Problem solving: How does a photographer serve up a solution?

As a commercial photographer each job presents it own challenges. I have always viewed myself more of a service provider that an artist. I look at what a client needs to get across to their target market and create images that serve that need. Here are 3 examples of the theory in practise.

Case study: Edgen Murray

Edgen Murray is an international steel manufacturer that supplies to the oil industry. They brought me in on a 2 fold project. The first part of the project was to take profile pictures of the management team that matched pictures that had been taken in their other locations in Australia and Singapore. The second was to shoot the various steel products they had on site and capture the size and scale of their new site at Newbridge.

In part one we shot the management team at the head offices in Edinburgh against a matching grey backdrop and lighting as close as I could get to the brand identity specified. Those images were then edited to match exactly the ones from the other regions to unify and clearly represent the company as a global player. The second part of the project involved photographing key products and the site in general. Here are some of the images and some kind words from the marketing manager.

“We have used Claire for taking corporate headshots of our senior management and have been very pleased with the service she has provided. Moreover, Claire has been great in assisting us with digital work we needed done urgently on other photography. She has been very helpful, professional in turning around projects quickly, and in general great to work with.”

– Valentina Mina, Marketing Services Manager

Case Study: ConnectED Profile Pictures

ConnectED is a networking group that meets every Tuesday. We wanted to help small business owners get professional profile pictures, so we arranged to have them taken at one of the weekly meetings at a discounted rate. The challenge was how to get images that captured everyones personalities. By making everyone feel comfortable and relaxed then adding a few tweaks with colour balance and saturation in the editing process I created individual portraits from the same lighting and equipment set up. Eddie had a few kind words to add…not like the dentist at all 😉

“If you’re a little self-conscious then getting your photo taken can be a bit like going to the dentist! Claire made it fun and easy and the result speaks for itself. Did I mention fantastic value for money?”

– Eddie Caldow, Printer Cartridges, Empty Cartridge Recycling, Printer Maintenance, Printer Engineer, Sustainability

Case Study: Rock Trust

The Rock Trust works in Edinburgh and the Lothians with young people between the ages of 16- 25 who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Their role is to advise, educate and support young people. The project was to capture the different sides of the charity. The experience you people can expect at the centre and in the supported accommodation. The fundraising events businesses and individuals can get involved in, as well as the research and conferences that the charity organises and supports.

“Claire worked with us to create and implement a plan for our website and publicity images. She paid great attention to our work, the service users and our values and ensured that she not only met, but surpassed, our expectations. Claire has worked with the young people in their homes, staff team at our conferences and supporters at our events and she works well in every situation. We continue to work with Claire as not only has she produced beautiful images but she is also great to work with.”

– Kate Polson, Chief Executive at The Rock Trust