Understanding my client's needs is essential for a successful commercial photography shoot, and I work hard to achieve this before, during, and after a photography shoot. This image is taken from a set of photographs I created for a global software company that develops products for military, intelligence and national security, healthcare, financial, public and private sectors.

My clients hire me to create a set of creative photographs to help promote their business, and during this commercial photography shoot, I had to start thinking like a bug to get the perfect photo!

West Sussex, my magical home county. I was born and bred here, and I have worked as a professional photographer and videographer in this beautiful county of Southern England for most of my life. And oddly, I've never felt the need to pick up sticks and live anywhere else!

There's always something to photograph, especially in March when back in 2017 I visited Denia to document this traditional fiesta. Fallas marks St Joesphs Day and runs from the 17th to the 19th of March, with the last day culminating in a wild night of music, fireworks and bonfires.

I first became interested in photography when I was about 11, although looking back, I think it was already written in the stars. My father was a professional photographer, and mum helped him run his photography business over the years, so I was exposed to the beautiful art of seeing the world through a lens from day one.

Did you know I've been working as a professional photographer for over 30 years? I've met some great people and photographed some amazing things during this time. And last week, I spent a fun day recalling some of these photography adventures to a group of students at my old school. During the Q&A session, I explained how camera equipment had changed, especially while covering a commercial photography shoot and that we now get to use drones

I've been fortunate to have worked as an industrial photographer on some fantastic engineering projects in the past, and this recent assignment was no exception - Scott, can you photograph the construction of the Hinckley Point C Nuclear Power Station in Somerset? Sure, no problem, I said!

If I was to say to you, ‘corporate headshot’, what would you see in your mind’s-eye? Forced smiles in the boardroom? Starched collars and boring suits? Middle-aged men perched awkwardly on their desks?
I’ve been mulling over the question of ‘what makes a good corporate portrait’ ever since I returned from a recent commission in London.

When people ask me why I love being a corporate photographer, the answer I give is perhaps not the one they were expecting. You see, it’s not about the photographs per se - although, of course, I am incredibly passionate about my art and craft and I take pride in the pictures I create. And it’s not the freedom I have to choose which jobs I accept (though, I’ll concede, it’s a privilege to be in that position). No, for me, the thing that I am most grateful for is that every day is different.

Last autumn, I told you about how Repair Smart in West Sussex had asked me to come in and take some photos for their website and a marketing campaign that they were planning. Run by two brothers, Mike and Nick, it's a brilliant family business, with a tangible care for their customers. My role as a commercial photographer was to find a way of capturing the essence of their business – their ethos – through my pictures.

I always welcome new photography and videography enquiries from businesses – even if they turn out to be something that I can't or don't choose to undertake. Recently I received one from a company who were looking for some new staff profile shots. What became clear when I spoke with them was that they were accustomed to photographers working in a particular kind of way – namely, coming in, taking lots of shots, sticking them all on a memory stick and handing it over.
That got me thinking about how I work – and equally, how I don't.

What do you look for in a brand? Why do you choose one business over another? Pictures of your business and its people communicate what it’s like to be a part of the brand. It creates familiarity, which is the first step towards loyalty. As a commercial photographer, I speak with many UK business owners about how professional pictures can help them connect with their customers.