Photograph or return ticket?

I’ve heard this saying before and think it really sums up what I do. Capturing special moments for people and providing them with prints that they can look back on with fond memories is, in essence, like giving them a return ticket to a particular moment in time.

Anyone who has been reading and following my blog will know that I love portrait photography – they really are my favourite type of shoot (if any of my corporate clients are reading this, don’t worry – I still love working with you!) However, on a portrait shoot I get invited into a special moment with a group of people and am able to share this with them, documenting it at the same time. Not only does this make my job an awful lot easier (albeit, sometimes even the most well behaved children can be camera shy) but it also makes it really enjoyable!

Recently I joined a lovely family staying in Aldeburgh for a shoot, which is partly why I’m reflecting on it for this blog post. It really reminded me that actually, photography can bring people together. I’m lucky also that the area I operate in is full of natural beauty – from the coastline at Thorpeness, Orford and Southwold to the forest in Rendlesham, I have a fantastic backdrop which ensures any portraits I shoot have an impressive backdrop.

The whole aim of portrait photography is to capture personality by using effective lighting, backdrops, and poses (or at least, it was when I last looked). But, its not quite that simple – these 4 tactics are ones I swear by to try and make shoots as enjoyable as possible, particularly with young children!

  • Wear clothes you’re comfortable in
  • Bring children’s favourite toys and teddies
  • Juice, milk and sweeties are always helpful
  • Be prepared to have fun!

If, after reading this you’re considering booking a shoot or would like to know more, please do drop me a line – even if it’s just to ask a question, I’m more than happy to help!

Published by

Tony

Tony Pick is one of the UK’s leading portrait photographers with an international client base. He runs his successful ‘Tony Pick Photography’ business from his fine art gallery in the beautiful seaside town of Aldeburgh, Suffolk. The business has grown from it’s original beach hut location to it’s current high street gallery and now includes a whole range of services including Lifestyle Portraits, Landscape & Seascape Fine Art, Photo Training Workshops and Creative Weddings. Having left his corporate photography career behind him 13 years ago, he moved, with his wife Lizzie and family to Suffolk with the intention of leading a quieter life. He has since gained a reputation for the outstanding quality of his work. Tony has also built up an enviable client list for his ‘Tony Pick Lifestyle Portraits’ with clients coming from all over the world to invest in a location portrait shoot. He also runs his very successful ‘Tony Pick Photography Training Workshop’ days. These workshops are all bespoke where delegates can choose from a variety of subjects, landscapes, seascapes, lifestyle portraits, wildlife, post production etc. Tony’s passionate about photography and his business and strives to inspire others to ignite their passion for photography. The landscapes and seascapes which drew him to the area are still a huge inspiration to Tony who is never happier than when he is on the beach with his camera either on his own or inspiring others. Print sales are available here. “If you’re passionate about photography and are looking for some inspiration, you are very welcome to visit us at the gallery where we are sure you will find some!” p.s. he is also crazy about sea-swim-bike-run-tri!