Photography | Design | Branding | Web
Nottingham
(20)
Nottingham
(20)
Hello! I’m Gemma, and I’m a Digital Designer and Photographer with over 15 years’ visual and creative design experience.
My ethos is simple. I offer an honest, affordable and fuss-free service, taking the burden away from you so you can do what you’re great at!
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20 customer reviews
Andree
Gemma is the ultimate professional but very friendly and approachable. She kept in constant contact with me throughout the design of my logo and was clear in costs and what would be provided. I am thrilled to bits with the final product. Highly recommended! More...
Reply from Photography | Design | Branding | Web
Thanks for the lovely review, Andree. One of my most enjoyable logos to design EVER! I can't wait to come and visit your rescue centre :-)
Emma Thorne
I've had the pleasure of working with Gemma for many years and her professional expertise and experience has been invaluable to my team for our web designing needs on numerous occasions.
Yes, she's speedy and efficient but the fact that she'll always go the extra mile and bring her creativity to every job means she's a dream to collaborate with on projects.
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Reply from Photography | Design | Branding | Web
Thanks for taking the time to write me some feedback, Emma. I've always enjoyed working with you on the various projects that have brought our expertise together.
Nathalie
Gemma recently did some new professional headshots for me, she made me feel very much at ease and chose some great backgrounds in familiar places. She has also previously captured some great shots of my two children, really natural and captures their personalities perfectly. Highly recommend. More...
Reply from Photography | Design | Branding | Web
Always enjoy working with you, Nat. Thanks for the feedback!
Ryan
Gemma has helped me out with several projects over the years and she has always provided a data-driven approach that generates results. She's problem-focused and creative, and a highly motivated, hard worker who cares about the quality of her output. Plus she's great to work with! More...
Reply from Photography | Design | Branding | Web
Thanks so much for the review, Ryan! Really great working with you, as always.
Craig Goodere
I've previously worked with Gemma on a large-scale web project and always found her very knowledgeable and proactive around UX and UI. She clearly takes pride in what she does and that shows through in her work ethic. More...
Reply from Photography | Design | Branding | Web
Thanks for the review, Craig. I hope to work with you again on any future projects you might have.
Kelly Newman
When I was setting up my business I knew a set of professional headshots would be essential for my website, to set the right tone for my business. Gemma was ready and waiting for me when I arrived on the day of our shoot. She was endlessly patient and full of energy and enthusiasm, really putting me at ease and helping to choose good shots that would work with my website and subject matter but also with the light and location. Her knowledge and expertise were clear to see; she considered so much more than I ever would have. Gemma got my shots to me within a couple of days and was happy to wait for me to choose my favourites, even suggesting shots that I wouldn't have otherwise considered, based on how the light caught my eyes. I was lucky to benefit from her expert eye and the final choices were perfect; thank you Gemma! More...
Reply from Photography | Design | Branding | Web
Really enjoyed shooting your photos, Kelly. It was a tough brief, given the serious nature of what you do. But I think we got a really great balance between empathy, seriousness and personality.
Karol Tesch
Gemma is a very talented photographer and she really knows how to make you feel comfortable in front of a camera.
I had chance to work with her recently as I needed professional photos for my LinkedIn profile.
First she gave me few great tips before the shoot, so I would be well prepared. Then, after arriving in a well equipped studio, she guided me through the session with a good sense of humour. I'm happy to say that Gemma's attention to detail made the end results look very natural, positive and fresh.
It was great fun and I highly recommend Gemma, if you want your online profile pictures to stand out from the crowd, but also to have them prepared and ready to download very fast.
I'm looking forward to the outdoor session as I've been told that's her speciality!
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Reply from Photography | Design | Branding | Web
Lovely words, Karol. Thank you for taking the time to write me some feedback. We need to get your outdoor session booked in very soon - as soon as lockdown is lifted for hairdressers haha.
Mike Fletcher
Gemma worked with my team and I as a UX/UI designer, and she effortlessly fitted in with a close-knit Product Team that has been working together for over 2 years. Her input has always been professional, insightful and timely and has added value to the end product. She focuses well on the users and developed strong user relationships and associated feedback that benefited us enormously. She has been a pleasure to work with and I wish her well with her future challenges. More...
Reply from Photography | Design | Branding | Web
Thanks very much for the review Mike. Really enjoyed working on the app with you and the team.
Amy Roberts
Gemma has been brilliant to work with. She is easy to talk to and takes on board your likes/dislikes. Gemma is very creative with an excellent eye for detail and I couldn't have been more pleased with the outcome!
Reply from Photography | Design | Branding | Web
Thanks Amy! Hope to work with you again soon
Alison Reeves
I worked with Gemma on an important project. She was extremely pro-active, good at identifying what was needed and delivered as promised. All the things you need in a freelancer. More...
Reply from Photography | Design | Branding | Web
Hi Alison, Thanks for your feedback. Really enjoyed working with you on the QM and hope to work together again soon. Gem
Brian Kelly
I organise a national conference for university web managers. It's been running for 23 years. But it was only last year, when Gemma became a member of the event advisory group, did we take a fresh look at the event visual impact. So many thanks to Gemma for supporting the work of the advisory group and, in particular, the design of the t-shirt - and the photo of me which I now use on social media! I should also add what a lovely person Gemma is! More...
Reply from Photography | Design | Branding | Web
Thanks for the review, Brian. Gutted I can't join you for the conference this year, but I'll be tuning in online!
Jackie Thompson
I've worked with Gemma for a number of years. I value her knowledge and skills in 'all things web'. She is very enthusiastic and this is infectious!
Reply from Photography | Design | Branding | Web
Thanks for the review, Jackie - hope you're well.
Claire Baldwin
Gemma is a delight. She made me feel really comfortable during the photo shoot and I had a lovely time.
Her ideas for poses, backdrops and locations were great and she had great attention to detail, spotting a loose hair on my outfit and checking what colour clothes I'd brought so she could match them to props and settings.
She was thoroughly professional and charming during our time together.
I'm delighted with the photos. It was so hard to choose just a handful. Gemma sent me the selection to choose from much earlier than I was expecting them. She also made a few edits that I requested, which really made the pictures perfect.
I'd thoroughly recommend Photography by Gem to anyone looking for professional, high-quality photos with real personality. I wouldn't hesitate to use her again.
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Reply from Photography | Design | Branding | Web
Hi Claire, Thanks for the kind words. It means a lot. Our photo shoot was great fun. And boy could we talk! Glad to see you're still using your photos. See you for a coffee soon! Gem
Rebecca Weaver
I've had professional photos taken by Gemma and she also created a website for my business - I absolutely loved both!Gemma is brilliant to work with; extremely friendly, professional, and full of ideas, but she is also more than happy to work with your existing ideas and vision. Gemma's also a highly creative, motivated person, who always delivers value for money. Highly recommended :) More...
Reply from Photography | Design | Branding | Web
Hi Rebecca, Genuinely loved working with you and your personal branding project. I think that together, we hit the nail on the head. Thanks for the opportunity and I hope to work together again.
Emma
I've worked with Gemma on web design and graphic design projects and she's always a joy to work with. Gemma is full of ideas, creative, efficient and she always focuses on what is right for the user.
Reply from Photography | Design | Branding | Web
Hi Emma, Thank you for your review. I always enjoy working with you to help bring your projects to life. Always a pleasure! Gem
Mark Williams
Gemma was excellent to work with, she provided solid advice, excellent insights and a fantastic service. She was quick to come back with ideas and suggestions, and really understood what I was trying to achieve. She is the first person I go to for any website queries. More...
Reply from Photography | Design | Branding | Web
Hi Mark, Thanks for the glowing review. Always happy to work with you on any digital projects. And as always, advice is free!
Carla Froggatt
Gemma is a delight to work with. Very creative, solution-focused and produces work to an exceptionally high standard that delivers results.
Reply from Photography | Design | Branding | Web
Hi Carla, Thanks for the lovely feedback. You've been a delight to work with too and I hope we have the chance to collaborate again in future.
Steve Edwards
I was a bit stuck with my website as the previous designer had buried something I wanted to change deep in the coding. Gemma was able to find the issue and rectify it very quickly, I have no doubt i'll be calling on her advice and expertise again, probably sooner than she thinks. Gemma is a joy to work with, she responds to messages very quickly and sends a reply very promptly. Cheers Gemma, I'll be talking to you soon I'm sure. More...
Reply from Photography | Design | Branding | Web
Always happy to help, Steve. Your website is looking really great - glad I had the opportunity to help you shape it.
Steve Edwards
I had a great shoot with Gemma, she knew the area we were in very well and where the best shots would come from. She made me feel very relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera, which I'm naturally not. I hope I'm fortunate enough to count her as a friend now, she comes highly recommended with 5 stars of course. More...
Reply from Photography | Design | Branding | Web
What can I say? Our photo shoot was bags of fun and we got some great shots. I hope you continue to enjoy your photos.
Paul
Ive worked with Gemma several times, she is ace. Not only put me at ease but delivered exactly as required and more besides. The images were professional, structure and well thought out and its obvious that this is a business that is going to grow and the passion and creativity that Gemma has is just insane!! More...
Reply from Photography | Design | Branding | Web
Hi Paul, Thanks for the feedback. You were a joy to work with and I hope we have the opportunity to work together again some time.
What makes a great website?
A great website is one that helps you achieve your goals. It will meet the needs of your users and convert potential clients into paying clients.
The key for me is rich and relevant content. You may know what you want to say about your business but I can help enhance this for search engine optimisation and so it's easy for your ideal client to digest and understand.
I'll design you a website that looks great and works well. For me, it's about making people's lives easier and ensuring your get a great feel about you and your brand.
What questions might you ask a client when starting a new project?
What are your goals?
Who are your competitors?
Have you seen any websites that you really like?
What functionality do you require?
Do you have an established brand?
What is your current website (if you have one)?
When does your website need to launch?
What’s the secret to taking a great photograph?
Natural lighting and that my clients feel relaxed in my company and in front of my camera.
I know the very best locations for the most eye-catching and unique photos.
What questions might you ask a client when starting a new project?
What are your photos for?
Do you have a particular style in mind?
Have you had professional photos taken before?
Where do you want your shoot to take place?
Where will your photos be used (website, magazine, on the wall)?
Describe your creative process.
1 - initial chats over email or the phone
2 - agree scope of project
3 - meet up (if local and it makes logistical sense)
4 - competitor analysis - I search the web to find out what other businesses like yours are doing
5 - research possible functionality so your website or designs do what they need to
6 - wire frames/prototyping/mock-ups
7 - discussion and feedback on designs
8 - final design submitted and signed off
9 - site is built using WordPress CMS
10 - content and imagery added
11 - testing and final tweaks
12 - launch
For print design - we follow a similar process but instead of launching, your items are received.
For photography, we define the scope, agree a date and location, the shoot takes place, your photos are processed and you receive your high-resolution digital photos.
What information do you need from a client before you can start work?
What are your goals?
When do you need it by?
What's your idea or business about?
What do you love most about your job?
That I genuinely help individuals and businesses stand out and get noticed. My clients see an increase in engagement both personally and professionally.
What inspired you to start your own business?
On the digital side, I was working in Higher Education as digital designer but felt restricted only working with one brand and for one target audience. So I decided to set up my own design business which enables me to work with a huge variety of brands and people. I now work for myself full-time, having left my job in July 2020. So I'm actively looking for new clients to work with.
In 2015 I found a love for photography which is now something I offer as a service.
My favourite projects are working with start up businesses who need the whole package - an identity, a website, business stationery and awesome photography.
Why should our clients choose you?
I enjoy building on a great relationships. My prices are reasonable and I work quickly and accurately.
I have over 15 years' design experience working for loads of small businesses, local government and higher education.
Clients rate me 5-stars on Google ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
CLIENT FEEDBACK
"I had a great experience and normally hate having my photo taken"
"It's unusual to find somebody so good at what they do. Gemma is a real find"
"Great service and amazing shots"
"I'm truly amazed! I've gone from getting one dating profile view in 10 days to three in one hour!"
Web Design
I design and develop fully responsive and content-managed WordPress and Contensis websites. Your site will look great, work well and comply to accessibility standards and best practice.
I'll work closely with you to define your goals, learn about you and your business and to design and develop a digital presence that looks the part.
Your website will be on-brand, accessible and you'll be able to make changes to the content yourself (if you want to - or I can do this for you).
On top of this, I can shoot on-brand visuals for your website too!
Let's have a chat about what you're trying to achieve.
Photography
I spend a lot of time behind the lens, shooting unique and eye-catching photos for websites, LinkedIn, online dating, friends, families, couples and more.
One of my passions is photography. I get a lot of joy out of capturing people and moments as they happen.
Whether you're online dating or need some visuals for your website, we'll work together to ensure your personal branding is on point and that you stand out and get noticed.
Shoots tend to be outdoors, are great fun and really relaxed. I tend to work with clients in Nottingham or Derby but also travel about a lot to wherever clients are based.
I have access to a fully equipped studio too so if you'd like some cool studio shots - let me know.
You'll have access to your own personal gallery where you can select and download your photos.
Business card design
Choose from single or double sided, rectangular or square. I'll design you an eye-catching and unique business card to hand out to clients and distribute at networking events.
All I need is your logo (brand guidelines if you have them) and the text/images you'd like on your card.
If you don't have any images, we can work together to select some (or I can capture these for you).
I'm happy to arrange the printing of your cards too - just mention this in your job request.
Other print design
If you're after print design, I can help with:
business cards
flyers
posters
banners
brochures
leaflets
vouchers
certificates
menus
... and much more.
Your artwork will be print-ready for you to send to your chosen printers or I can deal with the printing for you.
Logo Design
I help small start-ups establish a look and feel and stand out from competitors. I’ll get to know you and your business and we’ll work together to bring it to life.
You'll see your logo progress from sketches to digital artwork.
I'll design you two concepts to choose from with a reasonable number of tweaks, or I'll design a handful of concepts and work closely with your ideal client to tap into find out what's going to appeal to them.
User Experience (UX) Design
Everyone is different which makes it challenging to achieve a one-size-fits-all product or service. I’ll work with you and your end users to ensure your customers are at the heart of everything you do.
I can conduct and facilitate anything from card sorting exercises and user journeys to first-click and guerrilla user testing.
