Good Start to 2013

What tripple dip?

 I found the year starting off with the usual doom and gloom only to be told on the news yesterday (and by the way, did you know that the word NEWS is made from North, East, West and South)  that the stock market was 'doing very well' and that manufacturing was also up. This was followed by my accountant coming in and telling me that Photoshoot studio hire was also doing 'very well'. Of course I knew this already 1. because I do my own books and 2. because the studio is so busy. But I am not complacent about it and in fact have some great new collaborations coming up, so here's what's been going on.

Monday started slow but with plenty of enquiries and a Passport shot. Tuesday I had a great meeting with Bonnita Moaby (my web site guru) discussing updating my website and introducing a user friendly site, with the ability to see studio availability and to link to people who use the studio much easier than it is at the moment.

Via the wonderful technology that is Twitter, Amanda Wells MFHT @tinybluebubbles contacted me to do a shoot for the Tunbridge Wells Ladies&Girls U16 and U14 Football club @rtwlgfc What a fun, busy and very loud shoot. My thanks also to Mark Nicholson (Club Chairman) for agreeing to do the shoot here and for my credited Image in the Courier.

I am very excited to be working in the near future with Sparrow and Finch www.sparrowandfinch.co.uk.  They have used the studio on many occasions but after I did some recent test shots for them, they asked me to photograph some products for them. We will be working together on their new web site and catalog and we are on the look out for some great locations to shoot their bird tables and planters. My thanks to Samantha and Darren and I am looking forward to working with you in the future.

I have been working with another local company, Willowstix http://www.willostix.co.uk doing some shots for their outstanding new Cricket Bat called the 'Spitfire' which has been getting fantastic reviews.

Now I am not a cricketing  man, but you can tell by the shape and the superb design, that this is meant to destroy the enemy, and I suspect that R. J. Mitchell (designer of the 2 world war fighter with the same name) himself would have been very pleased with it. 

Thursday was yet another busy day and evening, starting with a meeting with Karen Rollason @KMaidmarion  a great local writer with the possibility of a collaboration with the Tunbridge wells writer Circle. this was followed by the very prolific local photographer Jamie Craig @JamieCraigPhoto. Jamie uses the studio frequently (most of the time getting so into his shots he runs over!) but today finish on time and with great results, thank you once again Jamie. 

In the evening the PPP AXA photography group came in for a lesson in studio photography. Myself and Jonathan Bolland  @JonStrobeme  did the training, this was the largest group I had the privilege of sharing my knowledge with and it was very very enjoyable. I loved the fact the people really got involved and hopefully the lesson empowered them to develop their photography. We also had the benefit of the lovely Elle Skinner @EllieJSkinner  modelling for us, so thank you once again Ellie x.

The last day of the working week had Photographer Madeleine Norman www.pictureyourday.co.uk   in the studio. Madeleine is a great wedding and portrait photographer, but today she was photographing little baby Jake, ahhhh bless.

A new and very exciting collaboration I am working on is with Pro Photographer Matt Walker www.matthewwalkerphotography.com is green screen.  Working in the studio is always great fun and I am constantly looking for new ways to develop and build services for my client. Green screen technology isn't new but it is much more accessible than it has ever been. With the aid of new computer software, we are able to offer you the ability to drop you into ANY background! here is a quick example of Matt jumping into a shot of  New York! The Top image is on the green screen the bottom is the finished shot. You could even bring along your own landscape or seascape image and we could drop you into it! We will also be offering this for outside events in the near future so watch this space for more info.

The weekend welcomed Sam yardley www.samyardleyphotography.com back to the studio. Sam is a great friend of the studio and has been working very hard on not only her photography (having many wedding bookings already for 2013) but also had a very successful stand in Royal Victoria Place just before Christmas with her Canvas printing service. So please have a look at her site if you need a canvas print or contact the studio.

Next in the studio was Emma louise www.emma-louise-photography.co.uk who has been using the studio for some time now and offers great shoots at affordable prices and always includes fabulous props to make your shoot come to life. 

I am always getting new clients using the studio, so it was lovely to welcome Yolanda Frost www.yolandafrost.co.uk to the studio. Yolanda has a wonderful friendly nature and her work reflects that, her web site has only just gone live but you can tell she has a delicate touch. Yolanda has already booked another shoot, this time a full day wedding dress fashion shoot, which I know will be a fun and relaxed shoot.

Following Yolanda was  Nik Guyatt @nikgphotography, Nik is a perfect gentleman and it's always good to see him and his wife at the studio.  He was doing some lovely baby shots for a client which I am sure produced some beautiful images.

Today (Sunday) was... how can I say this, crazy busy! I had Tonbridge Photographer and Photoshop expert Emily Dews emilydewsphotography.co.uk shooting for  Hospice in the Weald @Hospiceweald wedding Dresses. So many lovely people, so much giggling and so much food! This was all for the Hospice who do such great work for the community. Here is a link to one of the iPhone shots taken today. pic.twitter.com/i8CKb0Oq

That leaves last but by no means least Vicki Swift, again another new photographer to the studio. She is fairly new to studio photography but is already getting lots of enquiries for shoots, and specialises in new born and baby photography.  most of her work comes from reputation but I hope this blog will help her a little as well, so I am looking forward to working with her again in the near future. 

One Final Note.

I have for sale 2 used Canon lenses.

• Canon EFS 18-135 is 3.5-5.6             £295.00
• Canon EF 70-300 is 4-5.6                  £150.00

Both these lenses are in perfect condition and boxed. I don't use them any more so all I do is carry them around in my Camera bag!

Have a great week everybody and thank you for you reading this short look into the goings on at Photoshoot Studio Hire and to those of you who use my facilities. 

If you would like to see how Photoshoot Studio Hire can help your business, please contact Me (Paul) on 01892 526034 or e-mail info@photoshootstudio.co.uk

What's Happening at Photoshoot Studio Hire

Sorry father for I have sinned, it's been 5 months since my last blog. Truth is, being so busy really is no excuse for not telling you about the wonderful clients and experiences at the studio.

Well Photoshoot Studio hire is now in it's 3rd year of business and I have no regrets about setting up. I now have many regular and loyal clients without whom this business would not be the success that it is today, so thank you all.

This past November and December have been the busiest ever, with shoots varying from Portraits to parties and bands to bumps!  I even had the Bootleg Beetles www.bootlegbeatles.com  here for a day!

One of my most memorable and emotional shoots that I personally did was with Sharron Goodyear lollipopsandlittleones.blogspot.co.uk Together, we followed Sharron's pregnancy finally resulting in the birth of Jake, a beautiful 7lb 6oz little boy. Sharron made a great sequence on her blog with a backing track ' the power of love' which was very emotional, thank's for making a grown man cry Sharron.

On the 20th of December Harry Hurlock www.facebook.com/harryhurlock hired the whole studio for his art exhibition, which I think was a great success and also proved that Photoshoot Studio Hire works as a venue as well as a studio.

Friday was my first venture to the SWPP (Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers) convention held at the Hilton metropole. So many exhibitors so little time. I met friends of mine Sam yardley www.samyardleyphotography.com and Tina Chatfield www.livelifephotography.co.uk which was great and always nice to catch up.

One of the main reasons for going was to look at the latest green screen technology which would allow me to drop in any backdrop into any Image easily and so offering another feature to the studio. Another important chat I had was with Mitsubishi, I am looking into offering a Kiosk service in reception at the studio. Currently I can print up to A2 very competitively but smaller (4x6) print are difficult to to produce in larger and faster quantities. An A2 Print for example is currently £12 but a 4x6 is £5. I want to change this to offer my clients and the local community a quality photo print service.


This weekend I welcomed Jonathan Bolland www.strobeme.com to the studio for a Family shoot. Jonathan and I are going to be teaching some of the AXA PPP photography club members, basic studio  set ups, using Studio 1s infinity cove and studio 2s backdrops to demonstrate different techniques, using   2 models. This should be an educational and fun shoot.

My thanks also to ;-

Kim Crowhurst for commissioning me to do her portrait and for the shots I did for her salon www.facebook.com/ScissorSnipperSouthborough

Leanne Harris Beale who has an HND in photography and is using the studio on a regular basis

The fantastic Baby and portrait photographer Janet penny www.janetpenny.com

and finally Anthony Elvy www.anthonyelvyphotography.com who has a lovely style and is great as your wedding Photographer.

well that's it for today don't forget you can hire the studio for only £25ph or you can hire me and the studio for £75ph and on top of that I offer printing, passport shots, basic camera and studio training and costume hire.

I hope to see you very soon at the studio but in the meantime please watch my latest Video http://youtu.be/LvVjWmBY_kU giving you a little insight into my idea about Photoshoot Studio Hire, thank you for reading and watching my blog.

Paul

Todays post 28/8/2012

After a great Bank Holiday, today has started with new photographer Brett Watson www.facebook.com/brettphotography This is the second time Brett has used the studio but this time has a new Model 'Jenny', and together with professional make up artist Daniel Hoey www.facebook.com/danielhoeymakeupartist  they are getting some great shots and have a bit  fun in the process.

This afternoon is busy with more shoots and I am continuing with Sharron Goodyears 'Lollipops and Little ones' Blog lollipopsandlittleones.blogspot.co.uk  which makes very interesting reading for any future mums to be. Sharron is a really good friend to the studio being very generous with her time and knowledge, as well as being a 1st class photographer.

Saturday was a lovely day at the studio first to arrive was Steve his wife Clare who took some delightful shots of their little boy, and then did some promotional shots for steve's web site Something for Daisy. www.somethingfordaisy.com  go and have a peek, it's a great site with many of my own shots very kindly added by steve.

Following on from Steve was Tonbridge photographer Emily Dews. Emily is shortly to enter her final year at 'K' college has has a great style, is very proficient in photoshop and a genuinely nice person. have a look at her work at www.emilydewsphotography.co.uk 

And finally on Saturday Jon West was in to do some baby shots. Jon is a very talented Amateur photographer and a member of several photographic clubs in the area. 

As you can see from the people who use the studios, not everybody is a professional, but they all get fantastic results and you could too, just call me 'Paul' at the studio on 01892 526034 and book your studio time today, prices start from as little as £25ph with lighting, changing room, make up station and free tea and coffee.

Todays blog 27/6/12

Sorry blog world for I have sinned, it's been 3 weeks since my last blog! The last few weeks have been spent teaching, editing, repairing and a long weekend holiday thrown in.

My first job is to thank Steve Cadogen from Something for daisy http://somethingfordaisy.wordpress.com/2012/06/26/our-top-4-photography-tips/ for his very nice mention and recommends. I took some product shots for melissa Masterton of the wonderful baby hats and accessories she makes and, as I am sure you will agree, look wonderful!

I have also been busy helping karen at Vibe Private Gym /www.vibesprivategym.co.uk we worked out a deal so that I took the shots and she reduced my waist line! so win win all round.

I have also been entertaining a few party shoots (5 to be exact) all great fun and very loud and for the pocket helping price of £50! anybody can book, there is even a pre hen party booked for July!

Tina Chatfield, Matt Walker, Anthony Elvy, Emily Dews, Roberta Curd, Sharon Goodyear, Jamie Craig, and kent Adult education have all used the studio in the past few weeks, some of them on more than one occasion, and all with very different styles and ideas.

Today I have click creative www.clickcreativedesign.biz using the studio, and doing the photography is the very talented young man that is David Bartholomew www.davidbartholomew.co.uk. As always, david is professional and hard working and extremely good with technology, even sorting out a duff trigger for me, cheers david.

This evening Kent Adult education will be using the studio www.kentadulteducation.co.uk for the 3rd time this month and once again they are employing the services of  local model Josie Scamell




















Josie is available for a variety of shoots and she is also a trained dancers, so she can help you to show off your latest collection with amazing poise and and grace.

Well tomorrow is another busy and full day, starting with Emily dews /emilydewsphotography.co.uk and finishing helping Matthew Walker www.matthewwalkerphotography.com at an event at Leeds castle.

So have a great evening everybody you might even squeeze a BBQ in!

Todays Blog 7/6/12

Well after the shenanigans of the weekend it's business as usual at Photoshoot Studio Hire. 3 bookings and shoots most of the day.

Once again the very professional Matt Walker www.matthewwalkerphotography.com
is in for an hour shoot for one of his neighbours (Carley Town) who has started a Dress making company called 'amilie jae'. Carley has advised me that the site is due to go live shortly, but here is the link anyway www.amilyjae.co.uk. The dresses have been made for young girls and are designed mailnly for Weddings and are beautiful!

later on it's one of those rare occasions that I get to do some photography for a family shoot. I am so looking forward to doing this shoot and producing some great images for my client. I also have the ability to print on the day if the client wants that, and prices start from as little as £5 for a postcard shot up to £12 for A2.

The last shoot today is for jeff baker and his family, no work for me but it allows me to get on with writing a business plan for the new project.

A special thank you to Matt for letting me borrow one of his lenses, Cheers Matt.

Lastly another image I took for www.somethingfordaisy.com have a nice day.

Fathers Day

A bit of fun for fathers day.
Thinking of different ideas for your Father on Fathers day can be a problem, well what about this?

DIY Photographic Studio!
This is so much easier than it sounds and lots of fun, all you need to do is book the studio for an hour come along with your camera (or hire the studio Camera £5ph) and take as many shots in the studio as you like! It's all set up so you can take great photos of your friends, family and of course Dad!

Don't be shy, training is given to show you the equipment it's then point and shoot. the best bit is that all the shots you take, you keep! You can also bring food along and make a party of it. All of this can be yours for only £25ph with lower rate for 1/2 and full day bookings.

Bookings also taken for business corporate shoots.

Don't delay book today, the equipment is ready and waiting!!!!

Call 01892 526034
e-mail info@photoshootstudio.co.uk

A little late 1/6/12

last of the sun? lets hope not for this Diamond bank holiday weekend. The past couple of days have been a little quiet but i have had some interesting conversations, which I will talk about later. First I want to share some links with great local companies that have used the studio recently.

On the 17th of April (and in collaboration with Digitom www.digitom.tv) Tube Monkeys scaffolding  www.tubemonkeys.co.uk used ST1 to photograph and video their new patented product TheTubeMonkey www.thetubemonkey.co.uk a very simple but brilliant idea which will make life as a scaffold erector much easier and save any scaffolding company £££££££'s. this forward thinking company can help you with your building projects or if you need to simply paint the Fascias!

On the 17th and 25th of May  Nexus/h used the studio for a shoot for Dunkin Brands (UK) www.facebook.com/baskinBRrobbinsUK/  a great shoot using 3 Corgis, who left their mark! but only by the amount of hair that needed to be Vacuumed up at the end of the day.

This afternoon, the studio will be entertaining Mike Lowndes www.MikeLowndes.com who will be doing some short videos of local business people wanting to tell the world about what they do (me included) I will hopefully post mine in the not to distant future for you all to have a giggle at!


Some of you might know about the idea of building a Media/Business/studio hire facility that I feel is needed in the town. Firstly I must apologise for not being at last weeks meeting arranged by Gaynor Edwards and Jez Timms Directors of Torpedo Juice www.torpedojuice.co.uk and to the other people that attended. I am in the process of producing information about the facility and I have started a business plan. I have had some meetings with KCC and TWBC and we will be looking at some potential properties to build the centre in the very near future. This will be a brilliant opportunity to showcase all the talent in the area, so any comments or suggestions would be very welcome.

I have a business FB page www.facebook.com/Photoshootstudiohire and it would be lovely if you could come and like it and I am also on Twitter @photoshootstudi and linkedin Paul Meyer.

I hope you all have a wonderful Bank Holiday and enjoy queenies Diamond Jubilee and of course that England win!