Winter Wedding at Layer Marney

It seems to be a growing trend that weddings are now taking place throughout the year.

On Saturday I was lucky enough to shoot a wedding at Layer Marney Towers near Tiptree. It was a fantastic day and the wonderfull couple were obviously so in love.

Shooting in the winter brings new challenges, the main ones being lack of light (it gets dark by 4pm) and lack of warmth. We were really lucky on Sunday that all the rain fell the day before and the sun actually came out and did its best to keep the temperature above freezing.

I was really pleased with the above shot, I used the light from the video mans camera to backlight the couple and just natural light to capture the image. All in all a fantastic day spent with fantastic people.

My Favourite Photographs

Being as we are so near to the end of the year I thought I'd put together the slideshow above of some of my favourite images. I struggled to cut down the images and could easily have had treble the amount of photographs but finally settled on these. You can see it larger if you click here.

For those of you still waiting on your Christmas cards don't panic I haven't forgotten you, I'm still waiting for them to come back from the printers so it should be any day now ...... sorry.

Uncle Bobs!

Uncle Bob is an occupational hazard for any wedding photographer. Let me explain, at every wedding there will undoubtedly be someone (normally an uncle, hence the nick name) who has a keen interest in photography and has all the gear his local camera shop can sell him. They are often referred to as "all the gear with no idea".

Normally I have no problem working with uncle Bob's and often have a chat in quiet times and talk photography. However occasionally there's one that gets in the way and physically stops me from doing my job.

I recently had one of these at a wedding. The venue was a top west end hotel in London and the main ball room has mirrors all over including behind the top table. Mirrors make taking photographs harder for several reasons i.e. flash has to be bounced rather than direct, you have to shoot at an angle so you're not in the shots etc.

It was during the speeches that uncle Bob continually stood in the centre of the table firing his flash straight into the mirror (he couldn't have got a single shot) and being in every photograph. Every time I would set up a shot and take a step backwards he would be under my feet ..... a complete nightmare!

I have no problem with people taking photographs but please, have some respect and stay out of the way.

On another note the next Lifestyle portrait training day has been booked for the 30th March 2008 at the Pontlands park Hotel near Chelmsford. Drop me an e-mail if you feel like coming along (it would make a better Christmas present than socks).

Come and say hi

I was recently approached by the Baddow camera club to give a talk on my work and lifestyle photography in general.

The talk will take place on the 26th February 2008 starting at 19.45 and It's completely free (although tea ect will be for sale). You don't have to be a member of the club to come along. The location is the BAE Telford Systems theatre, on West Hanningfield Road in Great Baddow near Chelmsford.

I'll be showing some of my images and sharing a few secrets of how they are achieved, in my normal witty way. There will also be a time at the end where I'll be happy to field any questions people may have.

For more details check out the Baddow camera club website and drop them a line if you intend coming along.

It will be great to see you there!

This didn't happen

Before I start I want to make it clear to my insurance company and any health and safety bods that may happen to be reading this the following story is actually completely made up and totally fictitious.

OK, so today I was booked to do some commercial work which involved shooting a companies lorries at their yard. It had to be today as the shot is required by Thursday and weekends are the only time the fleet is at the depot.

Unfortunately it was also the day we got a weeks worth of rain in one day, but being as there was no chance of a re shoot we pushed ahead regardless. Endless shunting of vehicles back and forth and we were eventually ready for the shots.

Anyone who's read my free down loadable photography tips from my website will know one of the things I constantly talk about is finding interesting angles to shoot from, normally high or low. I'm not afraid to climb on top of something or lie down if I feel it will add to the shot. With this in mind I asked the boss if it would be possible to bring a forklift out for me to get a bit of height.

The forklift trundled out to where I had thought the best place would be with a pallet for me and my tripod to stand on. I mount the pallet grab hold and say to the driver "take it up as far as it will go" at about the half way point I realised that i had underestimated the maximum height of the forklift. I thought it would go to about 6ft where as in actual fact it went to about 30ft (or at least it felt that way).

So I'm now standing 30ft in the air with my camera on a tripod whilst the rain is pouring down, There are no railings and just a pallet to stand on (that seems to have shrunk since we left the ground, unlike my tripod which has expanded to take all the room). There's nothing for it other than to get brave let go and look through the camera, luckily the tripod needed only the very minimum of adjustment to get the composition I wanted. Needless to say I set the camera to bracket (30ft in the air is not the time for light readings) and shot of about thirty shots.

All in all a succesfull day even if the adrenelin was of the brown variety.

New York Giants v Miami Dolphins at Wembley

Pin It Last weekend (is it a week already) The NFL brought over two American football teams to play at Wembley stadium in a regular season game. In sports terms this was BIG, it was not a friendly with second string players it was the real thing with points at stake.

The club I'm a member of (the Colchester Gladiators) are without doubt the most forward thinking club in the country. Over several months prior to the game they had been and booked the Green man pub for a massive pre (and after party). The weather did its best to stop any fun but due to the good natured crowd and the excellent wet weather planning everything went well. The club had organised a massive marquee which housed a DJ trade stands and a bull ride which went down extremely well with the gathered crowds (over 2,000). Added to that the dance performance (you can see one of their performances here ... I'm stood next to the DJ wearing the No.53 shirt) by the Kukri allstarzz and everyone was very happy.

After several pints loads of football chat and being interviewed by Nuts TV (details to follow) it was time to head down the hill to the stadium.

From the outside Wembley is an absolutely stunning stadium and seemed to cope well with the masses all turning up to get into the game. To say tickets were hard to get hold of for this game would be an understatement. The NFL had half a million ticket requests - Wembley at max capacity can only seat 90,000.

Everyone entering the stadium had a search for security reasons. I had my D2x swung round my neck with the plan being if they said i couldn't bring it in I'd run back to the Green man and leave it with the guys there (OK it would be a fast walk). After several of the security men had a chat they decided I could bring it in as long as i promised not to use it ..... yeah right.

The seats i had managed to get were in the upper section and after several escalator rides we reached the viewing are. Stepping out into the arena was a truly breathtaking experience a fantastic venue for any sporting event. One of those things that has to be experienced to be fully understood.

Not only were the seats I had in the upper section they were also very high, in fact if they were much higher you need a Sherpa to guide you to your seat. In fact a couple of times during the game we had to ask God to sit down so we could see.

Having said that the view was fantastic, better than at crystal palace or Don Valley stadium because although you are high you're not far from the sideline.

The game itself wasn't a fantastic spectacle and was heavily affected by the constant down pour (with such a fantastic stadium you'd have thought they'd have put a closeable roof on it). Just before half time i decided to go and grab a programme. in typical British style here's where it starts to go wrong. At every food counter massive ques stretched back after a long walk i found the merchandise stand again with a massive que. Although i didn't eat at the stadium word soon spread that they had run out of beer and food and the staff serving couldn't speak English causing a mix up in almost everyone's orders. In typical Brit fashion we build a fantastic stadium then act surprised when a hungry thirsty crowd turn up. Down get me wrong I love this country but some things really annoy me.

The second half got slightly more interesting when the Dolphins rallied and made an attempt to get back in the game scoring a great passing touchdown. However their plans were scuppered when they attempted to kick an onside kick that simply skidded accross the pitch and out of bounds leaving the Giants to simply run the clock out.

Getting out of the stadium took a little longer than most stadiums had been to (although in fairness they aren't capable of holding 90,000). Also gone were the escalators just never ending rows of stairs to go down. Once outside we headed back up the hill to get back tot he Green man in time to watch the next game amongst friends.

All in all an excellent weekend made even better by the Colchester Gladiators tailgate party at the Green man. the weather could have been better (it didn't stop raining all day) and the service inside Wembley was very poor. The stadium though is well worth a a visit.

Rufford Abbey (near Sherwood Forest)

One of the perks of working like I do is that I'm not tied down in one area. At the drop of a hat I can pick up my gear and go.

Sometimes I rely totally on the client to pick a good venue although I do try and do some research prior to the booking. Recently I took the journey up to Rufford Abbey near Ollerton and did a family portrait shoot for the two sisters seen here. You can see some of the images from the day by clicking here.

I've been asked by photographers how far I would travel to do a shoot, (then i mention i shot a wedding in Australia a while back and they get the message). In honesty i don't think there's a limit as long as the criteria is right I'll go. It knocks seven bells out of sitting in an office all day or even worse a white background studio!

If your name is Katie McKinley (i think e mail is something like katiecolourmc@ I don't know.co.uk ) and you left a message for me this morning on the answer phone can you ring me again as I can't make out your e-mail address .... thanx.

Only 6 days till I go to see the Dolphins v Giants at Wembley can't wait! :-)

The Christmas Rush

It's that time of the year when the organised people (that's me out then) start arranging what they are going to get grand parents etc for Christmas presents.

As a result the diary starts to fill up as families organise themselves. The family seen here had that exact idea (click on the image for a slideshow showing a few more images). Of course the phone continues to ring right through to December with people who are a little less organised (unfortunately that's the bracket I'd put myself into when it comes to Christmas shopping).

My favourite advert (Cadburys Gorilla)

Advertising is not something that often attracts me but i must admit i love the new cadburys one.


and if that wasn't good enough the good old internet soon gets people making their own as seen below ... Briliant!

Portfolio

It seems there are more and more professional people that are needing portfolio images recently.

Today I had the pleasure of meeting and photographing a journalist come author who has recently won a very prestigious award for writing. He entered a competition where the first few chapters of a book had to be entered and he won. Since then he's been in demand and it would appear he has a great future ahead.

Click here to see the images we got today. Sometimes when there's only one subject it can be hard to get enough different pictures but I'm really pleased with today's results, see what you think.

A day in the park

I've been completely snowed under recently trying to catch up with various shoots including another two this weekend (images will be uploaded when I catch my breath).

Anyway this Sunday I took a trip down to St Albans to meet up with a good friend Mel Corley . I first met Mel we he came on one of my day of discovery days and since then we've stayed in touch.

I had been commisioned to photographs Mel as he worked.

The brief was to capture images of Mel as he carried out a portrait shoot. The images will be used to help promote him and his business.

Whilst we worked together exchanging ideas, and searching out exciting backgrounds, I managed to get the shot above of our stunning model.

I strongly recommend you go to Mels site and see some of his fantastic work from the day under the portrait section ...... they're great!

Nikon D3

I've always been a Nikon user. Ever since my first steps into photography (in the army) where an FM2 was thrust into my hand and I was sent out with rolls of film to go get some shots.

I love the cameras and have got to know each one I have owned almost personally. In fact I'm so bad I've still got them all (where's the sense in that).

I was very slow taking up the digital revolution as i have always been more than satisfied with the film cameras. However rising film/processing costs eventually made the decision for me (although i still occasionally shoot film). I can't be the only one who still gets inspired when opening a film can and smelling the emulsion on a fresh film can I?

Any way the main beef I had with Nikon was how all my lenses from my film bodies suddenly became different focal lengths when attached to my D2x. I suddenly found I had to be further away from my subjects and it caused me to have to change my approach to the subjects. This of course was due to the size of the image sensor Nikon used as a result I believe several photographers jumped ship and went to Canon who offered full frame. For years Nikon insisted they had no intention of going full frame and instead concentrated on new lenses specifically designed for digital bodies. All that changed last week with the announcement of the D3.

It looks a very impressive piece of kit and boasts several new widgets including, the ability to have 2 memory cards, some new fancy autofocus system and several other techy things (that if I'm honest don't interest me cause they're techy, I'm more interested in what it produces rather than how).

However I'm very impressed with the pricing policy, estimated at £3,300 that's a lot cheaper than the Canon equivalent.

Grab shots

I got a pleasant reminder last weekend of the importance of being ready to get grab shots at all times. We'd just finished shooting some formal stuff at a christening and where walking out of the park when the shot here presented itself.

These are the shots you can't create and just have to be ready for when they present themselves. The trick is never turn the camera off and the lens cap only goes back on when the camera goes away. If I'm honest I prefer these shots to the more formal type of shot that the majority of people want.

Here's another example of the same baby but captured a little more formally. I always try and get a bit of both and that way it's the best of both worlds.


On another note skype seemed to have dropped the ball over the last two days. For anyone not in the know skype is the free online phone company owned by E-bay. They normally provide an excellent and very cheap (and in many cases free) phone service anywhere in the world. Their problems are something to do with a software problem, but for a major provider like this to go down for two days that's major. We'll see what happens over the next couple of days.

Regardless of the current problems I'd advise anyone who has a broadband connection to get skype. Especially if you regularly phone people on the other side of the world.

The NFL in Colchester

For the last week the NFL have been running an American Football school in Colchester assisted by the Colchester Gladiators. Here's some images from one of the days.

Spreading the Word

If you're not already using google alerts I strongly suggest you do. What it does basically is search the web for any key words you tell it too and every time the google spiders find a new website that mentions your keyword it sends you an email.

I have several keyword I use and it's always fascinating to see what other people are writing about them. For example this morning I was sent this page.

How fantastic is that! Without the help of Google I probably would never have found that page. I don't think I know the guy who added me to the best photographers in the world list but I guess he liked what he saw. That's a real important lesson for anyone in business, the best marketing is recommendation, If you can create a buzz people will pass it on.

Talking of business the next "Shoot to Sell" course is coming up on the 8-9 October. Can't wait to meet some more of you guys and share my business secrets.

Colchester Gladiators v Oxford Saints

On the other side of the lens

Its not often that I'm at the other side of a lens so its nice when someone manages to grab a shot of me at work.
This one here was taken by Sally Schrieber who attended the last "Day of discovery" training day that I ran.

Sally very kindly sent me this link to a photography forum where she commented on my training day and put up one of the pictures she got. Great job Sally.

Also another photographer, Mel Corley who also attended one of my previous training days has just recently come second in a photography competition with an image captured on the training day. Well done guys you should both be very proud!

Places are going quick for the next "Shoot to sell course". It's on the 8th and 9th of October and is two days designed to help photographers gain a boost or launch their photography careers concentrating on marketing and sales. The guys who attended the last course were blown away but you can read what they thought here. Drop me an e-mail if you think you might be interested, it could be the best thing you ever do!

Photography Training Day July 1st

Just a quick line to say what a great day!!

Today was my latest photography training day run at Pontlands park hotel. It was a real pleasure and a treat to meet some new faces hopefully pass on some of the methods I use.

We were really lucky with the weather although it did try its best at times to stop us working outside. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing and look forward very much to seeing some images the guys took on the day as they come through. I'll post some more stuff tomorrow (when I've recovered a bit).

Thank you to our fantastic four models today you were great! (some of my shots below). Oh and of course what would I do without the help of the superbly talented Toni Bunn, who helped me out, what a star!

Different Traditions

Yesterday I covered another fantastic wedding. One of the joys of being a wedding photographer is the chance to discover a different traditions.

For example traditional christian weddings have bride and grooms families on opposite sides of the church were as Jewish weddings have male and female sides (as can be seen here).

Another thing I noticed yesterday is in the traditional Jewish wedding the groom actually places the wedding ring onto the index finger of the right hand. At some stage later the bride normally moves it onto the ring finger of the left hand. Intrigued by this discovery i asked the Rabbi who kindly explained, "the reason goes back to the time of the Talmud and the difference in beliefs at that time about which finger is closer or more direct to the heart. Christianity taught the ring finger: Judaism taught the index finger."

Another thing that would appear to be apparent is how different religions view photographers. I have photographed many Jewish weddings and without exception they are more respectfull to any the professionals employed to record the day. I always find it very sad when a couple are denied the main part of their day to be recorded because the person in charge decides that's what they want (irrespective of the couples wishes). Of course there are exceptions to every rule and I have worked alongside some excellent Christian ministers.

On line gaming

Ok, I am really busy at the moment, I've nearly finished ny end of year accounts and then i've got a stack of images to get sorted. But sometimes it's nice to take a break and relax. Here's an online game that has taken up far too much of my free time lately ..... Be warned it is highly addictive!!

Photography Interview

I've been bonkers busy over the last week so I'm afraid the blog has been a little quiet. Here's some of the things i've been up to.

A while back I agreed to an interview with an online forum. Some of the questions that came forward really got the grey matter ticking over whilst others were more simple. You can read the interview here and at the same time why not join the forum?

Last weekend I travelled down to Sussex and watched (shot) the American football match between the Colchester Gladiators and the Sussex thunder (slideshow to follow). As this is the part of the world where Emma Duggan lives I dropped in and we spent some time talking all things photography.

We swapped lenses and ideas and set about shooting each other (and Emma's dog Freddie). During this time Emma got this great shot off me (not the easiest of subjects).

The "Day of adventure" photography training day has now started to fill up and I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone. It seems like we've got a great cross section of people coming from complete amateurs to all out professionals. I really love these days as there's nothing better than spending time with creative people.

American football in the Rain

A couple of weeks ago the Colchester Gladiators played the Ipswich Cardinals. The game was probably the wettest I've ever witnessed, torrential rain from start to finish. I certainly learnt quite a lot from working in these conditions. I had the camera wrapped in a tesco bag and had to continually keep wiping the lens. Lighting was poor too and i finished shooting the game at ISO 3200, don't you just love the British summer?

See the slide show below

Just Do It!

I love the Nike phrase, just do it. I wish I had though of it as it fits in perfectly with many of my thoughts on life and business.

I firmly believe that If we all did what other people told us to, no forward movement would ever be made. There are too many people who are willing to give "advice" that will ensure that the person receiving it doesn't move forward (and do better than the advice givers).

I find customers are bored rigid with safe and normal things and leap at things that are different. For example when I started my mad bride photographs (see below) wedding photographers began asking if i had lost the plot! I had many conversations which went along the lines of .... but Martin your going to scare away customers. What they (and most other business people) failed to realise was that I couldn't deal with everybody! There are millions of weddings a year and I can't photograph all of them (nor would i want to if i could). So if I put off the people who didn't get me than I was doing both them and me a big favour.


Actually what happened when Ii began using these adverts was the complete opposite, I got more referrals from this style of advertising than any other printed media I have ever used. I have no doubt that some brides may have been put off when they saw these images but the ones who did get in touch where right on my wave length!

Take it from me if you truly believe something is right ...... Just do it! (Just don't bet your house on it).

For those that maybe interested in my "shoot to sell course" I finally managed to tie the date down for the next one. It will be over the 8th and 9th october this year. It is designed to help photographers who want their business to grow or new photographers who want to start. It is two whole days of marketing and sales. See my blog for comments from the last batch of students, if you're interested drop me an e-mail.

Business Tricks!

My great mate Emma Duggan sent me this picture! It was taken by a friend of hers on their mobile and she new it would hit a cord with me.

Whilst it won't make sense to many, the guys who came on the "Shoot to sell Course" will immediately recognise the significance (I hope).

I'm currently trying to put another two days together to run the course again so if you think it may be of interest keep an eye on this blog (if you sign up it will be emailed every time i update) and i'll put the dates up here as soon as i have them. In the meant time the "Day of Discovery" on the 1st July is already starting to fill up. Why not come and spend a day with like minded photographers and learn a few new tricks.

Disaster at Orsett Hall

I'm in shock! One of my favourite wedding venues in the local area has been completely destroyed. Apparently this morning a fire started in the kitchen that spread through the old building very quickly.

I heard a rumour but presumed it was an over exaggerated story about a small fire. As I'm sure you can see from the photograph it'sgoing to be some while before they hold another wedding here.

I feel sorry for any couples who have booked for this year. It's going to be a complete nightmare trying to rearrange at short notice.

If you are in this unlucky situation the management of Orsett house have set up an emergency number which is 01375 891402.

American Football season starts again

At last the British league has started again! Gives me something to look forward to on Sundays again! Sorry I haven't updated the blog lately its been really busy .... wil add some more stuff soon.

Click below for the slide show of last Sundays game. The Colchester Gladiators are playing at home again this Sunday so come and down and make some noise. To see the slide show full size click here.

How do YOU measure success?

I don't know if I'm strange but I seem to measure things differently to most people. For example I regularly meet many photographers, some run great businesses, others run very expensive hobbies that they call a business.

Many people in business fall for the line that to be successful you have to be busy. I regularly hear of photographers who's only aim in life is to shoot more weddings next year. Perhaps I'm wrong but my vision of a successful business is one that aims to work less not more? Surely by taking on less work it means the jobs that you do have can be done to a much higher level?

Any way I've had a few more comments about the "shoot to sell" course I ran last week that I thought I would share. It feels great to know that the people who spent two days with me have gone out with renewed passion and now have the necessary knowledge that will help them build a successful photography business.

"Hi Martin

Hope all is well with you and you have had a well deserved rest after the course earlier this week. It was 11.45pm when I got home and I then spent another couple of hours at the computer trying to capture all the ideas that were floating around in my head!

The course content was magnificent and it was delivered in a very professional and friendly manner. I would recommend your courses to anyone who is building up or starting a photography business.

My day job finished yesterday and i am now officially a self employed photographer ..... I couldn't have wished for a better start to my business, I know that if i put the effort into using your techniques and following your invaluable advice there is no reason why I can't make a success of it.

You are a very talented photographer and businessman and i feel very honoured to have been given the opportunity to work with you. Thank you again for everything .........."

I have no doubt that Karen will have a great future in the photography world. Check out Karen Petry's website here.

Here's what Andrew Burton had to say (unfortunately I can't show you his website yet as it's not live yet)

"Hi Martin

What a fantastic couple of days I have just experienced. The best course I have ever attended, with excellent ideas and inspiration from start to finish, along with great company. I now feel all fired up to push my business forward.

Martin thanks for a truly fantastic couple of days."

Helen Shorey had this to say Check out her website here

"Dear Martin

I needed information, inspiration and a kick up the rear and your two day course has provided all that and more. I really enjoyed meeting the others and Emma too. You worked your magic again and now I'm buzzing with ideas of what to do next and after that too! I'm writing them all down so I don't forget them and linking them in with the notes you gave us.

I second Johns sentiments - you should definitely offer this course to a wider range of businesses especially smallish ones who would benefit greatly before making too many costly mistakes.

Thank you for all your effort and your kindness in sharing "the secrets" of your business model with us. I'm sure we will be making great use of this new and exciting information. I know I will be :-) .....................


I know from the amount of e-mails I have already received there is enough demand to run this course again. As soon as I have a date i will publish it here. If you think it may be what you're looking for drop me an email to martin@martinwilmottphotography.com and we can have a chat.

Having great times with great friends.

I consider myself really lucky to have some fantastic friends who are involved with photography. One of my greatest mates is Emma Duggan. Emma kindly came and showed some of her stuff to the guys on the "shoot to sell course" at the start of this week. Here's a pic of me and Emma kindly taken by Ken Beck.

As well as being a fantastic photographer (getting far too good) she is one of the friendliest people I know. Never being afraid to talk to anyone and offer help if needed.

I spoke to everyone after the two days and they all said one of the highlights was meeting Emma and sharing some time with her. Check out Emmas Duggans' blog here, you won't be disappointed.

Here's another shot (taken by Emma) showing me with the guys on a break during the day. I had a fantastic time with all of you. I guess you are all far too busy putting in the action plan and creating a fantastic business to be reading this blog.

It was great to receive your e-mails and I too would like to thank you all for your belief in me and taking the chance to come and see how I do things. I think I will definitely be running this course again (in about six months), I'm guessing you'll all be very well established by then and will have doubled your turnover from last year!

One question how can being away for two days create a weeks worth of work? Did all my clients wait until I was away before they sent their orders through? Or is it that when you deal with things as they arrive it seems to take less time.

I'm the happiest man on the planet

The last two days have been an absolute blast! The shoot to sell course was great fun and i'm sure the photographers who came along will very soon generating some proper funds.

I'll add some more stuff (including a couple of pics) when i've had a rest but I wanted to include this e-mail that just landed in my in box!

Dear Martin

Speaking as someone who spent the last 37 years in a sales-based profession I just wanted to say that your presentation on marketing these past two days blew me away. I've been very fortunate in that since changing career to photography I've managed pretty well, but there is always room for improvement and I know enough to understand that I can't rely on repeat business alone. The idea, therefore, that I look at a marketing course that was specifically targeted at photographers was intersting enough for me to part with a reasonably large wedge of dosh. I'm really pleased I did though. At the risk of sounding like you've ghost-written this for me, I reckon that just two of the ideas you came up with will help me generate much more business and new clients. These alone will assist the growth of my business but when I use them in conjunction with your other ideas, I reckon business will explode. You can probably tell I'm really fired up. Well done, I thought I had seen it all. You're welcome to include my email address in case anyone thinking of taking a later course with you wants a recommendation. In fact I'd go so far as to say that you should open this to a wider audience than photographers alone as so many of your ideas as pertinent to other disciplines.

Excellent!

Kind regards

John


As John has offered here's his e-mail johndurrant@hello-photo.co.uk if you thinking of perhaps booking for the next shoot to sell it might be worth an e-mail. Don't get left behind!

Shoot to Sell

Over the last couple of days I've been putting the final pieces together in preparation for my "shoot to sell" two day course next week (23 - 24 April). I don't mind saying I'm really excited about the whole thing and can't wait to meet up with you guys who have already booked your places. Its going to be a massive two days so get lots of sleep and come with your engines burning.

I set about writing this course over a year ago when photographers began e-mailing me asking for help in marketing etc. I realised that for any entrepreneur there are three crucial areas that are necessary to be truly successful. The first is the talent to create whatever it is you are hoping to sell (in my case photography). The second is the ability to attract enough customers to make it financially viable and the third is the ability to ensure every customer receives a great sales experience.

I hear of so many talented photographers who struggle to pay their bills whilst others who are more mediocre appear to do incredibly well. Anyone who knows me will tell you, I always have time to try and help any other photographer (apart from the guy who keeps sending me his A level homework).

Shoot to sell has been written and designed to help out anyone who believes they have the drive and skill to make themselves a success.

There are still places available so if you think this could help you just drop me an e-mail martin@martinwilmottphotography.com or ring me on 01376 567995 and we can have a chat . I can't wait to hear of your success stories after having introduced a few of my methods.

Adobe CS3 Rip Off?

It would appear that photographers and creatives in Europe have been targeted as easy prospects.

Adobe released its new version of photoshop two weeks ago (CS3) which as most photographers know is the essential software and is a complete must have.

However it transpires that it is 190% more expensive in Europe than America. Considering it can be downloaded via an Internet connection how can this be?

Adobe have attempted to counter this criticism stating that the different languages in Europe mean it is in fact a different product. If that's the case why can't photoshop spell colour correctly? Or is it just a lie?

Photographers are being urged to sign the online petition here which Adobe are already beginning to panic about. If you don't appreciate being ripped off sign up and also forward on to anyone and everyone you know.

The 80 / 20 Rule of Business

I had an interesting e-mail this morning from someone who had signed up to my free photography tips. He had a problem with the fact I had sent an e-mail advertising my "shoot to sell course". The course is designed to help photographers who want to learn how to make money from photography as a business. It is personalised and reveals many of the methods I use every day.

It is common knowledge in business that 80% of trade will come from 20% of your clients, if you can concentrate on those 20% your business will benefit. I have no problem with the other 80% who like to receive my free tips, I wrote them to help people to take better photographs and I have received many thank yous from all over the world.

However when one of the 80% decide to complain about the stuff I provide for nothing, I act quickly (apprentice style) and fire them. I simply apologise and then delete them from the free tips ensuring they cannot sign up again. Please if you don't like the free photography tips I send then simply unsubscribe.

On the contrary here's a blog posting from someone else (in the beautiful town of Vancouver) who has a different opinion about the same information.

The overall lesson, you can't please everyone all the time so simply remove the ones who aren't happy from your business and let them bother someone else.

Saying goodbye to some new friends

All week I have had the privilege of meeting and working alongside some fantastic athletes from the USA.

A group of American Football players from all over the USA had flown into the UK for a visit and to play a couple of games against the local Colchester teams.

I know that some of the boys parents and relatives have been checking out this blog for more news so especially for them (and anyone else who may be interested) click here for a slide show of what the guys got up some of the time during the week. There is sound so make sure your speakers are on. I'll try and put the remaining images up soon.

Hope you like it. Feel free to comment

American All Stars

This week the colchester Gladiators American footbal team (who i'm heavily involved with) are playing host to a traveling American high school team of grid Iron stars. the players have been recruited from all over the USA and are amongst the best for their age groups.

I've just got back from meeting the American players at their first (official) practise at the college in Colchester. Some of the players were finding the weather a little challenging (cold) but as I explained if you don't like the weather in England wait half an hour and it will change.

From what i've seen they're going to give a fantastic display of Grid iron skills on the field and leave many of the Gladiators players with more than the occasional bruise.

I'm guessing that some of the players parents and families may be reading this to see if they can spot their loved ones so i intend to up load my images through out the week very soon. Keep an eye on this blog and i'll put a link to the images.

If you want to know more about the American All Star team and their game against the Gladiators on Friday the details can be found on the Gladiators blog by clicking here (there's also some more images from this morning).

Also the BBC were at the Gladiators training last week and there write up and video can be seen by clicking here. Any photographer out there who fancy coming along to take some action photographs under spotlight of these guys in action on friday will be more than welcome.

The Future of Computing

If you've got a spare 10 minutes prepare to be wowed by watching this short video. How easy would this make album design etc?

Photography as a Business

I get a lot of e-mails, phone calls and the occasional letter from people from all over the world asking about photography. I must admit, I love helping people and seeing them succeed. I get a real buzz when someone e-mails me their work and says they used one of my tips. It may take me a little while if I'm busy, but I promise I do look at them all.

It was to try and help these for these people that I started my free photography e-mail course (sign up from my web page under the tips section). This also meant I didn't have to spend so long answering each and every e-mail.

The free photography tips have been a huge success. Many of the people have added themselves to my friends map in fact nearly 1000 fellow photography lovers (take a look on the bottom right of this blog, add yourself I'd love to see who you are). However I know that the best way to impart knowledge is to actually show someone and so the "Day of Discovery" course was born. I've had such a ball meeting you all and showing you the tricks that I use that help me get the shots. I absolutely love these days and have thoroughly enjoyed meeting the people who have come on them. Some making mammoth journeys to spend the day (Germany is the record so far). For anyone interested the next one is on the 1st July see my site for the details.

However because I like to think of everyone who carries a camera as a friend I realise there's a few of you out there who want to actually take the plunge and make a living from photography. There are also some of you who have taken the plunge that need a little help. I know from experience that gaining customers can be really hard so I've put together a slide show that I hope will give you some ideas on how to search out those important clients. I really hope you find it of use and who knows maybe you might want to join us for the "shoot to Sell" course next month.

The End of Google?

I love techy things and have been a big fan of google for years. However unless they get their act togethor pretty quickly I can see them loosing their crown. So who's the new kid on the block?

The challenger for the search engine crown is called snap.com. From what I can see it's in its infancy at the moment but it has some great new tricks. Best of all is the ability to see the page you are being directed to before you click.

Also (as you may have already discovered) it can be incorporated into sites (like this blog) so any link will pop up and show the page you would be directed to helping you decide if you want to go there or not. This will hopefully eliminate those sites where you think it's what you want only to find it's actually just a page of adword clicks someone has put togethor in order to make money. How cool is that?

I'm guessing this is the first (and only) major challenger that google has had for a long time. In my opinion, if google doesn't do something quickly, snap.com will very soon become the search engine everyone uses.

Photographing Children Growing Up

It is always fantastic to go back and re photograph a family. The last time I saw the young girl in this image she was just a week old!

Its incredible how everyone's life moves on. It certainly doesn't feel like 18 months since we last met. How she has changed is beyond belief.

I take it as the ultimate compliment to be asked back to record children as they grow up. Capturing magical memories is something that can easily be overlooked. Unfortunately, as too many people find out, today cannot be photographed tommorow or in a weeks time.

Photography Business Training

It's been three days since the "day of discovery" Lifestyle photography course I ran. It was fantastic meeting you all and I must say thank you for the images you have all been sending. It's always a pleasure to recieve e-mails from peole afterwards as thats the real time I find out how the course really went. Here's just a few comments taken from some of the guys who have already written:

Martin,
hi, it was truly great to meet you at last yesterday, and I must say that you and Doug were superb teachers and nothing was too small, even the silly questions were answered without a fuss, which believe you me helped immensely. As to the course content this too was great and as i said on my departure I went away with a headache as a result of learning so much. Also may I point out that I have been on numerous courses via the SWPP and the NIKON courses, and i must point out that your course was with out doubt the best one that I have attended for a long time, the course content was informative, interesting and presented in a professional manner, and I can truly say that I will remember every little tip for years to come.

Hello Martin,

Thankyou for a lovely day. The whole experience has exceeded my expectations on every count. I have learnt a great deal of new techniques, but the best of all was to see you and Doug in action and to learn how the pros do it.

All in all, a great day that was made even better with the friendliness of all other attendees.

WOW! I'm SO happy you had such a great time. The weather made it harder but it shows what can be done and lets face it, if you want to take photographs on a regular basis it will at some time rain. As the image of Charlie and I shows (thanks for sending it John) I had a real fun time meeting you all too.

On another note last night I was working late and sent an e-mail out to inform people of the two day "shoot to sell" course coming up next month. Its like the next step and is aimed at people wanting to either start a photography business or to help people who are already in business but aren't reaching their full potential. I new it would be popular but i had a reply come back at 4.30 am. Now thats someone who's not afraid to make a decision!

Photography Training Day

Yesterday (4th March) we ran another lifestyle portrait training day for the budding enthusiasts wanting to learn and improve on their techniques. The weather was really against us and it didn't stop raining throughout the whole day.

Having said that we had a Fantastic day! As a group we managed to achieve the aim of educating and most importantly having fun!! I'll add some more pictures over the next few days and some of the images captured by the excellant students.

Believe me there are people who were on this course yeaterday who will no doubt be making a neam for themselves in the coming months / years. More to come ............

Focus on Imaging

It was the last day of Focus on Imaging at the NEC today. For those that don't know this is the big event for photographers that happens once a year and really is considered a must.

I always manage to find something of interest when i go and amongst others i discovered this camera cover seen in the picture. Basically it's a rubber body that slips over your current camera (they do other colours too). I can see the advantage of something like this especially when the cameras tend to be thrown in and out of open bags when working. However they didn't have one that would fit the D2x so that saved me some money! Apologies for the picture quality, it was taken on my phone, as its considered very very uncool for a pro to be seen with a camera at focus.

Again Canon didn't bother to be there (2nd year running) in my opinion a disgusting way to treat the pro users! Nikon were there with their new stand and put on some excellent talks and had hands on for every camera model and lens that they make with experts available to answer questions ..... Great service AGAIN for Nikon users.

Interestingly another big player that weren't there this year was Kodak! Having talked to the manager at my lab (Redwoods) it would appear that Kodak have no interest in the consumer market anymore and are chasing the mini do it yourself print labs.

I also talked myself into buying a Fong Dome. I've been looking into them for about a year and decided to take the plunge. I'll give it a go and then post some stuff up on here on my thoughts. All in all a good show and happily different to last year.