BF Stop 2

What inspires you as an artist/photographer?

Many things contribute to my inspiration. Light, fashion photography, life experience, Photographers, cinema, passion and drive, success and more I guess.

What a typical work day like for you?

A typical day for me would definitely involve Red Bull somewhere in it ! We always start work with a coffee, then I will deal with admin stuff like answer emails, marketing, branding, talking Joe (my editor intern) through his work for the day etc. Then I will go onto retouching and editing of some sort.

What’s one thing you will always splurge on?

I don’t really splurge on anything apart from my business to be honest! I have been very fortunate to invest every penny the business earns back into the business, which has played a huge part to our swift success.

If not a photographer, you would have considered being?

I have never wanted to be anything else so although this question has crossed my mind from time to time, I have not really thought about it in depth. Now thinking about it, I guess it would have to involve helping people or something very interesting like a deep-sea diver !

What the strongest and weakest part of your business?

The strongest part of my business would have to be my work style and the rate it’s growing. The weakest would have to be my lack of ability to stop working after a certain time.

What’s in your camera bag?

Ok here goes:

2x Canon 5d mk2

1xCanon  70-200 2.8 IS L

1xCanon 85mm 1.2 prime

1xCanon 24-105 f4

1xCanon  16-35 2.8

1xCanon 50mm 1.4 prime

1xCanon 25mm macro lens

2x video lights 100watt

4x pocket wizards

2x canon 580 exmk2 speedlights

Apple 17” display

All batteries

80GB of CF Cards

Tilt heads and many other small bits!

What your best advice for an up & coming photographer?

Hang in there, its tough.  Starting any business is tough, but we work in the best industry in the world so it’s worth everything you can put into it. It’s forever changing and evolving so we need to evolve with it, and that takes investment of all types. Always think out the box, never get relaxed, and invest in time and money to your brand. Establish your own style, always be honest and it will never backfire on you!

What’s your most successful marketing concept?

Referrals are the best! We invest a huge amount of money on exhibitions, branding, web design etc but ultimately we find the best way to market your brand is through people. Build on your people skills, network with your peers, showcase your work on a website that reflects you and your style and work will find you.

List 3 blogs you frequent and are inspired by?

The b\f stop

J Garner

xsight

What’s your most favorite product in the industry?

That’s a hard one! It has to be my camera! Although I have used the Hasselblad H3Dll 60 and that simply blew me away!

What’s playing on your iPod currently?

Jamiroquai ‘Emergency of plant earth’ simply the best!

Five goals for 2010?

1-     Keep pushing as hard as I am

2-     Become a better photographer than in 2009

3-     Network and brand even more (so important)

4-     Improve editing time to have more of a life

5-     Take on another full time member of staff giving me more time to expand the business

6-     Win more awards!

I know that’s 6, but I had to put it in!