 2020.

I can’t wait to see what the next 10 years of business will bring!

6 tips for Great Event Photography

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Event photography Berkshire | Event photographer Berkshire | Commercial event photographer

With party season creeping up on us, I thought it might be useful to publish some tips for briefing your event photographer. If you give your event photographer a clear brief prior to your event, you are much more likely to have fun, exciting and engaging photos which you can use on your social media, website and even your invite for next year's event!

Tip 1 - The Context - what is the event and why is it being held? I have photographed all sorts of different types of events - sometimes it's just an end of year party or an opportunity to get everyone together to announce changes/promotions etc. However, also sometimes corporate events are held to boost morale at times of uncertainty. Either way, it's always good to be given the context in which the event you are photographing is be held.
Tip 2 - Where are the photos going to be used - event photos are sometimes used on social media/'About Us' pages to reinforce company values - but also, sometimes, event photos are used tactically in the press, brochures, marketing activities etc. so, in order to get really great event photos, make sure you let your photographer know where they are going to be used. This may change the way they shoot your event.
Tip 3 - The running order and key timings - often as an event photographer, there are lots of different things going on at the same time, so it's always essential that you give a running order so they are in the right place at exactly the right time. Things like key note speeches or if there are any awards are really helpful to know so that the photographer can get in position to get the best shot. Or - if you have any 'surprises' too - I've had events where the CEO jumped out of a cake and no one had pre-warned me. Luckily.....I was in the right place to capture it, but boy, would I have known about it if I wasn't!!
Tip 4 - The 'must haves' - are there any specific people you want photographed? Maybe high profile VIPs or high ranking execs who it would be good to get some more informal photos of? If so - make sure these are pointed out on the day/night so that the photographer can make sure they get those shots. Perhaps even consider getting these done before the event starts. Equally, if there is anyone who has asked specifically not to be photographed, then let the photographer know too. We don't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable.
Tip 5 - The Location - sometimes as an event photographer, you have the luxury of doing a venue recce before the event, but often this isn't possible. However, I have had some clients send me a few photos they took on their phone when they visited the venue - these can be really useful just to get an idea of the space you will be photographing in or any limitations in lighting etc...
Tip 6 - The deliverables - In short....what do you need and when do you need them? It is important to communicate with your event photographer when exactly you need your photographs. I have sometimes had clients who need a selection of highlight photos the morning after the event for social media, then the rest of the images within a couple of days. As long as this is communicated and agreed in advance, the photographer can pre-plan the editing time.

I have been fortunate enough to photograph events at such amazing venues as The Royal Albert Hall, Westminster Abbey and The Victoria and Albert Museum but wherever your event is held, the success of having beautiful, atmospheric and engaging photos afterwards is in briefing your photographer with the right information. If you would like to see more of my work as an event photographer, please click here or feel free to pick up the phone for an informal chat - 07715 7889457. I look forward to hearing from you.

Does your business have a clear brand image? Professional photos on your website and social media will help....

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 11:53:21 GMT

More and more people are developing relationships with brands online than ever before. According to Sprout Social, 73.4% of users follow a brand because they’re interested in the product or service the business offers. So, if the business doesn’t have professional photographs on their websites and social media which show a clear brand image , how will they generate new leads? This is where the importance of personal branding comes in.

This month I thought I would write a blog about Branding photography because I recently met and worked with the lovely Maggie McMillan from The Style Counsel who wholeheartedly agrees with me on the importance of having your own unique brand, and constantly reinforcing that visually. I asked Maggie to write a few words for me to explain why this is so important. Over to you Maggie....

As Founder of THE STYLE COUNSEL , a Personal Branding, Impact & Wardrobe Consultancy of course you would expect me to be passionate about personal branding, but it’s much more than that. My PR “blurb” states that my clients (of both genders) range from “pop stars to politicians, CEOs to Sixth Formers, grandparents to godchildren and everyone in between ". All of them and each of us is our own unique brand, whether we are the CEO of M&S or a mum at the school gate.

The way we look and present is of supreme importance as it’s the face of our brand . Respected research shows that on first meeting we have only 7-15 seconds to make an impression and less than 10% of that impression has anything to do with what we actually say. It’s about our look, our body language, our eye contact etc. The way we present ourselves visually to the World is the “packaging” for our product. It’s therefore vitally important that we understand our product - its components, beliefs and behaviours. Our image and outward style is a HUGE element of this and it is something I work very hard at with my clients in our 1:1 consultations. I ensure that my Clients are... “memorable but for the right reasons!”

This philosophy applies in choosing and using photographs for corporate purposes, for your website, your social media etc too.

Pennie and I met recently and immediately connected over our mutual appreciation of businesses having a consistent and considered personal brand image. Pennie and I had a 1:1 and it made me re-examine my personal brand too. We discussed what services I offer my clients and how I go about helping them. We agreed that what I needed was a selection of photos that truly reflect me, my personality, my business and my clients which I could then use on my daily social media posts and blogs.

What then followed was a fun, 2-hour, action-packed photo shoot and now I have over 120 photographs to boost my marketing collateral! (See a few of them below!)

I am now really looking forward to turning the tables on Pennie and having a 1:1 personal consultation session so that we can ensure that her own Personal Branding represents her business too!

If you are interested in learning more about your personal brand, I highly recommend you get in touch with Maggie on: 07796691966 or stylecounselinfo@gmail.com . Or follow Maggie on Instagram (hopefully you'll spot some of my photos!) .

From a photography point of view, most of my clients’ biggest pain points when it comes to marketing themselves is having visual content for their websites and social media posts. How pleased they all are, when I tell them that for many businesses, even just having as little as a two-hour shoot, will generate enough images for a year’s worth of posts! Click here for more information. Do get in touch if you would like to chat about how I could help your business 07715 889457. pennie@photosbypennie.co.uk

How to use Event Photography to market your business

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Wed, 04 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT

If you are hosting a sales conference/new product launch/awards ceremony or a company party.....do consider the fact that in many instances, photos of these events can be used to market your business. As an event photographer in Berkshire and the Thames Valley , I can help advise on getting great value out of your event photos.

Read on to find out how you can get the best ‘value’ out of them afterwards plus a few handy hints for what to look out for in a great event photographer.

Using your event photos to market your business....

Immediately after your event:

Use this content on social media platforms after your event as a recap for your guests and for those that did not attend. A great photo could make someone wish they had attended the event and look for next year’s 'save the date' invite.
Tag people who came to your event on social media - this creates a buzz and plenty of comments.
Use the photos in press coverage in industry media or social pages
If you have a key note speaker - tag them in any posts with their photo - get exposure to their followers too!

For future marketing projects:

Write a blog about the event or a marketing piece - any photos you have paid for during the event, are yours to use!
If it is a yearly event, you can use photos from the previous year for next year’s invitation
On your website , you may have an 'about us' section or a page on your company culture - use photos from your events to show potential new recruits or clients what kind of company you are.
In your company annual report - again, to promote the company culture and it's people

And finally......Here are 10 top tips to help you find the perfect event photographer:

Who to book – ask colleagues/business contacts for recommendations. It’s always best to go with a photographer someone has used before.
Budget – don’t just book anyone with a decent camera. As the old adage goes……’you get what you pay for’. Get 2 or 3 quotes from recommended photographers.
Lighting - consider if your venue will be dark….will flash be necessary? You may not want flash going off at your event all the time!
Portfolio – take a look at the photographers’ portfolio. Does their style match your branding and image?
Photo sharing – is your event photographer happy for the photos to be shared on social media? And how quickly can you get a few 'highlight' shots to post?
Shot list – spend some time putting together a base list of ‘must have’ photos from your event. Eg – keynote speakers, important guests, detailed timings so your photographer can always be in the right place at the right time.
Post event marketing photos – if you want to use the event photos afterwards to market your company, consider what sort of photos will be useful and add those to the shot list too.
Equipment – If your conference is happening in a dark basement or a well lit room, make sure the photographer you use has the correct equipment necessary.
Insurance – does your photographer have professional indemnity and public liability insurance? You don’t want to be held liable if your photographer causes an injury or has his kit damaged/stolen at your event!
Cut out all the stress of the above 9 tips and book me for your event photography in Berkshire, the Thames Valley and London! Take a look here to see more examples of event photos or call me on 07715 889457.

Good luck with your event - and feel free to get in touch if you'd like to have an informal chat to see if I can help. www.photosbypennie.co.uk

Looking for a professional photographer near me….?

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Sun, 01 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Help! I need some professional photographs for my business. This is usually the first thought for business owners when they’re looking to market their services.

But…..what exactly is it you’re looking for? Headshots? Website Photos? Social media photos? Event photos? Location-Based photos? Studio photos? the list is endless! Probably about the only thing that is concrete is that you’re looking for a professional photographer in Berkshire. So, where do you start?

While anyone with a camera can technically refer to themselves as a photographer - don’t forget the old adage….if you pay peanuts….you get monkeys! The right commercial photography is never just about the quality of the photographs - it’s about an end objective which usually relates to your brand, your vision, your target audience and many other factors. So, it is vitally important that you find the right photographer for the right job - don’t just judge photographers based on price.

To help…..here is a list of things to consider when looking for a professional photographer near me....

Background/experience - years of experience do count for a lot when choosing a photographer, however you need to check exactly the kind of work that they have actually done. Perhaps ask them to select particularly relevant photos rather than just show a broad range? That will help you determine if they are the right person for the job.

Passion - obviously technical expertise is vital when selecting a photographer - however, they also need to be passionate about their work and engage in the project you are discussing. A good photographer will ‘come alive’ when discussing ideas/thoughts about your project - they will engage in conversation with questions about your brand so they can fully understand what you are looking for. Anyone who doesn’t, will not have the passion and energy to product the right professional photographs for you.

Rights - once you are sent over the photographs - what will the licensing rights be for you to use them? Some photographers will only supply usage rights for certain media/time periods. If that’s the case - make sure it fits within your brief. Other commercial photographers (me included) supply photos with a licence to use them in any media over any time period. Obviously this is much more useful for you.

DBS certificate - if your photoshoot is going to involve children - ask if your photographer has a current (within the last 3 years) DBS Certificate. if they don't - again, walk away.

So - hopefully, there are a few tips to help you navigate the minefield that is finding a ‘professional photographer near me’. If you would like to discuss your commercial photography requirement with me or are specifically looking for a professional photographer in Berkshire, please do get in touch on 07715 889457 or pennie@photosbypennie.co.uk . Or click here to see some of my work.

Thanks for reading! Pennie

How do you go about getting the right photos for your business website and marketing activity? Here are 4 tips.....

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Do you struggle to find the right photos which represent your business? So that you can tell your business story? Below are a handful of tips to help you get the right photos for your websites and marketing materials. But first....a quick reminder as to why we need to get the visual message absolutely bang on on your website, social media posts and marketing activity.

Did you know that people remember visual information 6 times better than information that they have read.

Add to that the fact that content with relevant images gets 94% more views than content without relevant images.

And to top it all off......according to Business Insider, we only have 7 seconds to make a strong first impression. That's people deciding whether to stay on your website or go to a potential competitor.

So - the question is.....what do people see when they look your business up online? On your website, your social media and your marketing literature? Do they see generic people from stock images? Or do they get to see what you actually do, the real team behind your business and what services that you offer? And do you make a strong first impression?

Obviously there are options to use stock images and also free images from various websites. However, whilst I'm the first to admit that these can be useful, do remember that these images can be used on your competitors' websites. Also - they tend to have a very generic feel to them - it's usually quite obvious that models have been used rather than the real people who work in your business. So, you're not going to be surprised to hear me recommending that you have your own custom photography for your business!

However.....before you jump to conclusions that this is going to be hugely expensive....bear with me! There is often a misconception that booking a photo shoot is going to be expensive. To give you a rough idea, I worked with a small business recently and we did a two hour photo shoot. This cost him £330 and he now has over 100 photos at his fingertips to market his business.

Your next barriers might be.....

I work from home - I can't show that on my website!

What do I show? My business isn't visual

How do I go about coming up with a shotlist?

Let me answer your questions:

Tip 1: Show what you do . Whether you are a big retail business, or a sole trader working from home, there is always something we can photograph to represent what you do. For example - one client I worked with is a Copywriter - Alison Harmer from Harmer Editorial . She works from an office at home and mostly works on her laptop. So, we set up a series of 'scenarios' to represent Alison's business. From Alison meeting a 'client' (in reality, her neighbour!), the tools of her trade (her laptop, books and some stationery) and we headed to a local hotel, which were happy for us to use as a location. In total, this shoot took 2 hours - we did not pay a location fee or for any models. Here are some of the photos:

Tip 2: If you don't have an office or shop you can show, use your client locations instead. I have worked with many businesses which don't have anywhere suitable to show where they work - so, the simplest thing to do is to use your client locations instead. For example - I took website and social media photos for a care agency in Windsor called Complete Care . Obviously their workplace is their client's homes. So, I spent a few hours shadowing one of their teams to photograph them going about their day to day work. Surely - that's much more effective to show than stock images? Here are some examples:

Tip 3: How do I come up with a shotlist? My background is in marketing, so before we do anything, we sit down over a frothy coffee and chat about what exactly it is that you do. Covering things like what services do you offer your clients and how do you deliver your service/products? This works whether you are a huge corporation, or a small business. And before you know it, we will have a shotlist which will set you up with a bank of photos you'll be able to use across your whole marketing mix - your website, your blogs, your social media posts - basically anywhere you can squeeze them in!

Tip 4: Rope in friends to help : In the 9 years I have been taking business photos in Berkshire and the Thames Valley, I have never once paid a model fee. Every photo shoot has always either used employees and colleagues or for those running small businesses, we have roped in friends to stand in as 'models'. In fact.....I have even been known to stand in when we ran out of different faces! See here....!

So hopefully, these tips give you a bit of an idea how you could go about getting photos for your website and social media posts to market your business. It doesn't have to be expensive, and believe me, I have worked with every size of organisation and I am yet to find a business that wouldn't benefit from having their own business photos.

So, to sum up - copy on your website and social media posts is important - but the photos are much more important - they will help your potential new client decide in under 7 seconds whether they are going to stay on your website or go to your competitor. Professional business photos will enable you to stand out from the crowd - by 2020, 80% of adults will own a smartphone - people LOVE photos - so why not tap into that and use professional photos of your business to stand out from the crowd.

So if you're looking to tell your business story - why not give me a call and we can have a no-obligation chat about how we might be able to go about it. I can come up with ideas for photos which will represent your business and help you bring your business to life .

https://www.photosbypennie.co.uk/business-stories-photos-for-websites-and-marketing-berkshire

How do you get great website images for your business?

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Wed, 01 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT

If you are marketing your client's business or your own business, it’s more than likely that at some point, you will need to use photographs to tell the ‘business story’. You might be needing website images, photos for social media or both.

Obviously you can use stock images, but remember that these can be used by any of your competitors and also do not differentiate your business from any others.

If you want to stand out from the crowd, you will need your own set of custom photos. But don’t be scared……this doesn’t always mean a mega bucks budget. Having a photo shoot tailored to the business you are working on will set you up with a library of photos that you can use all the way across the marketing mix.

But......if you are looking to get some marketing images for either your client or your business, there is one CRUCIAL thing that you must do….and that is to prepare a detailed brief for the photographer. The best briefs enable your photographer to understand the brand and your target markets. It will also detail how/where the photographs are going to be used and clearly state budget too.

Here are some tips as to what you should include in your photography brief to get really effective website images for your business:

Tip 1: Outline clear goals – what are the objectives of the shoot. What do you need photos for and when do you need them. This is an overview of what you are looking to achieve.

Tip 2: Assume the photographer knows nothing about your business – give some background to the business – what products/services do you offer? Who is your target market? Do you have any branding guidelines? What photos have worked for you in the past – or (just as important) what photos have not worked?

Tip 3: Where are the images going to be used? It’s important your photographer knows where the final image(s) will end up so they can shoot in the correct format and resolution. Does the photographer need to consider a specific website design? If so, it maybe helpful for them to discuss any technical requirements with the web designer. Eg: shape/orientation of photos. Or, if the images are going to be used on Instagram, the photographer will need to consider a square format.

Also, check if your images with be provided with any usage limitations? Does the cost vary according to where you will use them? Or are they provided with a full and unrestricted licence?

Tip 4: Photoshoot Location: do you have a location in mind for the photo shoot? Also, will models be required? Or will employees be involved. Are there any health and safety issues to consider?

Tip 5: Agree a delivery date, format and method of delivery. Some photographers will book more than one shoot in a day, so if you need the images quickly, it is advisable to let the photographer know so they can build in the necessary editing time. Do the images need to be supplied in a specific format? Also, let the photographer know if you need the final images delivered in a particular way – eg: via gallery link/Dropbox/Wetransfer or USB stick?

Tip 6: Budget – always discuss this early on so that both you and the photographer can gauge how long the photoshoot will take.

Hopefully these tips are helpful in enabling you to put together a detailed brief for your commercial photographer.

With a bit of preparation and advance planning you will end up with well commissioned photography that helps your business stand out from the crowd.

If you would like to discuss getting some photographs for your business, please get in touch on pennie@photosbypennie.co.uk or take a look here for my gallery: https://www.photosbypennie.co.uk/business-stories-photos-for-websites-and-marketing-berkshire

Or you may find it helpful to take a look at my previous blog which talks about why custom website images are more effective than stock images.

Can website images help you stand out in a saturated market?

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 12:43:52 GMT

I read the other day, that apparently content with relevant images gets 94% more views than content without relevant images. So....it proves what I have been saying for years....that having custom website images (as opposed to using stock photos) can genuinely help you stand out from the crowd in a saturated market place. And here's how I helped a local business do just that.....

You’re a firm of Accountants in the Thames Valley. You know that you’re a great company to work with, and also to work for. But…..how do you stand out from the crowd amongst all the other accountants in the Thames Valley?

It’s a saturated market place, with everyone vying for position to prove to potential new clients that you’re the ones to work with. So, how do you show that you are different?

My advice is always to showcase what makes you, you. People buy into people , so it’s important to show them.

Differentiate your business from all the other companies – show the human factor behind your business. That is……your people. And the way you do that is with photos, which show your business story.

Don’t just use stock images of people sitting at desks with calculators and spreadsheets like many other accountants can also use.

Show your offices, your facilities, where the people at the end of the phone are sitting and how they are interacting with each other.

This will give the Human Factor – it’s authentic, shows your passion and will convey trust.

I recently worked with FLB Accountants in Winnersh who wanted to do just that.

They wanted to differentiate themselves and show the culture of the company in the photos that they had on their website. So, we spent a morning taking photos at their offices including featuring their fab offices which include a sofa break out area, big kitchen and even a snooker table! Here are some examples of my favourites…..

So – if you want to make your business stand out from the crowd in a saturated market, why not give me a call. We can put our collective heads together to work out what differentiates you from your competitors, and how we can show that in images which you can use all over your website and social media. www.photosbypennie.co.uk

2018 - another great year for Photos by Pennie

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Fri, 14 Dec 2018 17:49:11 GMT

With my 9th year coming to a close, it’s that time of year again to sit back with a cup of tea and review how the year has gone.

Over the years, my business has always grown in terms of turnover, but this year, has been the biggest year on year growth ever. I put that down to consistently working with fantastic, repeat clients, but also working hard behind the scenes to attract new clients.

In fact, this year, over 65% of visitors to my website were from organic google searches. A huge thanks must go to Lisa Vassallo from One to Three Marketing Solutions with whom I meet regularly to tweak my keywords and work on my SEO. It’s certainly working!

So now for the numerically-minded of you out there, here are a few stats ……

I carried out 101 shoots over the year
45 of my clients this year were completely new to me
21 of my clients were repeat or regular clients
In one day, the most photos I edited in one go was 2,000
The highest number of headshots I have done in one 2 hour session is 70
I took over 77,691 photos (thankfully I didn’t have to edit every single one of those!)
That amounts to over 1.1Tb worth of space on my hard drive

But no review of the year, would be complete without mentioning someone very important who keeps me company behind-the-scenes during all those hours of editing and retouching.....and here he is:

In terms of the photo shoots I have undertaken over the year, I have found myself working with every type of business that you can imagine - everything from one-man-bands and SMEs to global companies. Everything from schools and colleges, to solicitors, design agencies and marketing consultants. Also property developers, pest control agents and mobile network operators. I just love the variety – almost every day is different.

But if I had to pick out a specific highlight, I think it would have to be when a little 4 year old boy came up to me during a photo shoot at a prep school and gave me a flower. It really made my day!

I also did have fun photographing 80s legends, Level 42…..

On a personal level, I still love walking with my dog and generally keeping fit. Two challenges I took part in this year include a 10k on a scorching hot day in June with running pal, Natasha. I also took part in a sprint triathlon (I confess to only doing the running bit though!)

I'm still not very good at taking time out and sitting down, but my favourite time is spent on the boat in Wargrave from March to September with friends and family. After all, that's what it's all about right? Here I am in the summer with the four people who are the reason why I get up every day.

So - hopefully that gives you a flavour of what I've been up to this year and a little bit of a behind-the-scenes look at Photos by Pennie.

I'm really looking forward to working with my regular clients again in 2019 and also hopefully some new challenges too.

Merry Christmas and I hope you have a happy new year!

Pennie

Do you want to take better photos on your smart phone for Social Media? Here are my 5 top tips.....

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 09:37:53 GMT

It's a well known fact that your social media posts will get far greater interaction if you add a photograph (as much as 87% more interaction on Facebook).

Hopefully, you will have some professional photos to market your business, but you will also need to top these up with some adhoc smart phone photos. So, I thought I would share with you some easy tips to help you make your smart phone photos better.

Tip 1 - The Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds: images where the subject is off centre are always much more interesting. Divide your camera frame into 9 squares (see below) and place your subject on one of the intersecting lines – instantly your photo will look much better.

Tip 2 - Leading lines

Tip 3 - Find the best light

Everyone thinks the best photos are taken on bright, sunny days. Not true !

Also - do NOT use flash ! If you are using a phone, the flash is never any good and the photos end up looking terrible.

Even better......try to shoot your photos during the ‘ golden hour ’. This is the time either shortly after sunrise or before sunset during which almost all photos look absolutely gorgeous. (Think about those holiday photos early evening when the sun is going down). See below for an example.

Tip 4 - Control exposure

This is fairly limited on smart phones, but can still make a big difference. On I-phones when you have a photo you’d like to take, simply tap and hold the screen on the part you would like the best exposure. You will see a slider, which allows you to increase/decrease exposure, and lock it. This can also lock focus – so you can decide what is in focus and what is not.

Tip 5 - Keep your lens clean!

I hope you find these tips useful and can start putting them into practice.

https://www.photosbypennie.co.uk/

Why are photos important on social media posts?

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 14:15:07 GMT

Is “a picture worth 1,000 words?” Absolutely — especially if you have the right kind of photos.

Today, people have an attention span of fewer than nine seconds, (that's actually less than a goldfish!). As a result, images are more important than ever to grab your followers' attention on social media.

Social media is a crowded space, so using images is a great way to grab attention. According to Social Media Examiner, a social media post accompanied by a photo is ten times more likely to get engagement. And a photo added to your tweet can boost retweets by an impressive 35%.

So, what's stopping you - get adding those photos to your posts and tweets!

And here are a few tips to make sure you get the best photos for your posts.

Tip 1 – The rule of thirds: Images where the subject is off centre are always much more interesting. Divide your camera frame into 9 squares (see below) and place your subject on one of the intersecting lines – instantly your photo will look much better.

Tip 2 – Use leading lines to create interest in your shot. So – a bit like the rule of thirds, you are basically just making your shots that little bit more creative than just photographing from straight on. For example, use things like walls, horizontal lines and a pathway to add that interest. See below for an example.

Tip 3 - Do NOT use flash! Particularly if you are using a phone, the flash is never good and the photos end up looking really rubbish. So – take my advice, take your photos on overcast days – you won’t get any shadows or rings under the eyes. Or – if you can’t avoid a bright sunny day, head for some top-shade. This is created either by doorways or under trees. Your subject will still be lit beautifully but won’t be blinded by the sun.

Tip 4 – on the same subject as tip 3 (ie – lighting….) try to shoot your photos during the ‘golden hour’. This is the time either shortly after sunrise or before sunset during which almost all photos look absolutely gorgeous. (Think those holiday photos early evening when the sun is going down). Literally everything looks good in this light! Again, see below for an example.

Tip 5 – Control Exposure. This is fairly limited on smart phones, but can still make a big difference. On I-phones when you have a photo you’d like to take, simply tap and hold the screen on the part you would like to be exposed correctly and you will see a slider. This allows you to increase/decrease exposure, and lock it.

Tip 6 – minimize your editing effects. I’m a sucker for a filter on instagram, and it can be fun to apply them but before you do it, ask yourself is it really necessary? Is it possible they detract from the image? Sometimes, a simple crop, good lighting and composition are all that is necessary.

Tip 7 - Keep your lens clean! It may sound really obvious, but you’d be amazed what I see…..your phone sits in your pocket, your handbag, on your desk etc. and gathers finger prints and goodness knows what else in the process. Before you take a photo – give it a little wipe and you’ll be guaranteed crystal clear photos every time!

And finally.....a couple of tips on using photos on social media:

Tip 1 - When you post a photo on social media, tag people in a photo – Tagging other users makes conversation easy and sharing more likely. You can tag up to 10 people .

Tip 2 - Share up to four photos in a single tweet – This is a relatively new feature on Twitter, which allows you to upload multiple photos and automatically create a collage using your iPhone, Android device or straight from Twitter.com. For this to work, you need to download the latest Twitter app.

Tip 3 - maybe add more than one photo and ask for comments. The post that I have used personally which received the most comments, likes and shares ever was when I added 4 photos asked people to choose their favourite. I had over 1200 views!

So - hopefully those were useful tips.

But remember…….if you want really want to show you are serious about your business, consider having some custom photos taken of you and your business. You'd be surprised how reasonable this is and you will have a library of photos which you can use to tweet/blog/post away for a very long time. Take a look here for some great examples of businesses I have worked with to stock them up with professional photos to help market their business.

Updating your Linkedin profile photo? One of my headshot clients lets you know just how it feels to be photographed by me!

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 12:27:51 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

You won't be surprised to hear that the most common thing people say to me when I tell them I'm a Commercial Photographer is "......Oh I hate having my photograph taken....!"

So - I thought it may be useful for you to hear exactly how it feels having a headshot session with me from one of my recent clients. I'd therefore like to say a huge thank you to Lisa Vassallo from One to Three who has written a guest blog for me.
Lisa and her business partner Claire had booked a headshot session on my last headshot day in February and she describes exactly how it felt to be photographed by me and offers some tips on how to get the most out of the session.

A headshot with Pennie Withers from a client’s perspective

I had a number of reasons for not having a new Linkedin profile photo done; I already had an existing professional headshot which was quite flattering, although it was a few years old. I was thinking I would wait until I had lost a few pounds, or my hair was a bit longer or perhaps when I’d come back from holiday. There’s never a perfect time to get your headshot done and after all it is supposed to be a true reflection of you. If your existing headshot is more than a few years old, then I would recommend getting a more recent one. Of course we all like to look a bit younger, but I recently met a new client and didn’t recognise them at all from their LinkedIn profile photo, as it was so many years old!

So I decided to just bite the bullet and booked a headshot session with Pennie Withers .

Here are my thoughts and also some tips to make the most of your headshot day and to get a photo you are happy with:

Tip 1: Allow plenty of time to get there. I would plan to arrive 15 minutes early. The parking is only a short walk away from the venue, but by arriving early, you will allow your heart rate to settle from the walk and can make any touch ups / brush your hair etc before you start shooting. You don’t want to be looking harassed or pink-cheeked before you start.

Tip 2: Before the day spend some time planning what you are going to wear / take with you. You don’t want to be trying on various outfits 10 minutes before you are leaving! I ended up buying a new top for the occasion, but whatever you pick needs to be something you are comfortable in.

Tip 3: I took a change of tops, but also took a cardigan for a less formal look and a jacket for a more formal look. I ended up going with the less formal look, which is much more “me”, so I would recommend wearing whatever you feel most comfortable in. Keep it simple and something that can’t go wrong. Nobody else will notice, but if the way your jumper is sitting or the way your necklace is showing bothers you, your attention will be drawn to it.

Tip 4: Don’t worry about the way you smile! I was thinking, “teeth or no teeth”, but Pennie will put you totally at ease and has a little technique to capture you very naturally (by the way, I learned never smile without showing your teeth)!

Tip 5: Just relax. This bit was easy as Pennie is a master at making you feel relaxed. We had lots of fun and laughter along the way (as seen in this shot below!) Pennie also provides lots of props, so you don’t need to worry what to do with your hands.

And finally.........the 30 minute session flies by and before you know it Pennie will be in touch with a range of photos of you for you to chose from (Pennie is really organised and super efficient). We are our own biggest critics, so I enlisted the help of my family and my business partner to help me pick the photos I wanted to use. Sometimes somebody with a fresh pair of eyes is just what you need to make the final decision.

The photos can then be used to freshen up your website, add to your social media pages and used to encourage interactions (you could even ask your social media followers which photos they like best). I guarantee that when you add a new photo of yourself, you will get a nice reaction. People buy into people and what better way than to showcase yourself every now and then? Pennie provides lots of useful advice and guidance in her own headshot blogs here .

Pennie runs quarterly headshot days or can do bespoke headshot sessions for a more personalised result. More details can be found here .

So, what are you waiting for? Get yourself booked in and then enjoy having a beautiful, professional Linkedin profile Headshot.

How can case study photos help increase your business?

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Tue, 13 Mar 2018 11:51:19 GMT

You're the best Interior Designer in the area, right?

Or you're the most experienced builder/property developer in the Thames Valley?

But why should anyone believe you?

How do you prove to them that you create beautiful spaces from tired, old homes. Or that you can totally change the layout of a house and turn it from an old-fashioned, cramped space into something that is more functional, light and airy?

Well - you show them your work - using beautiful, professional photographs as proof of the fantastic jobs that you carry out day in, day out.

Perhaps you are transforming a house using a modern colour palette and stylish furniture? Like Nicola Scannell from Nicola Scannell Design who did this at a family home in Henley on Thames? (Please see below for Before and After photos which really show the transformation.)

Or maybe you are transforming a family home to add extra bedrooms and open plan space? Or creating a new home from scratch?

Whatever the job, it's always a really good exercise to get some case studies together of your best work to showcase what you can do for potential clients. Sometimes that means before, during and after photos to really show the transformation.

Or sometimes it's just 'after' photos to show off your craftsmanship and the beautiful space that you have created.

So - why not get in touch to find out about my case study packages - prices start from as little as £375 for before and after photos which can be used across all of your marketing collateral. Here are some more examples of photos I have taken for various Interior Designers, property developers and builders: https://photosbypennie.pixieset.com/interiorsgallery/

I look forward to hearing from you.

Pennie
www.photosbypennie.co.uk

How to get the most out of your Linkedin profile photo session? 5 top tips

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 00:00:00 GMT

So, you've booked a Linkedin profile photo session with a photographer (hopefully me!) - now what?!

You probably hate having your photo taken (doesn't everybody?!) and are not especially looking forward to it. In fact, some people even compare having a headshot done with going to the dentist - it's something you have to do, but don't exactly look forward to!

Fear not - with these 5 easy tips, you can make sure your photo session runs smoothly and you come out of it with a photo you can be proud of and that you're happy to share across the ether. But beware - you may even find you enjoy it!

Tip 1: What should I wear? I am asked this ALL the time. My answer is always the same.....

· For women in particular here are a few general tips:

You will always exude a much more relaxed persona when you are wearing something that you feel comfortable in. Also, you want your headshot to last more than a year, so classic, timeless clothes are best rather than something that will date.
You can never go wrong with a classic, crisp white shirt which you can dress up/dress down with say, a colourful scarf/cardigan/necklace or jacket.
Long sleeves are good – much more flattering
Consider a jacket or a cardigan – something that can be removed/put on to give another look. (also consider scarves/necklaces which can also change an outfit)
Don’t opt for busy, bold patterns – they will date quickly and also distract from your face. Consider solid colours or simple patterns

· For men in particular here are a few general tips:

Wear an ironed shirt and also perhaps bring a suit jacket/tie so we can try a few different options. You may wear a suit for client meetings, but will perhaps consider an open neck shirt for more relaxed social media profiles?
Also perhaps bring a couple of different shirt/tie combinations - you'd be amazed how different you look in different colour combinations

· For men and women:

Remember – the photograph is only going to be you from the waist up so don’t worry too much about your lower half.
and most importantly – you need to look like YOU . Don’t go trying out a completely new look!

Tip 2: Should I smile or not?

To smile, or not to smile……that is the question! Some people are very self-conscious about smiling but my view is that a photograph of someone with even the slightest of smiles will convey the impression of being far more approachable, likeable and confident than someone just staring at you. This gives the impression that you are uninterested and lack confidence. For example - which one of these two photographs do you think is more friendly and approachable?

Tip 3: What about my glasses? Will they be an issue?

Tip 4: I hate having my photo taken – will you be able to get a natural photo of me?

Tip 5: What sort of headshot do I need?

So that's it - hopefully that covers the majority of questions you may have about what to expect from a headshot session and how to get the best out of it. Now all you need are some details of my next headshot day!

When: May 4th 2018 (half hour slots available between 9.30 - 4)

Where: My Workspot Maidenhead (2nd Floor, 85 King Street, Maidenhead, SL6 1DU)

How much: £50 for a half hour headshot session. The price includes the session itself, then a selection of professionally edited and retouched photos from which you will choose your favourite. This will be supplied to you as a high resolution jpeg and also a cropped version for online use. Additional jpegs available at a cost of £20 each.

If you would like to book a session with me - please email me on pennie@photosbypennie.co.uk or phone for a chat on 07715 889457. I look forward to hearing from you. Pennie

Let your professional headshot do the talking in 2018

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 19:58:52 GMT

Is a new professional headshot on your to-do list for 2018?

Are you still using an out of date photo, a holiday snap or a selfie? I'm guessing that isn't really cutting it in creating the right impression for your business. If so - this blog is for you (details of my next headshot day are at the end).

According to Linkedin, your profile is 10 times more likely to be viewed if you have a professional headshot. And we all know that we literally have milliseconds to make the right impression with our online presence.

This is exactly what had been on the minds of the various business owners who came along to my headshot day last month. They were looking to create the right impression with their profile photos. So, they came along to my headshot day at My Workspot in Maidenhead - a fantastic co-working space which provided the perfect generic 'business-y' backdrop for my photos.

The aim of the day was to offer a special price to my headshot clients who would book an hour slot, including hair and make up. I also managed to slot in some men who only needed the headshot, while the women were having their make up done!

There was a wide mix of businesses represented - including a relationship coach, professional blogger, car leasing company, a business coach, Marketeer and HR consultant amongst others.

Here are a couple of photos of Alison Oswald from Mary Kay cosmetics working her magic before I started snapping away.....

And here are some snaps of me taking some relaxed headshot options for one of the clients....

Finally, here are some of the images one of my clients chose from the gallery of images I sent her after the photo session. She chose a mixture of informal vs. some slightly more formal photos for the various different social media that she uses.

All my headshot day clients now have photos which they can be proud to put on their Linkedin profile, websites and social media profiles.

One of my headshot day clients was kind enough to send me an email summing up her experience on the day: I'm delighted with the photos from my headshot session; they're relaxed yet professional, which was exactly what I asked for. Having my hair and make up done by Alison was a real treat and Pennie was great at putting me at ease in front of the camera. Thanks for an enjoyable and productive morning!”

So - following on from the success of my headshot day last year, I'm happy to announce the date for my next one!

The important details that you need to know are:

When: February 9th 2018 (half hour slots available between 9.30am - 4pm)
Where: My Workspot Maidenhead (2nd Floor, 85 King Street, Maidenhead, SL6 1DU)
How much: £50 for a half hour headshot session (The price includes the session itself, then a selection of professionally edited and retouched photos from which you will choose your favourite. This will be supplied to you as a high resolution jpeg and also a cropped version for online use. Further jpegs are available at a cost of £20 each. )
Please note - for this headshot day, hair and make up is not available. I recognise that many people like to do their own hair and make up, so this way, you turn up having done your own and camera-ready.

It's a win:win situation - you book a time slot that suits you and at my special headshot day rate - what's not to love?

If you'd like to find out more about the headshot day on February 9th or would like to enquire what time slots are available - please email me on pennie@photosbypennie.co.uk

Looking for free stock images to use for your website? Discover why professional photography is better.

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 16:08:38 GMT

Are you considering a new website or do you have a social media content plan but need pictures to bring this to life?

Would you like to blog in 2018 and need some imagery to make the blogs stand out?

What is holding you back from having your own photos on your website/blog/social media posts?

If you answered yes or even just a tentative 'maybe' to any of the above, then read on. Hopefully I can dispel a few myths about custom professional photography both in terms of the price (definitely worth reading on!) and also the reasons why they are so much better than stock images.

But first.....why have photos at all?

When potential clients visit your website, they form an impression of your business within the first 7 seconds. Wow - all that hard work agonising over exactly the right words, pages and photographs. This shows how important it is to have impactful images to really sock a punch when your potential clients are first making that judgement about your business.

On social media, photographs are hugely important too. According to Media Blog, Facebook posts with a photo receive 87% more interaction than Facebook posts without photos. Even more startling....apparently Tweets with images receive a massive 150% more retweets than tweets without images. (Source: /blog.bufferapp.com)

Now, the old adage goes, “a picture is worth a 1000 words.” So, when it comes to your website, why would you want those words to be someone else’s? With your own photography (rather than stock images), you have total control over what impression and emotions your website conveys.

However - many people assume that professional photography is going to cost the earth. Recently, I spoke to a business-owner who spent £200 on stock images for his website. After we talked about my prices, he was certainly wishing he had spoken to me first!

I can provide a bank of images to use on all of your digital marketing from blogs, to social media and of course for your website. A library of around 50 photographs would start from £325. This figure includes the photoshoot, all development costs. I will discuss your exact requirements before the photoshoot and put together a shotlist to showcase you and your business in action. Then after the shoot, all the photos will be available on a private online gallery for you to download, in both high and low resolution. . The photos can range from individual headshots to team photos and there will also be a selection of photos about the business, not just the people. These photos can then be used as a 'library' of photos for all of your marketing collateral, from your LinkedIn headshot to your regular Facebook posts and can be used time and time again. There are no restrictions on how and when they can be used, as is often the case with stock images.

I have been lucky enough to work with many different types of businesses who recognise the need for custom images for their websites and social media posts. Why not take a look here to see how much better their websites look as a result of having personalised photos rather than stock images. One such business is Power of One Fitness Ltd who now have a bank of photos showing David 'at work' doing individual and group training both in the gym and outside. These photos are also regularly used on David's Tweets and Facebook posts.
Or another example is Virtual Angels - Holly and Nicola do lots of different types of work for various clients, so wanted to show this photographically. I hope you agree how much more impactful the photos are using the 'real' people behind the business.
And finally.....here are a selection of photos for a copywriter client who got a great range of different photos from her shoot including a headshot, photos of her 'at work' and also some abstract photos for use elsewhere.

Lastly, I wanted to address an issue that many businesses say to me as a barrier to getting their own business photos done. Often, the first thing they think of (after cost) is "..but what would we photograph.."? "I just work out of my office at home - where would we do the photoshoot..?". No need to worry about that - I have done photoshoots in hotels, coffee shops, office receptions - you name it. It's amazing how you can create a really professional impression with a few 'models ' (ie: friends!) and a handy local location. That is just one of the elements I help you with in order to make the most out of your shoot. Don't believe me? All the photos taken above were at the Holiday Inn in Winnersh where all we had to do was buy a cup of coffee and bring a prop or two!

So - if you'd like to have a discussion about possible photographs of YOUR business to help with your 2018 marketing plan, give me a call on 07715 889457 or drop me a line on pennie@photosbypennie.co.uk . Also, there are plenty more examples of my photos right here: www.photosbypennie.co.uk .

Photos by Pennie 2017 - the best year yet!

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 13:25:23 GMT

Despite being in business over 8 years now, I realise I have never actually done a review of the year. So - here it is for 2017 which turns out to have been my best year yet! I have sat myself down with a frothy coffee and challenged myself to take a look at what I have done over the last 12 months, my best moments and how the business has changed.

I started the year with my annual trip to SWPP in London with my photographer friend Claire. This is basically a gathering of photographers (not sure what the collective noun is for us - maybe a 'click' or a 'focus'?!) and it's a great way to look at new kit that's been launched, get some fresh perspective on the industry and generally talk about all things photography.

I also started the new year with a real focus on my marketing activity - thanks to Lisa Vassallo from One to Three Marketing . We have met every 8 weeks throughout the year and I have been so excited to receive totally organic business enquiries - all as a result of the work Lisa has helped me with. I can't wait to continue this into 2018!

In terms of the photo shoots I have undertaken over the year, I have found myself working with every type of business that you can imagine - everything from one-man-bands and SMEs to global companies. Everything from schools to solicitors, design agencies and marketing consultants, personal trainers to VAs, solicitors, equine vets and PR agencies. I just love the variety.

I have found myself up ladders, in tiny spaces, hanging out of windows and even in the Royal Box at the Royal Albert Hall! Each and every shoot has been fantastic fun.

But if I had to pick out some specific highlights, I think it would have to be a toss up between photographing a Christmas carol service in Westminster Abbey along with a screening of Beauty and the Beast at the Royal Albert Hall with music by the Philarmonic orchestra. What a treat - amazing locations and beautiful music while I worked!

But my job isn't all about glamorous locations......another one of my favourite shoots is with one of my regular clients, Farr + Pursey equine vets . I throw on my wellies and we whizz around the chilterns in Rick's 4 x 4 visiting stables and yards photographing beautiful horses. Talk about the sublime to the ridiculous!

So - onto the 'business side' of the business.....I am now working with 18 clients regularly - some of which I've been working with since I first started in 2009. I am so happy to be an integral part of their marketing activity. But this year, I have also worked with over 40 new clients - wow, that's a lot of shoots! Thanks to my marketing activity with Lisa and also my weekly networking at Bni Thames Maidenhead , the business has just grown and grown to become my best year yet.

On a personal level, I still love walking or running with my dog and generally keeping fit. I'm not very good at taking time out and sitting down, but my favourite time is spent on the river in Wargrave from March to September with friends and family. After all, that's what it's all about right?

So - hopefully that gives you a flavour of what I've been up to this year. I'm really looking forward to working with my regular clients again in 2018 but also some new challenges too.

In the meantime, I'm looking forward to putting my camera bag away over Christmas and enjoy some lovely family time! I hope you too have a great Christmas.

New date for Headshot Photos - including hair and make up

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 15:06:52 GMT

Are you in need of a new headshot for your website or social media accounts?

A professional headshot is often the first thing people notice when they 'meet' you online either on your website or on your social media platforms. Make sure the first impression, is the right impression! If your headshot is out-of-date or a blurry holiday snap, then please consider coming along to our next headshot day on Friday 24th November at My Workspot in Maidenhead (full venue details below).

These sessions offer fantastic value for money and are extremely time efficient. You simply book a one hour time slot, come along in your chosen outfit and we'll do the rest!

For just £100* , we will work with you to create a beautiful headshot, which you can use to create the right impression for your business.

Alison Oswald , the UK’s number 1 Sales Director of Mary Kay will take care of your hair and make up. Alison has a very natural style and all previous clients have felt her make-up has enhanced their appearance and given them more confidence for the photo shoot (see below for 'before' and 'after' photos of one of our previous clients). Then Pennie Withers of Photos by Pennie will take a stunning headshot, again in a very natural, relaxed but professional way.

Together, a bespoke hair, make up and headshot session would usually cost £175, so why not take us up on this fantastic offer and have a new headshot which you can use anywhere you would like for just £100 ! For the men out there, Alison can offer a haircut and/or facial hair trim for the same price. Alternatively, if you would rather just have your photos taken, without the hair and make-up, the price is £50, which offers exceptional value for money. Please note that a headshot alone (no hair and make up) would be a 30 minute booking.

Our next headshot day is on Friday 24th November between 9.15 and 5.15 at My Workspot, 2nd Floor, 85 King Street, Maidenhead, SL6 1DU. (See below for map and parking information)

Please just email us to find out what slots are available or if you would like any more information, please give Pennie a call on 07715 889457.

Frequently asked questions:

What will Alison do?
You turn up with your hair washed and dried as you usually would and Ali will work her magic, for that salon look – she will straighten it if necessary and she will also apply very natural make up, so it’s best to turn up with no make up on at all. For men, Alison can give your hair (and/or beard) a trim and still make you ‘camera-ready’.
What should I wear?
Wear whatever you would usually wear to meet a client. This will create the right impression for your professional photograph. Perhaps a crisp white shirt with a coloured jacket/cardigan/scarf? Pennie will take a number of variations so that you have a choice of photographs to choose from. Bring a couple of changes if you're not sure and Pennie can advise you.
How will the session work?
You will be given your hour-long time slot. Turn up 5 minutes before so that you are ready for your hair and make up to be done first. This will take approx. half an hour to forty minutes then Pennie will take your photo and you will be done. Please note, a session for just a headshot with no hair and make-up will be 30 minutes.
What will happen after the session?
You will be sent an email with a link to an online, password protected gallery where you can expect to see up to 10-12 different photographs. Once you choose your favourite image, Pennie will email it to you as a high-resolution jpeg which you can use in any media over any time period. She will also give you a specific Linkedin crop for you to that you can upload it straight away without any resizing.
Where is My Workspot and where can I park?

The address for My Workspot is 2nd Floor, 85 King Street, Maidenhead SL6 1DU. It is almost exactly opposite the '3' building very close to Maidenhead station. If you are approaching from the Nicholsons car park (see below), the glass doors are on your left and feature very clear My Workspot branding. The entrance is sandwiched between 'Peakes' and Que Pasa. When you arrive, please come to the 2nd floor.

Parking :

The closest option is Nicholsons car park which is The Broadway, Maidenhead SL6 1NT. You are given a coin chip on entry, and you are only charged for the time you use. (Ie - it's not pay and display). Alternatively, there is the Grove Road car park which is here: https://www3.rbwm.gov.uk/directory_record/9945/grove_road . Finally, there is up to 3 hours free parking at Maidenhead Retail Park . https://completelyretail.co.uk/scheme/Maidenhead-Retail-Park-Maidenhead

*This session would usually cost £175 if booked as a bespoke hair, make up and photo session.

Does it really help using social media photos? 7 handy tips to take your own social media photos

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 10:34:30 GMT

So – I’m probably doing myself out of a job here, but I thought I would share with you how you can take better photographs to use on your social media posts. Obviously ideally you’d book me to take them for you (!) but if not, these tips will at least make your social media photos as good as they possibly can be!

But first – why use social media photos?

According to Media Blog - tweets that include a photograph are 35% more likely to be retweeted . Plus - Facebook posts that have a photograph in will obtain on average, 87% more interaction . So there is definitely big value in adding some pictures to get more people interacting with your posts.

How to take the best social media photos:

Tip 1 – The rule of thirds: images where the subject is off centre are always much more interesting. Divide your camera frame into 9 squares (see below) and place your subject on one of the intersecting lines – instantly your photo will look much better.

Tip 2 – Use leading lines to create interest in your shot. So – a bit like the rule of thirds, you are basically just making your shots that little bit more creative than just photographing from straight on. For example, use things like walls, horizontal lines and a pathway to add that interest. See below for an example.

Tip 3 - Do NOT use flash! Particularly if you are using a phone, the flash is never good and the photos end up looking really rubbish. So – take my advice, take your photos on overcast days – you won’t get any shadows or rings under the eyes. Or – if you can’t avoid a bright sunny day, head for some top-shade. This is created either by doorways or under trees. Your subject will still be lit beautifully but won’t be blinded by the sun.

Tip 4 – on the same subject as tip 3 (ie – lighting….) try to shoot your photos during the ‘golden hour’. This is the time either shortly after sunrise or before sunset during which almost all photos look absolutely gorgeous. (Think those holiday photos early evening when the sun is going down). Literally everything looks good in this light! Again, see below for an example.

Tip 5 – Control Exposure. This is fairly limited on smart phones, but can still make a big difference. On I-phones when you have a photo you’d like to take, simply tap and hold the screen and you will see a slider, which allows you to increase/decrease exposure, and lock it. This can also lock focus – so you can decide what is in focus and what is not.

Tip 6 – minimize your editing effects. I’m a sucker for a filter on instagram, and it can be fun to apply them but before you do it, ask yourself is it really necessary? Is it possible they detract from the image? Sometimes, a simple crop, good lighting and composition are all that is necessary.

Finally, Tip 7 - Keep your lens clean! It may sound really obvious, but you’d be amazed what I see…..your phone sits in your pocket, your handbag, on your desk etc. and gathers finger prints and goodness knows what else in the process. Before you take a photo – give it a little wipe and you’ll be guaranteed crystal clear photos every time!

Happy snapping!

But remember…….if you want really fantastic professional photographs to represent your brand, take a look at www.photosbypennie.co.uk or call me on 07715 889457. I have worked with all sorts of businesses including interior designers, schools, commercial lighting companies and many more to supply them with a bank of photos for them to use on social media. Thanks for reading!

Looking for a LinkedIn profile professional photographer? Here are my 5 top tips...

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 08:47:39 GMT

So - you already know WHY you should have a professional Linkedin profile photo. But now, you're looking for a Linkedin profile photographer. Here are my five top tips to help you get the most out of your headshot session.

Meet Rick......he was looking for a new LinkedIn profile photo but definitely didn't want a standard headshot on a white or black background. Rick wanted some tips on how to get the most of our photo session and I'd like to share these thoughts with you....

1. Before you get started

It's worth spending a bit of time doing some 'homework' - on LinkedIn. Look up people who are in the same profession as you. What are their headshots like? Copy and paste some you really like onto a word document. Also copy and paste some you don't like onto a word document. Share this with your photographer before the shoot. This is by far the best way to get across what kind of professional headshots that you like/dislike.
Consider what impression you are trying to give through your headshot. As an example, Rick wanted some shots that were informal, friendly and approachable but he also needed some more formal shots. Click here to see some of the variations we took.
Decide on your location - do you want indoor or outdoor shots? I always like to capture my clients in their working environment and it's important to decide the backdrop to your photos before you start.

2. What to ask your LinkedIn profile photographer:

Always discuss with your photographer beforehand what kind of 'look' you are wanting. This will usually depend on both your profession and also where the photo will be being used (consider more formal shots for LinkedIn vs. more relaxed photos for Facebook/Twitter).
Tell your photographer where and how the photo will be used - this will have an impact on both the location (if appropriate) and your clothing.
Ensure your photographer will provide all of the images in the correct sizes for different platforms e.g. each social media platforms have different requirements to say, websites.

3. What should I wear for my professional headshots?

Discuss with your photographer what you should wear. My advice is usually to wear what you would usually wear to meet a client. Definitely not jeans and a t-shirt for example, if you usually turn up in a suit or vice versa.
Avoid busy patterns and large lines/stripes.
Blue/green/turquoise shirts/blouses or accents can help emphasize blue/green/hazel eyes
For men.....bring a few different jackets, shirt colours and ties so we have choices for the photo
For women, consider bringing different necklines/coloured tops/scarves to accessorise. Also for women, consider that sleeveless tops/dresses can draw attention to your shoulders/arms. And jewellery should be kept to a minimum (unless it is relevant to your business). The photo is of your face, not your accessories!

4. Anything else?

Should I smile? Absolutely, yes! A lack of smile can imply lack of interest/engagement. A friendly smile can reassure people you are the right person to do business with and will show interest, confidence and approachability.
Please note that you shouldn't use your company logo as your profile picture. People want to connect with you as an individual, so avoid displaying your company's logo — unless it's your company's page.

5. What next?

Click here for some examples of headshots I have taken for various clients:
If you would like to discuss your professional headshot, click here to get in touch.
If you have any further questions about choosing a LinkedIn profile photographer, I'd be delighted to help.

I do Professional headshots for little people too!

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMT

I have been taking professional headshots for years. Everyone from sole traders just starting out in business to Chief Execs and whole teams of people. Musicians, vets, accountants, solicitors, graduates and many others. All very different types of businesses, but all with the same requirements…….professional headshots which create the ‘right’ impression for them.

Recently however, I was asked to do headshots for two young children who needed them for their online acting ‘CVs’. Whilst the same principles applied, the requirement for a range of expressions was greater than your average executive needs. From that ‘straight down the lens focus shot’ to the friendly, ‘butter wouldn’t melt’ smiles, we tried them all. And what was the best bit you may ask? The distinct lack of photoshopping required on their young, unweathered skin!

Anyway – another client recently needed a new Linkedin Headshot, and wanted some tips on how to get the most of our photo session. So I thought I would share some thoughts with you….

Here are some tips for your Linkedin Headshot:

Always discuss with your photographer beforehand what kind of ‘look’ you are wanting. This will usually depend on both your profession and also where the photo will be being used (consider more formal shots for Linkedin vs. more relaxed photos for Facebook/Twitter)
It’s worth spending a bit of time doing some ‘homework’ – on Linkedin, look up people who are in the same profession as you. What are their headshots like? Copy and paste some you really like onto a word document. Also copy and paste some you don’t like onto a word document. Share this with your photographer before the shoot. This is by far the best way to get across what kind of professional headshots that you like/dislike
Tell your photographer where and how the photo will be used – this will have an impact on both the location (if appropriate) and your clothing.

What should I wear for my professional headshots?

Discuss with your photographer what you should wear. My advice is usually to wear what you would usually wear to meet a client. Definitely not jeans and a t-shirt for example, if you usually turn up in a suit or vice versa.
Avoid busy patterns and large lines/stripes
Blue/green/turquoise shirts/blouses or accents can help emphasize blue/green/hazel eyes
For men…..bring a few different jackets, shirt colours and ties so we have choices for the photo
For women, consider bringing different necklines/coloured tops/scarves to accessorise. Also for women, consider that sleeveless tops/dresses can draw attention to your shoulders/arms. And jewellery should be kept to a minimum (unless it is relevant to your business). The photo is of your face, not your accessories!

Anything else?

Should I smile? Absolutely, yes! A lack of smile can imply lack of interest/engagement. A friendly smile can reassure people you are the right person to do business with and will show interest, confidence and approachability.

What next?

Click here for some examples of headshots I have taken for various clients.
If you would like to discuss your professional headshot, click here to get in touch .

New Website Photos? Look No Further….

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Wed, 12 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Are you having a new website built for your business?

Or perhaps you have a great looking website, but are looking to give it a freshen up. Either way – you will need some cracking, beautiful website photos to really give it that WOW! factor.

Now obviously, I’m hoping you’ll take a look at my website and immediately pick up the phone and book me for your business photos. However, even if you don’t book me, I would love to at least be able to convince you WHY you need professional photos on your site (and while I’m on my soap box, on your social media too!). If I’ve piqued your interest…..here’s why:

Apparently, our brains react differently to visual stimuli. This is because the brain deciphers images instantly, whereas words take more time to process. Photos or images are in fact, processed 60,000 times faster than text.

So – why should this matter to you?

Well, you can spend hours and hours creating a new website with fantastic, eloquent words, but I hate to break this to you, people actually rarely read website content word for word. However, have fantastic, professional photos on there and immediately, you are creating the impression that your business is professional. The photos can reinforce your brand, they can show what you have to offer and in a nutshell, enable your business to create the right impression. In turn, people will want to do business with you. That’s good, right?!

On top of this – don’t forget that if you have a set of professional photos of your business, you can also use them in your social media. It’s a win:win – 2 jobs for the price of one! And if you don’t believe me, here’s some figures…..According to Media Blog – tweets that include a photograph, are 35% more likely to be retweeted. Add to this the fact that Facebook posts that have a photograph in will obtain on average, 87% more interaction. Make sense?

In case you’re not convinced, take a look at the photos below. My client, Mark Harris drom http://www.marketingboost.co.uk/ was having a new website built for his coaching and part time Marketing Director business (this is still under construction, so I will update this blog when the new website is live). He wanted beautiful, striking photographs of him ‘at work’ so clients can see immediately what it is he can do for them. Photos of him coaching a client, briefing his marketing team and also doing 1:1 coaching on the phone in his favourite riverside location were all on our shot list. On top of that, he also wanted a cracking headshot and also some shots of his associate team too.

So – hopefully you’re now fully convinced of the need for professional photographs on your website and social media posts. If you’d like to have a chat about how I might be able to help you, please give me a call on 07715 889457 or click here to send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you. Pennie

Website Photos With Lots Of ‘Monkeying’ Around

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Website photos, marketing photos and social media photos were all needed by this client of Newbury-based design agency, Maxx Design . So, a three day shoot was planned and we set about putting together a shotlist to ensure we captured a wide range of beautiful, natural photographs of children and parents taking part in Monkey Music pre-school music classes. There were 4 different age groups to represent the different classes that are available nationwide along with a number of different set ups for Monkey Music parties and Franchisee recruitment. After 3 days of spending time on my hands and knees and singing plenty of nursery rhymes, I supplied Maxx Design and their client with over 450 photos to be used across all of their Marketing plans – including social media, a brand new website, printed materials and advertising. The new website is still under construction but I will add the link here when it is finished so you can see my photographs in situ. If you need website photos to show your business ‘in action’ click here for more information.

Fabulous Event Photography!

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 00:00:00 GMT

My favourite type of photography is without doubt, event photography. Milling round, photographing people who don’t realise my lens is on them – you get the most natural, candid photos. And this is what I got the opportunity to do recently in Henley on Thames. With the most beautiful Tipi marquee from Country Tipis and stunning styling, there could hardly be a bad shot! With drink, food, speeches and dancing, my clients got a huge selection of natural, reportage-style photos to remember their party. If you are having an event in the Thames Valley or London, contact me for beautiful, natural photos. Click here to find out more.

Linkedin Headshots Needed – Can You Help?!

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

The answer is yes – I do a lot of Linkedin Headshots. Not just any old headshot on a plain white background – I spend time working out the best location relevant to my client’s business so that we create a beautiful, natural headshot which really gives the right first impression. If you are looking for a professional headshot for your LinkedIn profile, I’d love to help.

So the story behind this job is as follows: I received an enquiry recently from someone I had met networking. She is Ella from Organisation Unlimited and she exists to make her clients lives, both corporate and personal, more manageable by offering a wide range of PA and concierge services. She recognised that in order to look professional – she needed a professional headshot for her website and Linkedin profile. However, Ella’s problem was that one minute, she may be organising an event for Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, then the next minute, dropping items at the Post Office whilst helping busy people manage their domestic arrangements. Ella needed a number of different ‘looks’ depending on who she was dealing with. The solution was to use a location which offered a number of different backdrops which could be complimented by a quick change of wardrobe. The result was a range of images which showed ‘Professional Ella’ to ‘Down to Earth Ella’ to ‘Sassy Ella’ and everything in between. Ella now has a stock of professional headshots that she can use in different circumstances according to her varied audience. Which one is your favourite? I found it really hard to choose! If you are in need of a beautiful, natural headshot that you can be proud of, click here for more information of my bespoke headshot sessions.

Let’s Get Blogging, Tweeting And Posting With New Social Media Photos

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

In the crazy digital world we live in, I think we all realise now that it’s crucial for our business to be blogging, tweeting and posting on Facebook and Linkedin etc. So – we come up with something to talk about, but how do we best show it? Professional photos – that’s how! And that’s where I come in. I have worked with a number of different clients who have plenty of content, but no images to make their posts stand out from the crowd. This is exactly the issue that Kate from Kate Lovejoy Design had. Hers is a business based in Maidenhead which helps clients with both Residential and Commercial Interior Design help. She had plenty of happy clients with gorgeous rooms that she had helped create but nothing to show for it – she needed a library of social media photos. So Kate and I spent a day going from one beautiful place to another, taking wide angle room shots and picking out key design details which the average home owner just doesn’t have the ‘eye’ to create (but which Kate is fantastic at!). After 5 locations and many different rooms, Kate now has a set of over 200 website photos, social media photos and photos to be used in any other way she plans to market her business. Oh – and she also has a new headshot which we worked into the day too!

Website Headshots For New Skincare Brand

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT

I was contacted recently by 2 clients who were launching a new skincare brand, Daughter of the Soil. The brand is a natural skin care range using nutrient-rich botanicals of African heritage which is now being stocked on ‘Notonthehighstreet.com’. They wanted headshots which would support the feel of the brand whilst being natural and relaxed.I also wanted to capture the obvious natural connection that was palpable between the two clients. They planned on using them for their LinkedIn Headshot but also across various marketing materials. We spent a couple of hours with outfit changes, location changes and different poses. I hope you agree that their professional headshots reflect their personalities and the brand they are representing. You can see the finished result on their website here .

It’s Not Every Day You Get To Photograph A School Assembly In Westminster Abbey!

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMT

It’s not often that you get to take school website photos in Westminster Abbey! But that’s just what I got to do as part of a 3 day shoot for Westminster School. They were looking to update their school prospectus photos along with images they use in other media so I got to see the inside workings of one of the most prestigious schools in the UK. The pupils here get to walk in the footsteps of former Prime Ministers and walk across the school yard in the shadow of the Houses of Parliament. Monday mornings are spent in Westminster Abbey – not many pupils get to do that. Working in conjunction with Design agency, Maxx Design , we managed to provide over 500 natural, candid photographs of the students and teachers going about their everyday life. If your school needs website photos or prospectus photos, click here for more information about how I can help you.

Remembering The Fallen – Kings College School, Wimbledon

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMT

On a beautiful, sunny Autumn day, Kings College School Wimbledon hosted their annual Remembrance Day Parade and I had the privilege to photograph it. With pupils past and present, the names of ex Kings College students who fell in battle were read out. Wreaths were laid at the memorial from the Headmaster and staff, the cadet forces and The Old Kings Club. Then under a bright blue sky, one of the pupils signified a minute’s silence by playing The Last Post on the bugle. For more information on event photos, please click here .

It’s Back To School For Me…..To Take Website Photos In Hampshire

chris@digity.co.uk (Chris Lunn) — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 00:00:00 GMT

The perfect combination of when I use my background in marketing, my skill set of photographing children and working with businesses comes when I get asked to work with schools. This is usually for their website and prospectus photos, but also sometimes for building up a library of images to use for PR purposes, advertising and newsletters to parents. I did just that recently when I had the pleasure of spending two afternoons at beautiful Daneshill Prep School in rural Hampshire. It is a gorgeous family run school and the children were a joy to photograph. The weather was amazing and we had fun while the children did pond dipping, working with I-pads, playing cricket at break and some of the older children did kayaking at sailing. Here are just a few images from my time there – if you need to update your school website and prospectus photos, please get in touch with me on pennie@photosbypennie.co.uk .