Powerhouse Photography

Creative Match Flair Awards

Well what can we say - Rich Warburton has done it again with this months Flair photography award in Creative Match. We are widening the door to make it easier for him to get his head in as we speak!

Seriously though - well done again Rich!

To see the details click this link below:

http://www.creativematch.co.uk/?action=viewFlair&fi=2908

Commercial Photographer 2008

Congratulations to our very own Richard Warburton who scooped a number of awards at the recently held BIPP photography awards including Yorkshire Advertising Photographer of the year and overall Commercial Photographer of the Year 2008.

The Music

Successful Leeds band The Music spent the weekend at powerhouse recently for some shots to promote their upcoming Four Cities Tour. The band are due to release their 3 album in May for further info check out... www.themusic.co.uk

Richard Warburton and Kevin Hiscoe worked together on this project at the weekend as they are both huge fans of the band.

Account Manager vacancy

We are currently looking to fill some pretty big shoes here. Well not literally big shoes, I'm sure they are rather dainty, but figuratively they are huge!

Due to our Hels taking some time out to look after baby Dave we are looking to cover her absence with an experienced account manager. Read on for the job spec if interested or if you know someone who would be interested...

Account Manager vacancy

If interested please read on for the job ad. If you know of anyone who may be interested then please pass it on.

Powerhouse Photography is a highly successful and well established creative commercial photography business. Due to maternity leave we are looking for an experienced Account Manager to initially provide cover for a 6 to 10 month period. The company has experienced rapid growth over the last 12 months and we anticipate this will continue. It is therefore expected that the role will become permanent at the end of the contract.

The key goals of the role are to manage and enhance our clients experience whilst developing further sales opportunities within certain key accounts.

Responsibilities include:

Manage day to day client relationships through effective communication

Spot and develop new business opportunities within key accounts

Develop project plans and manage the deliverables of multiple projects to completion

Manage projects costs and ensure projected profits are achieved

Source suppliers and negotiate costs for projects

Maintain accurate records and provide reports for management meetings

Skills:

Excellent communication skills are key to this role. Your assertiveness and natural empathy for others is well balanced, allowing you to get things done efficiently without upsetting people. You will have excellent organisational and time-management skills, fine attention to detail, and the ability to think outside the box to solve problems. With a proven track record of account management ideally gained with a large retail account, you enjoy a challenge and handling multiple projects at once.

In return we offer a competitive remuneration package and the opportunity to get up in the morning and look forward to work! The environment is fun and friendly, and we have a fantastic range of clients that keeps it varied and interesting. Work-life balance is also something we don't just quote for marketing purposes.

In the first instance drop me an email and I'll try and arrange an informal chat:

neil@powerhousephoto.co.uk

Cheers

Neil

Room set photography

Here is a way we help our clients visualise a room set before it has been built. We build a 3D graphical model to scale that allows us to move around the 'virtual' set, choosing the best camera angles, props, crops etc.

Like most photographers we charge based on time. To get the most out of the day, planning and preparation is essential. Having a virtual set designed means we can plan out each shot in advance and our clients can get a visual representation of how this will look. Ultimately our clients get much more value for money.

here is a link to our Youtube channel that show this in more detail: www.youtube.com/user/powerhousephoto

To find out more about this service, please call Neil on 0113 2047000.

BIPP Achievement

Congratulations to Richard Warburton A.K.A Roo for gaining his licentiateship qualification at the latest round of British Institute of Professional Photography judging.

His work not only passed but was singled out as the best from the 200+ submissions. His portfolio now goes forward for the annual awards show for... "best licentiate portfolio for 2007".

"This is a tremendous achievement and we are all delighted for Richard.It's well deserved recognition of his creative talent and sheer hard work" Tony Lendill, Creative Director

Skin Genesis

Leeds Advertising and PR Agency Adessi chose Powerhouse to help with their campaign for national natural skin-care company Skin Genesis (www.skingenesis.co.uk). It was an unusual project- they wanted to illustrate how Skin Genesis treatments can help with many complaints. Adessi enlisted the help of several of Skin Genesis' happy clients and we utilised our huge white infinity cove to achieve the shots.

"We were delighted with the results of the shoot at Powerhouse. They made what could've been a nightmare shoot, with 15 untrained models, pain-free and great fun." Jude Smith, www.Adessi.co.uk

Recent Client Feedback

We recently completed a project for our new client 'The Last Detail', a web based company for table decorations, party products and favours. We worked very closely with Kaley Gardiner, the Director, to ensure that we got inside each others head so that we knew exactly what she wanted to achieve and she knew how we proposed to achieve it. Through several brainstorming sessions we came up with a clear strategy for shooting the products and then we scheduled the shoot in the most cost effective way, without compromising on quality.

Here is Kaley's feedback (we promise we didn't make her write this!)

“We have just finished our first ever shoot with Powerhouse and are absolutely thrilled with the finished results achieved, which far exceeded expectations. For me, the finished results are only half the story - it’s how you are dealt with as a client, that makes or breaks a shoot.

Having worked or come into contact with a number of photographers in the past, there are two things that really set Powerhouse apart from its competitors. Firstly, the very obvious concept of having an account handler (Helen) who is, quite possibly, one of the most organised and calm people I’ve ever met, with the most amazing ability to solve any problem. With 115 shots to complete, she planned everything in advance, taking all the worry out of the process for me and ensuring I didn’t overlook anything. The second thing is what a great team of people they are! Everyone is so welcoming and friendly and there is a genuine feeling that they can’t do enough for you. I am really missing working with them (although I’m not sure Tony, our wonderful photographer wouldn't say the same about me!) and yes, as everyone else has mentioned them, the lunches are great (get Kev to make one of his pasta dishes).

Great people. Great laugh. Great results. Can’t recommend them highly enough.”

Kaley Gardiner
Director
The Last Detail
www.thelastdetail.co.uk

Fashion boutique photography

Online fashion boutique Jem chose Powerhouse for the launch of their latest range. They wanted to get across the quirkiness and vintage style in an informal and relaxed setting so after numerous location searches, our creative director Tony camped out for the day in a local Victorian pub.
The casual styling, location and use of natural light came together to produce a collection of excellent shots that most importantly sell well off the page. Shown here is one of the collections.

Award winning photographer

Our Tony has been awarded the top prize - Award of Excellence in the UK Commercial/Advertising category at the recent British Professional Photography Awards.

Hundreds of professional photographers from around the world were joined by representatives from the major photographic companies at the glittering Awards ceremony held on 28^th October at the Hilton Hotel in Newcastle.

Nice one Tone!

Record first quarter

Thanks to the continued support of our loyal clients and the addition of a few new ones, we had our busiest first quarter ever! To celebrate the team went on a well earned jolly to Alton Towers.

See if you can spot who looks the most scared on the huge vertical drop to "Oblivion"..

Team at Alton Towers

Good day out!

Bring your kid to work day 2

Lucy spent the day with us today. Here is her picture of the team - thanks Lucy!

Snowing in Leeds

Here is Kev scattering snow in the studio as part of our winter wonderland set for Christmas. Maybe the only snow we will see in Leeds this year - who knows.

Busy...busy...busy

We may have had one of the wettest summers on record but Powerhouse has had its busiest summer to date. We have worked on a huge amount of projects ranging from simple but high volume catalogue product shots to complex lifestyle photography both on location and in studio. In terms of location work, the most exciting projects have been in two stunning gardens in Poole-in-Wharfdale and Bardsey, a swanky hotel in Manchester, and a uber-modern house in Boston Spa. As for the studio, we have had several full room sets in studio comprising of a kitchen, bedroom, office and bathroom. Look out for the new images in our portfolio and the next Powerhouse newsletter for more details.....

New Props Department

This is a selection of our extensive range of props that are available free of charge to our clients to use during shoots. We have a huge selection of tableware for food photography and general household items for room sets and lifestyle photography.

World cup Downhill

If working at powerhouse wasn't excitement enough 3 of the photographic team are mad mountain bikers, and like nothing more than throwing themselves down the steepest most exciting and thrilling rides they can muster.

Tony Lendill, Richard Warburton and Kevin Hiscoe recently combined a rare opportunity to clear the weekend diary to have a packed weekend of mountain biking and camping in the lake district.

After arriving in Grizedale forest and deciding upon the best route through their weekend adventure it was decided that getting back in one piece to the tent to change in time for the restaurant and many glasses of soothing wines and beers was the best plan.

Kevin obviously had ' not been to the meeting' as he successfully fell off more times than people could count and even managed at one stage to fall off a picnic table ( we are still not sure how he managed to do this! )

By the end of the weekend all bikers were returned safely and fit and well for the next day's shooting.

If this wasn't enough Kevin topped this event by embarking on a weekend at Fort William in Scotland, he took on the World Cup downhill course. Kevin's opinion on this was summed up in one word 'awesome' his quote on the day was 'arrrrrrrrrrgggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!'

A Grade Photographers

Phill Shannon and Tony Lendill are celebrating their recent successes at this years British Institute of Professional photography Qualifications event.

Phill and Tony both gained their Associate membership in this years round of applicants.

The British Institute of Professional Photography is the premier qualifying body for professional image makers in the UK its Qualifications are highly respected across the world and are a recognised benchmark. They also give photographers the opportunity to explore their craft fully.

Both portfolios, as selection of work from their commissioned and non- commissioned books, which included food photography, packaging, location, people and product, took the form of 20 images which were presented to the panel of judges at the event.

The judges agreed that both portfolios not only passed the level required but stood head and shoulders above the main body of work submitted.

A selection of work can be seen above.

Clients comments

When looking at putting the content together for this site we wanted to get over to people the essence and values of Powerhouse photography.

We started writing down all the usual adjectives – professional, quality, creative, competitive, flexible, hard-working etc. The problem is these days it’s not a point of difference anymore. When was the last time you looked at a site that didn’t mention this? Are we taken in by the sales blurb anymore when constantly bombarded with the same messages? I think not. So we asked our clients why they used us and have printed some of the comments below.

I would have printed the bad ones also but we never got any. That’s possibly because some people didn’t want to hurt our feelings but we will never know.

Quality, sharp and creative photographers. They’ve helped us out of a few scrapes along the way… Above all else, the girls and boys at Powerhouse are a nice, fun bunch to work with. Onwards! – Martin O’Toole, hôme.

Very flexible Able to converse with non creatives!!! Good to work with. Thanks - Graham Hursthouse, Asda

Being in retail jewellery the Christmas season is of great importance and we have been using Powerhouse for the photography of our brochure products for three consecutive years. The Powerhouse team are a delight to work with, producing consistently high quality shots at a cost-effective price. With the initial discussions incorporating the design ideas, the photographic team bear in mind the concept throughout the process, bringing their experience to the discussions. Working with such a friendly, down-to-earth, flexible team is extremely refreshing and we value their knowledge immensely. Although always working to a tight deadline the photographic team are prepared to take the time to ensure the shot is perfect. Such a positive approach to this annual project means I can feel confident in the relationship between Powerhouse and Chapelle Jewellery continuing! - Claire Mortimer, Group Marketing

Manager Chapelle Jewellery. You all know we love you!!! - Nick Lock, the Lock 23

When we first approached powerhouse over 3 years ago, they were relatively new to jewellery. It’s not as easy to photograph as you think! With time and attention paid to developing our photography and working closely with us as a company, powerhouse have achieved good sound knowledge on how to get the perfect shot – from a basic simple reference image to a really strong creative pr image which reflects their time and energy putting into working with our product. Through this they have gained several new jewellery accounts opening up their portfolio even further. It is a real pleasure to work with a company who are friendly, down to earth and are happy to listen to their clients and fully take on board any briefs – whatever the scale of the project. Claire Beaumont – G&A

What I really like about Powerhouse is the informality, all the team are very touchy feely and they just have ability to get inside your mind and execute the brief with the least possible pain, every detail of the job is thought through and nothing is too much trouble, and they even feed you!". "The studio is such a calmining and funky environment which actually brings out even more creativeness". "They make a pretty mean cup of coffee and the leather reclining chair has to be sat on". "You leave a Powerhouse shoot with that warm feeling inside - as they make you and your product look so good!" "I would strongly recommend the Powerhouse team to any company looking for creative team that have the ability to take the pain away". Powerhouse = pain relief, peace of mind and total satisfaction + feel good factor. What more do you need to look for in a company. Hilary Thornton Particular Design & Print Limited

I would say we use Powerhouse because you deliver the photographs we like, your easy to communicate with, we like your style and your fun to work with! Plus lunch in the studio is excellent! Elizabeth Halsall – RFGYH

Powerhouse are a great team, who always give you a very warm welcome and are always really positive and professional. No task is too much trouble, big or small. Patience of saints especially with some particular projects. Impressive studio that is a great working environment (including cosy blankets when the temperature really drops) Always feel spoilt with lots of lovely lunches and cups of hot water with lemon! Excellent service all round hence why Gratterpalm have continued to work with you whenever projects arise. Julie D’Ambrosio – Gratterpalm

We have found the service provided from Powerhouse both professional and of a very exacting quality. Our business is jewellery as well as taking excellent product shots you also need a company with high integrity due to the value of the product. Powerhouse provides the complete package. Chris Brown – Herbert Brown

Had lots of really positive feedback on the pics - so thanks again! Tracey Chapman Most importantly you can always expect fantastic photography, but there's more than that. The first time I worked with them, it felt as though I'd known them for ages. They're friendly and relaxed and every shoot with them is an enjoyable one. All this, combined with their amazing studio (you have to see it to appreciate it) makes Powerhouse a great team to work with. Lynda Doyle – home

There are many good photographers about but Powerhouse are not only one of the best technically and artistically but they have unique qualities that put them above the rest. A great team with a professional and flexible outlook. They are unflappable (or seem so) and I cannot recommend them enough for their quality of work. NEIL A FOX - Commercial Director, Endon Lighting Ltd

Our Values

We have been busy working on what our values are as a business - basically what we are all about. This proved a lot more difficult than we thought, but we feel comfortable with this, and it works better than a mission statement for us.

Our values

Our first responsibility is to our clients who use our services

In meeting their needs everything we do must be of high quality

We must constantly strive to reduce our costs in order to maintain reasonable prices

Our suppliers must have an opportunity to make a fair profit.

We are responsible to our employees. We want people to enjoy work and have fun.

Everyone must be considered as an individual and have a sense of security in their jobs.

Compensation must be fair and adequate, and working conditions clean, orderly and safe.

We must be mindful of ways to help our employees fulfill their family responsibilities.

Employees must feel free to make suggestions and complaints.

There must be equal opportunity for employment, development and advancement for those qualifi

We must provide competent management, and their actions must be just and ethical.

Business must make a sound profit.

We must experiment with new ideas, and new technologies.

Reserves must be created to provide for adverse times.

Office furniture photography

Volume Products Ltd ( www.volumeproducts.co.uk ) have recently put our infinity cove to great use. Volume produce cutting edge flexible workspace solutions and they needed cutting edge shots for their cutting edge brochure! Seriously though they are fantastic products – take a look.

With one of the UK’s largest infinity coves built into our studio, it’s ideal when you need to photograph large images without anything reflecting into them. I think the next nearest large cove to ours in Leeds is in Birmingham.

The idea of the ghost like people in the shots is to show the products being used but without detracting the eye from the product.

Client Feedback: “Just wanted to let you know that the new website is online and the photographs look fantastic! We have also received our new brochure (copies of which are in the post to you tonight).

The images far surpass our original expectations.
Thank you again for your hard work.
Regards.
Liz and Mark”

Bring your kid to work day

Here’s Thomas Adams’s plan of our studio that he did whilst on the “Bring your kid to work day”. By the way the bed was for a shot – we aren’t that lazy!

Outdoor photography indoors in Leeds

We shoot the majority of products these days out-of season- sometimes up to a year in advance of them hitting the stores. Garden furniture and accessories is a challenge as the bulk of it comes in during autumn and winter for the next summer.

Shooting in the UK outdoors poses lots of problems especially during the winter months. It simply doesn’t look summery, you only have a short period when it’s light and you can’t rely on the weather. Taking the products to say South Africa is a costly option so the best alternative is to re-create the outdoors indoors.

Luckily our studio is large enough to accommodate a sizable garden. Working with our set designers/builders we constructed a Victorian walled garden and a more modern contemporary setting with decking that was versatile enough for a huge range of products to be photographed

Location photography in Yorkshire

Just wanted to mention my mate Nick. Special thanks to Nick Aspinall here for going up and down the hill 100 times until we got the shot we wanted. We love these opportunities to get out and shoot exciting stuff. This location shot was taken for a pitch for a mountain bike manufacturer.

Catalogue Photography Leeds

Powerhouse Photography, Commercial Photographers Leeds, Yorkshire.

Experienced in:

Still Life photography, Fashion Photography, Location Photography, Editorial Photography, Food Photography, Catalogue Photography, Room Set Photography, Product Photography, People Photography, Lifestyle Photography, Volume Photography, Location Photography, Outdoor Photography.