Commercial photography in Altrincham

The beauty of commercial photography is that no two jobs are ever the same.  

I was contacted recently by Ian from Bluebird Care.  He got my details through the Altrincham and Sale Chamber of Commerce, for whom I do a lot of work.  He's opened up a new office in Altrincham and is preparing a press release to announce the company's arrival in the area.  He contacted me to photograph him and his staff, to provide images that could accompany the press release.  

Bluebird Care provides home care for the elderly, the sick and people with disabilities.  The purpose of the press release, aside from announcing the company's arrival in the area,  was to enable people to match names to faces, and to convey the company's branding, as displayed on the staff uniforms worn by the care workers.

These shots were taken in the building where the company has its office.  To begin, a team shot: 

The branded uniforms that the care workers wear.

 Simple portraits that have a multitude of uses; to go out on press releases, social media profiles, the noticeboard in the office, a website page, etc.

Many thanks to Ian for asking for my help in promoting his company.

More examples of my commercial portraits, along with the other commercial photography I shoot, can be found on www.commercialphotographynorthwest.co.uk

Martin Hambleton Commercial Photography

When I began Martin Hambleton Photography eight years ago I decided to build the business on people photography.  Quickly, that meant that I spent most of my time photographing weddings and portraits of individuals, couples and families.  Working with people is what I do best, and enjoy.

But I've been asked to do an increasing amount of commercial photography over the years, so just before New Year I took the decision to set up a separate commercial photography business, to run alongside the work I currently do.

The result is Martin Hambleton Commercial Photography.  Okay, not the snappiest name going, but it tells you what you need to know doesn't it?

On the website, you'll see that people still form the basis of the commercial work I undertake.  Portraits, events and promotions occupy a lot of my time on commercial assignments.  Although I'm doing an increasing amount of work shooting product, buildings and interiors too.

My other website will contain examples of my wedding and portrait work only, while all commercial photography and information will be contained in www.commercialphotographynorthwest.co.uk.  Similarly, if you enjoy reading about my wedding and portrait work on my blog, this will now move to www.martinhambleton.wordpress.com, while this blog will become dedicated to my commercial work.

I'll end by giving a mention to David Bellin of Software Assistance, who designed and built the site for me.   Thanks David!

A photographic star of the future?

On Wednesday I visited one of the schools local to where I live, Altrincham Grammar School for Girls to talk to one of the sixth formers.  Jayne is the first pupil from the school to be offered a place on a photography degree course at Stafford College.

As a local resident I try to support my local community where I can, and I'd offered my photographic services to the school in the past.  I received a phone call a couple of months ago asking if I'd be interested in talking to sixth formers about possible careers in the photographic industry, and so on Wednesday arrived at lunchtime to answer any questions Jayne might have.

There are many people out there who pursue photography as a hobby, and would love nothing better than to make a living from it.  Unfortunately, there is a big difference between doing something for yourself, for pleasure, and doing it as a means of paying the bills.  I don't know a single professional photographer who doesn't absolutely love their job, but we all agree that it is seriously hard work!

I spent an hour chatting with Jayne about the business of photography, showed here the wide range of projects and commissions I'd worked on over the past year and asked her about her own photographic interests.  Thankfully, I don't seem to have put her off, as this email landed in my inbox yesterday from the head of sixth form Gillian Winter:

"I met Jayne yesterday afternoon as I walked over from Main School and she stopped me to say how really useful meeting you was and how you have given her an insight into what she can do and how to run a photography business.  She was so enthusiastic that I wanted to share that with you."

Glad to have helped, Mrs Winter!

If you'd be interested in talking about the business of photography, I'd be happy to talk.  I can be contacted at my studio or via my website.

Snowy wedding at Thornton Manor

Here are a couple of photos from the first wedding I did during 2010, and what a fantastic day it was!  I first met Louise and Matthew almost exactly a year ago at the Tatton Park wedding show in January 2009, when they were still looking for a venue.  At my recommendation, they visited Thornton Manor, and fell in love with the place.  On the day of their visit it snowed, and Matthew said that if there was snow on his wedding day, he'd be delighted.  Well, there was and he was! 

Louise got ready at home, in Kingsley and was married in the church she attended as a girl.

Then it was on to the magnificent setting of Thornton Manor. 

Matthew got his shots in the last of the snow.

Even in the depths of winter, there are great shots available in the Lime Walk.

The beauty of a winter wedding is the warmth of the candles and fires.  They add a real glow and beauty to everything.

A great day with a lovely couple.