Tag Archives: Suffolk

Do testimonials work… do you read them or skip over??

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When you’ve completed a successful shoot and your client is really pleased… should you always remember to ask  for a review or testimonial? This is usually the bit I forget!! … although some clients spontaneously provide one anyway 🙂 

I’m told google likes them, and sources like ‘Trust Pilot’ wouldn’t exist if people didn’t look for them – LInkedIn and Facebook have a business page ‘review’ feature, so I guess the answer is that you should. It feels like ‘self praise’ and blowing your own trumpet, but nowadays it’s much more about showing you are a credible and trustworthy business and who better to authenticate your services than happy customers.

So, do you read reviews and testimonials? Well, yes if I’m purchasing items from a source that I don’t know personally, they are very helpful. Or, researching the best item to buy on say, camera equipment. Does this apply to services too, especially those that are hugely personal, such as photography? In addition to ‘reviews’ and ‘testimonials’ we should add ‘recommendations’, as these are frequently asked for on places like Facebook. I ask this, because most of my work comes via face to face networking and getting to know people, who in turn use and recommend my services.

Perhaps reviews, in addition to a solid portfolio, are mainly part of a credible and true presence online, including all the various social media platforms … will you read any further 🙂 ??

” I can not begin to express the delight I felt when I saw our photos however the outstanding service started months before we got them!
For my 50th I wanted a picture of my family so hubby duly got a voucher from Penny and then handed over to me! Oh my what a pain pinning 4 sets of families and diaries to one Saturday. Penny was supportive and patient, no pressure just gentle reassurance that we would get there. So we got a date and we all turned up at the most beautiful house and gardens… chaos ensued with sorting two 3 year olds, two under 12 months and one teenager who needed to be serious.
Penny had taken the time to ask questions before hand so she knew all the likes and dislikes and all the names, plus Terry supported Penny and entertained the children and took additional pictures.

Thank you thank you thank you ?

If you are looking for someone who cares about the service they give and the shots they take then please use Penny – you will not be disappointed

Venitia Billings “

Canvas wrap, image, family photo,

All ready for delivery..

All ready for delivery…

#portrait #suffolk #family #together Family gathering

People can be amazingly kind in their testimonials…

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Christmas 2018 seems long gone now, however wanted to share a pleasant surprise last month, from the contact who booked my services to cover their Christmas Parties. Along with two other very good photographers over 13 evenings, we captured several hundred people all enjoying the festive time at both The Apex and The Athenaeum in Bury St Edmunds. To receive the attached testimonial was brilliant!

I’ll let the following link do the talking!

Penny Morgan Photography Testimonial

The Athenaeum Christmas Parties, 2018, Bury St Edmunds The Athenaeum Christmas Parties, 2018, Bury St Edmunds

Boring old headshot… really??

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I recently saw a statement on social media that made me read further… it read ‘don’t want a boring old headshot?’ It occurred to me that I’ve never seen a ‘boring old headshot’ – a poor one perhaps, but not boring. It might be poor in its technical production, for example, poorly lit and too dark, too much contrast, out of focus, an old holiday snap, wrong angle… and then there’s the expression… stiff, nervous, apprehensive, serious and decidedly questionable. So if the offering to pep up a ‘boring old headshot’ is to put someone on a brightly coloured background,  what about that expression??

90% of the success of a good headshot is in the expression. Many people who dislike their photograph being taken, will also say they would like to be captured as ‘friendly and approachable’. Yes you can have a fantastic fine art portrait of someone with a non-smiling expression. It could be wistful, contemplative, cheeky, thoughtful… but for business engagement that’s probably not the best style to go for. There is a friendly and approachable expression in all of us… after all it’s part of our personality.

Our image says a great deal about us and if you form opinions of others by their online image before you get to meet them, you can be sure others will be doing the same about you.

So if you want to encourage trust and engagement with others in your business world, friendly and approachable is the best way forward. Not fixed and posed, but natural and spontaneous… and definitely not boring, whatever background is decided upon.

Professional headshots - wall of fame

Professional headshots on different backgrounds.

Professional headshots packages for those less than comfortable in front of the camera.

The ‘Elephant’ in the room… a photographers focus.

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So for the last two years, I’ve talked about getting to grips with changing how we feel about being photographed. Discovering just how many dislike it and/or the results, has been both eye opening and yet strangely not a surprise.

After developing the program ‘Love Your Image’, to help people who don’t like being photographed change this mind-set, has been an interesting and rewarding journey. Just about everyone thinks it’s a good idea and most will talk about it on a ‘general’ level, but how open would you want to be to discuss this subject on a much more personal level? No so much I find. Often what we don’t like about our image may feel somewhat trivial or connected with vanity and nobody really wants to admit to being vain? I hear so many different stories of why people don’t like their photograph taken, but if you are in business, can you afford to be an Eeore about it?

Being aware of your ‘Mind-set’ is being applied to many things these days and how you present yourself in images IS hugely important. Therefore so is changing your mind-set in front of the camera… and change it YOU CAN… this is something that is within an individuals reach regardless of how you have felt… perhaps for many years? With the right help and guidance you can do this.

To change how you feel and be among a growing group who have learned to ‘Love Their Image’ has MANY rewards. It’s neither trivial nor vain to decide to address this and the benefits are considerable.

The first step of the journey is:

  • Learning and understanding ‘why’ we arrive at such an attitude.
  • Useful tips on ‘how’ to be in front of the camera and why they work!

… and when you feel brave enough…

  • A photo-shoot – that only you see the results, until you are ready to share.
And that’s just the start, to making it a permanent change.

This doesn’t ask anything more of you than a willingness to be open minded to change.

So consider this… and its nothing to do with your size… can the ‘Elephant’ in your room be ignored any longer…?

Elephant In The Room

Photograph copyright of Penny Morgan Photography

What is Valentine’s Day?

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Flowers, a card and a meal out? It’s origins belie a mixed history. The day of romance is named for a Christian martyr and dates back to the 5th century, but it’s beginnings can be found in the Roman holiday of Lupercalia. This was a pastoral festival held on 15th February to avert evil spirits and purify the city, releasing health and fertility.

Ancient rituals have been adulterated with a modern commercial twist. 

The special day falls on a ‘school night’ this year so do we crack open a bottle of fizz? Fuzzy head at half past week! We have realised that we are officially a ‘Coople’, a term used in an illustration by the very talented Jessie Cave. It goes something like this… Jed & Emma have been together for 9 years. They are one of those infuriatingly happy and committed cooples who live for the moment someone asks “how did you meet?”

Deep down we all like the high we get from making others feel special, but how we feel about ourselves is where that happiness truly stems from.

Enjoy February 14th, whether you’ve planned for it or not.

Image copyright of Penny Morgan Photography

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The Photo-less Photo-shoot – no photos… guaranteed!

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Friday 27th May 2016, 10.00am – 12noon – Bury St Edmunds
£19.99 per person.

If you dislike being photographed and are less than happy with the results, then this seminar is for you!

Change your thinking and learn to ‘Love Your Image’.

Happy ladies from Love Your Image

 

 

 

 

 

Number are limited, so BOOK NOW to secure you place!
Get in touch by phone or email – 0845 257 2038 – design@pennymorgan.co.uk

Turn what you learn to your advantage, for business and pleasure – come and find out:

  • Where the dislike comes from
  • Guest speaker Linda Barbour – Calm, confident you
  • Learn valuable tips for being in front of the camera
  • Discover the lasting benefits to both work and personal life
  • Boost your confidence

NO ONE WILL BE PHOTOGRAPHED!

“Really enjoyed it and format was good. Felt there was privacy to sit in the audience and just watch, listen and then to chat afterwards. Great use of assistant, really helped get message across in a humorous and visual way.” – K.N.

When?
Friday 27th May 2016 – 10am – 12noon.

Where?
The Active Business Centre, Bury St Edmunds.

Cost and how to book.
£19.99 per person, includes VAT and tea/coffee.

Places are limited, so book your seat NOW.
Phone: 0845 257 2038
Email: design@pennymorgan.co.uk

For more information, please visit our website page.

This seminar is part of the ‘Love Your Image’ program.

Love Your Image logo

 

 

 

If you feel you would like to go on and complete the program, all attendees of the seminar will qualify to book their photography session at a special rate – come and find out!

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Profile photography day – 17th May 2016

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Another head shot day is set for 17th May, at The Bury Farmers Club and in conjunction with The Best of Bury St Edmunds.

If you would like to update, refresh, or have brand new profile images, take advantage of this day. You can stay ahead of your competition buy having great profile photographs that represent you and your business – suitable for print, website and social media!

Individual sessions will be up to three quarters of an hour and you can book your session time by getting in touch and reserving a space. Your shoot will include 3 high resolution images of your choice from the edited selection. These will be available to view in a private online folder and always the option to purchase more if you wish. Choices will be made available to download from the website.

Special prices for this day are £90 for Best of Bury members and £100 for non members – prices include VAT.

WallofFame6

To book your session, contact me by email – design@pennymorgan.co.uk, or phone 0845 257 2038.

Deposit payment of £50 will be required to secure your session and payment details will be provided together with a VAT invoice.

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The Photo less Photo shoot – no photos… guaranteed!

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Tues 22nd March 2016, 5.45pm – 7.45pm – Bury St Edmunds
£24.99 per person including refreshments.

If you dislike being photographed and are less than happy with the results, then this seminar is for you!

Change your thinking and learn to ‘Love Your Image’.

Happy ladies from Love Your Image

Do you love your image?

 

BOOK NOW! – Go to booking page.

Turn what you learn to your advantage, for business and pleasure – come and find out:

  • Where the dislike comes from
  • Guest speaker Linda Barbour – Calm, confident you
  • Learn valuable tips for being in front of the camera
  • Discover the lasting benefits to both work and personal life
  • Boost your confidence

NO ONE WILL BE PHOTOGRAPHED!

Love Your Image logo

 

 


This seminar is part of the ‘Love Your Image’ program.
If you feel you would like to go on and complete the program, all attendees will qualify to book their photography session at a special rate – come and find out!

When?
   Tues 22nd March 2016, 5.45pm – 7.45pm.

Where – and how to get there.
   The Active Business Centre, Bury St Edmunds

Cost and how to book.
   £24.99 per person, includes VAT and refreshment.

Places are limited, so book your seat NOW – Go to booking page.

For more information, please visit our website page
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Is it all in our heads…?

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This blog is asking people to think about their profile image on social media, whether you’re representing yourself personally, or in a business capacity. I’ve started asking people at events and networking what first impressions they draw when making new connections on social media?

Photographs on these platforms can be clear, up to date, friendly, approachable, even creative and quirky! However, many are also, unclear, dark, out of date, too far away, doubtful in expression… or missing altogether – we call these people ‘Mr Grey-face’!

So the question is, if someones photograph causes you to draw a first impression of that person, what does your image say about you? If you are in business, or represent a company, have you ever considered people’s first impressions about you and does it have an impact on your business?

A head shot is a window into our personality – does yours reflect the true person?

What first impression do you want to make?

This autumn on Tuesday, October 20th and Wednesday, November 4th, you can come and find the unique way I get the best from people and have fresh/new profile images sorted in either Bury St Edmunds, or Mellis.

To book your place on either of these dates, please call me on 0845 257 2038, or email design@pennymorgan.co.uk. 

WallofFame6

The Photoless Photoshoot – no photos… guaranteed!

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Wed 19th August 5.45pm – 7.45pm – Bury St Edmunds – £15 per person including light refreshments.

Why do we hate being photographed?

Why do we think we are not photogenic?

And can we do anything about it!

Turn what you learn to your advantage, for business and pleasure – come and find out!

Do you love your image?

Do you love your image?

Change your thinking with this two hour presentation and learn to ‘Love Your Image’.

BOOK NOW! Go to booking page.

* Find out where the dislike comes from

* Learn some valuable tips on being in front of a camera

* Discover the lasting benefits to yourself and your business

* Boost your confidence

* Never worry about being photographed again!

NO-ONE WILL BE PHOTOGRAPHED!

This presentation is part of the ‘Love Your Image’ program and all attendees will have the opportunity to book this shoot at a special rate – come and find out!

When?
Wednesday 19th August 2105, 5.45pm – to 7.45pm.

Where (and how to get there)?
The Active Business Centre, Bury St Edmunds

Cost (and how to book)?
£15 per person, (plus booking fee), includes VAT and light refreshment.
Places are limited, so book your place here NOW – Go to booking page.

 

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