Being a Professional Photographer in Berkshire

Being a Berkshire Professional Photographer wasn't on my career list.

I became a professional photographer in Berkshire about 20 years ago, but it was never something I had a burning ambition to do. Until I realised that it was...if that makes sense?

I started my working life in property, qualifiying as a Chartered Surveyor and working in the West End and Docklands as a development surveyor. So people wonder why and how I took the seemingly extreme career change in my thirties. It's a long story, probably best told over a cuppa, but essentially I had always kept albums and had a camera of sorts with me over the years.

Hindsight tells me that it was the visual and tangible element of photographs that interested me, rather than the technical love of creating with a camera. You can read more about my views on that here.

I took my first SLR camera travelling in 1999, and just loved the act of creating beautiful images. I read the manual and taught myself how to use the camera and when we got back, although I went back into property, I took photography courses and immersed myself in the visual world of photogarphy.

It was when I moved to the Surrey Berkshire borders that I dived into full time professional photography, giving up the day job. And I've been providing services to businesses in London, Berkshire, Surrey and Hampshire and across South East England as a professional photographer ever since!

I felt technical knowledge is a small part of being a professional photographer.

Perhaps it was my professional property background, but I did feel that qualifications were important to me. Initially because needed the external validation, so gained my Licentiate at the British Institute of Professional Photographers (LBIPP - the first level of professional qualification), but swiftly going up through the qualifications simply to progress and develop my skills for continuing profession and personal development.

It was when I achieved my Fellowship in Fine Art Photography that I realised that for me as a professional photographer, the vision, the crafting and the execution of a photograph is more important than technical ability to use a camera. This is especially true these days, when anyone can take a good or pretty picture with their phone, but not everyone can create an impactful image that resonates with the intended audience.

Professional photography is purposeful, carefully planned and crafted with a specific visual outcome in mind.

Lovely things said about me

"Our team were really pleased with the final product but above anything the client was thrilled with them."

MICHAEL NELIGAN, AGENCY 53

“Jo is great to work with and a force to be reckoned with.”

SARAH BEADSMORE, ZING FILMS

“Right from the beginning Jo made me feel at ease and was really helpful and friendly.”

KUNAL PATEL, ARUNA WEALTH MANAGEMENT

“She is extraordinarily talented, good fun to be around, professional and personable.”

MARCIE SHAOUL, ROLLING STONE COACHING

“Jo was very keen to ensure she met our brief and was very professional and organised throughout.”

RACHAEL LONGLEY, ROHLIG LOGISTICS

“Jo transformed my profile by understanding me and my target audience.”

NEIL SLOAM, WINKWORTHS ESTATE AGENTS

Being Original

As a location photographer, the images I capture are always unique. Each person, product, location and even natural light conveys meaning and essence unlike any other images. I draw out the incomparable connection, personality and principles that matter to my clients.

Being Knowlegeable

For each commission I draw on my depth of experience and diversity of my portfolio to create compelling images that delight and surprise. I’m adaptive to changing styles and techniques to maintain my high standards and love of photography.

Being Elegant

I see beauty in everything, noticing small details that are often overlooked or ignored. My images are an expression of what I see. The feel good that only a photograph can capture. I see beyond what’s in front of me and shoot spirit and soul.

Being Honest

I go out of the way to put my clients at ease; preparing in advance and giving direction where it’s needed. I want you to enjoy the experience and feel comfortable, relaxed and natural. You’ll walk away never feeling camera shy again.