Fresh, Interesting,
Unique. Paul Leach Dip.A.D.
Fresh, Interesting, Unique.
That’s you ... Building your reputation on great personal service, your passion and professionalism are key factors in your increasing success. Your standards are respected by clients and recognised by your peers within the industry. Your product offering is the result of painstaking evaluation, research and knowledge. It represents a significant investment of time and hard-earned cash. You’re already growing your list of prospective clients, often through recommendation from highly satisfied customers: the same kind of discerning clients who share your values. Their anticipation of design-work that is appealing and practical in equal measure, is palpable. The demand is for fresh, interesting designs that meet every aspiration of their lifestyle, to the envy of their friends. If you recognise this as you, it’s time we had a chat...
‘..demonstrable experience and a raft of successes.’
You already understand that prospective clients are more likely to go for the person who has demonstrable experience and a raft of successes with projects like theirs. The challenge is how to present the evidence in a compelling and enticing way. Photography is still one of the very best ways to show clients ideas and solutions. Most of us know, as I am certain that you do, 90% of the information processed by the brain is visual. It’s retention once seen is superior to auditory.
When it comes to creating a portfolio of client projects, the quality of photography is paramount. Carefully composed and beautifully executed photographs that build into an extensive library of evidence and reference are invaluable. To create such a library you need to trust you’re in the safest of hands, technically and aesthetically. If you’re looking to move your business forward and to the next level, you’ve just found a kindred spirit.
It still has to be the right photograph.
‘..trust you’re in the safest of hands, technically and aesthetically.’
Carefully composed, beautifully executed photographs create a valuable library...
Exclusively architectural ... I am an architectural photographer. Exclusively. Like you, I also made the decision to become a specialist. A decision driven by my passion for interior design and architecture. I’ve invested in the most appropriate tools for photographing interiors and buildings, including technical, tilt and shift lenses. My service brings the best possible interior and architectural photographs within the grasp of independent retailers, interior designers and architects. Great photography lets you stand shoulder to shoulder with blue-chip companies and head and shoulders above your competitors.
What you can expect. My first priority is to truly understand you and your business. What you do, how you do it and above all, why you do it. When I have the inside track on what makes you tick, you can relax. I will have the knowledge to create the most appropriate images to support, reinforce and promote your vision. And we’ll continue to share feedback to ensure we’re both happy with the results, everytime. Speaking of relaxed. It’s good to know that I am fully insured and also experienced in working on ‘live sites’. How many photographers do you know have their own PPE?
This is what you need! A bunch of fancy photos serves no useful purpose unless they earn their keep. Experience allows me to compose images you need and the ones that designers and art editors love. And because the photographs reflect your company style, I’m confident you will love them too. When you, or your marketing agency, get a request for images to support a press release or magazine feature, you’ll have a good selection to offer. And, in the case of the magazine, a greater chance of inclusion, as a result. Speaking of magazines, it really helps to compose photographs with ‘free space’. Areas that are open and uncluttered. They allow the photograph to breathe and graphic artists love them. It gives them much needed room for text or even the magazine’s masthead in the case of a front page. Time is one thing we are all short of. And time is one of the most important aspects of my work. To create the right image needs the best light. Ideally, natural light, which means being in the right place at the right time. Whilst this is often the right time of day, it can also be the right time of year. Part of my service is scheduling the photoshoot with your client, on your behalf. Certain things; soft furnishings and cosmetic details, are the personal touches clients like to add after completion. Careful scheduling ensures the project is fully complete and looks its very best on the day of the shoot.
The correct format for the right application. There’s a lot of misunderstanding about file formats and resolution. Let’s just say, whether you need images for web or print, you’ll have them available at your fingertips, when you need them and in the correct format. So that’s another headache less.
ART
DIRECTORS LOVE GREAT PHOTOGRAPHS
free space
You can easily see why this photography would be a for an art director.
Room for a page title and uncluttered space within th photograph for the inclusion of text, without obscurin important elements of the photograph.
a great choice
he ng the most
Knowing what you want. Surprisingly, whilst most clients might know they want professional photographs, many don’t know exactly what they need. I can help. It’s part of my service. Understanding your needs and agreeing the desired outcome before everyone turns up to take photographs makes life simpler all round. The best photographers will ask the right questions and they’ll be able to make suggestions about what might look good. Less is usually more... in terms of both content and quantity.
Knowing what you need. Considering how you might use the same photographs in the future is well worth considering. Most commercial photographers will quote for commissions based upon the intended use of your images. (e.g. web, print or both). Personally, this is something that I like to discuss up front. Building client confidence and trust starts with clarity and openness. Knowing how you’re going to use the photographs also helps in agreeing how many photographs you need. I like to visit the venue with my clients and agree a shoot-list. This visit clarifies the scope and range of the shoot and also gives me a better understanding of the space involved. It’s not unusual for me to supplement the agreed list with additional images. Instinct and intuition are important allies in capturing those sponaneous opportunities.
Unders
standing the licensing and fees. When you employ a professional photographer it’s more than hiring someone to take photographs. What you are actually paying for is both the work involved in creating the photographs and the licence to use those photographs for an agreed period of time and in a specific way. The copyright remains the property of the photographer, as it does with authors, musicians and other artists. (Most professional photographers will charge a significant premium if you want to purchase the copyright). Your quotation will be just that – a quotation. My charges are based upon the number of images you need and the work involved in creating those photographs, including the post-processing.
Why choose a specialist? Specialists make a considered choice to concentrate on one aspect of their chosen profession. It’s a good indication that they have a passion for that chosen field. It’s also a pretty good indication that they will have invested time and probably a significant amount of money in additional training and the most appropriate equipment to ensure expert results. They know their job. The other clue to the value of hiring a specialist is what they don’t do.
Each and every aspect of photography has it’s own skills and techniques. Theoretically, the techniques to shoot wedding, portrait, sport or event photography aren’t that difficult to learn. Mastering each discipline effectively, to a point where great results are consistent and equally creative is a different matter. There are very few top sportsmen and sportswomen who are at the top of their game in more than one discipline. Could you name a top sprinter who is also a great footballer or a top gymnast who excels at swimming? Which is why you won’t see portraits, wedding, sports or events photography in my portfolio.
Taking the next step... My ultimate objective is always to capture inspiring photographs that define your talents… images that that just work. Hopefully, I’ve piqued your imagination. Let’s get together for a brew and a chat. I’m sure you’ll have questions to ask. And, of course, you’ll want to feel I’m a good fit, creatively. If you like what you’ve seen, then it’s time to give me a call.
07976 821238
Paul studied interior design at Bradford University, Faculty of Art, graduating in 1977. Today his work is dedicated to architectural and interior photography. Based in West Yorkshire and working throughout the UK, Paul strives to develop enduring and reliable relationships with architectural and interior design practices of all sizes. His lifelong interest in composition has an intuitive influence on his images. The subtlety, strength and style of his photography is self-evident. Should you wish, you can email Paul directly. paul@paulleachphotography.com
With kind thanks to: Transform Architects www.transformarchitects.com RJN Decorating www.rjndecorating.co.uk for the use of their images.
paulleachphotography.com