Exploring Mill Pond Flower Farm: and A Journey into The Business Of Selling Flowers
I had the amazing opportunity to visit Mill Pond Flower Farm in Foulden, not far from Berwick but just over the border in Scotland. The flower farm, run by Paula Baxter is also the home of The Business Of Selling Flowers run by Paula, and two other dedicated, full-time flower farmers named Carol and Claire, who live elsewhere in the UK but the three come together now and again to help each other out and to discuss their work and have a photoshoot together. Join me as we delve into this charming farm, discover their online courses, and get to know the passionate individuals behind it all.
Mill Pond Flower Farm captivates me with its rustic beauty. The picturesque farm, with views of the Cheviots, offers a tranquil haven for flower enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Empowering Flower Farmers Through their online courses, Carol, Paula, and Claire's joint venture, The Business Of Selling Flowers, equips flower farmers and sellers with essential knowledge. They offer eight practical and comprehensive courses that cover topics like pricing, profit, selling, and the art of growing flowers. These courses empower individuals to become successful and profitable flower growers.
During my visit, I shared a memorable and lighthearted moment with Carol, Paula, and Claire. As I photographed them for their website and social media, they playfully turned the tables and captured behind-the-scenes shots of me. This experience shows their friendly nature and their desire to authentically represent their work.
Mill Pond Flower Farm, along with The Business Of Selling Flowers, brings together the beauty of nature and the entrepreneurial spirit. With their online courses, Carol, Paula, and Claire encourage aspiring flower farmers to thrive in the industry. My time at the farm was truly special, and I hope that these photographs serve not only as a useful illustrative branding portfolio but also as a testament to their dedication and camaraderie.
Tricks of the trade!
Taking payments in a rural setting.
Foliage for floristry
Cutting flowers
Potting table
Check out the Business Of Selling Flowers website for more info or check them out on Instagram
Enhancing the Buzz: Professional Studio Product Photography for Chain Bridge Honey Farm
Chain Bridge Honey Farm, located near Berwick upon Tweed, now takes center stage online as the harmonious blend of honey and bee products unfolds. In this article, we will delve into how professional studio product photography has enhanced the website presence of this already exceptionally popular Honey Farm. With a wide range of honey varieties including wildflower, heather, tweedside, and chunk honey, as well as exquisite beeswax candles, cosmetics, and gift sets, the Honey Farm's investment in professional photography has propelled their online brand to new heights.
At Chain Bridge Honey Farm, meticulous attention to detail and a dedication to quality form the very core of their operations. Recognising the significance of visually showcasing their products, the Honey Farm decided to invest in professional studio product photography. Their aim was to offer customers a more immersive experience that truly capture the essence and value of their offerings.
I collaborated with Frances from the Honey Farm and undertook a test shoot with some of the products and different backdrop ideas. We then embarked on a mission to present each item in its best light. Utilising expert studio lighting techniques, we ensured that every photograph exuded a clear and professional appearance while preserving the natural and wholesome qualities of the products.
One unique aspect of this project was the choice to use their wooden bee hives as backdrops. This creative decision established a visual connection between the products and their origins. The organic textures and warm hues of the hives serve as deliciously dark backdrops, fostering a consistent and authentic atmosphere throughout the product imagery.
For the website, we crafted flat-lay compositions for each product section, offering customers an intuitive navigation experience. These visually captivating flat lays now act as guideposts, leading visitors to explore the diverse offerings at Chain Bridge Honey Farm. We went on to capture seasonal shots for Easter and Christmas, showcasing alternative gifting options to chocolate eggs and highlighting the availability of gift hampers during the festive season.
Since they have started using the new professional studio product photography on their website, Chain Bridge has garnered glowing reviews from customers. Francis, the driving force behind the farm, expressed her delight to me at the uptick in online sales. While the impact on social media engagement is still being evaluated, expectations are high, as these captivating visuals are anticipated to attract and captivate a wider audience.
By faithfully representing their diverse range of honey and bee products, emphasising scale, and utilising bee hives as captivating backdrops, they have woven a visual narrative that deeply resonates with customers. The Honey Farm's unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with our collaborative efforts, has resulted in a remarkable online presence that showcases its products in all their natural splendor.
22 Years in Business - An Interview with Sarah
(by Sophie, Marketing and Photography Apprentice)
An Interview with Sarah, organised by Sophie (marketing and photography apprentice, Pictorial Photography)
Sarah has been an independent photographer since 2001, growing her business over the years and adapting to life's challenges (such as lockdown). As Sarah's apprentice, learning the way her business works and seeing how much can change in only a year and a half, I asked Sarah some questions about the story of Pictorial Photography.
When did you start the business and why?
Sarah in 2001
I was asked by a friend to photograph her wedding when I was at university studying Contemporary Photographic Practice. I was only 19 but I knew this was what I wanted to do, so I thought up the business name, registered ‘Pictorial Photography’ with HMRC and got insured. Soon after that, colleagues and friends started asking for photos of their families and children. I also took on a few more weddings in Newcastle - shooting on film! I worked at Northumbria University by then so it was more of a weekend job for the first 5 years.
Leo and Stella, Sarah’s children
Over those first 5 years I grew the business and built my website, which meant that when I had my first child, Leo, I could work around him. Leaving employment was less of a choice and more of a necessary decision. Self-employment offers many opportunities and benefits like flexibility, so it was my only option. It was difficult at first, juggling childcare and working when they slept (when I was exhausted), but I have no regrets.
What was your goal for Pictorial then and now?
At the start the weddings were something fun to photograph at the weekends, then my photography grew into a flexible job to be able to work around my babies. I used to photograph a lot of children when mine were young and it fitted in well with school times. Now they have grown into teens, I focus more on business and branding photography, aiming to work less at weekends.
Our old Quayside studio
I guess my business has followed the flow of my life to an extent. I find I have a lot in common with my clients so I must be attracting people at a similar stage in life. I’m very into marketing and business development now and this year we have been working on a better CRM system and a much-improved customer journey for clients. It feels more professional and saves a huge amount of time on a day-to-day basis.
What did you do before?
I used to work at Northumbria University’s Design School, helping students create their vision in the studio and learn Adobe software. I was an Apple Mac demonstrator and a part-time lecturer. I loved working there and although they were flexible and accommodating employers, even after going half-time the long commute didn’t work for me when my children were little.
What was your biggest learning curve?
Sarah working in our new studio and office at the Ramparts
It took me a really long time to feel happy and confident with studio portraits, getting lighting to look natural and flattering in the studio was a challenging skill to master. I used to call myself a ‘natural light’ photographer but that was a total cop-out because I just wasn’t confident with studio lights.
I’m so glad I worked on those skills because I can now shoot with flattering and consistent light in a warm environment at any time of year. Being a ‘natural light photographer’ used to mean that my sessions were often cancelled last minute due to bad weather.
How do you spend your spare time?
Sarah and Marley
Spare time, what’s that? But seriously, I enjoy walking my dog Marley when it’s not windy or raining, I love a bit of DIY, but I’m usually driving the teenage kids around in Mum's Taxi! When we get the chance I love to travel with my husband Aaron, and sometimes the kids. I feel like I have to completely leave the country to properly unwind from work.
What changes have you made to your marketing strategy?
22 years ago, things like having a listing in the ‘yellow pages’, newspaper ads and putting posters up around town were key to getting business. Nowadays most of our marketing activities happen online.
How much time do you spend working on your business each day?
Probably a couple of hours each day, even when I am at home I listen to business podcasts and have a large library of photography books and business training and I love to tweak the website! I sound like a right saddo but I adore it!
Do you remember your first day?
Yes! I remember sitting in my little flat thinking up the name, phoning to ask my mum what she thought about it, and registering it on HMRC, thinking that was all a bit scary. Then I started making a physical ‘mood board’ for my logo. No such thing as Pinterest back then! I remember sticking things on it like a Tunnocks tea cake wrapper and labels from ice cream cartons.
Over the years have you used any exceptional professional services for your business?
Gosh, so so many. I’m a huge advocate for getting help with the things you don’t enjoy or things that aren’t in your skill set. When you are self-employed you do take on a lot of things which push you out of your comfort zone and you have to be quite adaptable. There are certain things that are downright awful to do, for example, I find working with numbers totally mind-numbing so I’ve always had a good bookkeeper and accountant to make sure everything is right in that department. I’m also not a fan of cleaning and would much rather be taking photos, it’s something that I feel is definitely worth paying for and a nice clean environment certainly improves how I feel.
One of the earlier versions of our website
In the early days, I enjoyed working with creative website designers but it was very expensive for such a small business and I knew that it would be something I would enjoy so I learned the skills to create and update my own site. I do get help with SEO (not in my skill set) from online SEO gurus like Lee Fletcher and Menekshe Stewart, whose training is quick, clear and easy to understand.
For the website, I have commissioned local proof-reader Trudi Morrison to check over my words.
I’ve had various headshots taken by lovely photographer friends - Caroline, Alex, and Amber, never an easy task!
I love attending Business Northumberland and Rural Business Growth Service events and still go along to their training days to stay up to date with new business-y things. There’s always something new to learn!
There are a few amazing online services I couldn’t work without now too: my website is built on Squarespace; our new (amazing!!) CRM system is Studio Ninja; and our photo hosting platform is Pic-Time.
How has your job changed?
My first few weddings were shot on film and at the start the competition was mostly older men. That changed when everything went digital and a lot of them retired instead of learning the new technology. Nowadays there are lots more women in photography and it’s a shared market, probably because self-employment ties in well with family life.
Customers know a lot more about photography and take photos every day on fancy mobile phones now. They also have access to constant amazing imagery online which means they have much higher expectations than they did in the past.
When my children were little I worked from the kitchen table (into the wee small hours after they went to bed). Now I only work from my studio and my work/life balance is much better (not perfect, but better).
Why do you think Pictorial Photography has stood out from other businesses and been successful?
I think it’s customer service and trying to think about everything from the clients’ point of view.
I’m always learning and keep up to date with new technology, I love going on courses. I’m currently learning video to create short but beautiful films for websites which I’m really excited about.
What is your proudest business achievement of the last 22 years?
Moving from the kitchen table to my first studio was a really big moment but my proudest achievement is the day I got the keys to my (current) new, bigger studio and was able to start growing the business again after covid. When it seemed like other businesses were shrinking back, we were expanding and optimistic for the future with a lovely new space from which to do it.
The entrance to our lovely new studio and office at the Ramparts Business Park
Where do you see the business in 5 years?
Hopefully still doing what I do but with more branding and product work in the studio. I love working with small business owners. I’d also love to get back into a bit of teaching so have been looking at starting that online too.
If you would like to take a look at our branding and product work, check out the business pages HERE.
Amplify Your Brand: The Impact of Personal Brand Photography
What is Personal Brand Photography?
For small businesses, personal branding is creating an identity for yourself to help your potential clients to get to know you and become familiar with you and your work. Aligning your image with your brand is essential, especially if you provide a personal service where people interact with you 1 on 1 (like me!).
Building trust and relationships online is important, but how do you do that?
Having clear and consistent well-lit professional portraits that you feel happy with and confident to use allows you to create a more personable brand and build trust with your audience online. Using your headshots alongside consistent behind-the-scenes and detail shots can strengthen that trust and provide extra content to really illustrate what you can do.
How many personal brands do you trust where you can’t picture the owner’s face?
The first thing I do when I find a new company is to scroll through their socials or go to the about page on their website. I want to know who I’m buying from or working with.
Let your audience see you and engage with your personality by peppering brand photos through your website content and social media. Consistency creates familiarity with a brand which increases engagement and connection. The more a potential client connects with and gets to know you, the more likely they are to book you.
Finding the right personal brand photographer for your business is essential. Having a good connection with the photographer you ask to take your brand photos means you can be honest when discussing things like your brand’s weaknesses, your ultimate goals and aspirations, and how comfortable you usually feel in photos.
Check out my About Me page to see if you think we would work well together to elevate your business and online presence.
Three-Generation Family Photoshoot in Berwick upon Tweed, a Perfect Birthday Gift Voucher Idea
This photoshoot, a perfect birthday gift for Liz, beautifully captures the love and warmth shared among her family members.
Preserving these moments in photographs means that the joy and love at the time of this special occasion will be cherished for years to come. Consider gifting a personalised birthday voucher for a family photo shoot with Pictorial Photography, providing a unique and sentimental gift that will create lasting memories and treasured keepsakes.
Contact us today to book your session and celebrate your family's beautiful bond against the captivating backdrop of Berwick upon Tweed's town walls.
Capturing Professionalism: Greaves West & Ayre's Headshot and Team Photo Sessions
In the era of digital marketing and relatable online presence, companies recognise the importance of visually representing their team to establish trust and professionalism. One such company, Greaves West & Ayre, recently asked for my photography services to capture new headshots and team photos for their upcoming website rebrand, their brochures, social media, and emails. I was eager to bring out the unique personalities and expertise of each team member whilst maintaining consistency throughout.
I particularly like how the ‘Our People’ page turned out.
Prior to the photoshoots, I collaborated closely with Lynne from the marketing team at Greaves West & Ayre to understand her vision and objectives. We discussed the desired style and tone that would align with their brand identity. It was important to create a cohesive look that showcased the team's professionalism while keeping their individuality.
I began by focusing on the individual headshots. Each team member took turns in front of the camera, and I provided guidance to help them feel at ease and project their professional image. I paid close attention to their body language, facial expressions, and overall confidence. By providing gentle direction and encouragement, I aimed to bring out their unique qualities and ensure their personalities shone through.
Following the individual headshots, we moved on to capturing the team photos. The objective here was to showcase the unity and collaboration among Greaves West & Ayre's team members.
It was easy to see the true sense of teamwork as the team members interacted and shared their expertise, reflecting the firm's commitment to providing exceptional client service. Through a combination of candid and posed shots, I looked to capture images that conveyed both professionalism and approachability whilst giving the viewer an idea of what to expect when visiting the office.
Greaves West & Ayre's decision to update their branding images for their new website is proof of their commitment to staying relevant online.
By working with the marketing team and maintaining a relaxed atmosphere, we were able to create a series of cohesive headshots and team photos that represent Greaves West & Ayre's expertise, trustworthiness, and dedication to their clients. These visuals will undoubtedly enhance their online reputation and leave a lasting impression on their audience, setting them apart from their competitors.
Are you looking for business branding for your own company website? Check out our website for more info by clicking the button below.
Top 5 Places to Print Your Digital Photos, reviewed
If you’re here because you’ve recently purchased digital images from me - wonderful! This post compares the best consumer labs for prints.
But if you’re a parent looking for professional children’s Christmas photography that warms your festive little heart, you might prefer to start here → Christmas Photoshoots
The holiday season is perfect for capturing precious memories with the best Christmas mini photoshoots. Whether you've booked a session or are considering one, this guide shows how to print your mini session photos and choose shots from the best Christmas mini shoots in the UK. A professional photographer preserves these special festive moments - if you've booked a Christmas Mini Shoot in Berwick upon Tweed or elsewhere, it's time to print those stunning photos.
Lots of our clients buy digital files from the Christmas shoots to print themselves and I really care about how my photographs look when they are out and about in the world and on granny’s mantlepiece.
I put a bit of research into the printing options available, and after running a poll on Instagram, I’ve compared the most popular places people said that they usually go to print their digital files.
Why Print Matters for Your Christmas Photo Session
As a professional photographer, I always emphasise the importance of quality when it comes to printing your photos. While digital files are convenient, nothing beats holding a tangible photo in your hands. Whether it's for creating festive cards, gifts for family, or displaying your family’s Christmas portraits in your home, a professional print brings the image to life.
When you book a Christmas mini shoot in Berwick upon Tweed with me, I ensure that you either receive prints, gifts or high-quality, print ready digital files. The printing process is really important if you choose to print professional photos, so I’ve tested various consumer print labs to see which ones produce the best results. Below I discuss the top five options based on my personal experience.
Why You Should Book The Best Christmas Mini Session with a UK Professional Photographer
When you're planning to capture the essence of Christmas with your family, booking a professional Christmas Mini Shoot makes a huge difference. As someone who specialises in Christmas mini sessions in my studio in Berwick upon Tweed, I understand the importance of vibrant, warm colours, genuine expressions, and stunning backdrops that bring your festive photos to life.
A professional photographer will capture the natural interactions between different family members - from playful moments between siblings to tender embraces between generations. While you could attempt family photos yourself, you'd miss being in the precious memories you're creating. When I'm behind the camera, every family member gets to be present in the photos, creating complete family portraits you'll treasure for years to come.
My carefully designed Christmas backdrops provide the perfect festive setting, while professional lighting ensures rich colour vibrancy that makes your holiday outfits and decorations pop. I focus on capturing authentic expressions and genuine emotions, ensuring each family member's personality shines through.
I take care to provide you with not just stunning digital files but also helpful advice on how to print them, so the colours and beautiful expressions translate perfectly to your chosen prints. If you haven't yet booked your Christmas Mini Session, don't wait – there are limited spots available, and it's the perfect way to create lasting memories for you and your loved ones this festive season!
Ready to Book Your Christmas Mini Session?
Choosing the best Christmas mini shoots isn’t just about getting your photos taken – it’s about creating lasting memories that will be cherished for years. As a Christmas mini shoot photographer in Berwick upon Tweed, I focus on delivering exceptional photos that are perfect for prints and holiday gifts. When you book with me, you’re guaranteed a fun, stress-free experience that captures the true spirit of the season.
If you're looking for a Christmas Mini Shoot photographer in Berwick upon Tweed (or nearby areas), I would love to work with you. My studio sessions are designed to capture authentic, joyful moments of your family, and I offer a variety of print and digital packages to suit your needs.
Click below to learn more about my Christmas Mini Sessions and book your spot!
Top 5 Places to Print Your Christmas Mini Session Photos
I chose 3 photos from different sets and used exactly the same file to print from at each ‘consumer printing lab’.
I knew there would be slight differences in the printing quality and prices but I was quite shocked at HOW different the colour of the prints came out, below I will go through them all alongside our own ‘control’ (Pictorial Photography) lab print for comparison one by one.
I chose a common size of 5x7” and a paper stock of matt rather than gloss where the option was available. I personally prefer matt; it is easier to judge the print quality and has less reflection or glare when photographing the prints for the purposes of this blog.
I photographed the prints under controlled studio lighting so what you see on the screen is as accurate as I can get it (your own screen calibration may affect the colours but you will still see the differences)
Firstly, Freeprints, this is an app which seems to be used by a lot of people. The app offers a certain amount of free prints to each customer every month at 6x4”, hence why this print is smaller than the control print. They only charge for postage and any prints or upgrades above what is offered for free. I felt that because the prints being free is Freeprints main selling point, it would be fairer to use the free option as we also have a price comparison for each consumer lab.
This print looks quite washed out and has lines in the darker areas, like the sky and the girl’s trousers. Below is a closer photo so that you can see the lines.
I took a USB to Boots to print these but found that I could have printed from my phone, an iPad or even the cloud by logging into a source like Dropbox from the machine which is rather handy. The first Boots I went to was at Kinnaird Park in Edinburgh but all 6 of the machines were out of order! I went to Berwick the next day and their machines were working.
I thought the Boots print was okay but a little more yellow than I would have liked and it has cropped a bit off the bottom of the image so overall it is a passable 3/5.
The colour was very off in the Photobox prints; the girls have a rather yellow complexion, and although the paper quality (fujicolour professional) and thickness was good, I am very unhappy with the colour of this print. See below for another Photobox print that is also extremely yellow.
The Max Spielmann print was from Asda Tweedmouth, although I tried Asda Dunbar first and after going through the whole process it turned out that there was no paper left in the machine which was very annoying!
There is also a Max Spielmann in Timpsons on Hide Hill in Berwick and it looks like the same kind of machine. I would *presume* that the same company calibrates and looks after these machines and if that is the case then it is great as these prints came out best for colour and print quality. The print is glossy, there was no option for matt, and it has to be printed with a white border which is slightly annoying if you don’t have a steady hand for cutting, or a paper trimmer.
The Snapfish prints arrived quickly but the paper is thin, the printing looks faded and has been cropped top and bottom which has chopped off the girls feet in this photo.
Below is a price comparison chart for the photo printing places listed, I printed 10 photographs at each place and if postage was required it has been included in the price shown as total cost.
In conclusion: The two local printing machines I used in Berwick surprisingly had the best results for colour quality, with Asda (Max Spielmann) coming out top in colour quality even though it has a white border and is a glossy print. The Asda (Max Spielmann) price was middle of the range so this is where I would advise printing this year*
Out of the three online labs Snapfish came out best but I would not recommend them based on these results.
*Please note, consumer printing machines / photographic lab colour and quality can change depending on many factors, i.e. whether they have been calibrated recently, paper type used etc. This blog is meant as a helpful guide and information as to what to look out for when choosing where to print your photographs.
If you are looking for beautiful, vibrant images of the very best quality - as your photographer intended them to look, skip buying the digital files and order professional prints directly from your photographer. This way your images will be checked by a highly experienced colour technician as they are printed. Our professional photography lab does not use any machine auto-correction or print your files without them being visually checked by the trained eyes of lab staff. We guarantee this care and attention on every single order.
I hope this has helpful and that everyone is delighted with the prints they receive on Christmas Day.
P.S. I’d love to know what you have done with your digital files, have you created any bespoke printed gifts? Let us know in the comments, you never know, you might inspire someone looking for gift ideas!
Don’t settle for anything less than the best Christmas mini shoots this year! Book your session with me now and make this festive season unforgettable.
Dan and Rachel's surprise engagement shoot at Bamburgh Beach
A few weeks before this shoot, Dan contacted me to photograph his surprise picnic engagement to Rachel on Bamburgh beach. It was a wonderful moment they will both look back on in the future.
The candles in jars, the picnic basket, and the simple blanket all added to the atmosphere and with Bamburgh Castle in the background, it was just the perfect place for such a special moment.
Dan and Rachel are both teachers from Yorkshire but love visiting Northumberland and have stayed in Bamburgh before, making this location even more important to them both.
On this visit they actually stayed at a beautiful accommodation, The Walls B&B in Berwick, a short drive away from Bamburgh.
Once he had proposed and she said yes (phew haha) we did some portrait shots to mark the occasion (and to send to grandma)!
I had to work fairly quickly as dusk was approaching and I didn’t want to loose too much light.
If you scroll down you can see the light changing from day to night in the photos.
Don't Upload Any More Photos to Your Website Without Reading This First!
Choosing the best image size and format for your product photos can easily double the speed of your website!
When it comes to choosing between jpeg and png files for your website files and photographs, there are technical pros and cons to consider.
Product pages of an e-commerce website need clear but enticing pictures of the item, and you want it to load fast online, right?
Image Formats
.jpeg
In general, jpegs are widely used online because jpeg images load quickly as they have small file sizes compared to other formats. If you want to use large images on your website you will need to compress the jpeg file. The larger the image in ‘weight’, the slower it loads. Jpeg files use ‘lossy’ compression which means that some of the data is lost each time you save it. Usually you can’t tell, but if you go too far with compression it may end up looking like a poor quality image. Lossy compression is permanent so you can’t get the quality back in a file after it has been compressed.
lifestyle product photography in jpeg format - fire bellows by https://www.firebellows.co.uk/bespoke
.jpeg files:
Have small file sizes
Have faster web loading times
Loose quality with compression
Don’t support transparency
Are great for websites with galleries and e-commerce catalogues, mastheads, banners and hero images
.png
They hold more data than a .jpeg and .png compression is ‘lossless’ which means that you can reduce the size of a png image while maintaining the quality. If you use png files online, you may notice longer loading times. png files are good for ‘cutout’ product photography online because the background of a .png file can be completely transparent. This means that you don’t get that dreaded ‘white box’ around your image if you have a coloured background on your website.
Here I used some padding inside the tank top to make it look 3D, the colours are matched to the garment and it is flat lit to ensure the customer can see the complete detail of the knit and the colours of the wool. This is a .png image with a transparent backgound.
.png files:
Support transparency
Have larger file sizes
Are slower to load
Are clear, high-quality images
Are used for logo files, illustrations, small images that need transparent backgrounds, and images with text as part of a graphic.
Other Popular Image File Formats
.svg
SVG or scalable vector graphics file type is built by mathematical formulas that establish points on a grid which means that you can decrease then increase the size as many times as you like without it becoming blurry.
.gif
GIF files use 256 RGB colours and like PNG files they are lossless so do not lose quality. The colour limit is not ideal for saving photographs but solid colour graphics like logos can work. As you probably know GIFs support animation but it’s not a video you are seeing, more of a flipbook.
.ai and .psd
Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop files don’t render on browsers. You will need to convert these files to something like a jpeg or png to use them on your website.
Free Online Image Compression and Optimisation Tools
You can buy or subscribe to a software that will enable you to resize, compress and optimise your photographs which is great if you are doing this all the time as you can set up presets for different sizes and uses but if you just need to change a few images as a one-off, these websites do the job and are quick and free.
Tiny PNG: https://tinypng.com/
Optimizilla: https://imagecompressor.com/
JPEG Optimizer: http://jpeg-optimizer.com/
Resize Photos: http://www.resize-photos.com/
F.A.Q’s
What is the best image format for my website?
jpegs are best for file size but if you need to have transparency in your image, use png format.
What type of photography would be best for my business website?
Here is a link to an article that shows several different examples of professional photography from one shoot. All of them have the power to elevate your business's online presence and website, but which one would you use?
What are the ideal file sizes for photos on my website?
Use images 500 KB or less to help your site load quickly. The smaller the better! (As a guideline, I try and get my photographs under 300KB)
What file type should I use for my logo?
It depends on your logo. I use a png as I like our logo to have transparency when it is over a coloured background like this.
png file which has a transparent background
jpeg file which is ‘contained’ in a box
Can I use both png and jpeg on the same page?
Yes! I’ve used both formats on this very page!
I hope this guide helps you decide on how to format your website photography. If you have purchased product or commercial photography from Pictorial Photography, you will have received your files labelled HIGHRES and another set labelled LOWRES.
HIGHRES photographs are high resolution and ‘print ready’, these are for use on brochures and physically printed materials.
LOWRES photographs have been optimised for use online. Ready for use on your website and social media channels, we usually aim to keep them under 350KB so they won’t slow your site down. Please let us know if your web designer has specific requirements and we will export them to your preferences.
Did you know that we have a free website photography consultation service?
We can advise you on what images you need to increase your online sales or bookings. Schedule a free, no-obligation call with Sarah below:
4 Easy Steps to a Stress Free Children’s Photo Shoot
Outfit planning
Coordinate colours and patterns for siblings as if you were choosing one outfit
Make changing easy. Changing a full outfit is sometimes not possible and can upset a child; however, quickly changing a top is usually fine
Avoid logos and busy colourful patterns. Simple is timeless!
Set the mood
Make sure you and your child/children get plenty of rest the night before. A good night’s sleep works wonders
Ensure everyone is fed and hydrated beforehand
Avoid screen time before your session; it can affect your child’s behaviour and mood (and seem like a punishment when it's taken away)
Try to arrive on time (not early) to your session to save little ones from becoming bored and restless
Pack a bag
Arrive with your child/children dressed but pre-pack any changes of clothing and cherished teddies or favourite toys the day before
Don't worry about matching shoes! Bare feet are super cute in mini shoots
If you feel that treats are necessary, we advise white chocolate buttons (which don't make much mess and won't take a lot of chewing)
Relax
Talk to your child/children in a positive way about the shoot in the days beforehand
It can be helpful to discuss a treat that will happen after the session
Even after following these tips you may still experience tantrums, shyness and hiding behind mummy’s legs but we know every trick in the book to get a giggle and a few shots that will make your heart sing. So just sit back and relax!
In summary
Plan outfits in advance
Prep for good moods
Have everything ready
Relax and let us do our thing
It always takes a little time to ‘warm up’ but we have all the tricks of the trade to get your little one happy and confidently smiling within minutes!
Which of These 7 Types of Product Photography is Best for Your Business?
Have you ever wondered how to better showcase your products? Have you tried taking an artsy angle but the focus was in the wrong place? Well here are 7 different examples of professional photography that have the power to elevate your business's online presence and website.
1. Studio Backdrop
Using a simple, carefully chosen backdrop gives your product personality. It adds another bit of information about the product without being distracting. The highlight is still on the product but it is more interesting than a plain white backdrop like a lot of companies use. However a simple background is effective and common in e-commerce.
2. High Key and Cut Outs
High-key photography is just another term for photos of a product with an entirely white background, giving it a polished and professional look. With online shopping growing more common in everyday life, product photography like this is seen more but can make some products seem boring and lifeless.
Cut out photography is very similar to high key in the way the photo is actually shot but instead of keeping the white background, it is digitally removed to create a cut out shape with a see through or transparent background, otherwise called a png. Photos with a clear background like this are able to fit over any webpage seamlessly without any harsh white border making the website seem unprofessional. It does take more time to create this type of product photography but it may be just what your business needs.
3. Detail Shots
When buying online, one of the things a buyer is looking for are the details that they could find easily if they were buying in person like the inside of a drawer or close ups of a coat zipper. It is important to show potential buyers all the details of the product you are trying to sell.
Other details that you can photograph are things like your bespoke packaging if that is something unique to your business. Sometimes even simple but close up shots are wonderful for helping to showcase your designs. Having a detailed close up will highlight the quality of your product.
Groups of static products photographed together to show the variety of the products your business sells or to show bundle offers is also a good idea.
4. Proportions
Knowing what size something is before buying is essential and being able to do that from proportion shots saves time. Being able to show your product's size through proportions and scale helps a potential buyer visualise your product. There are many ways to show proportions in product photography but the most common way is by using a universal object like a human to show the size compared to them. This is even more vital when your business has multiple product sizes so that a customer can make sure they buy the correct size.
5. Lifestyle
Real life photography brings a warmth to your product and gives it a context. Seeing lit candles on a table or someone sat with a bowl of cereal shows the way a customer is intended to use a product and therefore creates a realistic feeling of what actually is being sold. This type of photography is more common within fashion and home ware industries but it is not limited to them! Creating an environment for your product may generate more interest but it could also be unnecessary for a simple product.
6. Using Models
Professional models can be expensive but anyone can be a model for a business as long as they sign a model release form to say they allow the business to use their photographs for marketing and advertising. Because of this, you or people you know can easily be used as models to show off your products. The struggles with this type of photography however lie in human flaws. Attempting to get a group to pose together at the same time can be difficult and only gets more complicated when pets or children are involved. Despite the struggle, using models in product photography creates a genuine atmosphere and lifestyle look.
7. Composed Sets
Having a carefully arranged set can create a story of the product and make connections between your product and how it was made or what it can be used for. A Flat Lay shot is commonly seen and is a good example of a composed set which is when the shot is taken from directly above the product which has been laid flat hence giving it its name.
It can be easy to overcrowd a set and use many additional props that your product is no longer the focus so be cautious about what is included and make sure everything is relevant. It doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective.
Só Madra
All of the product photography examples used in this blog are from a commercial shoot in the summer commissioned by Gillian. She runs Só Madra, her own small Borders based business, where she lovingly creates luxury dog leads and collars with help from her partner, Keith, and their 3 beautiful spaniels. Gillian has worked hard on her branding so it was important that the images provided by Pictorial Photography aligned with how she visualised her brand and its message.
Gillian used our free commercial photography brief template to communicate her brand’s story and her website goals. We then worked together to capture quality photographs at her home; on two dog walks; and in our studio, where we produced several consistent e-commerce photographs, close ups and packaging examples for her online shop.
Take a look at their range of products at www.somadra.co.uk
The Perfect Blend: Behind the Scenes at Fords the Bakers
The Perfect Blend: Behind the Scenes at Ford’s the Bakers
I visited Jim at Ford’s the Bakers (who, by the way, makes the best morning rolls in the world, hands down), to photograph his baking process when he was testing out 6 new secret blends of artisan bread.
It was fascinating to see what goes on behind the scenes and the work that goes into baking. Jim is working with suppliers to test out the new blends and the photographs will be for the supplier’s wholesale website and agency PR.
The mixing, the proofing, the dough going into the oven, and the bread coming out of the oven were all shot in one day. Then the resulting loaves of bread were brought back and photographed in the studio for product photos which will be useful for things like marketing, illustrating recipes, instructions, and online website descriptions or specifications.
James Ford & Son is a long-standing local family business, established in 1950. Fords have a shop on Hide Hill in Berwick as well as this bakery and shop that are located in the village of Norham, Northumberland, which is only a short drive from Berwick.
I photographed the Berwick Ford’s shop for the ‘Lockdown Workers’ project in 2020. The photograph below has since been used as the cover of a new novel, ‘Reggie’s Pantry’.
What’s your favourite thing to get from Ford’s?
I’d love to get some new lunchtime inspiration so please leave a comment below!
Written by Sarah
Interview with author Sarah Jackman on moving to Berwick and her new Creative Energy
Interview with author Sarah Jackman on moving to Berwick and her new Creative Energy
Can you tell us about yourself and what inspired you to come live and work in Northumberland?
I am a freelance writer, project facilitator and author. I work with individuals and organisations on their writing needs and creative projects. I am the author of four novels and my short fiction has appeared in a number of anthologies.
I have moved many times in my life but more recently thought, until the pandemic, that I was settled. My plans had to change, but so did my perspective. I came to Berwick-upon-Tweed to be closer to family and to live by the sea again. It has surprised me how quickly I have felt at home - I love it! - and living here has given me a new creative energy too.
Which part of your job do you feel most passionate about?
Writing fiction feels essential to me and I think lockdown really showed that creativity is important for everyone. For our well-being and for connecting to others.
I love working with individuals and organisations on their creative journeys and projects. Supporting them to move forward or helping to bring creative ideas into being is exciting and a privilege.
What tips would you give to someone starting out in fiction writing?
Read as widely as possible and keep writing. There is no right or wrong so just be yourself.
What is the best feedback you have ever had?
When a reader says they have re-read a novel of mine, there is nothing better. For me, fiction has always been a way of navigating the world and if one of my novels helps someone else do that, I couldn’t be happier.
Who do you admire most in the world and why?
I admire anyone who, despite dealing with their own challenges and struggles, still finds the time to be kind and offer hope to others.
Do you have a favourite quote that you turn to for inspiration?
The American poet, Mary Oliver, is always good for a quote. This one helps me get through those moments of self-doubt:
“The most regretful people on earth are those who felt the call to creative work, who felt their own creative power restive and uprising and gave to it neither power nor time.”
And for those tricky moments in life, writer Haruki Murakami’s:
“And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure whether the storm is really over, but one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.”
What is the biggest challenge you face in business and in being an author?
Writing can be a very solitary business. That is why I like working with others; it is inspiring, often fun, and helps restore my creative energies.
How will you use your headshots and how do you feel they have or will benefit your business?
I wanted the images to look approachable so that people would like to work with me! I also wanted them to reflect my creativity and values. Sarah really understood what I was hoping for; the fact that she made the experience enjoyable was a bonus!
What does a typical workday look like for you?
I dedicate a block of time to fiction writing (usually in the morning) and in the afternoon I work on writing and projects for others as well as my research and marketing. If I take a break in the garden at lunchtime and a walk on the beach in the evening, that is a perfect workday!
What are your future plans?
My most immediate plan is to finish my next novel before the end of the year! During 2020, I took a printmaking course and my current passion project is creating an artists’ book using images and text.
The creative sector has been hit hard by the pandemic and I am hoping I can soon be part of some creative and community projects as organisations ‘open up’ again.
Finally, where can people find you online?
My website and LinkedIn are:
www.sarahjackman.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-jackman-writer/
Archivist: Cameron Robertson, Conservation Photographer
In the ever-evolving digital landscape, a compelling website is a gateway to success for professionals across various domains. One crucial element that often goes unnoticed is the power of captivating headshots.
As a headshot photographer, I had the honour of collaborating with Cameron Robertson, an exceptional conservation and research photographer. Through a series of carefully crafted headshots, we aimed to showcase Cameron's unique personality and his love of the history of Berwick upon Tweed.
Cameron’s remarkable work in conservation and research has not only conserved local history but has brought back to life some of the compelling stories of the Berwick people.
These photographs were taken in a space where Cameron had been completing a project documenting the restoration of a group of Georgian properties in Berwick upon Tweed. He worked on this ‘Cockle Cows’ project over a period of 3 years, you can find out more about it by visiting Berwick Archives.
In the digital era, where attention spans are fleeting, headshots play a crucial role in leaving a lasting impact. Through our collaboration, I had the pleasure of capturing Cameron Robertson's true essence and showcasing it to the world through a series of headshots. These images show his passion, professionalism, and expertise, while also enhancing his website's visual appeal and overall user experience. By investing in high-quality photography, Cameron has harnessed the benefits of headshots to forge a deeper connection with his audience, solidify his brand, and amplify the impact of his remarkable conservation and research photography.
Creating Lasting Family Memories: A Day on the Farm with Rachel's Gift Voucher
In the fast-paced world we live in, cherishing family moments and creating lasting memories is so important. When Rachel gifted her mother, Alison, a special voucher for a photo shoot, little did she know that it would lead to a delightful gathering of three generations at their farm.
Rachel wanted to give her mum something truly meaningful for her milestone birthday. After careful consideration, she decided on a gift voucher for a professional photo shoot. Rachel envisioned capturing not just her family, but also the love and joy they share. The voucher would allow Alison to create cherished memories and display wall art of their beautiful family.
The farm provided the perfect setting for the photo shoot, adding a touch of natural beauty and meaning to the occasion. Amidst the rolling hills and greenery, the family came together to celebrate their connections. Alison's two children, along with their partners, their four beautiful grandchildren, their pet dogs, and even their horse all took part.
Rachel's gift voucher turned a simple idea into a treasured family experience. The gift of a photo shoot became a priceless treasure, encapsulating the beauty of family in all its joy.
“Thanks so much for sending these through, they are fantastic! Mum & Dad are so pleased with them, a perfect present. They perfectly capture our family.
Thanks again.”
“We are delighted with the photographs! You have given us a very precious collection of images of our family at this moment in time which we will treasure for years to come.
Particular favourites are some of the individual ones of the children, the 4 children together, the ones on the bridge and Billy and I in the garden.
Thank You and Best Wishes”