Martin Shaw Photography
London, London
(6)
London, London
(6)
Martin Shaw is a successful and respected freelance photographer who believes that creating any image should be a happy and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Martin's images tell the story his clients need to tell, rather than presenting the photographer's fixed style or potentially inappropriate artistic statement.
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6 customer reviews
Gillian Gray
"Martin has been required to "capture moments" of our events and production.
His rapport with the artists and performers and in capturing the feeling of these events has been amazing and of the highest standard.
Always totally professional in his approach." - Gillian Gray Events Director Leading Lights Events.
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Oliver Lawton
"We were delighted to have Martin over to shoot our new family. He is very polite and considerate while setting up the studio in our front room. We got some incredible shots of our baby daughter and Martin was very patient and engaging. He came up with some inventive ways of getting the best out of all of us and we were delighted with the result." Oliver Lawton - family portrait client More...
Jeremy Wootliff
"Martin is at the top of his trade. I have commissioned him on several occasions and look forward to doing so again. His incredible photography, his unique eye and technical mastery put him at the top of his game. With panache and integrity, he is a pleasure to work with. You can have total confidence in him to exceed your expectations. I could not recommend him more highly." - Jeremy Wootliff Executive Producer Worthwhile. TV More...
Will Cardwell
"We have used Martin frequently for the last 7 years and he has always delivered a great standard of photography. He is reliable, happy to go the extra mile and will always have a smile on his face. We will look forward to seeing him again this year." - Will Cardwell Managing Director Imago Portrait Studios Ltd. More...
Clifford Rosen
"Martin understands the requirements immediately and produces the work for us on time and on budget. Corporate photography is not as straightforward as some might think and requires a good deal of skill, patience and technique. Martin nails it on all counts and I look forward to working with him again." - Clifford Rosen Creative Director RDC Consultants. More...
Natalie Calvert
"Martin takes great photos!
Over the years he has taken a wide variety of pictures for me - from our professional business portraits, conferences and training events, through to my children’s school parties – he has a knack of bringing out the very best in people!
Highly recommended." - Natalie Calvert CEO Calcom Group
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What’s the secret to taking a great photograph?
A great photograph in the commercial world is the eye-catching one that causes the viewer to stop scrolling through the myriad of images on any given platform and absorb the intentional message in yours.
A great photograph is one where the viewer instantly understands the message or intention - a poor photo that gets scrolled past is one that confuses the eye so it doesn't know where to settle within the image - its purpose is confusing or frustrating - this might send many unintentional messages.
A great portrait or headshot photograph requires all of the above, but importantly is dependant on the photographer's ability to relax the subject so that their true character shines through. Nobody likes a stressed looking face!
A great photograph is made - not taken...... the intention or message is punched home by composition, contrast and tone, colour, sharpness and blur and above all, lighting, be it dramatic, moody or calming.
A great photograph is a pictorial essay - a thousand words at a glance!
What questions might you ask a client when starting a new project?
What do you want the photographs to say about your business, your project or you?
Who is your target market and what motivates them? It's pointless creating a beautiful image that you like but which has no appeal to your customers.
What formats do you need...... on-line, print etc....?
What is the timescale?
Have you set your budget with a proper understanding of the image making process with regard to planning and brief, shooting and post production? There has never been a time when a finished commercial image just fell out of a camera - processing is essential for maximum impact and this will probably take longer than the duration of the shoot itself.
What do you love most about your job?
I love the creativity - fulfilling a written or spoken brief with images.
Telling a story with pictures.
Working with people, particularly with any form of portraiture, where I'm looking to capture your true character or corporate persona.
Variety and combining careful planning with spontaneous creative opportunity during a shoot.
What inspired you to start your own business?
Being independent rather than part of a larger structured entity allows me greater flexibility of approach - I can merge seamlessly with my client like a bolt on creative department for the duration of the project. With creative endeavours, a brief can often evolve during the shoot, and I don't require authorisation from a manager who isn't privy to the given situation on the ground.
Why should our clients choose you?
My clients describe me as creative, professional, thought provoking and endlessly cheerful. I will always try to go the extra mile - fulfilling your brief is the minimum requirement........ exceeding it is always my intention.
