5 Misconceptions About Being A Professional Photographer

January 19, 2017 by John Kemp

In an age when just about everyone owns a camera of some kind, why do we still need the professional photographer? As someone trying to make a living from my camera I’ve got strong views on this topic, and I’ve broken them down into five key categories.

1: Photography Is Easy

Well, it’s true that taking photos has never been easier: modern cameras and smartphones will do all the technical stuff for you, so your photos will all be in focus and correctly exposed. However, making good photographs is about much more than just pointing and clicking. I spent five years studying photography at College and University – it certainly doesn’t take that long to learn how to use a camera! The bulk of my learning was about aesthetics and visual awareness – what makes some photos “work” while others don’t.
When shooting any subject set the camera control to “Manual”: you should be in control of the camera settings in order to produce the desired effect. More importantly, be constantly aware of the composition of the image, the lighting, the background and the timing of the shot. All of these things are learned through training and years of experience. [Read more…]

Advice on Low Light Photography

November 21, 2016 by John Kemp

Shooting in the dark

When the clocks go back many people pack their camera away, believing that the lack of light in the winter months prevents any interesting photography. However, the dark days of winter offer different opportunities. In this article I’m going to discuss my views on how to get the best results from low light photography, particularly indoors.

The challenges of low light photography

Don McCullin: Early morning, West Hartlepool, County Durham, 1963

Being able to take pictures in seemingly impossibly dark places has always fascinated me: when I began learning photography (back in the days of film, wet processing and darkroom printing) the maximum film speed available was ISO 400, which meant that a dull winter’s day presented challenges. [Read more…]

Product photography

October 17, 2016 by John Kemp

What is product photography, and why do you need it?

product photography, padlocks, Safer Systems — Studio quality product photos shot on location

Firstly, to answer my own question: what is product photography? Essentially it’s a branch of commercial photography which is about representing a product both accurately and attractively. The resulting photos are often used in catalogues and on websites, or for advertising purposes. Their importance in selling or promoting goods shouldn’t be under-estimated.

It’s the light, stupid!

One of the key factors in photographing any product is getting the lighting right in order to show off that particular object most effectively. There are no hard and fast rules about this – each job is different but as a rule most subjects look better if lit with a soft light (i.e. no harsh, direct lighting). At its simplest this can be natural light from a window, although many professional photographers prefer to use flash for consistency. There are products such as light tents that provide gentle, all-over lighting for the all-important eBay product shot, but again professionals would probably opt for a soft-box or umbrella for controlled directional soft lighting. [Read more…]

Business portraits and corporate headshots in Derby

October 9, 2016 by John Kemp

If you have your own business your customers will identify with it more readily if they can see what you and your employees look like. An “about” page on your website showing business portraits of all your staff along with a description of their role within the company creates a visual and human identity. The act of being photographed can also encourage employees to feel valued as part of your company “team”. It’s important to create a positive online presence for yourself and your company and one part of this process is getting the right look. Corporate headshots are one part of your “look” and are something I specialise in having produced photos for businesses in the Derby area for a number of years.

Flexible approach

Your business may require portraits of individuals or entire staff teams, so I can adopt a different approach depending on the nature of the company and the style required. You may opt for a relaxed, informal look which can be created on your premises: the examples shown here were shot for Advance Lighting in Hilton. [Read more…]

Actor headshots in Derby

July 14, 2016 by John Kemp

Why do you need an actor headshot?

The purpose of a photo shoot is to produce a set of actor headshots suitable for use by theatrical agencies or to post on casting websites such as Spotlight. Having your photos taken by a professional photographer should be an enjoyable experience, and I set out to relax you in order to get the best shots. I’m experienced as a photographer, I use top quality equipment and I’m accustomed to putting clients at ease! It’s also important to keep your headshots up to date – generally they should be renewed every year or so.

actor headshots, Derby — Amin, actor headshot

How do you get the best results from your actor headshots?

The key to a good actor headshot lies in your eyes – they convey moods, emotions and character. It’s a good idea to prepare yourself by practising “looks” in the mirror.
Think carefully about your choice of clothing – it’s a good idea to bring some alternative outfits, but nothing too distracting. The emphasis should be on your face and character.
I will offer suggestions in terms of which poses work best, and we will spend time trying out different “looks” – usually up to four in one shoot. If you have ideas or examples of looks that you’ve seen please let me know.
I always make sure that you see the photos I’ve taken throughout the shoot so you have a good idea what to expect. [Read more…]