press

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

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

We’re 10 years in business!!

by Zelda de Hollander

Bournemouth-based photography business, Studio Shotz is celebrating its 10th year in business.

In March 2009, Zelda de Hollander started business straight from university, trading as Studio Shotz, a high street based photographic studio in Southbourne.

Zelda de Hollander gained her degree in Commercial Photography at The Arts University in Bournemouth after attending Twynham High School in Christchurch.

The first half of Studio Shotz’s successful trading life was in Southbourne Grove, specialising in studio portraiture and family photo shoots. Zelda de Hollander, owner of Studio Shotz Photography, says: “I set up the high street photography studio at just 21 years old, straight after I’d graduated, and was lucky enough to stay trading on the high street for 5 years.” Research from Bloomberg, has shown that 8 out of 10 entrepreneurs who start businesses fail within the first 18 months and a full 80% of businesses fail in less than two years. These are staggering statistics.

In 2014 Studio Shotz moved to become home-based so that the focus of the business could shift more towards commercial work and this enabled the business to become much more flexible. Zelda says: “Being based at home, I can work the hours that people need me and am not being restricted to the usual 9 – 5 shop hours. I loved my time trading from the high street, but working from home makes more sense for progressing my business.”

“I’ve have had the privilege of working with some amazing local businesses and people over the last decade, including JP Morgan, Barclays Bank, The Telegraph, Dorset Chamber and Enterprise Nation. I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved in the past 10 years, and can’t wait to see what the next 10 have in store!”

Hoping to get published in the press? You’ll need great PR Photos

by Zelda de Hollander

The importance of photography in PR and newsworthy stories should not be underestimated. We all know the saying ‘a picture tells a thousand words’ and it’s true! Did you know that a recent study showed 90% of what we remember comes from visuals?

Pick up a newspaper or magazine near you and have a flick through — what catches your eye? I would guess that the images are getting your attention, right? Good images are essential when trying to achieve press coverage.

In some cases, the media won’t even publish the story unless there’s a decent image to go with it. In other cases, having a good photo or collection of images can make all the difference between a small, text-based story – which the reader could easily miss – and a longer feature, with lots of eye-catching images for maximum impact

“What a professional. Excellent pics turned around fast with no fuss.” – Darren Slade, Bournemouth Daily Echo

Whether you’re using images on your website, social media or sending them to press, if they are unprofessional or poor quality, it won’t reflect well on your business… Don’t get me wrong, the cameras on smartphones these days are pretty good and in the right light, you can take a half decent shot. ⛔️ BUT ⛔️ you should invest in at least some decent head shots and ‘business in action’ images.

It’s always a good idea to invest in a professional photo shoot. Never underestimate what a photographer can do for your brand visuals. Outside of the business of actually taking the photos, a good photographer can advise on the kind of images you need to show your business to its best advantage, provide lighting and professional backdrops and develop creative ideas to really make you stand out from the crowd

 

One World by the Sea festival declared a success

by Zelda de Hollander

A Festival celebrating the benefits international culture has brought to Dorset has been hailed a big success. Organisers of the inaugural One World by the Sea Festival are planning a “bigger and better” version next year.

The community festival, organised by members of the International Education Forum of Bournemouth and Poole, attracted thousands of visitors to events taking place over four days and I was there to Photograph it!

Check out the full article at Bournemouth Daily Echo

Discovery Day at Bournemouth International College


Eden Carnival Music Night


Film Screening at Poole Lighthouse


Family Festival Day in Bournemouth

 

Venus Magazine Cover & Feature

by Zelda de Hollander

Was absolutely delighted to be asked to photograph not only the cover image for the new Venus Magazine, but also 2 features. The cover girl is Emma-Jane Taylor an Entrepreneur, TV Presenter on The Well-Being Show aka The Inspirational Mentor and author. Emma graced the cover of the magazine photographed in the picturesque Chandelier Bar in Christchurch, followed by a studio photo shoot, along with a few outfit changes, back at Studio Shotz. Here are my favourite images from the shoot…

 


For the Thames Valley London edition on the Venus Magazine, I also went on a road trip to Reading to photograph Sir John Madejski at the Madejski stadium. Sir John welcomed us into his penthouse apartment for a feature interview and my photo shoot, EK! Lucky for me, his apartment has a gorgeous wrap around deck that showcased the entire city of Reading. He also had numerous paintings, photographs and memorabilia which made for great backgrounds and props (I love the gnome!).

In the middle of Sir John’s penthouse was a beautiful black grand piano, I asked if he wouldn’t mind posing for me while playing “Oh, I only play this thing when I’m drunk” I think I’m quite persuasive and he looked so happy tinkling the ivories…

Tune in to hear me on BBC Radio Solent

by Zelda de Hollander

On Saturday 11th March I headed down to Southampton to be a news reviewer on BBC Radio Solent with presenter Katie Martin. If you did the broadcast you can now hear it on catchup!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04tlcdn#play

Head to 2 hours and 15 minutes to learn about #mouseeyebrowgate (THANKS MUM ????)

 

 

 

I WON the Venus Award for Networker of the Year!

by Zelda de Hollander

Holy Cow Batman, I only went and won an award!

This year I was in the finals for Networker of the Year, sponsored by PlayGolf Bournemouth, a category that I’ve become quite passionate about. It’s a key way of developing your professional & social contacts, not just for yourself but for your already established connections too. The past year I’ve really stepped out of my comfort zone, literally, walking into rooms of people where I have known no one…

The Venus journey concluded at a glamorous Black Tie Ceremony and Gala Dinner at Bournemouth International Centre on Thursday 20th October 2016 . Dubbed the “Working Women’s Oscars” by Channel 4 and now in its seventh year in Dorset, the Venus Awards goes from strength-to-strength in discovering and recognising the talents of enterprising women. Competition was fierce this year with 785 nominations and applications across the 15 Award categories in Dorset.

However, it’s not the first time I’ve been in the Venus Awards Finals, it’s the third! Previously for Online Marketing and Networking! (Not to mention I’ve been in the semi-finals/short listed for everything from PR, online business, customer service and professional of the year!)

I enjoyed the Venus Night with my table; consisting of good friends, my family and some awesome business people that wanted to support me. Thank you for joining me Nick from Foxes Estate Agents, Andy from Gervis Accountants & Christchurch Chamber and Dion from Pure Networking! You all made the night truly memorable, hilarious and fun.

Public speaking scares me. I’m just no good at it, my mind goes blank & I lose my words… Thankfully I remembered to thank my mum “MUM, I LOVE YOU!” and the Venus Awards, but the nerves did get the better of me & I forgot to thank some key players, MAJOR WHOOPS.

Firstly, I need to thank Pure Networking! That room I first walked into not knowing anybody, I can say that a year later they’re now clients, business contacts and friends. It is the most welcoming, friendliest & most FUN networking events I have ever attended. Why else would I sign up as their official photographer and attend every single event!?

I also need to thank CCTC (Christchurch Chamber of Trade & Commerce), I was delighted that Andy from Gervis, also CCTC’s Treasurer joined me at the Venus Gala, they’re one of the first local networking groups I really got associated with and have met some big influecnes in my business world there.

For obvious reasons I have to thank PlayGolf Bournemouth, especially Peter Gilbert (Thank you for the celebratory bubbles!) for choosing me as their winner. When waiting for our turn to be photographed and filmed as winner & category sponsor, I blurted out “But, why me!?”, “Your progression in the past year. You don’t have to introduce yourself any more, people already know Zelda the Photographer”. How awesome is that!

Lastly, however cheesy this may be, here it goes…. I need to thank my late Dad. He was the person that persuaded me at 21 years old, only 2 weeks after finishing my university degree, to set up my photography business with a high street shop! Talk about diving in at the deep end. There is no way I could have done what I’ve done without you.

Thanks for Venus Awards for the above photographs

Bournemouth Echo Article – Here’s who one at this years Dorset Venus Awards

 

 

 

The Importance of a Professional Business Head Shot

by Zelda de Hollander

The importance of good head shots should not be underestimated; people nowadays would prefer to connect with a business that has a face. Take Apple and Steve Jobs as well as Virgin with Richard Branson. With the ever growing online presence surrounding even the smallest of companies, it’s now imperative to always be seen in the best possible light (excuse the pun!)

Head Shots should be seen as a vehicle to help show your brand, your personality & your professionalism within your company.  Having a professional head shot taken shows you care about the details of your business, it will look professional but friendly and creates a good first impression. Connections these days are rarely verbal, most people these days ‘meet’ your photo online before ever making contact with you . Let’s not forget sites such as LinkedIn where you as an individual are constantly representing your business.

Studio Shotz offers a variety of different head shots, ranging from actors head shots through to personal head shots for social media websites as well as business portraiture to show your employees and your business in its best light.

Head Shots are ideal for actors, performers, the self-employed and all business people that need a great looking photograph. Ideal for your own business website and advertisement, as well as sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn. Studio Shotz provides Head shots for just £25, which includes up to 30 minutes in our studio and a high resolution digital image that is fully edited and airbrushed, in colour and black&white.

We also shoot ‘group’ headshots, and are more than happy to work on a bespoke basis. Why don’t you email us at info@studioshotz.co.uk to get your quote?