A Monkey's Revenge - My Blog

Wide eyed....

I've written before about being taught photography as a youth by the famous, (at the time), photographer John Robert Young. Back in the seventies he could be seen regularly on Leica adverts hanging out from hovering helicopters or skiing in the French Alps with the 2e régiment étranger de parachutistes of the Foreign Legion.

One of the things he taught me was to get in close and personal which has stuck with me ever since. Not always what picture editors want of course, so I've had to consciously roll back on that ever since and shoot some wider images as well. That is especially relevant these days with the quality of modern digital cameras meaning crops do not lead to awful quality any more.

Here is a shot from a story about a Spitfire taken by me for The Daily Telegraph and also used by Manfrotto. Guess which image the newspaper used? The close in shot by the cockpit! I think that illustrates the point nicely that I always do my best to shoot a good variety of images wherever possible. Page designers hate having their hands tied by lack of choice and that is always at the back of my mind. This shot of the Spitfire flying into the sunset was used by Manfrotto however- so nothing ventured, nothing gained!

#johnrobertsonphotography #editorialphotographer #commercialphotographer

Glass half full?

Are you a glass half full or a glass half empty sort of person? I like to think I'm the former- an eternal optimist. Even on the crappiest of jobs I remain hopeful I will be able to pull something out of the bag and produce a silk purse from a sow's ear! Of course that doesn't always happen but it isn't going to stop me from trying.

If you need a photographer who will always go the extra mile, give me a shout on 07850 931219 or email me on jrphotos@gmail.com

#johnrobertsonphotography #commercialphotographer #editorialphotographer #photography #business

Epic fail!

I've been playing around with Ai, something most photographers and artists, in fact all creative people are worried about.

Here is my first ever Ai generated image and I tapped in "Man on a bicycle, legs splayed out, feet off the pedals with a newly cut Christmas tree in the front basket, cycling up a hilly road in the style of John Robertson" to create it. I'm not sure Ai knows who JR is though although Salvador Dali etc. are listed!

EPIC FAIL !

Why You Need a Professional Photographer......

In today's digital age, where everyone has access to a high-quality camera on their smartphones, you might be questioning the need for a professional photographer. However, when it comes to representing your business and creating a strong brand image, nothing beats the skills and expertise of a professional.

In this blog post, I aim to highlight the importance of hiring a professional photographer for your business and how it can positively impact your marketing efforts, make a lasting impression on your customers, and ultimately boost your sales. First impressions matter, especially in the world of business. When potential customers or clients visit your website or see your marketing materials, the first thing they notice is the visuals. It's human nature to be attracted to images and make judgments based on them. If the images representing your business are of poor quality, it can reflect negatively on your brand and credibility. On the other hand, professional photography can instantly elevate your business image and create a positive perception among your target audience.

At the end of the day, investing in professional photography is an investment in your business's success. By conveying a strong and positive first impression, you are more likely to capture the attention of potential customers or clients, forge a connection with them, and ultimately drive sales. Don't leave your business image to chance; hire a professional photographer to take your visuals to the next level.

In conclusion, professional photography plays a crucial role in creating a strong brand image and enhancing your marketing efforts. The exceptional quality, tailored branding, and versatility offered by professional photographers can make a significant difference in how your business is perceived by your target audience. By prioritizing high-quality visuals, you can make a lasting impact, attract more customers, and ultimately boost your sales.

If you're ready to enhance your company image and take your business to new heights, contact me for a chat about improving your company image at www.jr-photos.com.


 Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words. Make sure yours speak loudly and positively about your business.

Everything stops for tea

It's a very good English custom, though the weather be cold or hot. When they need a little pickup, you'll find a little teacup Will always hit the spot....in the words of Jack Buchanan who sang 'Everything Stops for Tea' in an impeccable English accent, despite him being a Scotsman.

Almost everyone offers a cup of tea or coffee on arrival at a shoot, especially if I've driven a long way to get there. Notable exceptions include an ultra religious Yorkshire farmer who sat and drank his and ate his breakfast while I waited at 5 am after a horribly early start. Also a titled gentleman who kept me waiting 2 hours whilst entertaining guests to lunch in his stately pile.

From tea in a fine bone china cup during an interview with Lady Hesketh, mint tea in Morocco to chai and samosas with Kashmiri terrorists, I've usually accepted the offering gratefully as it always seems rude to me not to. Where is the strangest place you have partaken of the national beverage?

« Newer Posts
Page 1 of 16

This site uses cookies to provide and improve the service. If you wish, you can switch off all unnecessary cookies.