What is Portraiture?
Photographic portrait pictures of people, which can be used for promotion, editorial, personal and business purposes.
Why do you need a portrait?
People like pictures. It’s a fact of life. And we are drawn to faces. Our minds are hard-wired to. That’s why we see them everywhere, like in clouds and mountains. They are one of the most important features of how we relate to others and especially valuable in this our shiny new digital age. Did you know, according to LinkedIn, people are seven times more likely to click through to your profile if you have a portrait photo?
Ultimately, people do business with people, and having a well-considered portrait establishes certain things, like: (a) your face, which is good from a basic identity view obviously, (b) your personal sense of style, and if done well (c) your character.
Why would a client use me to take their portrait, and how do they ask?
Choosing a good photographer to take one’s picture is a worthy consideration. There are many photographers available, each with a different photographic style, operational approach, personal service, and cost. If a client likes my work, my answers to the questions below and feels the imagery and level of service I can deliver is a good fit for them, all they need to do is email a simple enquiry to info@lukeshawphotography.co.uk
Ultimately, my biggest usp is that I can come to the client and achieve studio results in the comfort of their office or favourite coffee shop. This is especially useful if a standardised image style is required for a team of people. I am often requested to set up group sessions on the day when overseas partners are in town for an AGM or meeting.
What is my photographic style?
To a degree this varies dependent on the requirements of each job – examples of which can be seen presented at my portfolio page here – but ultimately, my style could be described as stylishly honest. Or honestly stylish, if you will.
I do not go in for heavy post-processing or crazy effects and while I do keep up-to-date with trends in photography, trends come and go like passing clouds, so where I can I will recommend classic styles and let the images do the talking.
What is my operational approach?
Less effects do not mean less consideration, and every shot I take is composed, exposed, analysed and where possible improved.
Some image-sets require shooting a series of people in a standard way, this is especially true for many corporate shoots, and in such cases, the style will have been discussed and planned beforehand. I always plan before each and every shoot, but for some sessions the exact look of the image is slightly less prescribed. For example in the case of band portraits or location-based portraits, the final images can be unexpected. Any location will always yield some hitherto unseen aspect but planning always pays dividends and I take much inspiration from the great film directors who made detailed preparations and had a good vision of the image, way before the first shot was taken.
Once the location and style has been agreed and we are at the shooting stage, I always work with the sitter through combinations of posture, lighting, exposure and expression. This is always the best way to get a client their best shot.
How would I best describe my personal service?
I take pains to ensure every consideration has been considered before a shoot, through discussion via phone, email or face-to-face meeting. Proper planning prevents poor performance. Good photography however requires ability to make the most of the unexpected, and through calm and friendly conduct I find any and every turn of events can not only be addressed in the best way possible but also used to the advantage of the images and everybody involved. The level of service I provide varies dependent on the nature and specifics of the job, but whatever is required is always carried through with composure and professionalism. Before I put my trumpet down, here are a few client quotes for good measure.
What are my costs?
I charge dependent on the requirements of the shoot. For the most part, as my operational overheads are low – I have no expensive studio or assistants to maintain – I am able to reflect these savings into my charges along with the value I bring to the table. In any case, I look to get as much value and quality to my clients as possible. I consider every enquiry and can usually advise availability and quotes within 24hours.
Where do I shoot these portraits?
Wherever the client requires. At offices, venues or facilities best suited for the photographs. I am based near Guildford and work mostly across London and the South East but can travel further if necessary.
How long do clients have to wait for the images?
Turnaround times depend on the nature and specifics of the project and will have been discussed and confirmed before shoot, but as a rule of thumb post-processing requires a day for every one hundred images. If retouching is required this figure can vary.