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.