PRO CASE STUDY

I’ve been a professional photographer since 1978. I started my photographic business in partnership with my wife in 1980, and my first big breakthrough was in tourism photography. I began by giving illustrated talks and presentations to groups, including large parties who visited my home city, Durham, on holiday. This created a demand for my images, and many were published by local tourism authorities, like Durham County Council Tourism and the Northumbria Tourist Board. I went on to supply text and photos for magazines and supplements, to write more than 20 books, and to expand into press and PR work, social and stock photography.

Early in my career I identified the kind of pictures that would be of interest to the people I was trying to sell to, and to make myself aware of their target audience for pictures. This is a key successful component in selling images – you really have to pay close attention to your client’s needs and fulfil their wishes no matter what. If a client does find anything wrong, take responsibility and put it right as quickly and efficiently as possible. I had a lot of clients who would let me shoot what I thought was best because they trusted and valued my experience.

Regarding equipment, I don’t think the kind of camera gear you have really matters as long as your lenses are of good quality and you have a good tripod. However, you have to be totally familiar with your camera and be able to use it as second nature.

Preparation is another thing that is vitally important to a photographer – the more prepared you are, the better pictures you get. The other thing is getting your work right in the camera – I can’t place too high an emphasis on this to improve your shots.

Nowadays it’s competitive, but it’s much easier to put your work out with social media and websites. Having a good website makes yourself easy to contact.