Gander Media Solutions

14/10/2024

Because we all need a good talking to some times

It's hard .. being a creative, working for yourself. Working out of the spare room come office. The coffee shop existence.

All free lancers, sole traders and small businesses started with a dream. We dreamt it so herd we wanted to become it. We let out imaginations run wild with the thoughts of what we could become, what we could achieve.

Mine, It has evolved over time, first I wanted to capture memories, then it wa to capture people. Now whilst I do all of that I want to help businesses be seen and heard. That really is what it boils down to. Working with you to get what you do out there.

So freelance / small business chums. What was your dream and did you create it ?

Happy Monday one and all...

10/10/2024

Because you need to be awe inspiring.

There's no way around it .. video is here, and the LinkedIN algo is pushing it hard. It can be quite daunting to turn up and show up.

So why not have an animation .. a version of you that can do all of the showing up for you. Add to that some animations in the background to catch people's eye's, keep attention or make a point and you are starting to be awesome.

Over the next few weeks I'm going to showcase more and more of the things that make a video awesome and if you think you can make use of any of them feel free to use them or even better drop me a line.

07/08/2024

Ever wondered why some videos just feel more engaging and professional? The answer might be B-roll!

It's the supporting footage that adds depth and context to your main video content. Think of it as the spice that turns a bland dish into a culinary masterpiece.

Why should your brand care about B-roll?

1️⃣ It breaks monotony, keeping viewers hooked
2️⃣ Shows, doesn't just tell - demonstrate your product in action
3️⃣ Builds credibility by showcasing your workspace or team
4️⃣ Evokes emotion, creating stronger connections
5️⃣ Boosts engagement - varied visuals get more shares!

Worried about time or budget? Don't be! B-roll is an investment that pays off. With some creativity, you can capture great footage even on a smartphone.

Quick tips to get started:

• Plan ahead - brainstorm ideas before shooting
• Capture details - close-ups add depth
• Show your environment - gives context
• Highlight your team - humanizes your brand
• Use time-lapse or slow-motion for visual interest

Remember, every business has a story. B-roll helps you tell it in a way that captivates and converts.

Ready to elevate your video content? Start looking at your business with fresh eyes. What moments or details represent the heart of what you do? That's your B-roll gold mine!

Don't settle for ordinary videos. With B-roll, you can create something extraordinary that truly showcases your brand's unique value.

It's time to roll with it – B-roll, that is. Your audience is waiting to see the full picture of your amazing story!

22/05/2024

Branding Images What's the point ?

It's really great that you want to have branding images. Even better if you want me to take them for you.

Before you start creating or choosing the images you want in your library ask yourself this. "What am I using these for and what's the objective?"

Or in other words. Create the goals that accompany the brand message and your audience will love.

Here's 5 key things to consider

1. Identify Your Goals:
What do you want to achieve with these images? Are you looking to increase brand awareness, drive sales, engage your audience, or showcase a new product?

2. Define Your Target Audience: Who are you trying to reach? Understanding your audience helps in selecting images that appeal to their preferences and needs.

3. Align with Brand Identity: Ensure your images reflect your brand’s core values, mission, and tone. Consistency in style, colour, and theme is crucial.

4. Determine Usage: Where will these images be used? Consider the platform—social media, website, print, or ads—each has different requirements and best practices.

5. Measure Success: Establish metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of your images. This could include engagement rates, click-through rates, or sales conversions.

By clearly defining the purpose and objectives, you ensure your branding images are strategic and impactful, contributing to your overall marketing success.

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I'm Jules and I've been a creative headshot photographer for over 10 years. I'm here to help guide and coach you through the daunting task of creating great visuals that are bold, dynamic and creative. Visuals that resonate with the people you want to talk with and work with.

If you want to know more then drop me a DM and let's chat

16/05/2024

Want to revolutionise your branding photography?

It's time to drop the old and tired questions like ones that cover ...

❌ Forget about digital slimming or erasing people from memories.
❌ Bargaining down prices undermines the value of expert photography.
❌ No one can promise perfect weather, but a pro adapts to any condition.
❌ Over-requesting photos leads to quantity over quality.
❌ Copying poses or demanding raw photos limits the creative process.

These are the types of questions you should ask instead

👍 Discover your photographer’s unique style and ensure it matches your vision.
👍 Ask to see a full gallery for a comprehensive view of their work.
👍 Understand exactly what’s included in their packages.
👍 Confirm they have backup equipment and can handle unexpected events.
👍 Discuss the possibility of providing a shot list or specific requests.
👍 Know the turnaround time for final photo delivery.
👍 Learn how to secure your date with them.

Can you think of any more for either list ??

08/05/2024

Adventures in Networking

Some networking events feel like a treasure hunt, others like a cozy chat with friends.
Building relationships or making quick connections? There's a networking style for everyone.
And in 2024, follow-ups are gold. Who's slipped through the cracks in your contacts?

If you're in the London area, I'm cooking up something special—a networking group that's all about vibrancy, excitement, and growth.

4N - Business Networking is a superb nationwide networking organisation that really works. Along with Lorraine Caplan and Paul Smith I'm part of the team launching a new group in Hayes. and the first meeting is on 14th May 2024 at 10:00 am. Do the school run, miss the traffic and meet us there. Even better the Elizabeth Line is just 5 mins walk away. There's a 4sight about how to make the best out of networking from Steve

I'm not here to rope you into anything. I want you to meet an incredible bunch of business owners, just like you—ambitious, driven, and ready to take on the world.

Already in the room are, amongst others
Millpress Print for branding your work wear and other items
Paul Smith who can get you places and save you money
Judi Judicorn Hampton with a kitchen equivalent of a Swiss Army Knife .. I'm not sure if it can get stones out of horses hooves but you can try :-)
Steve Westrop who can make a web site sticky
Simon Fluffy Caplan can build it for you, with bricks and mortar, so they will come

So what have you got to loose. So many fresh faces let's get the room full.

I can book you in as a guest and you'll get a special rate. So message me ... and say I'm in ... and I'll get you booked today.

It's casual, it's fun, and there's always a plan. Want to experience it yourself? Drop me a line! Let's network like never before

03/05/2024

Imagine a world where your first impression isn't just seen it's felt.

Every photograph is a conversation starter. Every image makes the viewer want to reach out and ask you more.

Photos are invitations ... use them wisely.

If your branding image needs an overhaul, a refresh, an update then drop me a message and let's chat. Let's capture the authentic, real you and invite people to start talking with you.

02/05/2024

Over the last 10 years in business one of the greatest things has been meeting people from all over the place. Networking has been a main stay of how I make friends, build business and discover the people who do what I need.

I've been in may groups. 4N - Smile, Meet, Chat... Join in! has been a part of that journey. What's great is that, whilst you sort of have a home group, you can go to any meeting you like. With both In Person and Zoom I have travelled the country and in some cases the world. There's no lockouts, which is great because knowing people who do what you do is a fabulous thing.

I'm the Group Leader for a new In Person meeting in Hayes. The first meeting is Tue 14th May at 10am, after that it's every 2nd Tuesday of the month. Come along and meet a bunch of new people and maybe some old friends. We're going to have a great offer on the day. Transport is easy, there's lots of motorway connections and the Elizabeth Line is 5 mins up the road so Reading and Essex you have no excuse ...

4N London Hayes 10:00 Tuesday May 14th - Business networking with Steve Westrop presenting ABC 4Networking This meeting is Heathrow, Face-2-Face, Brunch

08/03/2024

Ladies ... want a complimentary 90 min branding shoot to celebrate International Women's Day ?

Celebrating International Women's Day with a Special Offer!

Ladies, in honour of International Women's Day, I'm thrilled to announce a special offer just for you!

As a portrait and branding photographer, I believe in capturing the essence of each individual, celebrating your uniqueness and empowering you through the art of photography.
Here's what some of my amazing clients had to say about their experiences:

"Jules has a wonderful gift of enabling his subject to be completely at ease which allows him to capture shots that really show you as a person, in your comfortable state. I would highly recommend him!" - SJ

"On every occasion I have always been made to feel very comfortable and he has a way of getting the best out of me. It's great working with Julian, we always have so much fun in the studio and on location." - LG

"Julian is not only the BEST photographer around but also a wonderful creative to work along side. He understood my vision and made it exactly that and so much more. I can’t thank him enough!" - SG

To celebrate the incredible women in our community, I'm offering a complimentary 90-minute studio headshot shoot!
Whether you're an entrepreneur, a professional, or simply want to capture your essence in a stunning portrait, this is your chance.

To join the waitlist for this exclusive offer, I'm asking for just 2 things
Simply comment below, tag anyone you think might be interested
AND
Fill out the form in the link

Names will go into a hat, and the lucky winner will be drawn on Monday. Don't miss out on this opportunity to shine and capture your beauty!

Let's celebrate the strength, resilience, and beauty of women everywhere. Happy International Women's Day!

The shoot must take place in the Gander studio, Central London. The shoot will last for 90 mins and you will receive 3 edited images.

28/02/2024

AI is here to stay and the photo generators are starting to get quite good.

All that said just as selfies haven't completely replaced photographers I don't think AI ever will.

Here's why

A.I. has been making significant strides in various fields, promising efficiency, accuracy, and convenience. However, as a seasoned headshot and branding photographer with over a decade of experience, I firmly believe that there's one thing A.I. can never replace: the authentic human touch. While A....

19/02/2024

Hey there, lovely people of London! I'm Jules, the face behind Gander Photography. For over a decade, I've been capturing the essence of individuals and brands with my bold and dynamic style. Ready to stand out from the crowd? Let's create something amazing together!

16/02/2024

It's been quite the week here at Gander Media Solutions with lots and lots going on.

I'm getting ready to launch some fantastic new offerings from photography right the way through to creative consulting and direction.

Many new shiny things coming your way soon !

15/02/2024

In today's complex business world, clarity is key.

Graphical representations, animated infographics, and engaging videos offer a dynamic solution to simplify complicated ideas. Imagine trying to explain a sophisticated financial strategy or cutting-edge technology without visuals - it's like navigating a maze blindfolded! But with graphics, animations, and videos, these concepts become more accessible and easier to grasp.

Animated videos, in particular, provide a step-by-step guide through complex processes, making them understandable for everyone. Whether it's breaking down a complicated workflow or illustrating a revolutionary product, animations captivate attention and convey messages effectively.

Moreover, visual content is highly shareable and memorable, ensuring your message sticks with your audience long after they've seen it. By embracing graphical, animated, and video content, businesses can simplify their communication strategies and make meaningful connections with their audience.

So, if you're struggling to explain a complex idea, remember the power of visuals. They're not just eye candy - they're essential tools for simplifying how you talk to others and ensuring your message is heard loud and clear.

Ready to simplify your business communication? Contact me today to learn more about how visual content can elevate your messaging and engage your audience

05/02/2024

When ... ?

When was the last time you had professional pictures taken for your business ? Last month, Last Year, Longer, Never ?

Here's a few good reasons why if it's been over a year it really is time for some new ones.

Your business has evolved: Your brand is a living entity, and it's grown since your last shoot. Let's make sure your visuals reflect the incredible journey your business has taken!

Stay relevant in the digital age: Trends change faster than we can blink. Ensure your online presence stays fresh and engaging with up-to-date, on-brand imagery that resonates with your audience.

Capture your essence: If you've undergone changes and let's face it most of us do, it's essential to showcase the vibrant personality driving your success.

Connect with your audience: Authenticity is key. Updated photos help you connect on a deeper level with your audience, building trust and loyalty. Show them the real face or faces behind your brand.

Elevate your professional image: First impressions matter, and your visual identity is often the first encounter clients have with your business. Make sure it's a lasting impression that screams success.

Ready to level up your visuals ? I have an offer running until the end of the month. Your brand deserves to be big, bold, dynamic and original. Take a look at

https://www.gandermediasolutions.co.uk/2401b

and let's chat.

31/01/2024

'If you build it, they will come.' We all need a vision.

I recently revisited Field of Dreams, a film I believed I had watched numerous times (perhaps just once or twice), only to discover I hadn't.

We're all familiar with the phrase, 'If you build it, they will come.' It narrates a sentimental story of a man's connection to his late father, their bond through baseball, and the misconceptions our hero holds about his family.

But let's transition from the sentimental to the strategic, taking this lesson to our creative design consultancy.

Build it, and they will come.

It resonates with the essence of 'Trust the process.'

Our social media journeys are diverse, much like the experiences on a baseball field. Identifying the spectators, observers, and those choosing not to engage is a puzzle, even with limited stats. While quality triumphs over quantity, expanding our reach remains a goal.

As January concludes, a pivotal time when new habits either solidify or fade, I've committed to regular posts here in February.

I'm still building and waiting, akin to our hero played by Kevin Costner anticipating 'Shoeless Joe Jackson' and his comrades in the movie.

If you haven't experienced it, I recommend Field of Dreams for a cold rainy day. Share your movie recommendations in the comments below

09/01/2024

25% off a headshot session to start of the New Year ...

A headshot is more than just a photo ..

It's a virtual handshake to a room full of people all at once. It introduces you, puts people at ease and bridges the gap, transforming you from faceless stranger to familiar connection.

Done right it distills all of your best assets into a single approachable and familiar version of who you are.

In a world of filters, AI and selfies a good headshot isn't a mere photograph it is a way of opening doors to new connections, opportunities and friendships.

I've got a special offer you don't want to miss.

Click on the link and find out more. 25% off a headshot session before the end of Feb. A great way to step into 2024.

All the details are here

Experience a 2 hour photo session in the heart of Central London.  The studio is 5 mins from London Bridge.  Easy to get to from all locations.