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!
Monday, 4 July 2011
Wednesday, 8 June 2011
Wild animals at Arley Hall
Here's a lovely little job that I did recently for Arley Hall, where my studio is based. This was something a bit out of the ordinary, which is one of the reasons I love my job so much. While I'm principally a wedding photographer, I can never resist the opportunity to shoot a different subject. While Arley Hall is a great wedding venue, and I've photographed many weddings there and captured some lovely images of couples in the grounds, I was really looking forward to shooting something different in an environment with which I am so familiar.
At the end of May the Hall was playing host to a collection of sculptures by South African sculptor Dylan Lewis. Dylan has won worldwide acclaim for his work, and his latest collection, entitled Predators and Prey II, is garnering similar praise. It's a series of studies in bronze of wild animals from his homeland, many of which are life sized.
They were on display in the grounds of the Hall before being transported down to London where they will be auctioned by Christie's on June 16th.
The juxtaposition of wild animals from another continent with the formality of the gardens shouldn't work should it? But somehow, it seems to come together rather wonderfully I think.
So, a beautiful spring day, award winning grounds and gardens of a splendid stately home, and thousands of pounds' worth of sculpture by a world famous artist. A pretty good combination for creating some great images!
If you want any more information about the auction, visit Christie's website at www.christies.com. If you decide to put in a bid please let me know. I'd love to photograph the sculptures again in their new home!
For more information on Dylan and his work go to www.dylanlewis.com.
Arley Hall can be reached via www.arleyhallandgardens.co.uk
At the end of May the Hall was playing host to a collection of sculptures by South African sculptor Dylan Lewis. Dylan has won worldwide acclaim for his work, and his latest collection, entitled Predators and Prey II, is garnering similar praise. It's a series of studies in bronze of wild animals from his homeland, many of which are life sized.
They were on display in the grounds of the Hall before being transported down to London where they will be auctioned by Christie's on June 16th.
The juxtaposition of wild animals from another continent with the formality of the gardens shouldn't work should it? But somehow, it seems to come together rather wonderfully I think.
So, a beautiful spring day, award winning grounds and gardens of a splendid stately home, and thousands of pounds' worth of sculpture by a world famous artist. A pretty good combination for creating some great images!
If you want any more information about the auction, visit Christie's website at www.christies.com. If you decide to put in a bid please let me know. I'd love to photograph the sculptures again in their new home!
For more information on Dylan and his work go to www.dylanlewis.com.
Arley Hall can be reached via www.arleyhallandgardens.co.uk
Friday, 6 May 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, 28 April 2011
Kate and Gino's big day
Tonight I'm heading up to the Lake District as it's an early start tomorrow for the big wedding of the day. Yes, Kate and Gino are marrying at Our Lady of the Wayside church in Grasmere, and having their reception at the wonderful Linthwaite House Hotel in Windermere.
This has been in the diary for over a year, and I can't wait to get cracking. It has all the makings of a fantastic day: great couple, wonderful backdrop of the English Lakes, very pretty country church (and Father Dave, who sounds like a lovely man on the phone, will do a great job of the service), and a top venue. I shall also be working with one of my favourite companies, Reel Vision Films, who will be filming the event.
On a personal note, if those of you who weren't invited to either wedding wanted to stay indoors to watch telly (there may be something on in the morning), that'd be great as it would mean the road from Ambleside to the church would be free of traffic. Much appreciated!
Friday, 18 March 2011
Altrincham and Sale Chamber of Commerce Business Showcase
Well, well, well. You don't hear anything for a while and then, just like the bus, three blog posts come along in quick succession!
So, there I was on Wednesday night at the latest business showcase that the Altrincham Chamber was putting on, as I advertised two days ago. Put on by the Altrincham Chamber of Commerce and hosted by the good people at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys again, it's an evening where local businesses can talk to other businesses and the public who attend.
Of course, it's the people that make these events, and it was great to meet some new faces among the familiar ones. A few new faces I photographed were Andrew from Matchpoint Franchise Consultancy, Helen at Ice Cream Dub and Mr Ali of Aminah Tandoori (who, incidentally, provided the superb curry on offer that evening).
So, there I was on Wednesday night at the latest business showcase that the Altrincham Chamber was putting on, as I advertised two days ago. Put on by the Altrincham Chamber of Commerce and hosted by the good people at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys again, it's an evening where local businesses can talk to other businesses and the public who attend.
Of course, it's the people that make these events, and it was great to meet some new faces among the familiar ones. A few new faces I photographed were Andrew from Matchpoint Franchise Consultancy, Helen at Ice Cream Dub and Mr Ali of Aminah Tandoori (who, incidentally, provided the superb curry on offer that evening).
The next Business Showcase is at the Point, Lancashire Cricket Club on 30th June. Contact the Altrincham Chamber for more details.
Thursday, 17 March 2011
Arley Hall wedding fair Sunday 20th March 2011
This one feels a bit like a homecoming gig!
I've had my studio based on the Estate at Arley Hall for almost three years now, just a two minute walk from the hall itself. So I love the place! I love driving there and working there every day, love being one of their preferred suppliers, love shooting weddings there - just love it, period!
Come along this Sunday to the wedding fair between 11am and 4pm to say hello, talk weddings and look at some fantastic images.
Tuesday, 15 March 2011
Altrincham Chamber of Commerce Business Showcase
Just a quick mention for the next Business Showcase that my local Chamber of Commerce is putting on tomorrow. It's being held at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys between 5 and 8pm.
It's a great opportunity for local businesses to meet, find out about one another and, of course, start to do business.
As usual, I'll be there photographing the event for the Chamber. The photos will be appearing in the next edition of the Chamber magazine, Altruism, and I will, of course, be blogging about the event here.
If you want more information about the Altrincham Chamber of Commerce contact them at www.altrinchamchamber.co.uk or call them on 0161 941 3250.
As usual, I'll be there photographing the event for the Chamber. The photos will be appearing in the next edition of the Chamber magazine, Altruism, and I will, of course, be blogging about the event here.
If you want more information about the Altrincham Chamber of Commerce contact them at www.altrinchamchamber.co.uk or call them on 0161 941 3250.
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