Pro advice

CLAIRE GILLO finds out how ALASDAIR HOOPER started his business on a budget

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF…

I have recently started my own photography company based in Dartmouth, Devon. I originally studied a degree in Design Photography at the University of Plymouth but, as is so often the way, my career took a different direction and I spent 20 years in the hospitality trade. Last year it was time for a change and I wanted to pursue something I had always had a passion for.

Since starting Alasdair Hooper Photography at the beginning of 2022 I have had the opportunity to work with various different clients, testing me in different areas of photography.

I have shot events, architecture, products, portraiture and landscapes. I feel I’m currently on a journey of discovery in terms of what I enjoy shooting and the events are certainly great fun. I love the documentary style and I hope to book some weddings for the end of this year and 2023.

WHAT’S IN YOUR KIT BAG?

In terms of photographic equipment I shoot using Nikon, and I have a D800 as my main camera, and a D610 as back up. My favourite lens is my nifty 50 (Nikon 50mm f1.8) and I also have a Nikkor 24-120mm f4, a Tamron 17-35mm f2.8-4 and a Sigma 105mm f2.8 Macro. I run a Godox on-camera flash and for product and studio work I have a set of three Godox E300 lights and a Neewer studio backdrop kit.

I switched to Nikon for my professional work after being a lifelong Canon user, as I felt I got more bang for my buck with Nikon and the ergonomics really suited me. I love the colours I get from my cameras, the lowlight ability and the dynamic range is just fab!

HOW DID YOU MANAGE TO SET YOURSELF UP ON A BUDGET?

As I set out to get the best possible kit for my money, and I was not furnishing my business with a lottery win, all of my kit came from the secondhand market. I cannot champion the used camera market enough, there is so much quality kit out there and with the shift to mirrorless the DSLR market is flooded with affordable, professional grade equipment.

A few tips for when buying secondhand… With camera bodies look for a good low shutter count, cosmetic knocks do not matter and original packaging is not going to improve the transit of your purchase! With lenses, steer clear of any big problems, ie, a broken AF drive, thinking you can adapt to save a few quid. Always look at the thirdparty companies for your glass; Tamron make exceptional gear, as do Sigma and often at a fraction of the price. Lastly I would say, before you commit to buying, research, research, research. With the dawn of YouTube and review sites it is so easy to find detailed analyses of camera equipment – oh and always watch both positive and negative reviews to get a balance!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO NEW PHOTOGRAPHERS ON A BUDGET?

I would recommend starting with a slow burn, and having a job to pay the bills.

Shoot for clients in your spare time, and this balance can shift to photography being your primary income when it has gathered enough traction. Be confident in your worth as a photographer – contrary to the mobile phone generation and the belief that anyone can take a picture, professional photography is an art form and a real skill that takes years to hone!