Journal

The journal: practical notes from behind the lens.

Guides for business owners and marketers on commissioning photography and video: what to ask, what to avoid, and how to get images and films that earn their cost.

This journal is where the studio writes down what clients keep asking us. Each article is aimed at the person who has to commission, brief or approve photography and video, not at hobbyists. We cover what works, what usually goes wrong and how to plan so the result can be used straight away.

01

What you will find here

Photography guides cover product, industrial, food, jewellery, fashion, interior, healthcare and headshot work, with practical advice on preparation, shot lists, styling and delivery. Video guides look at brand films, factory films, promotional videos, drone footage, social media content and training material, from scripting through to distribution.

We also publish pieces on e-commerce imagery, lighting and the small decisions that separate an adequate picture from a persuasive one. Where we mention prices or timelines, we keep them general, because scope drives cost; for an exact figure, a short brief gets you a proper quote.

02

How to use these articles

If you are about to hire a photographer or videographer, read the guide for your subject before you request quotes. You will know which questions to ask, which details to prepare and how to compare proposals fairly. If you are mid-project, use the checklists to avoid last-minute surprises, and if you are planning a year of content, the video and social pieces explain how batching works.

Use the category buttons above to filter by topic. Articles are listed with the newest first, and each links to the relevant service page if you want to discuss a project.

03

Why we write it down

Good commissioning shortens projects and improves results. Clients who arrive knowing why they need images, where they will be used and who approves them tend to get better pictures in less time, and they spend less on reshoots. Writing guides is our way of sharing that, and it saves everyone a lot of explaining on the first call.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Can I request an article on a topic?

Yes. If there is a question about photography or video you would like answered, email us and we will consider it for a future article.

Are these articles updated?

We revise articles when guidance changes, such as marketplace image rules or platform formats, and the date on each page shows when it was last updated.

Can I republish an article?

Please ask first. We are usually happy to share with credit and a link back to the original.

How do I get a quote for the services mentioned?

Visit the contact page or email us with a short brief. We will reply with questions and an itemised quote.