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| | This month was all about AI 🤖And I don’t mean Chat GPT (although it did play a part in the conversation). A few months ago, I was approached to participate in a research project at King's College London, focusing on AI in the creative space, and I was one of a handful of people selected in the country to take part. Well, this month we got to go to King's College in London for a panel discussion about AI before they start putting their thinking caps on and creating the report due to be released in October. There were creatives from different disciplines putting their views forward, including the Arts Council who talked about the government's remit on how things are done. It will be interesting to see the final thoughts, all analysed and documented, and whether any developments regarding copyright and AI will come to pass. So Autumn is finally here 🍁 and I think it’s probably my favourite time of year for photography, not the cold part, I don’t like the cold part, and of course, I don’t like the kids turning the heating on (I’m still refusing to allow it, but my own coldness in the morning is starting to waver 🥶) | | | |
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| | | | Why I’m a Member of Professional Photography BodiesFor me, photography isn’t just about pressing a shutter – it’s about constantly learning, improving, and holding myself to the highest standards. That’s why I’m proud to be a member of both the Royal Photographic Society (RPS) and the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP). They provide not only recognition of my work, but also access to training, inspiration, and a community of like-minded professionals. It’s reassuring for clients too – you know you’re working with someone committed to quality and professionalism.
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| | | | A day of Street Photography with the RPS (The Royal Photographic Society)
Having people organise events that interest you is fantastic, it allows you to mix with like-minded people and learn a thing or two, and a recent email caught my attention: it was about a photo walk around Birmingham led by Bruno Vinel, the Regional Organiser for the Central Region of the RPS. I do enjoy street photography, though I wouldn’t consider myself an expert in this area. The opportunity to receive some tips and be with like-minded individuals sounded like a wonderful way to spend a Saturday.
The event did not disappoint, and I was amazed at how many portraits I managed to capture throughout the day. This achievement is particularly significant because it involved engaging with people and asking for their permission to take their photos, a challenge that can often discourage those interested in street photography. However, thanks to a couple of tips from Bruno on how to approach people, this task became much easier. | | | |
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| | The new rules of influence: Rethinking the consumer journey
📺 How Video Shapes the Consumer Purchase Journey
The key takeaway
Video now influences every stage of the buying process, from sparking awareness to driving actual purchases.
The old funnel is gone
The linear “awareness → consideration → purchase” model no longer fits how people shop. Today, journeys are fragmented, with consumers streaming, scrolling, searching, and shopping all at once.
Video’s influence runs deep
Google and BCG’s research shows that:
- Half of shoppers said video helped them discover new products and brands.
- Around 4 in 10 said it sparked their interest in something new.
- Nearly half said it helped them choose between products or brands.
- A third said it influenced their final purchase decision.
YouTube stood out as especially powerful. Viewers found it more likely than social platforms to boost brand consideration and purchase intent, and it scored higher for attention, relevance, and trust. The new currencies of influence
Winning with video isn’t just about reach. It’s about:
- Attention - content that stands out.
- Relevance - content that feels personal and timely.
- Trust - voices and creators people believe in.
People said they were more likely to pay attention, find relevance, and trust what they saw on YouTube compared with other platforms. What this means for brands
Successful video strategies now anchor in community, culture, and creator relationships - not just impressions. The shift is from buying impressions to making impressions: creating memorable moments that truly influence decisions. | | | |
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| | | | Why Professional Photography is a Smart Business Investment 📸
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We all know a picture says a thousand words, but when it comes to your business, the right pictures can say so much more. From building trust with new customers to making your brand shine above the competition, professional photography isn’t just about looking good — it’s about growing your business. In this article, I share why investing in high-quality visuals could be one of the smartest moves you make this year.
Read the full article at the link below: | | | |
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| | | | Need a new MIC setup?I was sent a new mic setup to review, and I’ll be honest, if they hadn’t sent it, I wouldn’t have bought it (because I had never heard of them and hadn't seen any reviews). But let me tell you, these things are amazing! And I’ve now converted to recording all my videos with them and am amazed at the quality and ease of use (which is good, becasue I’m getting older) | | | |
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I love this time of year because of all the new life emerging through the decay of the summer life, and also the light! The light is lovely at this time of year. | | | |
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| | | | Behind The ScenesJust a few photos from on location so that you can have a peek into my world. | | | |
| | Out in the evening catching the sunset 🌅 | | | |
| | EDC (Every Day Carry) gear is being sorted and prepared for a new YouTube video next month. | | | |
| | Setting up for a product shoot, finished article next month. | | | |
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| | Adding fake windows light in the studio 🪟. | | | |
| | Lighting the tiny world 🌍 | | | |
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| | | | | Previous newsletters are available becasue there is a treasure trove of marketing advice and some delightful pictures too! Take your time to check them out and enjoy a few extra minutes of reading. | | | |
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| | | | This month's Landscape‘Autumn View' Up early for a walk over Bodenham Arboretum, and I saw the mist just hovering between the tree line. | | | |
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| | | | Well, that’s it for this month and I hope there has been something in this which has sparked an interest for you. If there is something you would like to see in future, then just let me know. | | | |
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“Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going."
Sam Levenson
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