What’s new for 2025 at Sian T. Photography
This is 2025 and there have been a few changes around here!
I’m not a believer in the new year, new you thing - it implies there was something wrong to start with! However, I do find that the few days off over the festive period gives me time and space to step back and take a look at what I want to do with the coming year. So what’s new and what does it mean for all my lovely clients? Here’s the run-down!
Focus on photography for businesses
2024 was tough for personal photography like family portraits, celebration portraits and weddings. It’s understandable; economic times in the UK are tough and the future is uncertain for many people. People have to prioritise their spend, and non essential services like professional family photographs aren’t going to be top priority for most people. You can get a good photo of your family with your phone and if all you want to do is share it on social media then that’ll be good enough in most cases. There are also a LOT of photographers in this space in my area of Surrey and Sussex. They range in price and quality and honestly I think they have most people’s needs covered.
Conversely, businesses looking to weather the current economic storm and especially those looking to grow, need strong imagery to do that and that’s where I’ll be focusing (sorry about the pun!) my efforts. Since I run my own business, I’ve got a good understanding of what a business needs and can provide an efficient, simple service that will deliver commercial quality shots with a range of marketing applications. Over the past few years I’ve noticed this kind of work has been making up more of my work and that I find it so rewarding to be part of a business’ success. I love working collaboratively to develop a brand visual identity, and I’m good at working as a partner so it’s time to fully embrace that!
So what does this mean?
If you’re looking at my website you’ll notice that it’s now more geared towards helping businesses find what they need. My Instagram @siantphoto will also be more focused on commercial photography, showcasing work and information for businesses along with ideas on how businesses can make the most of their images. I’ll also be sending out more emails for business clients with news and offers that are specifically geared towards product photography, headshots or commercial and personal branding shoots. I’m also offering a ‘retainer’ scheme where you can commit to a set number of shoots in a year and get them at a discounted rate - that’s win win for you and me I reckon.
I’ll still be doing studio portraits, my Portrait & Pamper sessions and my circus and aerial portraits but you’ll now find all that over at Snake, Star & Skull alongside my gothic and alternative portrait photography.
Video - finally…
Although my pro cameras have had video functionality for some years, I’ve been taking my sweet time getting to grips with video and getting to the point where I can reliably offer to both shoot and edit great quality short videos. These are usually 10 seconds to a minute, showcasing a product with movement but they are the same style and approach that I take to product photography. They’re great for social media and for e-commerce, proving particularly popular with Etsy and Amazon sellers. Video clips are now available with all product and commercial sessions which are a minimum of a half day long. What I’ve learnt is that good video takes time, requiring plenty of angles, specialist equipment and a bunch of takes to make something really interesting of just a few seconds - so I’m offering video alongside photography in longer sessions only.
I’ve also been perfecting stop-motion for product videos, it’s a great way to create something dynamic for products that aren’t intrinsically mobile - and they are really fun for social media!
Stop motion video for By Kimmy B
PS - I’m not up to speed on audio yet, so for now I’m offering video clips for products with either royalty free or custom music (courtesy of my son who composes and records) only.
More Fashion Please!
I have always loved photographing fashion (including hair and beauty) both in the studio and on location so this year I’m actively searching for new designers and brands to work with as well as looking for models, stylists, makeup artists and hair stylists to collaborate with to update and expand my fashion photography work. If this is you, and you have a unique idea for a fashion shoot and the drive to make it happen - please get in touch!!
Recent fashion work for VZ Perfection, Bracknell