How do you organise and prepare for a photographic shoot? Do you set a date and time, then simply wait for the photographer to turn up? Perhaps you gather a few items together or send an email round to those concerned, the night before?

Either way, the key to making the most of your time is to plan ahead; the clearer you are before the event, the more chance you will have of making sure things go as smoothly as they can on the day.

Here, then, are my top 5 tips for preparing your shoot:

Following the last edition of In The Frame, in which I discussed wedding photography, I received requests for further information about these services...

Giles Babbidge Photography wedding packages are structured in such a way as to allow great freedom of choice when considering your photography requirements. Whether you want a print-based package (complete with album) or a CD/DVD-only package, ceremony-only photographs or full-day coverage - the choice is yours. And because I always conduct a recce ahead of each wedding, to get to know you and your preferences a little better, there is plenty of opportunity to consider all that is on offer to you.

But what if you wish to amend your needs after deciding which package you would like? No problem. With flexibility being the key, many 'bolt-on' extras are available, including a wide range of album designs, additional reprints, specialist artwork, CDs/DVDs of all images captured on the day, or those chosen by the bride and groom, and Parents' Albums.

All weddings photographed are placed in individual password-protected collections on the Giles Babbidge Photography website free of charge. Using this facility, you can share the memories of your special day with friends and family the world over, safe in the knowledge that only those who you give the password to will have access. And what's more, thanks to the speed and efficiency that a digital workflow allows, couples can expect to view their photographs whilst enjoying their honeymoon!

To view actual wedding albums from wedding clients, please follow the link below and when prompted, enter the password wedding (lower case).

Example wedding photographs

Writer's block doesn't just affect writers. It also creeps up on those wishing to put together a few words for publicity purposes, such as in an advert. You know what you want to say - after all, it is your business - you just don't know how to say it. Sound familiar?

You might also want an accompanying photograph to illustrate your editorial. But where does this come from? The two most popular culprits tend to be either a lengthy trawl through your hard drive, desperately seeking out a suitable image from the past, or a last-minute impromptu snap in the corner of the office. In all honesty, neither method is totally satisfactory, is it?!

Giles Babbidge can take care of both the words and pictures on your behalf, leaving you to concentrate on what you do best. With specialist Advertorial packages available to suit a wide range of industries and output media - such as press releases, websites, trade press, consumer press, business journals and local newspapers - why not get in touch to see how a bespoke Advertorial can help you get your message accross.

Click here for Writing services

If you are putting on an important event, it surely makes sense to document it. This is especially true with business gatherings, as the marketing potential they hold in the following weeks and months is considerable.

Talks, seminars, conferences and A.G.Ms are a great way of generating interest in you/your buisiness/your product... and a set of pictures of these events can subsequently bring in yet more enquiries as to what you have to offer.

Used in leaflets, newsletters, websites, sponsor collaborations - in fact any form of marketing - photography will add another dimension to your message, enticing would-be customers. And this can only be a good thing!

As you would expect from Giles Babbidge Photography, the options do not simply end with the taking of pictures. Why not share the images with friends and collegues, via the website? Maybe you would like your guests to have a momento, a token gift, to take away with them on the night - not a problem, simply ask me about on-site printing and presentation packages.

This latter option covers everything from prints to photo-inclusive presentation gifts. For example, you might like something along the lines of a 12"x16" wood-framed picture taken at the event in question, to be presented to a key member of your workforce. Or even themed gift sets specific to the location, to hand out to deligates at the end of the day.

With so much thought and planning involved in your event, don't let it go unrecorded. Call or email me to discuss your requirements, or follow the link below for further details.

Further information

Everybody likes to take photographs. Whether the desire is to record memories whilst on holiday, to document a hen night or to create a photo project in one's spare time, people will always be snapping away.

However, there are some occasions when you might get more than you bargained for. This can often be the case whilst trying to photograph an event or area which is photography-sensitive.

One such place is the site of the forthcoming London Olympics, as illustrated in this article.

With many public events planned between now and the end of the year, it is worth checking beforehand that the taking of photographs is allowed. Chances are that you will be well within your rights; however, the last thing you want is to find yourself on the end of a barrage of questioning.

Official photographer at your event

As many readers will be aware, I have been a regular member of The Business Interchange networking scene for several years now.

TBI Southampton is the latest group to emerge, and Giles Babbidge Photography Ltd is proud to be one of the founding members.

Though still in its relative infancy, the group is already well settled in its new home at Fleming Park Golf Club, Eastleigh, Hampshire, and naturally welcomes all like-minded people who wish to forward their businesses within a friendly networking environment.

For more information, please visit the TBI Southampton website. If you like what you see, the group extends a warm welcome for you to attend the next Visitors Day.

TBI Southampton

In association with a number of local companies, I recently spent a couple of days in the glorious sunshine at Goodwood Racecourse, photographing proceedings at this year's horse racing events.

Once again relying heavily on the capabilities modern technology, images were captured, processed, printed framed and presented in a matter of minutes.

If you are preparing for a forthcoming event - anything from a private function or birthday celebration to a corporate party or charity fundraiser - why not get in touch to discuss photographic coverage.

Event photography