Commercial Photographer Doncaster

Hi again. I thought today id cover the other aspect of what I do. Commercial Photography.
Although I'm based in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, I do provide my service across the UK. Some companies send me products, I photograph them and return. But the service is more complex than that.
When I photograph products, there is a brief of what the client wants or what is advised by the designer if used for brochures or web. So I shoot a series of shots, and send to the client via Dropbox. www.dropbox.xom
I then await instructions on any changes needed, re shoot if needed, then complete the job by sending a disc or dropbox as required.
I offer Hi-res product photography and also extreme close up, ideal for Jewellery photography for example. I pride my self on clarity and quality of usable images.
Here is a shot of some impact protection foam.

The brief was to get profile shots, but also show there of a long length if required. I used a black backdrop, 2 Bowens flash heads and reflector to light and show off the image correctly. The reflection was added in photoshop.

Here is a shot of A Rubber Bellow.

This again was based on a brief to show the shape and context of the Bellow. I had 6 sizes to photograph and laying them flat wasn't an option as they are soft and lose shape. I had to make a rig in front of a black background, and create a system to support the bellow as to appear floating. Then remove any odd bits in photoshop.
All images are shot im my home photography studio Near Doncaster

For a quote in your product photography just email info@leearcherphotography.co.uk or call 01302746930
thankyou
Lee

Bridal dress shoot and commercial

A few weeks ago I did a bridal dress shoot at Best Brides, Barnsley. It was a good shoot and the models had a good time. I'm still working on tweaking the edits, each time I go back I feel theres something to change. But that's photography. We photographed 9 dresses in 3 hours which isn't bad. We had hair and make-up by face-art Sheffield.

Once the edits are mastered I will be putting some images in the shop to show off dresses and a little about me. Also very nice for the models portfolios.

The above image was a Barnsley girl, I took 2 models I know and found Jade as the 3rd. A good choice for the day.

Above is Lisa. A friend who is returning to modelling. All 3 have had great feedback on the images they have. All may be available for work if you want to contact me about it.

This weeks has been different again,. Commercial work taking over and working on Rubber Bellows and Foam protectors. I was presented with the task and also problem with these products, as the rubber was soft so most positions made them look out of shape and not show there actual form.
To get round this I sat in my studio and eventually came up with a rig to support them and still keep there shape. Used a black background for these too. I will post images once client is using them.
It may sound odd, but some inspiration on how to tackle shoot problems came from watching the making of a film I liked. The way the simple ideas can actually solve the hardest problems.
So that's the week of a Doncaster based photographer. Its raining like crazy here in Bircotes but I'm editing today and its warm in the office. have a good day.
Lee

April Rain! photography challenge

Theres nothing worse than rain at the beginning of spring/summer to end plans to get out with the camera. I love getting out and photograping buildings, wildlife flowers.
I'm sure soon we will have the summer we have all been waiting for. Im working on a few projects to do some location shoots with some customers who like the outdoors.
A few who are returning customers like the idea of a photoshoot in Clumber park. We recently joined the National Trust so we can visit these places more often, not just to photograph but they are nice to relax too.
The life of a doncaster photographer can be all shoots and editing, so a trip to Clumber is lovely. We also recently visited Hardwich Hall. Another lovely place. We did take the cameras, however in the hall itself no Flash photography is allowed. My camera is great in low light so it was good to take a few images, I had the 17-40mm L lens on for wider shots.

The facebook page is busy and were ready to launch a new wedding competition. I recently gave away a free wedding package mid week and feel its a good idea to do it again. All we do to enter is ask for images to be emailed, we then put them in a folder and you get your friends to like the photo, and the page.
We run a weekly comp to give away a photoshoot and are thinking of new themes all the time, maybe you know a theme, then email us and let us know.

If your a keen photographer and want to freshen up your skills., get in touch. I don't mind giving advice and helping others. I may look at offering training later in the year on different aspects of photography so keep checking for that.

No doubt you came here from the website www.leearcherphotography.co.uk if not then theres the link.

I also work with a wedding planner, A Sparkle of Planning. A good new business that will help you plan your day. There on facebook and here is there website too. www.asparkleofplanning.com Well worth a visit,

Until next time, thankyou for reading.
Lee

April Update, why book us?

Hi, thought id best put a few words on my blog, everytime I write one I realise its been a while. So whats new and prompted me to blog?
Well, the year is going fast, and we have upgraded the home studio. A friend John Wright plasterd it all for me, and that looks great.  Newer lights to add to the bowens collection, some new softboxes etc. I have 3 Large vinyl backdrops,. black, Grey and white Lasolite.
I also have some custom backdrops for head shots, baby photos etc so alot of choice.
Added 3 new lenses to the collection in the last few months, Only the L lens standard but ones Im comfortable with. Its all a little boring I know, but the point is we just keep investing in the business so you get a great service and great photographs.

I read a fellow photographers blog and agreed with something he wrote. In reference to some people who offer to photograph a full says wedding for £100, and obviously we start from £425. We take back-up cameras, lenses and other accessories like flashes. Always more than one of each just in case something breaks or maybe is lost. The key is still photographing the important day even if something goes wrong, add to that full Insurance.
These are questions you should ask anyone who offers to photograph your day. Especially if its really cheap. But ask anyway. The other questions you should ask are, What happens if the Church is dark? I use top range cameras and lenses that cope well in low light.
What happens if the camera dies? I carry a full back-up system, extra batteries, memory cards, flash.
Are you fully Insured.? Liability and Indemnity Insurance.
Ask to see a website, facebook page and feedback from other people.

Our Facebook competition is going well. over 5000 people enjoy the page now, theres a competition each week to win a photoshoot, and Ive just run the first wedding competition. I gave away a wedding worth £325, midweek wedding deal.
The page isn't just filled with Local Doncaster people, ive looked and we have Thailand, Australia, USA, Russia. In fact nearly every country. So for a small Doncaster photography business its being seen all over the world.
Ive recently had another magazine cover for Nabba Health and fitness, and NRG have my image and name on there posters, which are in nearly every gym in the UK. Im photographing a few shows this year again. And will be writing around 5 or 6 articles for the next magazine. This doesn't leave alot of time for much else, but I love my work.
If you want any information on anything covered in the blog just get in touch. If your a keen photographer and want some advice, get in touch.
Thanks
Lee

New canvas designs

Here is a sample of one of our new canvas designs, totally gorgeous, email for more info.
Prices from £110
Also here is a sample of our new backdrop

Welcome to 2012 Lots to do....

Yet another late blog. I'm rubbish with remembering to do it. Anyway, here i am. I last posted in December, and its already February.
2012 is flying by already. Ive taken alot of wedding bookings since January, just taken another for August and Ive 2 wedding Fayre's to do yet. I had a lovely day with Brian & Gemma on saturday at the Charnwood Hotel in Blyth. We got bad snow before the drive home which was pretty scary. But got some lovely images.

I have been purchasing new products and backdrops to offer a more vast range of shoots. Yes I can do the black, white and grey, but if you find that a little boring then we have some lovely Damask wallpaper backdrops, ideal for the toddler or baby.
Im just looking at some new studio lights and explorer battery packs to power the Bowens lights on locations where theres no power, so alot to look forward to.
These are mostly for the gym shoots I do as photo-flex(my fitness dept). Were equipped with a full battery powered setup anyway, but I want more power!

Enough of the new stuff I'm just a geek with new products.

Our facebook competition is going well. Its hard work some weeks with the settings etc, but most really enjoy it, over 4000 likes is really good and we appreciate it. It must be popular as other companies are trying it too lol.

Just made front cover of the Nabba magazine Health & Fitness again. My Mr Universe images from 2011. Bit of a proud moment as a photographer. I get to work with some great people, some have become good Friends too, Ive been going to the gym since I was 11years old, boxing at Harworth boxing club and love the gym scene. As official Nabba photographer and writer for the magazine I have a lot of fun with my job. So far Ive worked with Boxers, MMA fighters, Bodybuilders, Fitness Models and the companies that sponsor them.
Il be doing a lot more work with Gary Lister this year as he prepares for his Mr Universe return sponsored by NRG FUEL sports nutrition. http://www.nrgfuel.org/
Gary now offers contest prep from his gym in Harworth, Doncaster.  Listers Gym. http://www.photo-flex.co.uk/Listersgym/ email me for more info

If you would like any information on anything we do please do call or email.
We offer great customer service, great products always use market leading equipment and products.
Thanks for reading and see you soon
Lee

The summer merge into winter update...

Hi, its been a long time yet again since I updated. I'm really sorry, I'm not sure many read my blog. but for those that do, thanks.
Its been a busy few months breaking from summer, or what we expect to be summer into the winter. The car earlier said it was 3 degrees, and that was only 6pm. So I'm hoping we don't get snow until the work is done and all my customers have there canvas and prints.
The package deals have gone very well. Ive still got alot of orders to go in, but they will be in on time, lots of editing to do but its all exciting and fantastic.

The last few months,, well, its been a real mixture of assignments and work. Ive done a few small weddings since summer. The weather hasn't been great for these, but we've managed. I was the main photographer for the NABBA bodybuilding shows. I was at Southport photographing for the Nabba magazine that I'm proud to be a part of. And also the Yorkshire Open and Nabba Uk at batley, for these I was official photographer and il be there next year too.
This led to some fantastic fitness shoots. Ive made some great friends through the magazine and shows. My knowledge and approach resulting in stunning results.
The last few weeks have mainly been family portraits. Ive had some great fun with these, and Ive also had some interesting commercial work at the St Pauls Mercure hotel in Sheffield. Lots of variety makes the working week a challenge.

So whats going to be new in 2012 with Lee Archer Photography. Well, I'm always thinking what we can do to make the experience better for the customer. I have already purchased another set of Bowens studio lights to compliment the other Bowens lights. In the new year a new Lens is needed. Mostly a long zoom. Great for shows and weddings.
My local gallery and framer are putting together some new wedding album ideas so IL be looking to offer these to new customers, and of course I already offer the Graphistudio books. There will be some new studio props and a new backdrop ideal for portraits and portfolios.
The main thing that will remain is the customer service and fair price policy. At the moment were doing buy one get one free on prints until Christmas. In January I'm sure we will offer some great deals.
Visit our facebook page for offers, we have over 3000 likes now, which I must thank you for.

Hint and Tips this winter...

I like to offer some basic advice in my blogs(when I remember)
When taking the snow photographs this year, make sure you check your white balance, so the snow looks white. Do this in camera or in edit. I also think a tripod is a good idea as the light wont be great, even though it seems bright.

Make use of landmarks to emphasis the snow. Pictures of a snowy field look better with a random tree or broken gate.

Take spare batteries. The cold weather can make them run out faster! Not many know that.

Il add some more in my next blog, which I promise will be sooner.
Thankyou and see you soon.

Lee