Producing that 'Special Shot'

(From April 2005 Newsletter)

Do you like having your pictures taken? Are you photogenic? Of course, anyone can have their photograph taken, but having a 'good' picture taken could change your life. It could open doors to many opportunities, whether it be in your business or personal life. Let us introduce you to Paul Haigh, one of our friendly and talented photographers who is also a member of our 'Magical Transformation' and 'Revive' team. He explains how he works to get the best out of you!

While lighting, composition and technical ability are all vital in photography, its often people skills that are essential to producing that special shot.

Like many others, I hate having photographs taken. Most people don't like the experience because they have never seen a good photograph of themselves. Simply looking into a camera can be a daunting prospect. Its a big black, unfriendly box and you know that someone can see you, but you cannot see them.

People find it difficult to relax when they are having their photograph taken and this results in stiff looking photographs.  Looking through your own albums of snaps you will notice that the best photos are the ones of friends, taken by friends. The subject is relaxed and has no problem with the camera being pointed at them. In a professional photo shoot therefore, it is the photographers job to make friends with the client to make them relaxed and make the session feel fun rather than a formality, thereby bringing out the best results.

I spend as long as it takes, sometimes all day long, building a rapport with my subjects, relaxing, cajoling, or sometimes, in press work, surprising them to catch them off guard. By far the best results however, are achieved when I talk to the subjects and discussing with them what we wish to achieve together. I have a few little methods that I have developed through the years to achieve this, but to benefit from these its probably best to undergo a shoot, as every one and everybody is unique and different.

For bookings or enquiries, please contact Toshiko:

Tel/Fax: +44 (0)20 8458 4597