As I enter another era of my business as a professional freelance photographer in Edinburgh, I thought I would share my favourite images, the passion behind my work and the motivators that drive me to succeed.
I’ve been photographing forever. In 2007 I was given the opportunity to leave my career in software development which is supported by a post graduate qualification in Software Engineering and a BA in Commerce, both gained from Napier University in Edinburgh. That year I came runner up in the Skye Photography Festival.
In the same year, I had work published in a national photography magazine. I’ve never looked back.
Photography in those days for me was about vision, planning and luck. You can see the light is coming from the west, it’s actually getting towards sunset which gave me the opportunity to capture the light on the distant hills and the iconic cliff face. The key in this photograph was to capture the connection with the rugged and auspicious Cuillin and the sea. I feel I managed to capture that effectively mirroring the smokiness in the sea with the brooding, threatening cloud hanging over The Cuillin.
My success with this image enabled me to develop my skills further. In particular the sunset shot of The West Sands was printed in 20,000 leaflets this year welcoming people to the town.
It’s the case in any profession we trust our instinct from time to time. I did mention I relied upon luck. As I became more creative, I realised that an investment in training would stand me in good stead enabling me to cope with the challenges ahead and create a service my clients could rely upon.
My business invested in a yearlong course ran by the inspirational Catherine Connor and her talented team now at Aspire Photography Training. At that time, the course was geared towards the business aspects of running a successful photography business. To enable me to develop my technical and interpersonal skills behind the camera I was fortunate to be mentored by Edinburgh based Trevor Yerbury for a year through 2010 and into the start of this year. This insight into the art and business of photography has given me a fantastic foundation and a great deal of confidence in any situation.
Apart from a wealth of skills and connections to some of the United Kingdoms finest photographers, this training gave me the opportunity to rely far less on luck. My skills in understanding the quality of light and it’s fundamental value in enabling me to create and capture a moment allows me to let my creative side flourish.
No longer having to strive to come to terms with the technicalities of taking a photograph I can rely on my creative edge to capture photographs that deliver a message. Every message is filled with my vision and passion as I seek to make each and every photograph better than the last. A photograph for me must have emotion, if it’s about a person, or desirability if its a plate of food that I photograph or a stunning business interior. As a proud business owner who values the benefits of photography, I really understand the value of getting your message out there, in the right form and to the best standard possible.
Regardless the project whether it be creating a business profile, including head shots and the products you produce or capturing defining moments in your life or the growth of your family that will stand the test of time, I have the skills to deliver.
I could talk about photography for hours I would love to discuss your next project, I’m sure that you if nothing else you will certainly be inspired following our chat.
This month I have had an article published in Scottish Licensed Trade News, another image in the media – Edinburghs Ion Magazine on this occasion and I have been featured in The Edinburgh Reporter.
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