You can't fail to take a good picture with kit like that!

I don't know how many times I've heard those words but the truth is it's not the kit.

Yes it helps but its not where the story ends.

I've seen people with great cameras take appalling images, because its about so, so much more.

It's about:

• knowing how to get the best from the camera in different circumstances,
• about understanding light,
• how to compose the image,
• how to cope with reflective surfaces,
• what props to use when & how,
• what angles to choose

and so, so much more ...

More importantly it starts long before you pick the camera up. You have to truly understand what your customer is looking for, what your brand look and feel is all about (because you have got one, haven't you?) it's about knowing what the image is expected to do and how.

It's about attention to detail, understanding what type of focus is needed & why. For instance a soft focus to create a dreamy atmosphere, or pin sharp for the detail - and not forgetting how to achieve said look and feel.

It's years of daily practise, and study, collating of props and backgrounds to suit different situations, fabulous editing skills to bring out the detail & being able to create something from nothing - it happens! It's about idea generation, understanding what works when & how and when something you've done before will lend itself to a new situation. It's about being able to work when there's not enough light and when there's too much.

So no! Professional photography isn't cheap, there's a reason for that. There's a whole lot of research and planning before any shoot, there's cleaning the kit (yes it does get mucky!) there's selecting or going out to purchase props.

For someone like me there can be cooking to be done too. I often create recipes for clients or cook their recipes to shoot for them. The timing here has to be precise as the food doesn't live long for the camera, so you set up and adjust the set before the food is ready, timing is crucial. It takes time to set up lifestyle shots and understanding what works and what doesn't.

It's NEVER a case of 'that will do' - that just doesn't happen.

With me, you'll get great value from images that are professionally created and edited, crafted to fit your exact needs. It won't be cheap or free,

BUT....

• If you want images that get people talking for all the right reasons,
• who then want to know more,
• who come and buy from you,
• who tell other people about you

Then you need the right images shot specifically for you which are right on brand and tell the right story.

A phone on auto settings isn't going to do that, no camera by itself can do that, AI hasn't gotten that far yet .... But I have!