photographer

Brand Photography for your business or product

by Zelda de Hollander

Brand photography means creating an image library of professional images that represent your business visually, and fit with your visual identity through their use of colours, tone, props, sets and etc… These can include photos of you, your team, your products, your process, your space and other things that make your business unique.

But, why are branding photos important?

It’s important to be strategic and intentional in how you showcase the visual aspects of your brand. Your branding photos show your businesses personality, and your team members. Branded images are so versatile because you can use them a variety of ways throughout your website, social media and marketing efforts.

Why should you use a professional photographer for your social media images?
* One less job for you & your staff to do
* Strengthens your brand & keeps consistency
* The best representation of your business
* Your images will be optimised for socials
* Your images will look much better than your competitors
* Strong first impression

Why are brand photos important?

It’s important to be strategic and intentional in how you showcase the visual aspects of your brand.

Your branding photos show your businesses personality, and your team members. Branded images are so versatile because you can use them a variety of ways throughout your website, social media and marketing efforts.

Meet the Team Pictures are SO Important!

by Zelda de Hollander

To a potential new client seeking any new service provider, can be a little overwhelming. It’s easy to wonder: Who are the people behind all the smoke and mirrors?

Adding a “Meet the Team” page or section to your website, or showcasing your actual team members on your social media is an easy, effective way to give your business an accessible face. It gives clients an idea of who exactly they’ll be working with, and shows potential employees that you’re proud of the people on your team.

Charity Calendar Football Photo Shoot for Mind

by Zelda de Hollander

Members of a Dorset based football team have made a calendar to raise money for mental health charity, Mind.

Inspired by the popular film Calendar Girls, St John’s Rangers members practised their best poses and stripped to their last item of clothing in a bid to raise as much money as possible for a charity which is very important to them.

Team member and Service Manager at a care company, Dan Wilson said: “A lot of the team have struggled with mental health problems at some point in their life. The current pandemic has also shown that everyone has struggled, so we thought ‘why not do it?’ and I set the wheels in motion.

“There are all shapes and sizes showcased in the calendar; it’s not primarily about what you look like, rather ‘this is me.'”

The calendar doesn’t only feature pictures of the football team, but also relevant statistics, such as “just over three out of four suicides (76 per cent) are by men and suicide is the biggest cause of death for men under 35.”

For this reason, raising awareness of mental health is equally as important as raising money for charity.

Dan said: “For me, it’s about raising awareness which is at the forefront of the calendar and our main goal. We aim to sell all 50 calendars which should raise over £500 for Mind.

Purchase the Calendar here

Full Bournemouth Echo Article here

Happy World Photography Day!

by Zelda de Hollander
On August 19th each year, we celebrate World Photography Day! ????❤️???? ❤️
I absolutely LOVE being a photographer & feel so blessed it’s been my job for *ahem* 10+ years! ???? This morning, I even got to speak with the lovely BBC Radio Solent and Radio South hosts Alun Newman and then Steve Harris about photography and my journey of being a photographer over the past decade ????

COVID-19 update for Photo Shoots June 2020

by Zelda de Hollander

COVID update from 1st June 2020

STUDIO PHOTO SHOOTS

Following the new government guidelines, allowing photography studios to open from June 15th, we are delighted to be able to offer these services from then.

However, these photo shoots will not be taking place in our home-based studio, but instead at a commercial photography studio based in central New Milton, BH25.

Throughout studio photo shoots, we are adhering to all social distancing rules to ensure the safety of all parties throughout the process.

All consultations and pre-planning of photo shoots will be done over the phone, over email or by zoom video chat.

All sales materials including invoices will be send digitally with no hard (printed) copies being exchanged in person. All images sent are digital, sent electronically.

Although face masks are not actually government advised for my line of work, I shall be carrying them with me and will be more than happy to use throughout our photo shoot if it would make you, or any member of your team, feel more comfortable. This can be discussed during our consultation. “When managing the risk of COVID-19, additional PPE beyond what you usually wear is not beneficial. This is because COVID-19 is a different type of risk to the risks you normally face in a workplace, and needs to be managed through social distancing, hygiene and fixed teams or partnering, not through the use of PPE”- Gov.uk

 

LOCATION PHOTO SHOOT

We are adhering to all social distancing rules throughout the photo shoot process. Location photo shoots are available now.

All consultations and pre-planning of photo shoots will be done over the phone, over email or by zoom video chat.

All sales materials including invoices will be send digitally with no hard (printed) copies being exchanged in person. All images sent are digital, sent electronically.

Although face masks are not actually government advised for my line of work, I shall be carrying them with me and will be more than happy to use throughout our photo shoot if it would make you, or any member of your team, feel more comfortable. This can be discussed during our consultation. “When managing the risk of COVID-19, additional PPE beyond what you usually wear is not beneficial. This is because COVID-19 is a different type of risk to the risks you normally face in a workplace, and needs to be managed through social distancing, hygiene and fixed teams or partnering, not through the use of PPE”- Gov.uk

 

ADDITIONAL NOTES

PROPERTY PHOTOGRAPHY

With the new government guidelines for the property market and allowing estate agents to do house viewings “Initial viewings should be done virtually wherever this is possible and property agents should help you to do this” we can provide interior photography to help aid with the virtual viewings and sales visuals, available now.

 

PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY

Studio Product Photography can still be undertaken at our home studio, for products that can be dropped off to our Christchurch studio location & be left within our porch, to ensure no contact. These can then be picked up at an agreed later date. Available now.

For products that require the client to be present during the photo shoot, we will have to use the commercial photography premises in New Milton, adhering to social distancing throughout, please see the full ‘studio’ section for guidance. Available from June 15th. 

 

Please get in touch to discuss your photo shoot.

info@studioshotz.co.uk

WE ARE OPEN! But, what are we doing to keep our customers safe for photo shoots?

by Zelda de Hollander

WE ARE OPEN
enquiries and consultations this week 18th – 24th May
Photo Shoot bookings from 25th May 2020

But, what are we doing to keep our customers (and us!) safe for photo shoots?

We are limiting the types of shoots we are undertaking to ensure that all parties are safe throughout the photo shoot process.

All consultations and pre-planning of photo shoots will be done over the phone or over email, all sales materials including invoices will be send digitally with no hard (printed) copies being exchanged in person. All images sent are digital, sent electronically.

We are currently only offering face to face photo shoots outdoors, and not in our home studio. Photo shoots such as head shots and portraits, so that we can adhere to social distancing rules easily.

Although face masks are not actually government advised for my line of work, I shall be carrying them with me and will be more than happy to use throughout our photo shoot if it would make you, or any member of your team, feel more comfortable. This can be discussed during our consultation. “When managing the risk of COVID-19, additional PPE beyond what you usually wear is not beneficial. This is because COVID-19 is a different type of risk to the risks you normally face in a workplace, and needs to be managed through social distancing, hygiene and fixed teams or partnering, not through the use of PPE”- Gov.uk

Studio Product Photography can still be undertaken, for products that can be dropped off to our Christchurch studio location & be left within our porch, to ensure no contact. These can then be picked up at an agreed later date.

We are also able to undertake all aspects of landscape photography; ideal for businesses to help showcase your local area, to provide updated website banners or to use as part of your social media campaigns.

Lastly, with the new government guidelines for the property market and allowing estate agents to do house viewings “Initial viewings should be done virtually wherever this is possible and property agents should help you to do this” we can provide interior photography to help aid with the virtual viewings.

So…..let’s chat!

01202 432234
info@studioshotz.co.uk

20 Questions with Dorset Business News: Photographer Zelda de Hollander of Studio Shotz Photography takes the hotseat

by Zelda de Hollander

By Andrew Diprose, Editor 

Each week we shine the spotlight on a member of Dorset’s business community and ask him, or her, for answers to our part fun/part serious questionnaire. This time…

She loves the smell of fresh flowers – and sizzling bacon – has been enjoying spaghetti bolognese since the age of five, enjoys meeting new people in her job and gets very frustrated at headshots which have been overly airbrushed.

Photographer Zelda de Hollander, of Studio Shotz Photography, takes the 20 Questions’ hotseat.

Question: What is your favourite TV show?

Answer: Recently I’ve been absolutely loving the writing of Phoebe Waller-Bridge so I binge-watched Fleabag and Killing Eve in a matter of days. Already tempted to re-watch them both!

Q: Who would you like to share a car with?

A: Annie Leibovitz. Would love to have a conversation with her about portraiture.

Q: The best bit of my job is…?

A: Meeting new people. Before every photo shoot I try and sit down with people, for even five minutes and just have a chat. Find out more about them. Also, it might sound a bit cheesy but I absolutely love showing people how good you can look without filters and Photoshop…

Q: And the worst…?

A: People that assume this isn’t my job and ask if this is my ‘weekend’ job/side hustle and what do I actually do?

Q: Who was your childhood hero?

A: My dad. I lost him a few years ago but he was the one that convinced me to become self-employed and go after my dream job of being a photographer.

Q: What’s your favourite smell?

A: Fresh flowers – or sizzling bacon.

Q: Where’s your favourite place in Dorset?

A: Bournemouth beach. Any weather. It’s just a beautiful place. You can’t beat a good storm and cloud formation though.

Q: What advice would you give to anyone starting out on a career?

A: Being passionate about your job is so important, but my advice is to actually get as much education as you can. I have a degree in commercial photography. It not only taught me photography but how to be in business, how to market myself and the behind the scenes nuts and bolts of running a creative business.

Q: What was your first record/CD?

A: I don’t actually remember exactly but it’s got to be something terribly embarrassing like Backstreet Boys or N Sync.

Q: What gets you angry?

A: A lack of manners. They’re free. Just be treated the way you’d want to be treated.

Q: Do you have a favourite piece of music?

A: My favourite band is Stereophonics, so anything by them. But recently my Alexa has got bored of me playing Twin Atlantic – Novocaine on repeat.

Q: What are the qualities you look for in a new employee?

A: I’m a bit of a lone wolf when it comes to business, but the amazing contractors I work with such as event organisers, make-up artists, stylists etc need to be organised, friendly, helpful. Being a real people person in this line of work helps immensely.

Q: What’s your favourite food or dish?

A: I’ve had the same favourite meal since I was five – Spaghetti Bolognese. I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of it.

Q: Steamed sponge pudding and custard or a plate of melon?

A: Well I can’t eat dairy so not the custard! Reluctantly, then, the melon.

Q: Name the best thing about living/working in Dorset?

A: The amount of diversity we have in such a small area; from the scenery of the beach to the countryside to the massive range of industries we have. There’s everything and more in Dorset!

Q: If you were Prime Minister for the day what would be the first thing you do?

A: Give more money and resources to the NHS. That’s the only correct answer, right?

Q: What’s your biggest frustration?

A: Terrible filters and heavy use of Facetune. You’re already beautiful; don’t mess with your face so it doesn’t even look like you anymore!

Q:  Where’s your favourite holiday location?

A: It may have been a ‘working’ holiday but I LOVED New York when I went with my university class. It was January or February and  -7ºc out but there was so much to see, to do and the people were so kind. They just loved our ‘posh’ accents! We spent the entire time taking photos. Absolute perfection.

Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time?

A: Hopefully still taking photos! As long as I’m doing that I’ll be happy.

Q: What would you like to be remembered for?

A: Being the friendly expert behind the camera, helping to make people feel comfortable in front of the camera and looking great too!

View the full article on the Dorset Business News website here

Calling all Brands that are selling online!

by Zelda de Hollander

My photography studio is based in my house! ???? Which means I can help in creating visual content for eCommerce platforms, which can help keep your brand pushing forward.

Selling on Amazon, eBay or your own website shop you’ll need high quality white background product shots to show your products quality, correct colourings, sizes and all uses within a single image. More than ever the images you see online will determine whether you make the sale or not.

If your products can be posted ???? to me then get in touch, lets chat and we can work through this together ????

✉️ info@studioshotz.co.uk

New studio package for families, couples and maternity shoots!

by Zelda de Hollander

We’re delighted to announce a new studio package for families, couples and maternity photo shoots!

Our new studio package is £250 which includes a studio photo shoot, with time for an outfit change as well as a password protected online album to view all your sessions images and 10 high resolution digital images of your choice.

Our studio photo shoot package is covers the photographer’s skills, specialist editing time & personal consultations as well as 10 digital images electronically transferred to you.

We offer a range of prints, bespoke wall art frames and canvas prints, please contact us if there is something specific that you want from your photo shoot. We’re here to create the bespoke package you want. We’re happy to offer additions and amendments to our photo shoots including use of a make-up artist, photographing on location and longer shooting times.
The studio operates on an appointment only basis, we are available Monday – Saturday, 9am – 9pm.

“I don’t need to hire a professional photographer, my iPhone is good at taking pictures”

by Zelda de Hollander

Sure, iPhone (all smartphone) cameras have come a long way in the past few years, but its is worth investing in professional images of your property ?
…. an image says a thousand words, just look for yourself

The photographs of your property most likely provide the very first impressions people have of your business. ?

Did you know that estate agent listings with professional photos sell for more money? Not only that, but they also sell faster! AND 92% of home-buyers use the Internet as part of their home search ? ?

We can help with home staging of your property and showcasing its features through composition and art direction.