Make This Your Year !

Yesterday was a pretty tough day. My cousin was knocked off his motorbike just before Christmas and died. Yesterday was his funeral. he was dearly loved and had so much to live for, his family are torn to pieces.

One thing that makes you sit up and take notice is death. It is so final, no more chances, that's it.

If one good thing came from yesterday for me it was, to find something I want to do and achieve it. the new years resolution list is going to be pretty long this year!

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

As anyone who knows me will know i'm constantly researching succesfull companies and their methods (always looking to steal good ideas). Whilst reading a book (I think it may have been Customer Evangelists) I came across the story of a Doughnut company in America called Krispy Kreme. To cut a long story short the company started small and word spread of the excellent doughnuts that they sold. Not only that but they also became famous for helping out in community projects and delighting their customers.

So what? Well today whilst finishing off my Christmas shopping in Lakeside I bump into a Krispy Kreme stall. Needless to say I HAD to try there wares, i had a couple of doughnuts and a coffee and sat and watched. The que never got less than 12 people, they each bought one or two. Many people returned and bought boxes of the doughnuts as word spread. It would appear that they are going to have a major succesfull business on this side of the pond. My opinion, they are outstanding!! although I dread to guess the calorie count.

On a business point i've finished my final portrait shoot of the year, can't wait for next year got some great plans .......

Olan Mills Goes Bust!

I've just been e-mailed that Olan Mills have gone bust! The BBC news report states "Photography company Olan Mills, which employs 950 staff in 97 stores across the UK, has gone into administration."

To make it even worse having looked on the Olan Mills web site it would apear they've been shooting right up untill the last second, taken the money then closed the doors. This leaves the customers with no way of getting their moneyback or their pictures.

Apparently they have been running at a loss for the last three years and could no longer afford to continue. Personally I find it sad a huge company like this was unable to modernise its approach to the photographic world. I guess they continued in the old style of photography that so many studio's shoot (white background brigade).

As such they all merge in the customers mind to being the same and at that stage it becomes a case of who's cheapest. Any business will tell you if you're only getting business because your cheap your not going to be in business long.

I find the key to any business success is to find out what the client wants and then make sure you offer it to them (and more). Treating clients as part of a production line by forcing your own styles and ideals onto people is a sure fire way to make sure your customers are left unhappy and worse that they tell others about it.

Interestingly i just read this on another blog. A true account of a real customer that Olan Mills put through the production line service. As I said before, give the client what they want, not what you think they want ..


Mr. Olan Mills Photo Dude,

I realize it's your job to sell me pictures. And I realize that you don't make any money off of me when I just bring my family in to get a free church directory photo taken. But, can I be honest with you Mr. Olan Mills Photo Dude? You're pictures? They're not so good. My family doesn't look attractive lined up in a row in front of a blue marbled background with fake smiles plastered on their faces. I wish we did, but we don't. Ok, now I've lied to you, I don't wish we did. And also, Mr. Olan Mills Photo Dude, it's ok if Presley wants to put her fingers in her mouth when you take the picture. She's a baby, that's what she does. It's actually considered a good thing to capture her personality in the photo. It's not, however, considered a good thing when she's screaming her head off because you keep pulling her fingers out of her mouth in attempts to make us look like the Cleavers. Just a friendly tip. I mean, I'm not a photographer or anything. :)

In closing, I'd like to apologize for cutting our photo session short and, in doing so, preventing you from taking loads of pictures that I have no inclination to purchase. I can see that you were more than a little irked about that. But, to be honest Mr. Olan Mills Photo Dude, I'm more than a little irked that our staff got Jason photos and we didnt. So ;p.

Good day,

Paparazzi

As I mentioned in the last post Friday night was spent 'papping' outside the Hippodrome in leicester square. this is not something that I would normally consider but it was for fun more than hassle. The company who's Christmas party it was had decided their staff deserved to be treated to alittle bit of fame.

Actually it wasn't my job and I was purely there to give my good friend Doug a hand and be part of a three photographer team. It was him who took the image of yours truely seen here to the left.

Between the three of us we photographed everyone as they came to the party. having done my bit I was finished by about 22.30 and after a quick drink left Doug who was to stay and capture the rest of the evening .


For anyone who's read the last entry you'll know what happened when I got home ........

Death of a key board

Apologise for the amount of time since the last entry on the blog. This has been for two reasons, firstly i've been bonkers busy with shoots Friday Saturday and Sunday and all the post production joys that they bring.

The second reason and probably the real reason is this. On Friday night (saturday morning), I arrived home from shooting a job at the hippodrome in leicester square at about 1 in the morning. I settled down with a couple of cans of beer whilst my computer downloaded the nights shots (i'll put some up when i get chance). Needless to say everything was going smoothly and I checked e mails and buzzed around the web. However, my second can of lager decided to explode when I opened it and gave my keyboard and carpet a wash.

Now if someone can explain to me how a can of lager that has sat in a fridge for at least two weeks and was not dropped or shaken in any way (to my knowledge) suddenly decide to explode when opened for no reason, i'll be a happier man.

Anyway the long and the short of it was several keys stopped working on the keyboard. At first it seemed to be just the numbers and the full stop, however whilst typing an e mail i soon discovered the space bar was also not working making anything i wrote completely unintelligable.

So to cut a long story short I had to invest in another keyboard and at the same time a new 4 way usb port (my last keyboard could plug usb connection into it). As you can see in the picure my old keyboard now has a new place to live (the bin).

Chelmsford Chieftains

Last night I went to the Chelmsford Ice and Leisure Centre to watch the Chelmsford Chieftains play the Telford Tigers. The Chieftains won the match 6-1. The game was heavily attended by the Colchester Gladiators American football club, strengthening the bond between the two teams. The Colchester Gladiators and the Chelmsford Chieftains are due to announce very soon the sporting partnership and will jointly promote each others seasons (which run opposite to each other).

A big thanks goes out to Marky Mark (the chieftains DJ) for giving the gladiators a mention and for pushing the fact they are looking for new players. He also kindly wore a gladiators hat all night (see image). Also a big thank you to Andy Driver (Chieftains PR and marketing) for making me / us feel so welcome. I know the two clubs will both benefit from the new partnership.

The Chieftains certainly put on a show worth watching and i would suggest anybody who has spare time on a sunday evening throughout the winter goes along and cheers.

Essex Blades v Kent Falcons

Another Sunday and another game of American football to shoot. This time the Essex Baldes took on the Kent Falcons. Essex again looked very impressive with a big hard hitting defence allowing very little of the other teams offence to gain yardage. You can see the american football slide show by clicking here.

It's that time of year again where I go a little mad and shoot my christmas card. For anyone that sent me a card last year you'll know that my cards are not the norm. In fact last year they were so popular I had to have more of them printed. What started as a laugh between friends has suddenly become a big thing with people e mailing and asking if the new card was out yet. It's something I enjoy doing and as it's only once a year who cares ........ wanna see this years card? Sorry I only send them to people who I recieve cards from (better get one in the post quick).

Theres been a sudden rush of people enquiry about the lifestyle portrait training day (click for slideshow) to be held on the 4th March. It would appear that alot of people have decided this would make a great christmas present. If you're thinking of coming you'd better get on the phone quick to reserve your place. looking forward to hearing from you ....

Barmitzvah Photographs

Another double header of a weekend. Saturday was a wonderfull wedding (although a little cold) and luckily for me it was reasonably local for once. I must admit I did feel slightly sorry for the eleven bridesmaids outside trhe church whilst we were doing the group shots (working as fast as possible .... honest)

On Sunday (yesterday) I was honoured to be asked to photograph the barmitzvah party of the young man who can be seen in the centre of the picture above. It was a wonderfull party with, fantastic music, stunning food and great guests, although one of them I thought at one stage was going to tell me I was fired (see image).

The whole party was West Ham FC based, the ballons, table decorations and the cake all decked out in Claret and blue. All the tables were named after famous hammers of the past and present (I guess that may be why Sir Alan was not too impressed).

Essex Blades v UEA Pirates (a mad Sunday)

This Sunday was probably the busiest day i've had in a long time. Sunday morning was the first of 5 new player days for the colchester gladiators. A good attendance and some good new players were found.

I had to leave the players day early and drive to Billericay to do a test drive pre wedding shoot for a couple who had contacted me. I always offer a free of charge pre wed shoot to all my couples before they decide if they want to book me. I find it shows them exactly how i work and also the quality of the product they are likely to recieve for their wedding.

Having succesfully completed the shoot it was time to jump back in the car and head back to Colchester where the Essex Blades were playing the UEA pirates. The Essex blades are the Colchester University American Football team. Alot of their players play for the Gladiators in the British league throughout the summer, the two teams have an excellant partnership. The Colchester Gladiators turned out in force to cheer on the Blades in there first game of the season which they won reasonably easily.

Unknown to me the game had been started late (I was on the A 12 at the time) and so by the 4th qtr I was really struggling with the light. I finished shooting the game with the Nikon D2x set at Hi3 (iso 3200 equivalent) and it shows in the images. I always find the colours go completely flat when shooting at high ISO's as well as the grain becoming obvious. Having said that they're shots that I wouldn't have bothered shooting if i had been shooting film.

So having shot the A/football it was time to head back to Chelmsford for a meeting with a guy that is going to make a big differance to the Colchester Gladiators for next year. For the time being i'll keep it under wraps. keep checking out the blog to be updated ......

The Borat Movie

I went and saw the Borat film yesterday. There has been so many people talking about it it was one of those things I just had to do.

I loved it, normally when you take something like this and try and make a film about it it doesn't work, but somehow the plot was just enough to keep it going.

I guess you have to be into this kind of humour but some of the film had me rolling with laughter, whilst others have you cringing with the no he didn't did he effect.

Apparently it is wiping the floor with all the other films in America which I find a little suprising. I always thought the Americans don't tend to get the british humour of laughing at yourself (perhaps the office has had some effect). One thing I noticed which i wasn't aware of was how rude the general american public were to him on the tube. O.K. he was being completely in your face but even a comment of my name is Borat what is your name received a reply of mind your own ******* business is my name ...... hardly friendly.

But seriously if you need a laugh you'll find plenty here.

Nuisance Calls!!

Today I took two phone calls from telephone numbers 02920 240069 and 02920 368701. Both of these calls were from phone companies trying to get me to change supplier (probably the same one).

If you are bored at work or don't pay for phone calls I'm sure they would really appreciate it if you would dial any of these two numbers and offer your services to the person who answers the phone. You may get lucky who knows! I did it and it made me feel great!! Spread the word to everyone you know and I'm sure between us we can get the message accross.

Oh and the other thing to do is tag there numbers on your mobile so your phone is on silent mode if those numbers call you.

Slideshow of the last Photography Training Day

I've just finished putting together a slideshow showing some of the images taken from the last lifestyle photography training day in October. The images in the show were taken by either Doug Toni or me. Just click on the highlighted word to load the show.

Anyone interested in the next date for the portrait training day (Sunday 4th March 2007) should drop me an email to martin@martinwilmottphotography.com and i'll be glad to forward the details onto you.

Motor Cycle Show Birmingham

Yesterday I was lucky enough to be offered a VIP ticket to the Motor Cycle and scooter show at the NEC in Birmingham.

It was a terrific day with stacks to see and loads going on. Many thanks must go to Yamaha for the excellant food they put on on the VIP area, very much appreciated.

Now to own up. I'm not particularly into bikes and at times was having conversations with some big names in the racing world without realising it. You can see some more images of the motor cylce show by clicking here (perhaps you can tell me who some of them are).

All in all a great day out and if anyone was thinking of going I highly reccomend it although it may be alittle busier when its open to the public.

Subscribing to my blog

A couple of days ago I received an e mail from someone who pointed out to me that they had tried on several occasions to sign up to have my blog sent via e mail and it had failed on several occasions.

After investigating and trying everything I could, I couldn't get the subscription service to work. There was no contact or useable help with the last company so I have decide to try a differant company. If you do attempt to sign up and it doesn't appear to have worked please do let me know and I can try and sort it out straight away.

I have no idea how long the last one hasn't been working for, but all those people who had signed up will still recieve this blog via email. This new company seems straight forward so hopefully there shouldn't be any problems .......... just add your e mail address in the box on the right. Oh and your details are sacred and will never be passed on to anyone else.

Wedding photography

I saw this and it made me grin. I guess i'm not the only person who gets this happening to them.

Portrait Training Day Next Date Announced

Just a really quick note as I've already received a few e mails from people who couldn't make the last training day. So for those people (and anyone who wants to come back again) the next "Day of Discovery" where you can learn the tricks of great lifestyle portraits will be on the 4th March 2007.

There are also some other plans in the pipeline that those of you who came last weekend will know a little about so keep your eyes peeled to this blog. As soon as possible an anouncement will be made but pencil the 23rd and 24th April into your diaries and keep that date clear.

Be aware this could just about change your life forever!

Feedback From The Portrait Training Day

I have received some really great e-mails over the last few daysand i thought I'd share a few of them. This is a snippet of one sent by Karen Petry who attended the Lifestyle Portrait Training Day at the weekend. Karens a real star in the making she had travelled down to be with us in Essex from Carlisle (our second furthest travelled attendant Keith Bott flew over from Germany). Any way here's what she had to say ....


Apologies for the delay in sending you email. I would just like to thank Doug, Toni, Viv and yourself for the truly fantastic day on Sunday.

It was a real pleasure to meet you all and i thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the day. It was 2.30 am when I eventually walked through my front door on Monday!! I had to stop off on route and sleep for 3 hours in a service station car park!! (it was well worth it though!!)"

Here's a comment from Anthony Phillips who also has a great look on life and will no doubt succeed ......

Hi Martin
Just a quick line about Sunday. Really enjoyed the day, I have already started to put your methods into action. I now have the confidence to photograph families and children, to a high standard. Thanx very much.

Don't leave it to long for your next training day"

Davide Palisciano sent me a dvd of images he had taken on the day which were completely outstanding, here's some of his comments ....

" First of all can i thank you for an enjoyable and educational day. It's hard to quantify how much one has learnt, however if all i gained was more confidence in my own ability thats priceless.

I took around 300 shots! That says it all. I have narrowed them down to about 40 I like, that is subjective. I will send you a copy in the post.

As a relative newcomer to photography other than family, I thouroughly enjoyed it. Please pass on my thanks to Doug and toni. Dougs enthusiasm is infectious and you can see the passion that drives him.

I would again like to thank you for your patience and obvious understanding that there are a lot of people about who just need to be nudged into the right direction and off they go.

If there is a follow up course keep us informed.

Adrian Smith is already running a succesfull photography business and came to our portrait training day looking for a differant approach, here's what he had to say .....

Hi Martin

Just a quick note to say thank you for a great day yesterday.

I have been through my images and i am delighted with lots of them - also learnt an enourmous amount from the failed images about me and my cameras capabilities. Need a faster lens too much camera shake on some images!

I have no doubt that yesterdays course will help me raise my business to the next level.

Please pass on my thanks top Doug, Toni, Viv and of course the brave families that modelled for us"

Catherine Thomson wrote

Thank you

I had a great time, i think you made a great job of engaging a very diverse audience with the obvious enthusiasm and undoubted skill you are both abundant in.

I was impressed with that last presentation of images, it so splendidly sealed the day and the music was a great touch.

Thanks once again

Catherine.

Lifestyle Portrait Training Day Part 2

Just a quick note to mention some of the excellant images the people from the photography training course that Doug and I ran this weekend have started sending. The couple i've put on here were taken by Catherine Thompson. Great job Catherine you should be extremely proud of the results you have achieved here.

It was a real pleasure meeting with everyone on the course and I know it's not the last time alot of us will meet. I truely expect to be reading about some of you in various magazines in the near future.

After the course finished Myself Doug Toni and Viv discussed when we could do it again and decided the next one day course will be in March so keep your eyes peeled. Also another thing we discussed was a longer more in depth course over two days ..... we are in the very early planning stages for this but keep your eyes peeled as we will be announcing dates very soon.

As soon as the pieces are in place i'll anounce it on here and my portrait website also everyone who has signed up for my free photography tips via e mail from my lifestyle photography web site will also be informed as soon as we are ready to make the announcement. You can sign up for the free tips about lifestyle photography by going to the tips section and adding your email adress. if you have a problem signing up drop me an email to martin@martinwilmottphotography.com and i'll add you manually.


Lifestyle Photographer Lifestyle Photography Professional Photographer Photography Training

Lifestyle Portrait Training Day part1

Yesterday was a FANTASTIC day. It was great fun meeting with everyone who came along for an insight into the way Doug and I work.

I know from the e mails I have already received you all had a great day too. I've added a couple of images and will add some more as I organise them and when the people who attended the course send them in including a slideshow.

Check out the top image of Doug getting attacked by one of our fantastic younger models ... can there be any doubt that the tricks we discussed and practised yesterday work?

It was a truely great day yesterday and I would like to thank you all for coming and sharing your time with us and also a big thankyou to our fantastic models throughout the day who were all incredible!! I can't wait to see some of the images you guys send.

Lifestyle Photographer Lifestyle Photography Professional Photographer Photography Training

Sandisk Memory Cards

This arrived in the post this morning so I now have a little more capability when shooting with my new D2x. Aparently this is the new extreme 4 version that reads at up to 40mb a second.

Sandisk have also just announced a 16 gig memory card ... now that's huge. Whilst we're on the subject of memory cards i must warn everyone to never buy any cards from ebay.

I have received e mails from several people who at first think they are getting massive savings only for the memory cards to give up working halfway through a job with all the information being lost. A large price to pay for saving money! Here's the link to the details from e-bay in case you think you may have bought some of the fake memory cards.

Looking forward to meeting with everyone traveling to the lifestyle portrait photography training day this Sunday.


Lifestyle Photographer Lifestyle Photography Nikon Professional Photographer Photography Training Nikon D2x Sandisk Memory Card