Brand photography in Huddersfield with HD8 Network

The fabulous and bonkers Merewyn from HD8 Network asked if I would come and photograph some of the members for the new HD8 Network website. I have worked with Merewyn for the last ten years or so and it’s always an experience so I was definitely up for the challenge.

No white backgrounds

In the past when I have done these photoshoots for HD8 we have taken the easy route and set up a white background studio and invited members to come along with their props to represent their businesses. The shoots have always been a success but I knew it was time to change. I convinced Merewyn that photographing each individual business in their own location would be much more exciting and make the website stand out.

Personal brand portraits

This year is the year of the personal brand photoshoot. As I’ve been photographing personal branding for over the last decade we thought this would be the way to go. So, with a list of small businesses we jumped in Merwyn’s car and headed off to photograph loads of different businesses.

No time for faffing

As the clock was ticking I had to make sure we cracked the whip. There was no time for faffing and we had pretty much five to ten minutes with each business (unless they made me a brew) as we also had to drive to each and everyone of them. Most of the people I hadn’t met before so I had to be on my best behaviour, it was literally a quick “hello” have a look around and then shoot and leave.

Paul from Denby Dale Community Centre

Photoshoot number one was with Paul Jones from the Denby Dale Community Centre. He rocked up in his big bus. After a little bit of manoeuvring, we managed to get a few shots and then it was time to leave.

Jane Middleton Art

We then hopped in the car and headed to Shepley to photograph Jane Middleton Art. Jane has a lovely art studio in her home so it was great to capture an artist in her own environment. Five minutes later and the photoshoot had been done and we were on to our next business.

Half Inch Seam

A quick drive over to Half Inch Seam to see Faye doing lots of sewing stuff (that’s a technical explanation). Faye had an upstairs studio similar to Janes so it was great to get creative with some colours and textures. Ten minutes later (I got carried away) and we were out of there.

Visualize Films

We then jumped in the car and headed to Denby Dale to Westleigh House to photograph the enigmatic John Danbury from Visualize Films. John is a magician and a performer so aim a camera at him and it’s an experience. After five minutes of fun in his office, we had to head outside to capture him with the infamous viaduct. At the same time, Paul who I had photographed earlier rocked up so a few more pictures with him and it was time to make tracks.

Autosolutions

We headed over to Skelmanthorpe to meet up with Craig from Auto solutions who is a mobile auto locksmith who works out of the back of his van. I’ve photographed people in sexier locations but it was great to capture a few pictures of Craig doing his thing.

Councillors Will and Graham

Staying in Skelmanthorpe we headed over to the library to meet councillors Will and Graham who were busy sewing seeds and doing some weeding. I had to get a bit PR for these photos and do a little more directing but it was still fun and the pictures are fab (in my opinion)

Kirklees Light Railways

We jumped back in the car and headed down to Clayton West to head over to Kirklees Light Railway. When we arrived it was very busy so I was very conscious about taking up too much time. However, we had the loveliest chap helping us out. I won’t’ lie I do love steam trains and I do get a bit excited when I’m photographing them and may have got a little carried away, but the chap was very happy to play and position his trains as I asked. I absolutely love photoshoots like this so I’m not going to apologise for getting carried away.

The Flow Studio

A short car journey and we were at our penultimate destination at The Flow Studio in Scissett. Here we met up with the lovely Sharron who performed some Pilates moves which I had no idea of how to do. It was a beautiful space with lovely natural light which I’m always happy to use. Sharron also shares her studio with another lady who is a strength and conditioning coach (not a personal trainer) as I found out. A few shots of her and it was time to head over to our final destination.

HD8 Hot tubs

We headed over to Upper Denby to meet up with Ginger from HD8 Hot tubs who lives in an absolutely stunning location. Ginger was very happy to jump in her hot tub. After this, it was time for a well-earned brew. I did try to talk Ginger’s partner into having a picture taken with his tractor but he wasn’t playing ball but it was done!

A huge success

It was a crazy three to four hours and I had to be on top of my creative game but it was great fun and we got loads of fabulous pictures. Everyone loves the pictures that we created in those few hours and I think they look brilliant on The HD8 Network website. I’m kind of looking forward to our next mission.

If you are looking for a brand photographer then please get in touch john@johnsteelphotography.com for more information click here