For my upcoming presentation on a genre of photography that interests me, I have decided to research freelance location photography. For this I interviewed location photographer Charles Ward.
Born and raised on the family farm in Earls Barton, Ward developed a keen interest in photography in his late teens. At that time, he was working in the shoe industry at Barker Shoes (started by his great grandfather) and used photography to record new shoe designs in Italy. Having mastered his craft, he went professional back in 1985 and hasn’t looked back since.
The Interview
Q: Do you use any specialist equipment, if so what do you use and why?
A: I use Canon EOS 1DX cameras and mostly prime lenses: 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, 100mm and a few zooms. All cameras are good these days, so it's best to spend your money on really fast lenses. Remember - 'Cameras don't take pictures - people do' … so the talent is worth far more than any camera.
Q: Are there any key skills within location photography?
A: There are various types of location photography: aerial, architecture, interiors, industrial - I have covered them all over the years. I really like aerial and architecture and they both require a great deal of planning before you travel to the site. Aerial photography: you need to ensure you are allowed to fly over the site and at what height, what is the best time of day? Are there noise restrictions. The cost of the helicopter, the pilot and the photographer. Architecture also requires careful planning and a good knowledge of the weather and the track of the sun. For instance, you wouldn't want to travel to London to find the building faces due east and you have arrived at 2pm with the sun on the wrong side. Google Earth is handy here. If you are photographing interiors, you need to know about the lighting and if you need to take additional flash. In answer to your question: You need to be physically fit (you often need to climb, stoop, crawl and carry heavy loads to achieve the best shot. You also need to be highly organised and a good communicator to discuss the brief. I always try and suggest a recce (visit) if it's a big shoot, but again, Google street view is very handy here!
Q: Who are your competitors in location photography?
A: Never worry about the competition! Check them out and look at different styles, but in the end do your own thing.
Q: What kind of marketing and PR do you use?
A: I'm in the process of handing over my business to my son, having been photographer for 30 years. However, I'm an avid user of social media and it's the only way i advertise these days. I use Facebook ads and Google adwords and try to co-ordinate all my social feeds. Just read a brilliant book called 'Likeable Social Media' and it's fired me up. I do know that my main competitor (ex employee) has been using social media since 2007 to promote his business and I wish I had started earlier. Having been in business since 1985, I do get quite a bit of repeat business and recommendation vila Linkedin.
Q: What are the average rates and prices you charge a client for your work?
A: I always try and charge a minimum of £595 plus vat per half day and £1000 plus vat per full day. That's about right for my expertise and location. It would be 3x this in London!
Q: What kind of insurance do you use, if any?
A: The best! I insure with Towergate and have £5m public liability.
Q: Finally, what are the highs and lows of working as a location photographer?
A: Best job in the world. I made the decision to mostly work with business people as I find them much easier to deal with than the general public. Highs? Working outside in good weather, seeing wonderful buildings. Lows? Road travel :(
Thank you for your time and helping me with my work.
EGPhotography x
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