Isn't it wonderful to have that extra hour of light in the evenings now? I have certainly been making the most of it, heading out into the local woodland to capture some fresh stock pictures.

Although these images, in the most part, depict the scenery for what it is (trees, foliage, paths etc), it is well worth considering using such photographs in your own marketing material.

How? Well, a young sapling in an established woodland, for example, can suggest new growth, a fresh incentive or the dawn of a new era. Pathways can be used to signify the journey ahead, the unknown and the possibilities of what your services can deliver.

All images in the Giles Babbidge Photography stock collection are sold on a royalty-free basis - meaning that you need only make a one-off purchase (per picture) before being able to use the photograph(s) as many times as you like in your marketing material.

I also operate a 'shot-to-order' stock image service, with pictures tailored to your requirements. This way, you can be sure of getting the exact photograph you want, but without the need to arrange a shoot or an afternoon wading through thousands of images online.

To see how the system works, please feel free to search the Stock Library and if you can't find what you're looking for, simply contact me for further help.

Need help with a stock photograph?

Two questions invariably surface when a client is planning a shoot - 'where will the photographs be taken?' and 'how much will it cost?' The answers to both are simple - 'wherever you feel most comfortable' and 'not as much as you think!'

There is often the great misconception that 'studio' shots require a visit to some lavish, fully decked-out premises in order to get the shots you want. While this can be the case, my philosophy varies somewhat - I would much rather work on your terms, in surroundings which are familiar to you, and with everything on hand.

I've been known to produce portraits in 5' x 8' changing cubicles, arrange clean, striking product shots in sole traders' garages and offices, and capture family gatherings on the beach in the glorious summer sun. Much better than being stuck in the confines of a studio... and the results show!

Examples of imagery produced in this way can be found in the portfolio section of the website. I'd be interested to see whether you can tell just where and how the pictures were taken!

Have a look at some examples

When we think of product photography, the first thing that springs to mind is often a very structured picture - objects placed strategically against plain white and graduated grey backgrounds are the usual culprits, but it doesn't have to be this way.

Of course, such an approach lends itself to a wide range of applications, but why not try something a little different the next time you arrange a shoot?

The use of selective focus is a great way to accentuate the detail in your product; it also has the ability to convey a mood or the feel of quality.

As ever, working in this way can easily be accomodated to fit within your pre-determined time frame and allows for a great deal of flexibility (which in turn often leads to some unplanned yet desirable results). It can even be used when shooting portraits, too, giving greater, more dynamic impact - a far cry from the usual 'mug shot' you might envisage.

It has often been said that 'less is more' - and this is a technique which we can use to really make you and your product look the best you can.

Want to find out more?

For those of you who have an interest in the world of photography, you might like to put the following date in your diary.

On the 24th April, I will be giving a talk at Havant Camera Club. Entitled "From Humble Beginnings - A journey Into The Photographic Industry", we will be looking at how I first entered the industry, the sort of assignments I undertake and, of course, how technology has shaped the way I work.

Tea and biscuits will be on hand half way through the proceedings, along with the chance to ask me any questions about issues discussed throughout the evening.

If you would like to find out more, please get in touch with the group directly through their website or by clicking the link below.

Havant Camera Club website

A recent trawl though the internet led me to this page on the BBC website, dating back to October 2005.

The old adage that 'it is not the camera, but the photographer' can clearly be seen in the work of amateur photographer Manuel Presti. Ok, so the image may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it was his thought and use of technique which led him to be crowned Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

Anyone can take a photograph of something 'for what it is', but with a little further consideration (of exactly what it is you want you picture to illustrate, and the key elements of that picture), a regular scene can be turned into something just that bit more special.

Let's discuss your vision

When I first started out in photography, someone once told me that as a photographer, you have to be prepared to work in all kinds of weather conditions and learn to adapt to the changing conditions. The sun will not always be shining! Oh how true...

On a recent shoot, the client had requested that a series informal, unposed pictures be shot 'on location' within the grounds of their farm house. Having worked with them in the past, I was looking forward to picturing my subjects in front of a beautiful backdrop of rustic buildings, green fields and, of course, the obligatory duck pond.

Sadly, the weather had other ideas and, with light fading fast and a stiffening breeze, it was decided that a nice set of fun but 'posed' group shots would be a pleasing alternative, shot within the relative warmth of the house. Experience has taught me not to take anything for granted and so I had packed a couple of lighting kits in the car ahead of our meeting.

Luckily, we had a choice of several large rooms in which to place the 12 adults, 11 children and 2 dogs! Needless to say, everyone was far more comfortable out of the elements.

As an additional bolt-on to the requested delivery of their images, the client also requested online display of their photographs with the ability to purchase prints at a later date.

Logistically, this was the ideal arrangement, as some of the people had travelled many miles to be there in the first place, and the sending round of a CD would prove impractical. With the agreed password in place, the images were online later that day for all everyone to view; the disk of images arrived the following morning.

Would you like to talk about arranging a group photograph - a birthday gathering or team portrait perhaps? Then follow the link below and get in touch for a chat.

Arranging your photographic shoot