What is a photographer???

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This is a question which plays on my mind a lot. It seems most people see photographers as the Oxford definition..... "someone who takes photographs"

In my eyes, this couldn't be any more wrong. For example; only 10% of my time working is spent actually taking photos. The rest of the time i' m speaking to clients, make up artists, models, stylist and my retoucher. 

I personally see a photographer as the person elected by the client to deliver and improve their vision and brand imagery. A photographer is a very small part of the team, but it's usually the photographer who sits between the client and the other team and keeps everyone singing from the same hymn sheet. 

Of course, most of the time a client is around on the day of a shoot but I take it as my responsibility to do this, leaving them to enjoy the final result. After a shoot, I spend my time sorting through thousands of shots, sending the client a selection of the best along with my recommendations. 

Next come mark-ups......... working with the client, I compile a to-do list for my retoucher to work on. I can't stress the importance of having a great retoucher as part of the team. Usually this communication happens remotely, meaning that communication must be concise and clear. My retoucher is based in Australia and i'm incredibly lucky to have him as part of my team. 

As you can see, it's a lot more than just pressing the shutter on the camera......anyone can do that. The taking of a photograph is the easiest part of what I do. Taking THE photograph is the most difficult but most enjoyable part.

The difference between "a" photograph and "the" shot is huge and will often be the difference between having a successful campaign, maximising coverage and ultimately.....a happy client who will work with you time and time again.

The magic formula for me is to:

1.  LISTEN to your clients brief

2. UNDERSTAND their brand

3. Be HONEST and give CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK on their ideas

4. RECOMMEND how to improve their shoot

5. Work with a TEAM you can RELY on

6. Create a FUN and RELAXED atmosphere in which everyone is valued and gives their HONEST OPINIONS

7. Do whatever it takes to EXCEED your clients expectations

8. Remain FLEXIBLE

Over and out....TLB xoxox

www.tonylebritton.com

Black & White or Colour.......the big debate!

It's a question I get asked time and time again.........below you'll see the pro's, cons and myths surrounding this age old debate.

The important thing to mention is to never shoot something with the thought that you will decide wether its going to be black and white or colour at a later date.

Lighting, composition and styling should all be changed depending on the final outcome you'd like.

The first myth I wanted to bust is that all digital images are either black and white or colour.......in fact, all RAW images produced by the camera are in colour and when the colour and white balance has been correctly set before the shoot; all images will have the same colour palette. 

Most people in the industry do not see RAW files.......those beautiful shots you see popping up on the monitor on the day, or back of camera have already gone through some form of retouching. Usually a treatment is applied to every image as it enters the computer programme. This is instant and hands free.

Unfortunately, no photographer is clever enough and no technology exists for us to shoot images with these effects. It is all retouched. 

This also stands for black and white. As I said earlier, all RAW images are colour so when you see a black and white image pop up on the screen or on the back of the camera.......again, these are NOT RAW files.

With colour, you should look at the whole colour palette, wether that be complimentary or contrasting. in black and white, the focus is usually on texture, shape and the tones in the image.

Advantages of black and white:

- It gives a timeless beauty to images (although it can also be used to date an image to a particular era)

-high contrast black and white can create a very visually striking image

-black and white tends to be more forgiving on the subject

-it can also really help add and enhance a particular mood

-without the distraction of colour, black and white offers a simplicity and purity to photography

-typically, shadows in black and white appear stronger and more dynamic

Advantages of colour:

-Just that....you're adding another dimension to the shot by adding colour.

-Colour gives the opportunity to give a true representation of a scene, model or product

-Eyes: one huge advantage for me shooting in colour is the ability to showcase a models eyes. There is nothing more engaging than a piercing blue or green eye.  

www.tonylebritton.com     

Crazy Colour model search!

I am looking for NEW and EXPERIENCED models to join the Crazy Colour squad as part of their next campaign.

All models will be paid.

With the huge success of the last  Crazy Colour  campaign, we are now on the hunt for the next models to join our squad. The last campaign was seen all around the world on billboards, magazine covers and online, with the next one set to be bigger and better!

We are open to all, wether you are already a freelance or agency represented model or someone wanting to break into the modelling world; if you think you have what it takes then get in touch!

We are looking for a wide mix of girls, with short or long hair......and everything in between. Your hair is in the best hands, we have enlisted the help of one of the UK's top colourists and some girls won't even need to change their hair.

To apply, send your updated pictures clearly showing your face (without a million filters) to:

tony@tonylebritton.com

www.tonylebritton.com

New Year NEWCOMER by Tony Le-Britton

50% discount for NEW talent.

www.tonylebritton.com

With a new year, comes great opportunity. Within the industry, opportunities are all around us, and yet; every year we are all guilty of walking straight past them.

This year, I have vowed to stay open to all possible opportunities and actively look for new ones which aren't so obvious to.

Since being back in the industry after taking time out to travel, I've been lucky enough to work with some very special people; many of whom I now hold close as dear friends. This is what life is about, not just working and enjoying the fruits of your hard work but forming deep and meaningful connections with the people you work with.

WHAT?

What has become apparent this year is that I am now in a position to offer Newcomers more support and I have decided to offer my services at a 50% discount to anyone wanting to enter the British Hairdressing Awards in the Newcomer section.

WHY?

New talent keeps the industry exciting, keeps things moving forward and developing. Bringing in new techniques, ideas and a different view of the world. Newcomers are the lifeblood and the future of the industry and outside of their salon, can be overlooked as the commercial and financial opportunities associated with them can be less. 

HOW?

It's pretty simple really! I will give my time at a vastly reduced rate, to help the Newcomers create incredible work to submit to the British Hairdressing awards and press. In fact I will reduce my rate to HALF of that which I would usually charge.

If you or anyone you know is interested in taking a step into the world of the British Hairdressing awards this year, reach out and let me know. 

Places are very limited and I expect demand to be high.

TLB xoxo

www.tonylebritton.com

https://www.hji.co.uk