The Winning Charactography Photoshoot with Melanie Downing
Well, after running my first competition, the Charactography Photoshoot, I am enthused to run another. It was fun to hold a photoshoot as a prize!
The winner was Melanie Downing (www.melaniedowning.co.uk), a soft furnishings interior designer and the win was perfect timing for her, as she wanted to spruce up her website and social media advertising. Here's Mel: We had a chat on the phone to talk through how the shoot would work. My charactography photoshoots are designed to produce a selection of photos which bring you or your team to the forefront of your advertising.
Authenticity is a word easily bandied around but it is a truth that 'people do buy people' and nobody really likes 'fakery'. Over the evolution of the internet all sorts of fads and trends have come and gone and the internet itself is a stage for business. This has enabled businesses to 'set dress', to create an imaginary world to promote their products and services. I have spoken many times before about the overuse and incorrect use of stock photos, so my mantra is about you, the business owner and/or your team taking centre stage and presenting yourselves to your audience.
Mel had entered the competition so she already bought into the idea. In our telephone conversation I suggested she bring along changes of clothes and any props that might help to promote herself and what she does. I so wish I had photographed her car when she arrived; taking me at my word the vehicle was jammed packed with stuff. What kept coming out was clothes, fabrics, cushions, furniture, flowers, ends of curtain poles, sample books; it was brilliant!
Once everything was in the studio we got to work, starting with a classic head and shoulders which should be in everyone's portfolio:
After that we started with simple set ups with Mel getting used to the camera and time to chat about things. I started to learn more about what Mel did, how her business was developing and where she was in terms of advertising and promoting herself.
The important thing from the shoot was to get images which really associated Mel with her products and which she could actually make use of in her marketing. They ranged from the more sensible to the less serious and we really made use of all that 'stuff'. I like to use the white boards as they provide the ability to add messages to your photos.It's also an opportunity to be a bit daft and fun.I always look to try for a wide variety, at least in the first session.
An earlier Charactography client is already making a shoot list for another session having had an explosion of specific ideas. The important thing is to get photos which can populate your social media with messages. I really enjoy these shoots and so far everyone who has had one, although initially a little nervous, ends up having fun.Here's what Mel kindly said:
"I was thrilled to find I had won Matthew’s Charactography prize this month as my website is in need of a refresh and this was the impetus I need to get me started! Matthew gave me great instructions to prepare for the shoot and told me to bring props, products and a few changes of clothes not to mention make up and hair….I think he was slightly surprised to see my estate car rammed with cushions, fabric, flowers, and even a garden bench…..being a creative person this was the perfect excuse to really go to town!Matthew quickly put me at ease and we had a great day taking a variety of shots from lovely relaxed “sensible” shots to a variety of more creative and “crazy” ones which really showed my passion for colours and fabrics etc.I am really thrilled with the results and with my 52nd birthday this week am also pleased with his subtle use of airbrushing! I am very happy to use them to update my website and social media pages.Many Thanks Matthew and I will definitely be back for more and will recommend you to all."