Interview with illustrator Lizzie Vaughan-Knight
After a personal branding photography session we did at St Abbs back in December I caught up with Lizzie (The Tartan Trailburner) to ask some questions about her new illustration and art print/product business was going.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to set up your business?
I’ve been working as a tour guide around Scotland since 2017 and love showing off the stunning landscapes this country has to offer. When the pandemic hit I was unable to continue my job, so instead began making art inspired by Scotland. I have a passion for colourful landscapes and historic landmarks; and by sharing my artwork and stories through social media, I have been able to reach out to people who can't be here in person. When people began to engage with my work and ask about buying it, I saw an opportunity to grow it into a business. I now have an online shop selling prints, postcards, and original paintings worldwide.
So what does a typical workday look like for you?
There’s no such thing as a typical workday for me! The advantage of running a business from home is that I can fit it around my family life, but I’m still finding the balance. I love a checklist and try to carve out time for creative work and product photography early in the day while leaving admin tasks until the kids are in bed.
Which part of your work do you feel most passionate about?
Connecting with people around the world and helping them feel closer to Scotland is something I’m very passionate about. It’s humbling that people care about my artwork enough to bring it into their lives and put it up on their walls. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that feeling!
What tips would you give to someone starting out?
Ignore the self-doubt and just keep on going, you’ll pick things up as you go. Also, try not to compare yourself to other people's success; you don't know their whole story.
What is the best feedback you have ever had from a customer?
A customer recently left me a glowing 5-star review that ended with “Such an unusual design, I was pleased to find [the Scottish Kelpies], even if they do give me the willies”. It made me laugh out loud!
Who do you admire most in the world and why?
I admire anyone who uses their creative energy to inspire and motivate others. One example is the Good Ship Illustration crew led by Katie Chappell, Helen Stephens, and Tania Willis. They use their combined artistic experience to offer support and encouragement to creatives and I know I wouldn’t be making art every day if it wasn’t for them!
Where do you turn to for inspiration?
I love to get outdoors and draw from real life in my sketchbook, especially when my kids are with me. They never keep still and it forces me to be in the moment and draw without overthinking.
What are your future plans?
To keep creating! I am working on some exciting projects at the moment and can’t wait to see the finished result. The last year has been full of uncertainty yet opportunities have come along, so I’m going to keep going with the flow and see what happens.
Why did you commission the headshots?
One of my favourite things about small businesses is getting to know the person behind them and great photos help to tell that story. Sarah really understood what my brand is about and helped to create a visual narrative for my website and social media. I would absolutely recommend Pictorial Photography to anyone looking to strengthen their brand or to celebrate a landmark moment in their business or life; It’s great fun too!
Check out more of Lizzie’s work on etsy
Also, check out our Personal Branding photography service by clicking the button below.
5 Things to Consider before Hiring a Commercial Photographer
Cooperative funeralcare staff, friendly, approachable, professional
1) Insurance
Most professional photographers will have full liability insurance cover for commercial work but it is certainly worth checking with them how much this is for and that it is all up to date before you decide to hire them. Large businesses and most public sector companies require the cover to be at least £5 million for liability.
2) Contracts
A photography contract protects everyone from unexpected surprises as it allows you to understand in detail what you can anticipate from the photographer’s services and exactly what they expect from you. A contract can be provided by either side as long as both sides agree.
A good contract should include:
The anticipated start date of the contract or shoot date
A summary of what each party will deliver: what will be delivered and when by the photographer; the financial total, and payment schedule
A cancellation policy
Copyright ownership and transfer of use rights (permission to use the photographs for a fixed length of time is most common in commercial photography)
Details of property and model releases required
Liability limitations
Post-production, editing, file format, and expected turnaround time
Any extra fees
Co-op Funeralcare Vehicle Range
3) Photography brief
Create a really clear brief. Photographers are amazing in many ways but telepathy is not one of our superpowers. A good creative brief can save everyone a lot of time and ensure you get the very best out of your marketing budget. Outlining and giving as much information to your photographer on the brand, your buyer personas, target audience, project goals, and USP is invaluable. You get bonus points for including visuals (we are photographers after all).
I have created a detailed explanation of what to include in each section and a free photography brief template to help you out and get you started with this.
4) Model releases for commercial publication
A model release is a written form of permission allowing you to publish a person’s image online and in marketing materials without the worry of liability and licensing claims that may arise down the road.
Model releases are not just for ‘models’. Anyone who can be identified in photography used for commercial purposes should be asked for, and give, express written permission by way of filling in a model release form. Yes, that includes happy customers, passers-by in the public domain, your staff, and even your own family members.
Model releases are also needed to use a recognisable part of the person being photographed. (For example a tattoo, a scar, or even a silhouette of someone if they have a recognisable stance or posture.)
Property releases may be required from a property owner if land or property is recognisable in the photography.
Unfortunately, putting a post on social media and sticking signage up to tell people that photography is taking place is not enough; although it is a good idea to make people aware of what is going on on the day.
An impressive fleet
5) Child models
If you are paying professional child models from a modelling agency to be in the photographs, take into consideration that you will need a chaperone to be available and extra time before the shoot to acquire a performance licence approved by the council where the child resides, even if the work is out of school hours.
Every council seems to be different in how they handle these requests but in my experience, the turnaround time is never less than a fortnight and the paperwork and evidence required can be extensive. For more information on child employment permits see here: https://www.gov.uk/child-employment/restrictions-on-child-employment
Funeral home interior
Please be aware that the information provided by this blog is subject to change. We recommend that you do not take any information held within as a definitive guide to the law or the relevant matter being discussed. You are advised to seek legal or professional advice where necessary rather than relying on the content supplied by the author of this blog.
Due to the nature of the matters discussed on this blog, the information contained within it and any pages linked to it are clearly subject to change, without warning. The law, regulations and other forms of legal governance are constantly changing and adapting to meet the needs of the modern world and it is impossible to comprehensively detail the nature of such within the confines of a blog in a concise, up-to-date manner.
Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions about the free photography brief template.
How to Prepare your Holiday Let for Stress Free Interior Photography
The Drawing Office, Berwick
I have worked with hundreds of holiday let owners in Northumberland and The Scottish Borders over the years. Growing up, my mum always had holiday accommodation in Berwick and recently my husband and I renovated the floor above my photography studio so now I even own a holiday apartment. This means that I have a really good understanding of the local tourism business and how I can make life easier for holiday accommodation owners when photographing their holiday lets in a way that fully showcases them.
There’s no need to stress about a photoshoot! The most important thing is to make sure the holiday let looks exactly as it would be when your guests arrive.
Other tips would be:
Turn on all the lights and lamps before the shoot
Have the bed(s) made and ready with clean sheets
Make sure the windows are clean on both the inside and the outside
Close all toilet sets and use fluffy towels on any handrails
If there are any thank you gifts you will regularly be giving to holidaymakers, buy some wine or flowers in advance
Before every shoot, I schedule a consultation call to ensure that we get the best results possible from the session. If like me, you like to be well prepared in advance you can download my property photography prep checklist below for free.
Ideally, you would be there for the photography but if you can't be around I can arrange key collection and get on with your photography with minimum fuss, saving you time away from your busy schedule.
Starting with me taking a short walk around the local area can provide you with a multitude of photos to choose from which will give prospective holidaymakers a feel of the sights and attractions they can expect to enjoy when they visit your place.
So, if you would like to make a huge improvement to your bookings this year my product photography package deal is perfect for holiday cottages, guest houses and hotels.
Or why not book a call?
Written by Sarah
Why You Need a Website for Your Holiday Let
This is The Summerhouse, a newly renovated cottage on a Scottish Borders estate. It has an idyllic lakeside location and is perfect for glorious walks so, of course, I had to take a lovely walk to get some of the photos.
It has a delightful and secluded garden overlooking the lake as well as a private access road and parking immediately outside. A perfect family retreat with total peace and tranquillity!
I photographed the holiday cottage just as it was being finished and I am delighted to see that the accommodation has already had loads of bookings for this year. I think the owners may be putting The Summerhouse on other third-party websites, but they do have their own website https://www.summerhousestays.co.uk.
Having your own website for holiday lets is a great idea because you pay no commission on the bookings you receive. Commission on booking sites can be as high as 22% so it is always worth taking your own bookings where possible.
You would also have more control over what your website says and how it looks so you can include as many pictures or stories about the property as you would like without hitting a character limit.
“Sarah has done photos for us for two holiday cottages and for my professional website.
Sarah is a great photographer and a lovely person to work with. She works to a high standard, always supplying well-crafted, lucid and perceptive photos that work really well. She has an eye for unusual angles and details that give her photos extra character. And she is a very approachable person to work with, always ready to go the extra mile (literally!) and very reliable. She is flexible in arranging appointments and prompt in producing work. Definitely our first choice and I would thoroughly recommend her.”
Thinking about having your holiday let professionally photographed, but still have questions? Book a call to discuss what photography would best help you and your business.
Written by Sarah
How to Write a Brilliant Commercial Photography Brief
I’ve seen loads of commercial photography briefs: good ones, great ones, and some bad ones. Drawing on experience, I’m going to offer some tips and advice for preparing one that will really make the most of your session.
So you might be wondering why do you need to give your photographer a brief? Or what is a creative brief? It might help if I explain what a photography brief is first.
A creative brief is a summary of requirements and agreements between the client and the photographer. It should list facts and other details to give an overall view of the plan and project. A good photography brief will help your photographer understand your brand and target market. It will demonstrate how the photographs are going to be used and set out basics like time, location, budget, and file delivery. A great brief can save a huge amount of time and ensure the success and effectiveness of your shoot, campaign, or project.
Allocating a marketing campaign budget can be stressful but writing a brief will ensure you get the best out of the creative element and maximise your return on investment in terms of your photographer’s time and creativity.
Address and Postcode of Venue/Location of Shoot
If the location is outside, include details of a backup location somewhere undercover or inside. Make sure you include a postcode and attach a google maps link or quick sketch of the location for bonus points!
Date, Time and Schedule
For larger and more complex projects, a schedule or timetable can save a lot of time. For example, if a large team are having portraits taken they can each have their own allotted time to arrive; not only will the team feel happier, but it ensures the photographs will turn out better as they won’t have to stand in line and feel embarrassed in front of others. Everything will run smoothly and you will look super efficient!
Target Audience
Identify who the photographs are aimed at or who the target viewers are. Knowing the kind of audience a project is expected to have will help your photographer come up with creative ideas that suit the interests of those people.
Brand Info
Unless you have used the photographer before, assume that they know nothing about the brand. Include brand colour info, brand guidelines, logos, ethos etc - every detail helps!
Objective / Project Goals
What should the audience see, feel, or do the first time they see the photographs? Do you want them to feel inspired to take action? Identify clear goals for the project. What problem is the overall project trying to solve?
Usage
List what the images are going to be used for. Think about: different social media platforms; whether any will be used for PR, on the company website or in your brochures, or on billboards. Specify which media the photographs are to be used in, and the length of exposure (how long the photos will be on the internet).
Format
Do any of the shots need to be in landscape or portrait orientation? Would square or a mixture of formats be more useful?
Examples
Include previous photo examples of what has worked well in the past. If you don’t have many good existing photographs already, you could send something like a Pinterest board of the style of images you like that would work for your project. Bad examples can be useful (but not as useful as the good examples) - if you are including bad examples, don’t get them mixed up!
Shot List
If this is not clear from the objective/project goals section, think about photographs that will be really useful to have. What is lacking in your portfolio? Look through the company website and think about your scheduled social media posts. Are there any that could do with a better photograph? Check through the printed literature for ideas of what could be improved on or what is lacking or needs to be changed before the next print run.
Models and Roles
List who will be in the photographs. Sometimes it makes sense to combine models and roles with your shot list.
Model releases are always required if using people, paid staff or otherwise. Some companies prefer to design their own model release documentation; here is a very detailed one from The Royal Photographic Society. There are also some really good mobile apps available for model releases. It is a good idea to have your model releases filled in and signed in advance of the shoot, if possible, as it will save a lot of time on the day.
If you are using company staff in the photographs, give them plenty of notice; no one likes to have this sprung on them the morning of a shoot. Make sure uniforms are smart and complete and find out if any safety equipment is required for a job (and therefore needs to be worn by staff in the photographs). If that is the case, make sure the equipment is available for them and let the photographer know it needs to be worn.
Other Useful Info
This section hugely varies from company to company and from shoot to shoot but can include things like available lighting, equipment, props, if rooms have been booked, parking, health and safety, PPE equipment required, the site passes, meal arrangements, location permission, or special rules of the location.
Delivery
If you have deadlines that need to be met, this is the time to say!
List preferred methods of file delivery. If you are unsure, check whether your office firewall will allow services like ‘We Transfer’ or ‘Drop Box’. If not, you will probably require a USB memory stick which can take longer, especially if it needs to be posted out, so take this into consideration with your deadlines.
Jpeg is the industry standard for the file format. Let your photographer know if you or your designer need another file type.
Think about end-use. You could save some time by asking your photographer to deliver high resolution and web resolution (at a specified file size for your website or preferred social media platform). They will have software to quickly and easily batch-process the images ready for you to use. Consider asking for ‘letterbox images’ (wide but not tall) for banners or ads; or some photos specifically in square format for Instagram. Just let them know what you might need. You can find out sizes from your web designer and the help pages on your chosen social media platform.
Payment and Rights
Detail the agreed payment and where the invoice needs to be sent. State any purchase order or other info that needs to be included. This saves a lot of time emailing back and forth after the shoot.
If you have agreed on special rights, release, copyright, or exclusivity this should be noted here to ensure that everybody is on the same page.
Contact Details
It’s important for everyone to have team members’ details in case of unforeseen delays and last-minute changes to the plan.
Call your photographer after sending them the brief to discuss ideas before the commission. They may have experience in similar shoots and could have some really useful knowledge that could save you a lot of time and money.
Template
Download the free sample template below and use the explanations above to build a well-rounded photography brief for your next project or campaign. Remember to keep it as short as possible (2 pages max) but include as much information as you can.
Written by Sarah
I couldn't have done this without you ❤️
In December I photographed a family of 5, aged 20’ something cousins for their beloved granny who hadn’t seen them all year. They wanted to re-create a photograph that sits on her mantlepiece from when they were young children.
I recognised the family name when they booked and through talking to them realised that I took the actual photograph that I was being asked to recreate (how old do I feel?!).
I remember the original photograph I took on the lovely red Laura Ashley sofa in the living room. I remember the children playing on the trampoline in the garden. I remember them giggling, clambering over the sofa, and trying to get them to sit and look (still not easy with 5 young children).
The session stuck in my mind as it was my first commissioned family location session for someone I didn’t know. They didn’t realise but it was a very special session for me - to know that people actually wanted to book and pay for what I was offering.
Pictorial Photography turns 20 years old this month. It has grown and evolved and become even more wonderful, just like those young adults I photographed in December.
I couldn’t have done any of this without you guys so to celebrate the 20th birthday, I’ve decided to pay it forward (or is it backward?) this year with 20 exciting surprises for clients past and present. Watch this space!
6 Unique Ways to Improve your Festive Family Photos, Without Any Tears!
6 Unique Ways to Improve your Festive Family Photos, Without Any Tears!
The festive season is an incredibly important time of year so here are a few quick ideas with tips on taking better festive photos that will give you a set of unique and heart warming family memories for you to treasure.
1) Timing
Whether you are out and about at a fair or at home celebrating with close or extended family, group photos are usually taken at the end of the day when everyone is looking their worst. For a more polished shot, take it earlier in the day, when everyone has arrived and is looking their best! Be sure to make there is enough daylight in the room too.
Think about special family relationships; the bond grandparents have with their grandchildren can be such a special thing but can be quite tricky to photograph. Catch them naturally rather than posing them.
2) Continuous shots
One of the best ways to avoid the problem of everyone moving in a shot is to take multiple photos quickly. If you have an iPhone, use ’burst mode’ when taking photos of people and take short bursts of shots. The first shot is often no good but the one or two directly after it often give a group that looks a little less posed and more relaxed.
To use burst mode on an iPhone:
Launch the camera app from your iPhone or iPad's Home screen.
Hold down the Shutter button or Volume button to take a burst of pictures.
iOS will automatically choose the best photos from the burst. If you don't like the photos it chooses, you can choose your own.
Just keep your finger on the white 'shutter' button
3) Go outdoors
If you don't feel that your house has the space for everyone, take your camera or phone outdoors for a lovely, wrapped-up family walk; but remember the sun goes down before 4pm in December in the UK so make sure you go out before sunset!
4) Smile
Yes, you should smile! There’s nothing worse than a grumpy stressed person taking your photos. Have fun and enjoy the process of getting shots and you’ll find everyone else will too.
5) Be present in photos
Make sure you hand the camera or phone over to someone else and encourage them to take some shots, especially the natural ones, make sure you are in some of the photos with your children too!
6) Celebrate key moments
Celebrate moments like the first time your children help by decorating. Use simple prompts like “How high can you reach?” or “Point me to your favourite decoration?” This will make the photos look much more natural and less ‘posed’ as they have their focus on something new or interesting. Ask them to tell a festive story and capture the joy on their face!
And from Pictorial Photography, have a very Happy Holiday season!
How I Adapted Business to Survive the Lockdown
After a bewildering two-thirds of the days in March when about 95% of my upcoming photography work was cancelled or postponed, I spent a few weeks processing my feelings and figuring out a way forward.
Knowing that I needed to stay creative, I tried photographing local business heroes in a ‘Lockdown Workers’ project; you can see this work here. I loved interacting with the independent shopkeepers and workers but as it was me contacting everyone, explaining the idea, and arranging the shoots it turned out quite tricky. Everyone who was working was just so busy!
One of the things I was most gutted about missing were the family portraits in the summer. I love providing clients with beautiful portraits for their homes and it was breaking my heart to think that this wouldn’t be happening this year. I saw some photographers in the US were offering ‘front porch portraits’ and that it was catching on over here so I decided to put it up as a digital product on my website and see what happened. The doorstep portraits were also a way of raising money to support Paxton House, where I shoot a lot of my summer portraits.
The uptake was overwhelming; families wanted a reminder of this special time together, even though there were no hairdressers available!
What was most remarkable though were all the stories. People had more time to chat so I heard about missed weddings, holidays, brand new babies born, being ‘locked down with gran’, and all the different work situations.
I think the pandemic has made everyone slow down, reflect, and appreciate their loved ones even more.
Also, check it out - so many pets! The rabbits, the cats, the neighbour’s cats, the ferrets, and of course the dogs. (Spot the couple with 7!)
A lot of businesses are still suffering, it’s been a long year and I hope friends and colleagues in weddings, events, and entertainment can make it through. Stay creative, stay positive, and stay healthy x
2020 Vision Project: A Tribute to the Heroes of the Covid-19 Pandemic
Jeremy Evans GP
I was delighted to have been chosen as one of the photographers to take part in this UK-wide project creating a tribute to honour the NHS workers and heroes of the Covid-19 pandemic.
My brief included showing the individuals ‘behind the mask’ so after a bit of research, I found 2 NHS workers who also choose to save lives in their spare time. Jeremy and Claire both work for NHS and volunteer for the RNLI which is an essential service for those who live on the coast.
I am now able to share some of the work that I created as part of the ‘2020 Vision Project’ as their 'Behind The Mask' showcase exhibition was held in London at the weekend.
Claire Mabon Ward Clerk
58 Berwick People Working Hard Throughout the Pandemic
Lockdown Workers Project
32 portraits in one day highlighting Independent businesses in Berwick upon Tweed. We appreciate you!
Voices from Berwick-upon-Tweed During Lockdown
Alongside these portraits, I asked people working throughout lockdown to share a few words about what life looked like behind the scenes. Their responses are kept here exactly as they were said — a small record of working life in Berwick-upon-Tweed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Northern Soul Kitchen
Visit Northern Soul on Instagram
“We put a post out last night, the food parcels have gone mad!”
Fortes – celebrating 100 years
“We’ve never shut, we’re going to be 100 next year and want to say thanks to our loyal customers.”
Well Hung and Tender
“It’s all done by cashless, contactless delivery now.”
— Sarah Macpherson
Castlegate Pharmacy
“This is our claim to fame now, the 2-metre rule.”
Dulux Paint Centre
“We’re really happy that we’ve kept everyone busy.”
— Katrina Fenwick & Amy Thompson
SJM Equestrian
“Everyone has been getting their rugs washed and I’ve been driving around the beautiful countryside delivering feed.”
— Steph
(Salon / Hair & Beauty Team)
“Thanks to the clients for their support and understanding at this difficult time.”
— Helen, Ageta, Kirsty, Lauren, Gillian, Mel & Natalie
(Decorator / Trades)
“We’ve been decorating along with everything else.”
City Electrical Factors
“We’ve helped the NHS and factories throughout lockdown.”
— Stan
Ace Convenience Store
Karolina Anolrejczek
The Green Shop, Bridge Street
“I love working here, I just love it.”
— Andrew (and Kyle)
You’ve Pulled
“Sunday’s have been great, we’ve been delivering Yorkshire’s.”
Silvery Tweed Cereals
“Sales are up 22% compared to normal levels.”
— Bob Gladstone
Savers
“I’ve got the hand sanitiser.”
Taxi
“It’s hard to social distance in a cab.”
Gaming Shop
“We’re doing work inside to get ready for re-opening.”
Castlegate Pharmacy
“It’s business as usual here but the patients have been so appreciative.”
— Susan, Stuart & Alison
Magna Tandoori
“25% discount for NHS workers and free meals for the elderly and vulnerable who are self-isolating, for all of May.”
— The Khan Family
“Nothing will work unless you do.”
Have I missed anyone? Let me know in the comments :)
A Great Blend of PR, Headshots, and Product Photography for Innovative Local Firm, Silvery Tweed Cereals
Over the last few years, we have completed quite a variety of photography work for Silvery Tweed Cereals, from Headshots of lab technicians and managers to new machinery and facilities, and large fleet vehicles.
We have also covered events and charitable activities for STC who have been celebrating their 175th anniversary. One event that sticks in my mind was a great summer fete for their staff. The fete raised £1500 which was donated to local charities; Berwick Lifeboats, Berwickshire Riders for the Disabled Association, The Grove School, and Berwick Cancer Cars.
Another charitable activity we covered was the new ‘Silvery Tweed Technical Centre’ at Berwick Middle School. STC funded a school kitchen refurbishment, which included six new ovens, pasta machines, a barbecue, UV bacteria lights, chopping boards and utensils, nutritional analysis software, as well as a new lighting system and painting. https://www.silverytweedcereals.co.uk/News-and-Updates/
More recently we completed a project with Silvery Tweed and Fords the Bakers who tested out 6 new blends for artisan bread. You can read about it here on the blog, or on British Baker Magazine or in the local press, Northumberland Gazette.
These are the beautiful breads made from the blends by Fords the Bakers. I spent an afternoon photographing the loaves of bread in the studio with technicians from STC. These photos will be used: to advertise the new blends; as product photography for their brochures and website; and in sales catalogs.
Winter Family Session at Home on the Farm
Winter Family Session at Home on the Farm
It’s not easy photographing a family with a new baby who’s under the weather and with two little ones running around; gee whizz that boy can run!
So Carly and I decided that this would be a very quick session at their farmhouse. Luckily Carly had purchased some gorgeous outfits for them all to wear over the festive period and she had followed my ‘what to wear’ email! No clothing changes were needed when I got there which really helped everyone stay camera ready.
Carly needed just a couple of nice family photographs to send to extended family over Christmas.
Grandpa had specially requested a family photograph for his Christmas gift. It was the only present he wanted; no pressure then! They live in the old family home so hopefully using the front door would mean something extra special to him.
We were running very close to the Christmas print deadlines, so we decided it would be much easier to make an online gallery for Carly to order from. Having to arrange childcare and coming into the studio for a ‘view and choose’ session would have been difficult at such a busy time of year and would have made the process of getting prints take longer.
The online gallery option is available on request. Web galleries are usually used by customers who live far away from Berwick or have family further afield or for people who have portraits taken when they are holidaying in the area and head home before I have had time to process the photographs for viewing.
Written by Sarah
Maternity: White Studio Session
I’ve been photographing pregnant ladies for over 12 years now and this has got to be one of my favourite sessions to date. I’m absolutely loving the white (fake) studio window, the light it gives is so flattering, it feels like we are in a posh hotel room with bright Mediterranean sunshine streaming through, even on a gloomy rainy day in Berwick!
Rachel brought in her husband’s favourite white shirt and wore some simple white lingerie, this was a very quick session to document her baby bump.
Photographs published with express written permission.
Written by Sarah
White Studio Sessions: Timeless Beauty and Emotion
The studio has been adapted for our White Studio Sessions. A simple and timeless look featuring a soft and flattering false window light (which means that these sessions are available regardless of the weather or time of day).
The White Studio Sessions are ideal for capturing milestones between pregnancy to around age 4. I use delicate muted textures in the set and advise you to dress simply in white or cream clothing to ensure all the focus is on baby and you, not on your outfit choices.
These sessions are made to tell a story and capture the beauty and emotion between the baby and you. I can also capture siblings together or the family in the White Studio.
Outfit planning
White Studio outfit planning is really easy, we recommend a combination of whites, creams and beiges as colours can be distracting.
Coordinate everything as if you were choosing one outfit.
Textures are sooooo goood.
Make changing easy. Changing a child’s full outfit is not recommended; however, quickly changing a top is fine.
Make sure nail-coloured varnish is removed before the shoot (toes and fingers), a fresh french polish or similar for mum is fine.
Simple is timeless.
9 Easy Peasy Tips for Non-Cringy Conference Calls
How to Stop Cringing through your FaceTime, Zoom, Google Hangouts and Skype Team Calls
Whether you are working from home and chatting with your colleagues, doing professional client meetings, or just meeting up in Houseparty with friends, I have a few simple and easy tips to help you look and feel your best on screen for little or no cost.
You might be wondering with all that is going on in the world right now, is looking your best on camera really so important? Well, I think it is and, especially for work, if you look and feel your best you will feel confident and perform at your best.
Just a few small tweaks can give you that confidence and you will no longer be distracted by that little awkward thumbnail in the corner with your face on.
Light: The most important thing is light. Natural light is always best so try to schedule your calls during the day and have the window in front of you (behind the camera). Switch off room lights as they can create a colour cast which is that awful yellow glow lights give.
Evening Calls: If there is no natural light available, you can use small LED lights or buy a cheap desktop ‘ring light’ from Amazon for around £20.
If you are working from a desktop PC, a free alternative is to turn up the screen brightness to full and make your desktop background white then shrink the video call window and place it in the middle of your screen. This will act like a big white light right in front of you!
Plain white desktop picture with brightness up
Normal desktop picture
Filters/Make-up: There are filters on video apps but they can make you look fake, blurry or like a potato! It’s more professional and honest to just look naturally well-lit and like yourself. If you don’t want to look tired, make-up is recommended. You can wear more make-up on camera than you usually would for a meeting as it doesn’t show up as much as in real life; blusher or bronzer are good as they give a warm and healthy look.
I’m no expert on make-up, so I spoke to Jenny Ross, a professional make-up artist. She said: “A touch of concealer under the eyes and on the lid will waken up the eye if it’s been a long day, then just some mascara to open up the eyes. Lip balms are great for just adding a soft sheen to the lips without it looking like you’ve gone overboard with makeup but still need some hydration on your lips. Warm up the face with bronzer on the cheeks and forehead. Powder any shiny bits if you are using lighting in the evening. A tiny bit of pressed or loose powder will do for the nose, cheeks, and forehead.”
Wardrobe: Wear what you would normally wear to meet your client, colleagues, employer or friends. Unfussy collars, block colours and large print work well. Small patterns or checks can make the camera go fuzzy so it’s best to avoid those. When the warmer weather starts, be sure to avoid strapless tops as you run the risk of looking naked on camera!
Camera Position: If you are using a laptop, pop it on a stand or use some books as you will find the angle unflattering. I’m sure you don’t want clients looking up your nose! Desktop PCs usually have a good camera position. If you are using a mobile phone, try and prop it up at slightly above eye-level height. A small mobile tripod or clamp can help since hand-holding causes camera movement which can be distracting to the viewer and will get tiresome for your arm very quickly.
Orientation: Phone users tend to use portrait orientation and PC or laptop users tend to use landscape orientation. Look at what the others on your call screen are using, and if you are on a phone when everyone is on a desktop, think about turning the phone to the side to fit in with the rest. Most people will be new to this so don’t worry about changing it up; practice makes perfect.
Distance: Think about how far away you would usually sit from a client or friend. Too close to the camera feels over-familiar and uncomfortable but too far away is distracting and can affect your audio.
Background: Your background will depend on where in the room you are positioned for the best light. Declutter your background as much as possible; less is more. Make sure nothing is moving behind you (like a fan) and close doors to deter pets and children from entering and running around behind you.
One last thought; make sure you are not too far away from your internet router. After all this set up, the last thing you would want is for the call to drop out.
That’s it! 9 top tips for non-cringe video calls. Please let me know in the comments below which of these tips has helped you the most. Enjoy your chats!
Written by Sarah