Hi Everyone

This week we will be looking at what the professional infrared photographer in Scotland can do to utilise their time in the winter.  As a professional freelance event and conference photographer working in Edinburgh, Glasgow and around Scotland, I tend to concentrate on conference and event photography in Edinburgh and these events are mostly, although not exclusively indoors.  However, I don't put my camera away for the season.  There are many ways to keep active as an infrared photographer.  Someone once said to me but the trees look bland without the foliage in the winter, this may be so, but there is still a lot to be said for winter infrared photography.  Fist of all, your converted infrared camera is a high dynamic range device and even on a slightly overcast day, it can be a useful tool to create something just a little special.  Also, as we know the weather in Scotland can change by the minute and you will get some great opportunities to capture the sun, no matter how infrequent this may be, plus your favourite destinations are quieter in the winter.   Now is also a good time to edit some of these photos you took in the summer, sort out your software, learn some new skills in infrared.  This applies to all types of photography and the pandemic was a great example, the ability to motivate yourself during downtime is vital.  Asa conference photographer in Edinburgh, I updated my IT equipment during the pandemic and strengthened my photoshop skills, in addition to networking with other people working in the event industry, so I would be ready for event photography in Edinburgh when things re-commenced.

For infrared, there are lots of other things you can photograph.  Did you know that metal comes out great in infrared, so all these vintage cars, old boats and planes, will look great even out of season.  You can also source out some good locations for the spring and summer.

More news now on a different front, I will be starting a new gallery in Pet Photography in Scotland and hope to have this populated as soon as possible, so keep an eye out for mor on our furry friends soon.

Hope this helps, until next time.

Kind Regards

Colin

www.colinwrightphotogrpahy.co.uk

Hi Everyone

Today I am going to look at why newspaper photographers have the best start for a career in professional photography.  As a conference and event photographer in Edinburgh, Scotland, this was a great way to ease me into the event photography business.  I also started taking landscape photos, as this combined well with my love of the outdoors, in addition to sports photography as I was a keen runner, tennis player and golfer.  However my big break came when I was offered a part-time job as a newspaper photographer in East Lothian and Edinburgh, before this I sent photos to local newspapers, but now I was finally getting paid.

Newspaper photography gives you a grounding in a wide range of disciplines.  In one day I could photograph football, rugby, local politicians, shop openings and a neighbour dispute.  There were often gala days, open events, which has certainly helped me as a conference photographer Edinburgh.  Photographing events generally was also a big part the day and local celebration parties, this also helped prepare me as a wedding photographer in Scotland.  The quick turnaround and tight timetables within the day is perfect practice for conference and wedding photographers in Scotland, both of which have specific key times that you can’t afford to miss as a professional photographer.  Newspaper photographers also have to react to the unexpected and be prepared to go where you are not meant to be to get that special photo, this desperate need to be in the perfect position to catch that photo is also essential for event and wedding photographers.  There are also no second chances in newspaper photography, you have to react well in what can often be as little as 5 or 10 minutes and during that period you must get some striking photos, no excuses.  That kind of pressure also applies to conference photographers in Edinburgh and Glasgow.  To feel constantly pressure to do your best is not a bad thing in any photographic discipline. The variety of people you meet and the need to interact well with them in order to get a great photographic content is also integral for the newspaper photographer,. 

Unfortunately there are less openings for newspaper photographers nowadays due to the internet but there are still some openings and you can send some photos to the papers to get your foot in the door, so good luck, get out there and get snapping.

Until next time.

Kind Regards

Colin

www.colinwrightphotography.co.uk

Hi Everyone

Today we are going to briefly look at the Unique Selling Point (USP) which all the best photographers will have.  What exactly is your USP and how can it help you.  Well, the reason it will help you is mainly due to the crowded market that the photographic industry is.  It is not the only industry like this but it has become more so in recent times, particularly since the introduction of the digital camera and the the expansion of the internet, with the millions of photos around for all to see.  So what can a conference and event photographer working in Scotland do to be seen.  Well there are the obvious things like developing a good website, improving your SEO, marketing your business, but whilst all these things are essential, you have to make sure the product is first class and providing bespoke conference photos for your clients is a good place to start.

In actual fact USP is just another term for being a bit different and providing something unique for your clients., this will then help them to project a unique impression for their product, whether it is a physical object on sale or a service, depicted in the form of a conference photograph.  As a photographer you should always try new things, from this starting point you will eventually find a style which is unique and gives your clients something a bit different.  I like to catch the speakers at key moments, using unusual angles and even using infrared photography for some outdoor images at events, especially wedding photography photos in Scotland.  I also emphasise the candid moments and utilise props such as clipboards, computer screens, phones etc.  Your photos should capture what is going on, especially the emotional aspects, this is why football photographers in Scotland are on their guard after a goal, to capture the joy of the celebration.  So practice, find a style that suits and apply it again and again and remember that whilst you must supply the client with what they require, you should never be frightened to experiment.

The attached photo was taken at from conference photography in Edinburgh three and a half years ago.

Hope this helps.  Until next time.

Kind Regards

Colin