Why I love my job…

I took the below screengrab from my website. Now, whilst this may seem like self-promotion stick with me on this (because it isn’t – much).

Being a photographer gives you an element of your career anyone would want – variety. In one week I can be on a shoot with a couple blissfully celebrating their wedding, creating a video for an airline and capturing that ideal corporate head shot to keep you head and shoulders above the rest of your firm.

What I’m trying to express is that one of the reasons I love my job so much is because I get to do so much within one role. I’m able to get out and explore the countryside which I live in whilst at the same time earning an income – sounds pretty great to me.

And, with variety comes networking. Throughout my job I couldn’t guess the amount of people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting, or list the friends I’ve made along the way. The social aspect of my job is what’s helped me keep going for so long – to be motivated about what you do is a huge help in ensuring you’ve got a long term career.

Well – long may it last. I love my job and can’t think of a better way to spend my time when I’m ‘working’!

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!

What goes up when rain comes down…

Family portraits at Iken in Suffolk by Tony Pick photography
Lifestyle portraits at Iken, Suffolk by Tony Pick photography

… my umbrella (sorry, bad joke!)

As I was sitting at my desk this morning, warm cup of coffee firmly in hand and glancing out of the window at the droplets on the glass, I couldn’t help but think of how lucky I am that the weather can actually aid my job rather than hinder it.

My last blog post was also about the conditions outside, but it’s evident to me that even shooting in the rain can be fun! I pride myself on creating memorable experiences for families when they have their portraits done, and sometimes the adverse weather conditions make the activity even better!

Whether it be snow or rain, the lighting that comes with this time of year and its weather creates the most beautiful photographs, and in Suffolk we have some of the most wonderful landscapes that make photography a dream!

The dramatic coastline at Dunwich or Thorpeness can be a brilliant locations for family portrait shoots, and even when it’s raining the images we capture with groups never cease to put a smile on our clients’ faces!

In the lead up to Christmas it can be hard to find the time (or motivation) to leave the house for anything, let alone a photoshoot with the extended family, but with me at Tony Pick Photography your images are guaranteed to brighten up any rainy day.

That being said, as much as I love using the Suffolk landscape to my advantage, sometimes there’s no better feeling than inviting someone into your home to photograph those special moments, which is why I am always open to clients’ location suggestions!

If you’re unsure of what someone may be comfortable with but want to gift them a special experience this Christmas, why not present them with one of our gift vouchers to really surprise them (you can find these using the link above in the menu bar).

I’ll be back next week with a new blog post on what I’ve been up to and what I’ve been thinking about, but for now, back to the grind(ing of the coffee beans)… 

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Where have I been… and where am I headed!

When I looked back on my blog recently I was sad – sad I’d neglected it for so long!

Needless to say, I’m back now and ready to devote some more time to this!

When you run your own business, decide to give up your store front, move house and relocate your office into your new home, I think it’s fair to say that there are certain aspects of your company that can be forgotten, and writing my blog has been one of them!

Believe me, I love taking the time out of a busy morning or afternoon to sit with my thoughts for half an hour and jot them down here for everyone to read – sometimes I just forget to do this!

More recently, I’ve been working really hard to expand the family portrait side of the business. You may have seen various communications about this through my different channels (because hopefully you follow them – click on the icons above if not to have a browse!). I love all aspects of photography of course, but have always really enjoyed shooting family portraits in the autumn/winter months.

Not only do these provide really great Christmas ideas (even for those family members who are ridiculously hard to buy for!) but they also leave each family unit with some wonderful memories, which can be saved and cherished forever!

As an add on to my portrait packages, I now include a wonderfully interactive film for each family so that they can showcase their photographs beautifully and with real flare – it’s a wonderful asset to have if you have a moving digital picture frame at home too – these films look just fantastic on the mantle piece!

If you’re reading this and I’ve managed to get your attention and spark some interest in booking a shoot (I still have a few slots left before Christmas!) then click on the contact link above and get in touch! We’d love to hear from you and offer a wide range of locations for you to choose from, or you can of course suggest some yourself!

That’s all from me for now – got to get back to the grind!

 

*The Best Christmas Present Ever*

Check out our fantastic Christmas gift idea’s for all the family here

Family Adventures with Tony Pick
Creating Memories for 17 Years *NEW – Complimentary Family Movies*

Tony Pick Portrait Photography
Children’s portraits in Aldeburgh with Tony Pick Photography

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Family Portraits Offer – £100 discount on first ten bookings so hurry before they go!

Family Portraits Offer…

To kick start 2017 we’re offering a £100 discount on the first ten bookings so hurry before they all go! (Normal price £395)
Booking at http://www.tonypickphotography.co.uk/portraits.html

Natural lifestyle portraits

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Tony Pick Photography is taking to the skies & relocating after 14 years on Aldeburgh High St.

After 14yrs in Aldeburgh High Street, Tony’s taking to the skies in 2 weeks & relocating the business close to Aldeburgh. Don’t worry though, all our services will continue through the website at http://www.tonypickphotography.co.uk/ inc portraits, photo training, landscapes, weddings and corporate pr.

We’re very excited to be launching of our new Uk Aerial photography business, Tony’s teamed up with two experienced pilots to offer a complete UAV photography and video package for estate agents, Insurance companies, sports events, land surveys, environmental work and Landscapes etc. The applications are endless, new and exciting digital innovations allow us to capture breathtaking images in very high resolution with the addition of 4k video which is new to the Aerial photography market.

If you would like to know more about our services please call Tony on 07719 919484.

DSLR Hexacopter
DSLR Camera Hexacopter
Go Pro Hexacopter
Go Pro Hexacopter
Hill Farm, Suffolk, Rapeseed Aerial View
Hill Farm, Suffolk, Rapeseed Aerial View

New Dates for Group Photo Training Workshops Available to Book Now

I’ve just released my new Landscapes, Portraits & Adobe Lightroom Group Photo Training days for Feb to April.
Six new courses for beginners through to advanced photographers so choose a workshop and date that suits you, be quick before they go.
Fantastic value, only £95 …learn the secret to photography success… Book hereTony Pick Group Photo Training

New for 2015 – Photo Training Group Workshops & Our Best Family Portraits Offer Yet!

We will be launching our brand new Photo Training days for groups of four people for only £95 per person. Tony has been running his very successful 1 to 1 training days for many years and would now like to share his knowledge and expertise with larger groups. Amazing tuition and great value, so if Santa treats you to a new camera this Christmas let Tony show you the light!  Click here for Photo Training Bookings

We are also very excited about our fab new Family Portraits offer, this includes having a fun photo shoot with Tony either in the forest or on the beach plus a beautiful framed picture for only £75. Shoots and viewing are available on the same day. It’s our best Portrait offer Yet so book your family in!  Click here for Family Portraits Bookings

Treat someone special this Christmas with a Tony Pick Photography gift voucher for any of our products or services. You can either call us on 01728 451999 or order online here

Happy Christmas from Tony and the team….

Tony Pick Photo Training & Family Portraits Low Res