Camera Shy

Hitz Rao has become one of the most ubiquitous members of Leicester’s business community. Anyone hot on the scene will have been photographed by Hitz, either in his studio or at an event. You’ll have already seen his work throughout this magazine.

It may come as a surprise to learn that Hitz’ most anxious clients are often men. It can be difficult to feel comfortable in front of the camera, especially if you hope to portray yourself a certain way.

“Men can be a lot more intimidated about how they look – most don’t wear makeup or fancy clothes on the regular, so you’re really presenting your true, unfiltered self. Some men want to look masculine or project a certain image. It’s my responsibility to put them at ease, make them comfortable, and make them look good.”

Getting that perfect shot is a process, and Hitz’ experience means he knows how to get what he needs.

“I like to get to know the person. We talk and break the ice, let them relax into the session and find what works for them. We have props that can be used as anchors to support their confidence, or we use power dressing or clothing they’re most comfortable in to help too. Everyone is different, requiring their own set-up, lighting, and personal touch.”

Hitz remains a beacon of humility and positive energy. He has an innate ability to make his subject feel like the most important person in the room, and really takes time with people, allowing him to forge friendships, loyalty, and admiration throughout the community.

Hitz’ father was also a photographer, and he learnt this way of business from him. Starting in 1989, Hitz joined the family business as an apprentice at 15.

“Dad had been made redundant from his day job and used the opportunity to set up the photography

IT’S MY RESPONSIBILITY TO PUT THEM AT EASE, MAKE THEM COMFORTABLE, AND MAKE THEM LOOK GOOD

business, which needed my help. I’d done a BTEC in photography, and so started doing that instead of going to uni.”

Things have come full circle as Hitz’ son, Yash, now works for the business too.

“It’s a big shock and sometimes surreal, as we hadn’t really planned for him to get so actively involved in the family business. Many of the conversations – and occasionally heated debates – give me and the family flashbacks of when dad and I worked together.”

Originally renting a small studio (that they’d eventually buy in 1997), the business grew steadily. They started with family portraits and other studio services, as well as wedding photography. As the business developed, Hitz started photographing corporate work and events, with clients including Cross Productions among others. As technology evolved, they folded in digital photography and film, fully embracing the evolution and running with it.

“It’s as stressful as you make it, but it can be fun. There are deadlines and pressures, but it’s all about learning the latest tricks, what’s new in the market, and what’s next. Photography is becoming very accessible, so it’s about staying ahead of the game.”

And it’s also through his good oldfashioned wit and personality that Hitz stays ahead of the game, helping his subjects to overcome camera shyness, and create beautiful photography.

Lighting the way for MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH

A Leicester Business Festival workshop on mental health in business will take place on November 18. Organisers, Lamp, told Niche about men’s mental health in particular this issue

According to the Government’s national wellbeing survey, published by the Mental Health Foundation in 2021, three times as many men as women die by suicide and men aged 40-49 have the highest suicide rates in the UK. Men also report lower levels of life satisfaction than women and are less likely to access psychological therapies, with only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies being for men.

In addition, men are far more likely than women to go missing, sleep rough, become dependent on alcohol and use drugs frequently.

Leicester-based mental health advocacy charity, Lamp provides a free, independent mental health service and during the last 12 months, its team of advocacy specialists have supported around 450 advocacy referrals across the areas of community mental and physical health, carers advocacy, carers groups and informal patient advocacy. Almost 40 per cent of these referrals were men and this number is growing.

Richard Kotulecki, Chief Executive of Lamp says: “It has long been understood that men are far less likely than women to seek help for both physical and mental health concerns, so there is clearly much work still to be done in terms of raising awareness of the importance of good mental health and reducing the stigma amongst males to talk about it.

“Poor mental health can sometimes tragically lead to suicide and can be triggered by any number of issues from depression, alcohol and drug use, relationship problems and unemployment, through to social isolation and low self-esteem. Society’s expectations of what it means to be a ‘man’ can also be quite stereotypical so we also need to consider the impacts that this burden to conform has on their wellbeing.

“Whilst we know that depression and some other common mental health disorders are a concern in Leicester and Leicestershire, referrals to NHS talking therapies have for some time been considerably lower than the England average. It’s vital that those people who need help are able to find that support and that’s why organisations such as Lamp exist to help people through their own mental health journey and towards individual empowerment.”

Lamp is holding a ‘Make Mental Health Your Business’ workshop during the Leicester Business Festival from 1011.30am on November 18, 2022. The event will talk about the importance of mental health advocacy in the community and workplace, and how we can all play a part in supporting others who may be struggling. Tickets can be booked at bit.ly/ MakeMentalHealthYourBusiness.

Email info@lampdirect.org.uk for mental health advocacy support.

IT HAS LONG BEEN UNDERSTOOD THAT MEN ARE FAR LESS LIKELY THAN WOMEN TO SEEK HELP