June has been a busy one for local photographer Iska Birnie Photography, providing the opportunity to work alongside some amazing businesses, organisations and communities across the North-east.
From busy harbours and corporate offices to student organisations, charity events, and more rural parts of the country, the month has reflected the huge diversity of the region's businesses.
Working with organisations across many sectors offers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities businesses face. It has been great to see that businesses are continuing to invest in their people. Through branding, professional headshots, documenting innovation, and strengthening their online presence. Organisations recognise that professional photography has an important role in building trust, attracting talent, and communicating their values.
One of the month's highlights has been continuing work with Reach Subsea, photographing vessels arriving into harbour and documenting their operations. Working in environments like the harbour requires more than simply arriving with a camera. Apart from a detailed brief and shot list, every project also involves understanding vessel movements, harbour operations, and risk assessments to ensure everything runs safely and efficiently.
The importance of long-term business relationships has also been evident throughout June. Fellow Chamber member IO IT recently became an annual retainer client, building on an existing relationship that began with IT support. Partnerships like these allow businesses to develop a library of consistent imagery over time.
June also involved travelling between multiple locations for clients. Taking staff headshots, and group photographs of leadership teams. Alongside commercial commissions, it was also a privilege to photograph the Kiltwalk for one of the main sponsors, capturing the incredible community spirit and fundraising efforts that make the event so special each year.
Planning is also underway for projects supporting students as they prepare to enter the workplace, reflecting the growing importance of professional personal branding from the very start of a career.
While every assignment is different, preparation remains a constant. Behind every photograph are conversations about objectives, locations, logistics, branding, timings, and the story each client wants to tell. Investing time in understanding a business before picking up the camera leads to stronger, more meaningful imagery.
Spending time alongside businesses across so many different industries shows just how innovative, ambitious and collaborative the Northeast business community is. Every organisation has its own story, but they all have one thing in common, their people remain at the heart of their success. Helping businesses tell those stories continues to be one of the most rewarding aspects of commercial photography.
To find out more, visit: www.iskabirniephotography.co.uk