PR Photography for The Railway Man Premiere at The Maltings, Berwick upon Tweed
The Railway Man Premiere PR Photography
I was honoured to do some PR photography for The Maltings Theatre and Cinema in Berwick where The Railway Man film (starring Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman) was premiered.
The premiere was hosted by The Maltings and was a very special event for Berwick town; the venue was chosen as it was near the writer Eric Lomax’s home but we don’t usually get celebs around here!
I enjoyed the film and seeing parts of Berwick in it and I thought the book was exceptional. I’m glad I read the book before seeing the movie.
Headshots for Carol from SPEAK
Carol and I met at a wedding fayre in Kelso earlier this year. I was fascinated by her zesty stand which featured a massive bowl of bright, fresh lemons. Her stand was for SPEAK which offers professional workshops for individuals (including best men, fathers of the bride, and grooms!) who want or need to successfully present themselves.
I chose to attend one of the workshops myself as public speaking is something I have had trouble with. This might seem rather strange to those of you who have attended a wedding I've photographed as you will know that I don't have any problem in standing up to direct a group of 200+ wedding guests into a group. I guess it only overcomes me during 'set' presentations. I think it all started at university; I'd stand up to do a talk and my knees would start to wobble. This would then move up my body to my hands, shaking the notes, eventually, even my jaw would start to shake making my voice wobble. So embarrassing!
Carol was brilliant! Her experience and knowledge shine. She taught me how to express my ideas and to give information in a really clear way. I'm actually looking forward to putting my new techniques and presentation into practice which is something I thought I would never want to do again.
Here are some photographs from a portrait shoot Carol commissioned. The photographs will be used for advertising and promotion for the new SPEAK website and in publications featuring SPEAK.
“Thank-you. You take a good photo whether indoors or out, even though I was tired on the day. You capture my animated enthusiasm in a ‘thoughtful’ context. You have real talent and wonderful eye.”
Do you have trouble talking in public? Visit http://speak.uk.com/ for more information on the workshops with Carol, I'm highly recommending them (in case you hadn't realised).
Written by Sarah
Rooms and Gourmet Food at Redhall Cottage Restaurant in Eyemouth
Rooms and Gourmet Food at Redhall Cottage Restaurant in Eyemouth
Redhall Cottage Restaurant was having its old website updated by Northern Lab and needed new photographs of the interior and exterior as well as some shots to showcase the mouth-watering food that they offer. I got to taste the dishes after the shoot and I must say the food was delicious!
Check out Northern Labs and Redhall Cottage’s new website via the links below!
Written by Sarah
Home Visit to Baby Wren and Mum at 11 Days Old, New-born Photography
Baby Wren is 11 days old today, she has the most beautiful eyes and a cheeky little smirk, I can see that she is going to have a lot of personality already, and with two older brothers, she's going to need it!
Wren was wide awake for the shoot (which was a very quick shoot) but I think it worked well for her.
Those first few days go so quickly, and you seem to walk around in such a daze, it's hard to remember now but I'm so glad to have those early photographs of my babies to look back on.
Berwick Library Children's Trip to Heatherslaw Railway
To celebrate Bookstart, Berwick Library's Dianne Wright organised a 'Wheels on the Bus Trail' to Heatherslaw Light Railway with a picnic and fun day with local services at Etal Village Hall. The day was to promote rhymes, communication and family learning through ECAT.
Dianne Wright, Berwick Library 01289 334051
Allan Brothers Ltd. Bi-Centenary Supplement for The Berwick Advertiser
Working with HOME strategic at Allan Bros Ltd, Berwick to create images that will illustrate a 12 page supplement commissioned about their Bi-Centenary year to go out in the Tweeddale Press newspapers this summer.
The images were shot over several days and involved some interesting projects and topics. Apart from being in the factory shooting key staff and interiors and meeting 2 of the joinerettes who took over working in the factory during the war. I was sent out to Berwick Fire Station and RNLI station to photograph staff who give their time to these roles and are supported by their work. I went out to Horncliffe and Berwick to photograph the home's the Allan Brothers lived in, I even visited the grave stones!
I have to say though, the highlight for me was going up high in a caged fork lift for the large group shot outside head office, that beats a ladder hands down!
'Allan Brothers, based in Berwick-Upon-Tweed, celebrates its bi-centenary this year and is a name still synonymous with the manufacture of quality timber windows and doors for customers throughout the UK."We are a 21st-century company but with a heritage we are proud of," says managing director Jan Ehlers Lonstrup. "Windows represent a major investment and we offer the right solutions for our customers who are looking for craftsmanship, sustainability, security and a supplier they can trust and have confidence in."While Allan Brothers have designed and manufactured traditional sash windows for many years, their latest designs incorporate modern thinking and technology coupled with traditional styling."We are an action-oriented group with a strong consumer focus," says Jan. "Everyone we communicate with, independent of their professional role, is a consumer and it's that consumer we choose to talk to"
David Wightman Artist - Fellow of Berwick's Gymnasium Gallery
I photographed some artwork by David Wightman who is a fellow at Berwick's Gymnasium Gallery. The detailed and fascinating landscape image shown consists of collaged wallpaper on canvas.
The painting was lit in the studio with flash to accurately record the colours for large scale reproduction and use in brocures and online.
For information on David’s work please visit http://www.davidwightman.net/index.html
Farm Workers and Family Christmas Fireworks Party at Cranshaws near Duns
Farm Workers and Family Christmas Fireworks Party at Cranshaws near Duns
An exciting and technically challenging night at a rainy staff fireworks display and coloured bonfire disco night at a farm in Cranshaws near Duns.
It was extremely cold and wet. I was up to the ankles in mud. It was extremely dark… so it was a bit of a challenge for the photography but with a few little tricks we turned out some creative and exciting imagery. The local chippy delivered about 50 portions of fish and chips and there were some really yummy brownies on offer which obviously helped with the photo-taking. Everyone had a brilliant time and luckily the rain didn't spoil the fun!
Fireworks and blue/green bonfire by http://www.aurorafireworks.co.uk/
Written by Sarah
Natural Daylight and Ventilation Domes used at The New Tesco Building in Berwick
Natural Daylight and Ventilation Domes used at The New Tesco Building in Berwick
Shooting for Tesco and Passivent's PR company to illustrate the natural daylight and ventilation domes being used at the new Tesco Building in Berwick.
I took a photograph of the office inside Tesco and shot it using only the natural light coming in from outside.
Mini Shoots
What should I wear? What do we need to bring? It is important to wear what reflects who you actually are, we want you to feel comfortable.
I only need one photograph, can you do that? To give the best possible quality and choice I take lots of photographs and select the best, however yes you can purchase one from the bunch.
What if my children are naughty or shy? I expect nothing else! As a mother I completely understand, sometimes a bit of mischief can make great photographs so don’t worry, I know every trick in the book to get a giggle and a few shots that will make your heart sing!
What if I need to reschedule? To reschedule a session or ordering appointment, please give us at least 24 hours advance notice.
Extended family are welcome if you would like to share the cost.
We can only be available for a shoot on a weekend but you only seem to have weekday availability? Weekend slots are snapped up very quickly so weekday slots quickly become our only available time slots.
Headshots
Frequently asked questions about our business headshot sessions.
How much does a headshot cost?
What is included?
I only need one picture - can you do this?
What if there are lots of us?
Why should I have professional headshots taken?
Why should I choose you for headshots?
Where does the shoot take place?
What should I wear?
Can I have my hair and make up done beforehand?
How long does it take?
What happens afterwards?
Will you airbrush me?
Why cant I see all the photographs you took at the shoot?
I need a profile picture but I hate having my picture taken!
How can I use the photographs?
How do I book?
Family Portrait Sessions
Frequently asked questions about family location sessions.
How much does a location session cost? Our session fee is £75 we usually work within 35 miles of Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Are there any prints included with my session?
We don't live locally, can you travel to us for our session? We can go further afield if you have a specific location in mind - just get in touch for a quote.
I only need one photograph, can you do that? To give the best possible quality and choice I take lots of photographs and select the best, however yes you can purchase one from the bunch.
I only want digital images to print myself, can you do this?
Do you only work outdoors?
What if the weather is bad? Heavy rain or high winds put a stop to an outdoor shoot, if the forecast is bad we will be in touch before the shoot to discuss other options - this may mean changing the time of the shoot or rescheduling to another suitable day.
Do you do newborn posing? No, I prefer babies to look natural and unposed - if you have something specific in mind I can recommend some great photographers who specialise in this type of newborn posing, best left to the experts!
Where will we go for our session?
What if my children are naughty or shy? I expect nothing else! As a mother I completely understand, sometimes a bit of mischief can make great photographs so don’t worry, I know every trick in the book to get a giggle and a few shots that will make your heart sing!
We don't live locally, can you travel to us for our session?
Can you fix spotty/dry skin?
How many photographs do you take?
I don't like my photo taken, can you just take photographs of the children?
How do we view our photographs?
Why can't we view our photographs online?
Can I pay in instalments?
What should I wear? What do we need to bring? It is important to wear what reflects who you actually are, we want you to feel comfortable.
Can I share the cost and invite extended family along? Extended family are welcome if you would like to share the cost.
We can only make weekends, how do we book?
We can only be available for a shoot on a weekend but you only seem to have weekday availability? Weekend slots are snapped up very quickly so weekday slots quickly become our only available time slots.
What if I need to reschedule? To reschedule a session or ordering appointment, please give us at least 24 hours advance notice.
Product and price guide download?
High End Scottish Tartan Fire Bellows on The Coast
High-End Scottish Tartan Fire Bellows on The Coast
Today was a great day to photograph some top-quality tartan fire bellows. Ruth, the maker, was looking to create a strong theme to reflect these unique products so there was nothing else for it but to use the beautiful natural environment which surrounds us as a backdrop.
We started the shoot in the countryside. However, after a brief but slightly scary encounter with a large herd of cows and some barbed wire, we retreated to the calm of the coast.
We also shot some exotic skin bellows and hair on hide bellows. The fabric and natural photography give these traditional products and their marketing a contemporary twist which must be working well because Ruth has recently had some fantastic press and PR in magazines such as House and Garden, Country Life, Living North, and Scottish Field, mostly featuring my photography.
Ruth is mad but in a fun kind of way. She has amazing creative ideas and we had a great time working together, bouncing ideas around and drinking cups of tea.
People have been nagging her to put a portrait of herself on her website as she makes all the bellows herself. Reluctantly she obliged and after a lot of giggling, I think you'll agree we got a lovely natural shot of her.
Check out Ruth’s website www.firebellows.co.uk for more information or to purchase one of these fine objects.
Written by Sarah
Thurston Manor Publicity Photo Shoot
Thurston Manor Publicity Photo Shoot
Over 2 days I photographed this vast 5-star holiday park's fantastic array of facilities which include a freshwater fishing lake, gym, swimming pool, entertainment lounges, restaurant, lodge interiors, holiday homes, and caravans.
These photographs are to be used for national press advertising for the park and also in future brochures and on their website.
Having worked in the past at the head office of Parkdean Holidays in Newcastle I had a good understanding and insight as to what Dunham Leisure required from me on this shoot.
Follow the link below to visit their website!
Written by Sarah
PR Photograph of Aitken Walker, Duns for a Trade Magazine feature on Jet Garages
PR Photograph of Aitken Walker, Duns for a Trade Magazine feature on Jet Garages
A commercial commission from ProvaPR and Jet Service Stations for a trade media article based on the Duns firm Aitken-Walker Cars and their new Jet garage.
The first is a more dynamic magazine image with a moody sky (that's photographer speak for a gloomy day!) leaving space for headings and the second image is a more traditional newspaper article-type photograph. I leave the choices to the PR company.
Thanks to Graham and his wife for taking time out of their busy day and braving the drizzle and thank you to Emma at ProvaPR for organising the shoot at the last minute.
Written by Sarah