A pilot photography day staged by Swindon-based communications consultancy Quicklearn to provide businesses with bespoke pictures and avoid relying on stock images has been hailed a success.
Four companies took part in the trial event, which was led by Quicklearn managing director Charlotte Mannion and professional photographer Matt Miller.
The aim of the day, held at Basepoint serviced offices in Rivermead, was to bring together delegates from companies to take part in photoshoots for use on their own websites and in their marketing material.
They posed for shots which showed them in a range of business settings, including delivering presentations, chatting with customers and holding meetings.
Companies taking part in the Quicklearn sessions gets royalty-free use of the images. By bringing several businesses together to appear in each others’ photos, the cost is just £99 for each company.
Charlotte said: “This photography pilot project is all to do with the communications process. We work with people, helping them to identify a communications strategy, of which photography is one area. Research shows that customers much prefer to deal with people they know and recognise. They are more likely to link with them if they see their faces on their website and in their marketing literature.
“We are very grateful to the four businesses which signed up and I believe they have found it very successful. It was great fun, with a lot of laughter and banter. Collaborating in this way also makes it affordable.”
Mark Sansome, of training consultancy Red Penguin Solutions, said: “I took part because I didn’t have any quality images on my website but had been relying on stock photographs, which don’t really convey the message I want to give my clients.”
Ant Hodges, of online marketing company HodgesNet, said: “I take a lot of my own photos, but this is really useful as you get a third party looking in objectively.”
Andy Entwhistle, of Salient Sales & Training, added: “This came along at exactly the right time, as I am currently redoing my website, and wanted some new photographs which show what I do as a coach and a trainer.”
Also taking part was Mike Morrison, of London-based RapidBI, who updates his website and marketing photographs every three years.
Quicklearn is now planning a series of photography days – the next one in Swindon is on August 24 with two overlapping sessions from 9.30am to 1pm or midday to 3.30pm.
For more information and to sign up visit www.quicklearn.co.uk, email charlotte@quicklearn.co.uk or contact 07962 149074.
Pictured, from left, Katie James of Quicklearn, Mike Morrison of RapidBI, Charlotte Mannion of Quicklearn, and Ant Hodges of HodgesNet
