Are you Camera Shy?  Maybe this could help

Today is World Mental Health day and it may seem a strange thing for a photographer to choose to blog about, but I seem to come up against it a lot in my line of work. It makes me feel like I should speak up about it, not only for myself but for my clients and other photographers and videographers in the industry.

I GET IT!

I have recently been encouraged to get out from behind the camera and to start filming videos for social media posts. This is completely out of my comfort zone, which is probably quite obvious from the videos I have already done. I become very self-conscious, worrying that I am waving my arms around, waffling and not making any sense. I've noticed that worrying about it makes it worse too. Watching them back isn't much fun either, I can laugh off the fact I said the word MASSIVE 100 times in one video and I can honestly say I am much more comfortable on the other side of the lens. In general, I am a confident person, happy to talk to everyone whether I know them or not, so it's unusual for me to feel anxious. It has definitely helped me to empathise with my clients who feel camera shy.

Do You Hate Having Your Photo taken?

A lot of my clients have expressed concern about having their photos taken! It actually puts some people off having a shoot. They worry about whether they will look right, that they have bad skin, they have wobbly bits, a double chin, what to wear, do they need to diet first if you can think it I've heard it! In fact, it's rare to have someone who is super confident, there have been a couple, but it is pretty rare. 

I try hard to reassure people that they will love their pictures. Professional photography produces different results to a selfie on your phone. The right lighting, settings, equipment, backdrop and position all play a part in creating brilliant portraits. Over the years I have developed a few ways of getting that perfect image. 

Plan Out the Day. I like to make sure that everybody knows what to expect on the day, especially if they seem anxious about the upcoming shoot. If people feel prepared and organised they often feel calmer, I certainly do. We try to discuss what they should bring with them, clothing etc, what will look best on camera and what to avoid.

Getting Comfortable. On the day I spend time just chatting, having a brew and letting the person get used to the studio and to me. I don't like to rush straight into shooting unless they are happy to do so. As people begin to feel more comfortable and relax a bit, it starts to show in their photos. I like to keep people talking throughout the shoot and the atmosphere light. the moment that someone genuinely laughs is pure gold. 

Be Open. If you are anxious or worried I urge you to open up and talk about it with me. If I know how you are feeling then I can try my best to make it as easy as possible. We can take our time and we will get there.

Adjustments. Every person is different. Every shoot is different. I've learnt to take them one at a time, if someone wants to bring their entire family for moral support, then they are more than welcome. (COVID rules allowing) If shooting at Albion Street Studio, Halifax is too overwhelming then we can take the photos in your home, or a cafe or even outside. Whatever makes it easier.

I recently had a client who suffered from Body Dysmorphia. This wasn't anything that I had come across before and for others who aren't aware it is a mental health condition that causes a person to worry or fixate on particular parts of the body and it interferes with everyday life. It opened my eyes to the complexity of mental health and the impact on photography. Despite her worries, she was brave enough to have a photo shoot and the images were beautiful. It took her a little time to see what others were seeing and she later mentioned that it had been helpful for her to have this experience. 

It's important for all industries to be aware of mental health issues that can arise. The better awareness we all have, the kinder and more understanding we can all be. I try to play my part, where I can, however small it may be. So far I have managed to make people feel comfortable and ease their fears over having their photos taken. I hope to feel more confident with my filming experience and I've got lots of people helping me out. If you find yourself struggling with anxiety, body dysmorphia or any other mental health issue there is lots of support available. I recently became a Mental Health Champion after completing a course with Unmasked Mental Health, which I highly recommend for anyone.

Don't miss out on incredible photos, personal or business, get in touch and we can have a chat and see if what we can do! 

email : danny@dannythompsonphotography.co.uk

phone: 07540118284

  Thank you for reading my Blog. Please feel free to share. :)

 

 

Someone called me Mr Networking! Is this a bad thing?

Someone called me Mr Networking! Is this a bad thing?

In the last few months, I seemed to have gained myself a reputation as the guy who is always at Networking events! (Thanks to Doug @unmaskedmentalhealth) Yes, I have been to a fair few recently, I admit (including Ladies4networking L4N but that was an accident!), but that’s ok, isn’t it? Well, it got me thinking about why I’ve been going to so many networking events and if I really am Mr Networking!

Here are the top 5 reasons why I network!

1.   Business Connections: stating the obvious I guess, as it’s the whole point of these events but Meeting other business owners in person is a really important step to securing new jobs and clients. It creates a path from You to Them!

2.   Learn from the experts: who better to gain advice and recommendations from than other people who have worked in business, some for a lot of years! The chance to talk and ask questions with people who are experts by experience is priceless. They will have connections and ideas that could be hugely valuable to your business’s progress and development. 

The Old Golf House Hotel - Wedding Photography - Danny Thompson Photography

On Sunday the 16th June 2019, I had the pleasure of photographing the beautiful wedding of Vanessa and James at The Old Golf House Hotel, Huddersfield. A Whisper Hotel set in the heart of Yorkshire, with 3 acres of beautiful grounds. 

I had met the couple almost a year ago and instantly couldn't wait to be involved in their big day. They were full of life, fun and enthusiasm and couldn't wait to introduce me to Leicester, James’ guide dog. James is registered blind and Leicester is a huge part of his life, giving him freedom and independence. His wife to be, Vanessa, is also partially sighted and has fibromyalgia. As we chatted more, I discovered that Leicester wouldn't be the only guide dog in the wedding party, he would also be joined by one other incredible guide dog. A whole new experience for me.

The big day arrived. The weather was holding out and Vanessa, with the help of Hair by Hannah and Cerise makeup was ready to walk down the aisle in her gorgeous dress. With the groom all suited and booted and the dogs ready to go there was just time to squeeze in a few more photos. I could not believe the change in the dogs as they moved from fun, friendly, dog to dedicated, hardworking helpers after putting on their harnesses (I wish my kids could do that!). They watched every tiny move their handlers made, gave unfaltering concentration and made all challenges just a little easier.

Unmasked Mental Health - Danny Thompson Commercial Photography

#BLOG 5

Over the last few weeks I have been working with 3 guys who have taken it upon themselves to try make a dent in the World’s Mental Health Crisis. UNMASKED. A Peer to Peer mental health support APP.

They are 3 typical local lads, Doug, Logan & Robin who I met at a Halifax Business Networking Event at Halifax Business Centre. We had a laugh, cracked a few bad jokes and then arranged a meeting to discuss working together on a Commercial Photography Shoot. We met, over a cold one, to talk about what was important for me to capture in their photos. It was then that I learnt each had their own story, their own personal reasons for trying to make a difference. Quite quickly it was obvious that the photos needed to show their struggles, as a way to connect to their audience but to show the positivity they have for life and the new project UNMASKED.

Robin

Logan & Doug

Belter Belts - Commercial Shoot with Danny Thompson Photography

Every now and again you stumble across someone that will grab your attention. For whatever reason they are intriguing. I began to follow a fellow local business after a social media post made me laugh out loud. He was a Belter by business and by character. 

A recent shoot for my Commercial Photography led me to a Yorkshire mans workshop. 

Pebble & Pine Coffee Roasters

I had the privilege of working with Pebble and Pine, a growing company of specialist coffee roasters! 

It's something a bit different for my Commercial Photography and I loved creating some exciting, bespoke images to be used on their website and in their promotional material. 

Welcome to my new BLOG!!!

Welcome to my New BLOG!!!

I have taken the plunge and started up a blog! I have done this for a couple of reasons, one is so I can be more connected to you guys, you can see me in action and in a little more depth, with pictures (obviously as I am a photographer). 

Secondly, I will link to who I work with in the industry for my Wedding Photography, Commercial Photography, Lifestyle Photography and what's happening in the Studio.... Also I am wanting to basically give you a vip look at my company, behind the scenes of my shoots in the studio, on set or at a venue. 

So its my first blog and I thought it would be an idea for you guys to have a little insight of what photography I actually do..... as you all know already photography does span in to many sectors, but I will just keep it short and inform you what I get up to....  

I run my Danny Thompson Photography business from a little village in Halifax UK called Southowram. Here are the sectors I cover in Photography.