What am I doing?

(or, what is outdoor brand photography?)

One thing I’ve been asked a lot lately is what my photography business focusses on. Am I wedding photographer, do I do portraits, do I make NFTs, fine art shots, newborns, pets, studio, and on and on.

Beach scene with ‘Bluemoosephotos’ written in the sand

The answer to most of these questions is “NO”, and while that may be a little harsh, it has caused me to pause and ask myself “what is it exactly that I do?".

Now the ‘sales speak’ answer is “I collaborate with business owners and brands to create beautiful images and capture their story with authenticity and passion, enabling greater business growth, increased value, greater engagement and stronger identity within their chosen market”. And while that might sound like it’s got all the right words and is ‘businessy’ enough, it doesn’t really explain to the average person what I actually do.

Beverage product shot on-location at a surf break.

I’ll break down the individual steps of what I do for each customer in a later post, but for now I’ll try a simpler explanation, using the tried and true “What, Who, When, Where, How and Why” questions. Ready?

What: I take photos. Really good ones. Of products, and people, and their businesses. Preferably businesses that are linked to adventure, the outdoors, nature, and/or experiences. Because those are the ones that resonate with me.

Reusable bottle in natural environment

Who: I’m Richard. Generally working solo with the customer and their staff. And it’s usually a lot of fun.

Silhouette of a man in a cap looking at a dead tree at sunset

When: At times that work for my customers, and when the lighting is good. Sunrise and sunset are good, or cloudy days. Weekdays preferably, but weekends work as well. All year round.

Sunglasses on a beach

Where: Outdoors ideally, or at least at a location that suits their business. A studio is a last resort. Because I believe the setting should be part of the story, not faked.

Seascape artist @katiebrooks making art by the sea

How: With a professional camera and equipment, plus plenty of experience. And lots of patience and good humour. And coffee.

Behind the scenes shot of camera in a cave on the beach shooting a landscape

Why: For customers. So they can show off their brand, company or products. On their website, for their marketing, for their social media, or for their own internal purposes. And mostly because I love helping others.

Beach scene with Travel Mug in the foreground and ‘Bluemoosephotos’ written in the sand

I think that sums it up.

And if that sounds like something that works for you, please reach out.