I have a business mentor called Joe Hinton and after discussing with him how I can convert more enquiries to bookings he said, “Annie, when people meet you they then see your passion and that you are someone who is going to get along with their family and bring out the best in them.”

Selling what I do doesn’t  come easily to me and as there seems to be a trend amongst SMEs with videos on websites showing either an interview or a 2 minute power speech I knew this could be the way to overcome any initial barrier.  So who do I go to?

I had contemplated a video interview but then after seeing Craig and Kate Wiliams (wonderful photographers based in Essex) ‘about us” video I knew that their videographer was the man for the job!

Rob Summers is a professional cameraman but he schedules business promo and wedding videos around his worldwide assignements with TV production companies www.promofilms.co.uk . He has a great eye and I didn’t  doubt for a second that he wouldn’t be able to capture my vision of what I wanted to show.

 

So what was the plan!??

There are certain things about me that are very “Annie” which eg my red bandana, my bike and my dog Reggie.  But the greatest thing was to show how I get on with children and teenagers.  One could be the greatest photographer in the world but if you can’t get the best out of people and make them relaxed that gift is worth nothing…

So who was involved?

My very good friend Laura was my stylist who I will continue to work with in the future on other projects including a brand new offering that I will be advertising to my clients in the new year.

We came up with the concept of woodland fairies having a teaparty and inviting me.  Followed by a meeting with the fairy Queen!  I know I know – all a bit mad but I felt it worked!  Loved the chandeliers, ivy headdresses, miniture tea set!

The little fairies are Bella (daughter of one my clients) and Coco (whose mum I met on twitter).  They did incredibly well as it was chilly even if it was the most glorious autumnal day!

Hannah who is 16 was the winner of my “Model Portfolio Competition 2010/11” (which I am running at the moment for 2011/2012) played the part of the Queen and isn’t she beautiful!

I have had a desire to do a shoot in the ferns for years now so it was a dream come true for me – such fabulous colours!!

Not only is the video above but also a selection of images from the shoot that I took.

Below are behind the scenes shots, Rob shooting me through the chandelier, Laura putting makeup on Hannah and Rob shooting me shooting Coco…

Thanks to everyone who helped on the day and to Rob (www.promofilms.co.uk) for capturing my vision!

 

 

Annie Armitage – Photographic Artist