Bear Content

22/08/2024

A few of my favourites from a recent shoot with actor Rosalind Parker, who is represented by DJW Talent.

19/08/2024

My final weekend shooting for The Loxwood Joust. Wow, what an event! You guys absolutely smashed it this year with an incredible atmosphere, live music, lance exploding jousting, epic battles, and much more. Can't wait to work through the edits and for next year to roll around!

14/08/2024

I’m excited to be the photographer for The Loxwood Joust 2024. The past couple of weekends have been a blast, capturing all the action and characters at this fantastic event. It’s one of the best in West Sussex, with live music, great food, and, of course, the jousting! Looking forward to sharing more moments soon.

05/07/2024

Within our local community, we are exceptionally fortunate to have Cranleigh Lions who work tirelessly to support those in need and stage village-wide events. Last Saturday was the Cranleigh Carnival & Fun Day, which also celebrated 50 golden years of service by the Cranleigh Lions. While there exhibiting with Knowle Park Community, it was a pleasure to document the day with my camera.

01/07/2024

Documenting a piece of political history in the making is always a privilege, and last week's Cranleigh Chamber of Commerce election hustings were no exception.

One of the candidates was the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and it was an event filled with lively debate and critical discussions about our future. Here are ten photos capturing key moments from the evening.

As a professional photographer, I aim to freeze these significant moments, bringing the energy and importance of such events to life.

15/06/2024

Well done Haynes Agri on a fantastic dyno day, raising money for St Catherine's Hospice, Crawley and The Farming Community Network. Tractors, burgers and laughs. What more could you want from a (slightly rainy) Saturday. Full gallery link in the comments.

10/06/2024

A pleasure to spend the morning taking photos for The Meath Epilepsy Charity

27/05/2024

My big focus (no pun intended) is photography, but I look at a lot of websites and spot a lot of common pitfalls for small businesses.

Here's an overview of my latest blog post, highlighting the critical mistakes to avoid for a professional and effective online presence.

1️⃣ Overusing Stock Imagery: Authentic photos of your products, services, and team resonate far better than generic stock images. Show your true self to build genuine connections!

2️⃣ No Team Photos: People buy from people. Showcase your team to build trust and rapport with potential customers. High-quality portraits can boost your conversion rates.

3️⃣ Lack of SSL Security: Secure your site with an SSL certificate to protect sensitive information and gain credibility. An “https://” prefix can enhance trust and improve SEO.

4️⃣ Outdated Content: Regularly update your website with fresh content to keep your audience informed and engaged. It also helps improve your SEO rankings.

5️⃣ Slow Loading Speeds: Optimise your site for speed to keep visitors engaged. Compress images, minimise code, and use reliable hosting.

6️⃣ Difficult Contact Methods: Make it easy for visitors to reach you. Offer multiple contact options, including phone, email, and live chat.

Your website often makes the first impression—make it count!

Invest in authentic photography, keep content fresh, ensure security, speed up your site, and simplify contact methods. These steps will significantly enhance your online presence, attracting and retaining more customers.

Check out the full blog for more insights and tips! 🔗 https://bearcontent.co.uk/improve-your-business-website/

In the beautiful Surrey Hills, I have the privilege of working with many local businesses, capturing what makes them…them through […]

24/05/2024

I’m not a pet photographer, but if you’ve got office dogs and I’m there for corporate headshots, you’d better know you’re getting some pet portraits too. Lovely session by the seaside this morning with an opportunity to snap these two floofs.

20/05/2024

Ever wondered what it’s like to step back from the digital whirlwind and embrace a more intentional, analogue lifestyle?

This year, I’m swapping my Tesla for a petrol hatchback, shooting more with vintage SLRs, and even giving a ‘dumbphone’ a go! Discover why I’m not ditching tech entirely but finding a healthier balance.

Curious? Dive into my latest blog post to see how these changes are bringing more authenticity, patience, and peace into my life.

Read more 👉 https://bearcontent.co.uk/digital-downshift/

It’s 2024, and technology is influencing every aspect of our lives. I’m pushing back by making a conscious shift towards […]

13/05/2024

Feeling like a fraud in your new career? You're not alone!

I dived into the world of professional photography after 20 years working as a Chartered Financial Planner.

In my latest blog post, read about what this career swap meant for my imposter syndrome, and some tips for conquering it.

From acknowledging those doubts to celebrating each small win, I share how each step has helped me grow in confidence and skill. Perfect read for anyone facing or contemplating a major career shift!

🔗 https://bearcontent.co.uk/overcoming-imposter-syndrome/

Have you ever felt like a fraud waiting to be exposed? That’s exactly how I felt when I traded financial […]

06/05/2024

What's the secret behind taking your business to the next level and standing out in an increasingly crowded market?

Say goodbye to bland visuals (including boring stock images) and hello to captivating brand photography.

In my latest blog post, I'm spilling the beans on why brand photography is the secret sauce to standing out, building trust, and making a lasting impression with your target audience.

Have a read, and let me know what you think! https://bearcontent.co.uk/how-stunning-photos-can-supercharge-your-small-business/

It’s getting more and more competitive out there. I’ve been in business for almost 25 years, and levels of competition […]

24/04/2024

My 335 sq ft ground floor studio at Smithbrook Kilns near Cranleigh is available to rent. Perfect for retail, showroom or studio use. Get in touch with the estate office to find out more - [email protected] or 01483 276455

22/04/2024

A visit to Albury Vineyard this afternoon to say farewell to Wendy who is retiring from her role at Surrey Hills Enterprises. Wendy has been an incredible support, mentor and friend over the years.

22/04/2024

As we work through the merging paths of technology and traditional photography, the conversation about AI in photography is heating up!

Inspired by the latest discussions at the Sony World Photography Awards 2024, my newest blog post delves into how AI is reshaping the landscape of photography.

From preserving the authenticity of human emotions to embracing the innovations brought by AI, I explore what this means for the future of our beloved craft.

👀 Whether you're a business looking for cutting-edge visuals or a photography purist, this post has something for everyone. Join the discussion and let us know where you stand in the evolving world of photography!

📸 Read the full article here and let's keep the conversation going: https://bearcontent.co.uk/the-future-is-here-embracing-ai-in-photography/

The next masterpiece hanging on your living room wall won’t be created by human hands but by algorithms and data […]

19/04/2024

Latest headshot sessions for Nicola, Bebe and Bruno.

15/04/2024

I've just posted a new blog detailing the extraordinary teamwork behind the latest Red Bull photography project. Two daring pilots and a skilled team of photographers captured planes flying through the solar eclipse.

I love how this project captures the importance of collaboration and precision when creating breathtaking images.

In the post, I share insights and practical advice on how the same principles can enhance your photography projects, whether behind or in front of the lens.

https://bearcontent.co.uk/village-create-exceptional-photography/



Feel free to connect and discuss more on enhancing photography through collaboration. Let's create something stunning together!

Two planes slicing through a solar eclipse with wings just feet apart were captured during a four-minute window. The resulting […]

02/04/2024

Headshots for new members of the awesome Surrey Hills Rehab team 📸

01/04/2024

With the likelihood of an imminent general election in the UK and the certainty of a presidential election in the US, global politics is heating up in 2024.

Amidst the debates, policies, and (often broken) promises, there’s a frequently overlooked factor: professional portraiture.

Yes, the power of a well-crafted political portrait can be just as influential as a powerful speech or a groundbreaking policy announcement.

And it’s not just politicians who harness this power; entrepreneurs and business owners use professional portraits to shape their brands and connect with their audience.

In politics, image is everything. A professional portrait shows the candidate’s face, but it also conveys their personality, values, and reliability.

A portrait, done well, is a visual handshake. It’s a first impression that can sway public perception and, ultimately, votes.

Just as entrepreneurs use their portraits to build trust and credibility with clients or investors, politicians use theirs to connect with constituents and humanise their campaigns.

Voters and consumers crave authenticity. They want to see the person behind the promises and the individual behind the brand.

A candid portrait can capture moments of genuine emotion or thoughtfulness, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of connection.

Authenticity is paramount at a time when scepticism is high and trust is a prized commodity.

Business owners use images that align with their brand’s message and values, while politicians choose images that resonate with their target voters.

A candidate portrait in a casual setting can appeal to younger voters, while a more formal shot might reassure those searching for experience and gravitas.

Your portrait is a strategic decision; getting it right can subtly influence the campaign’s narrative.

Whether it’s in politics or business, consistency is critical. A professional portrait should be used across multiple platforms, from social media to campaign literature. Consistency creates a cohesive brand image.

Consistent use of a portrait helps build recognition and reinforces the candidate’s message, making it more memorable and impactful.

As we approach inevitable political milestones, the lesson for politicians, entrepreneurs, and business owners is clear: never underestimate the power of a professional portrait.

Your portrait isn’t just a photo. Done right, it’s a strategic tool that can shape perceptions, build connections, and influence decisions.

Whether you’re campaigning for public office or building a business empire, consider how your portrait can benefit you.

Get in touch to take the first step in crafting an image representing your vision and values.

In politics and business, your portrait is your visual handshake. Make it count.

20/03/2024

We're all photographers now.

Snapping a crap photo is an art form accessible to all. Even some professionals can manage it with ease.

All it takes to take a rubbish photo is a blissful disregard for composition, focus, light, shadow, colour harmony, emotion, storytelling, and the hundred (or so) other factors that create a great photo.

But here's a twist: understanding what makes a photo 'bad' makes it easier to recognise what makes a photo remarkable.

Here are a few thoughts.

Embrace the fundamentals. Mastering the basics like the 'rule of thirds' for composition, focusing on the eyes, replicating natural lighting, and colour theory are the building blocks of every great photo.

Tell a story. Every photo should convey a story or emotion. If it doesn't evoke feelings, try again.

Experiment with intention. Rules are meant to be broken. Experimenting with different approaches is crucial to growth as long as you do it intentionally. Understand why you're breaking the rules before you break them.

Critique your work. Be your harshest critic. Look carefully at your photos for what they capture and what they failed to convey.

Seek feedback from others. Engage with other photographers and lovers of photography. Constructive criticism is invaluable.

As with everything, getting better at photography requires continual learning and growth. Embracing the mistakes as much as the victories is part of a process that helps shape our craft.

18/03/2024

Taking a photo is the start of a process. After pressing the shutter button, editing turns a good picture into a great one. However, there are right and wrong ways to approach editing.

Last week, there was a big fuss (!) about a photo of the Princess of Wales and her children, released to celebrate Mother’s Day and to squash rumours circulating about her health.

Some commentators were quick to point out that the photo looked poorly edited. I identified a discrepancy with Princess Charlotte’s sleeve in the photo, sharing my thoughts in a tweet, which many newspapers quickly picked up.

Editing, done well, can enhance a photo. Done poorly, it can result in a disaster.

As a portrait photographer who photographs individuals and business owners, I’m all too familiar with how editing can change a photo. My personal editing philosophy is making small changes; think of it like putting on makeup—just enough to highlight the good stuff, hide the bad, and keep it looking natural.

Here’s how I do it: I use Photoshop to remove distracting elements from the main subject. I’ll delete elements like a stray tree branch or flyaway hair.

I also use a technique called frequency separation to remove skin blemishes. It sounds fancy, but essentially means making skin look better without losing its natural texture.

After that, I’ll use Lightroom to adjust colours, exposure and highlights/shadows to get everything looking just right.

But here’s the thing: with all our fancy tools now, it’s easy to go too far.

You’ve seen those pictures where the skin looks too smooth, almost plastic. That’s what happens when editing gets out of hand.

And then there’s compositing, which involves putting together parts of different photos to make a new one. It’s a cool trick but easy to mess up.

The idea is to keep editing simple. Editing should improve a photo, not make it into something it’s not.

Most photos you see out there have been touched up in some way. But the problem with the Princess of Wales’ photo wasn’t just the editing. It broke the rules about how much you can change an image that’s supposed to be real news.

When looking for someone to take your photo, consider their editing approach. Do they slap on a preset and call it a day? Or do they take the time to carefully make each photo look its best?

There’s a big difference in editing styles, and it matters.

Photos are supposed to tell stories. How we edit photos can change those stories.

By making small, smart changes that improve the photos without sacrificing what’s real, you can achieve the best possible results.

When you’re choosing a photographer, find someone who gets that.

15/03/2024

A lovely local photography engagement last week.

14/03/2024

One of the reasons I became a photographer was to stay safely on that side of the lens. I don’t *hate* having my photo taken, but given the choice I would rather be the one photographing than the one being photographed. That said, it’s helpful to sit for portraits too, so I can better understand what each person feels and experiences when I photograph them. I wanted to experiment with a dramatic lighting setup this afternoon so fired off a couple of studio selfies.

13/03/2024

It’s the most glamorous night in Hollywood, with glittering gowns and flashing lights. But what grabbed my attention from Oscar Night was a quieter, more reflective space.

Mark Seliger has been capturing the soul of the Oscars for the past 11 years. The portrait photographer behind the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, Seliger is creating images that reveal the personalities behind the event, far more profound than the red carpet paparazzi moments.

Seliger’s studio, a space purpose-built for the evening, is a world of its own. This year, he chose a moody, brutalist concrete set, a stark departure from the typical glitz we associate with the Oscars, adding a unique touch to his work.

In this setting, he captured the faces of victory and unguarded joy. I love his portraits from this year, especially those of Emma Stone and Christopher Nolan with wife Emma Thomas, clutching their well-deserved statues.

These portraits serve as lasting reminders of the night’s emotional highs. Every subject who sits for Seliger is part of the story, from first-time nominees to seasoned veterans.

What truly sets Seliger’s work apart is his knack for capturing moments of fleeting intimacy amidst the heavily publicised celebration. He provides a unique glimpse into the soul of the Oscars beyond the performances and accolades.

Photography has the power to capture moments of fleeting beauty and emotion.

At this and any event, the core is about people, their stories, and what they create. As the world rushes past, photography preserves those moments.

13/03/2024

Taking a closer look at Mark Seliger's excellent portraits for the Vanity Fair Oscar Party this year

Join me as we dive into the heart of Hollywood's biggest night with an exclusive look at Mark Seliger's breathtaking portrait studio at the Vanity Fair Oscar...

11/03/2024

What do you need to consider when choosing a portrait photographer who understands you?

My latest blog post examines the factors to consider before booking a photo shoot, from the importance of choosing a specialist with a specific style to the significance of a personal connection.

I've written about the nuances of editing, the value of genuine feedback, and how the right package can align with your expectations and budget.

Before you book your next photo session, take a moment to read these tips for finding a photographer who can tell your story.

https://bearcontent.co.uk/choosing-a-portrait-photographer/

11/03/2024

Great to spend some time with Magnus from Occupational Health Assessment Ltd and students from Surrey Business School, University of Surrey filming a series of videos and capturing some quick headshots.

10/03/2024

Another super busy week in the life of a freelance photographer featuring a portrait session with Becca, filming sessions for The Meath Epilepsy Charity, lots of panto photo editing for Park Mead Primary PTFA, photographing the official opening of the Park Mead MUGA with Surrey County Council, and squeezing in some Knowle Park Community volunteering (digging trenches with a pneumatic drill and tidying up fallen trees with a chainsaw), and photographing Cranleigh parkrun - among quite a few other things! Looking forward to what next week has in store.

10/03/2024

Hey Park Mead Primary PTFA thanks for having me along again this year to take cast and rehearsal photos of your awesome panto. A lot of fun to watch and I’ve heard great things about the performances this weekend. See you again next year! 📸

08/03/2024

Lovely to welcome Becca to my studio this week to update her headshots 📸