A day in the life of a photographer

10/12/2018

 

I met Richard Green at his home studio a couple of years ago through a friend, when he took some great shots of me after a makeover session. I liked Richard instantly. He's is a really nice man. Salt of the earth. He's also got an excellent sense of humour. 

 

It goes without saying he's a top notch photographer. He was modest enough not to include a link to his website when he sent me through this article but please check out his work at Method Studios.

 

Like a lot of self employed people, no day is the same for Richard but you can find out a bit more about him below.

 

 

 

Can you describe your job? What do you do?

 

I am a Commercial and Advertising photographer, working under the business name of Method Studios Photography.

 

I provide clients with images to sell their products and services. That can mean shooting anything from packshots of cosmetics to models in the latest fashion for use online and in the press. I also enjoy taking portraits of dogs, and have a side venture called Woof Woof photography dedicated to that.

 

What kind of skills do you need to be effective in your role?

 

The subjects that I shoot can be quite varied. I have shot cosmetics for Harpers Bazaar, shoes for GQ, watches for Esquire, portraits for CEO’s, paintings for art galleries and sculpture for museums.  Technical ability for lighting and photography should be a given, although in my career I’ve also needed to develop retouching and Photoshop expertise. So, I would say adaptability and a calm approach to dealing with problems goes a long way to getting a happy client.

 

However, I always aim to pre-plan and prepare ahead of the shoot day to minimise unforeseen snags, so an ability to analyse a brief and prepare accordingly is also important. As a photographer, attention to detail is paramount.

 

It’s also important to be flexible in my role. Some clients will have a strong opinion on the images they want, while others often look for guidance. I’m equally happy to advise about the look and feel of a shoot, as I am to act as a technician for clients who have an established creative vision but need help to bring it to life.

 

What is a typical working day for you?

 

A difficult question to answer, as I don’t really have one! I might be working on location at a studio in London for a jewellery client, or I could have a day in my home studio in Willingham photographing clothes on a model for a fashion company. Or I could have a day sat at my computer retouching shots from the previous day.

 

For instance, yesterday I had a job at a studio in London, so it was up at 6am and on the train to Kings Cross for arrival at 8:30. Then a full day of photographing shoes and handbags for a look book, finishing at 6. Then back home on the train to get a friendly welcome from my lovely wife and my dogs at 9pm.

 

Every day however involves walking my two dogs and listening to a bit of music.

 

What do you love about your job and what isn’t so good?

 

I Love:

 

• The variety of commissions and the challenge that that can present.
• Meeting new and interesting people.
• Seeing a happy client when they receive their finished images.
• That it’s opened doors and allowed me access to places and items that few people get to see and handle.

 

What’s not so good:

 

• Getting the train to London. The service has been terrible for the last couple of years with delays and cancellations.
• Unrealistic deadlines, but I always try my hardest to get the work turned around as required.
• People who think that having a big digital camera means that you don’t need a professional photographer. As the saying goes, “all the gear, but no idea”!

 

How do you measure your success?

 

That’s very simple. Having a happy client who keeps returning and recommends you to others.

 

What are your plans for the future?

 

As I moved recently to Cambridge, I hope to increase my local presence, working more locally, with fewer days commuting in to London.