How long has Artis Stuido’s been going and can you tell us a little bit about how it was formed?
Artis studios has been going since April 2006 but officially and completely owned by us since September 2006. The concept of Artis happened about 4 years ago when Kat was asked by a photographer for help at his studio. She implemented some drastic systems to help get the studio back on it’s feet which included getting myself in to help with photoshop workflows and rebranding. After about 6 months the studio owners decided they wanted to retire (ill health sped this process along) so Kat and I took over the studio.
KAT: I think we compliment each other really well. We both have the same vision of where we want the company to go, so making decisions is usually pretty easy. I have a business head, so I run the office, know whats happening with every client and sort out things like pricing. Hannah is the creative that designs the material and has developed our style of images. We trust each other completely which was hard at first, as we both wanted to be able to do everything, but now that we have found our skills we are comfortable giving up certains areas completely to the other person
You specialize in portraits and weddings. Do you have a favorite and why?
The images that you have chosen to add to this chat, why those?
HANNAH: The dog came in as part of a pet promotion and the woman wanted 'different' images. She wanted to dye her dogs hair but luckily ran out of time so I reassured her I would do it in post. I really like the fact that we caught the shot while he was licking his lips and the canon 5d mark2 really brings out the detail in his fur.
The couple on the skate ramp I loved doing and were completely natural in front of the camera and with each other. Both have a performing arts background so were really good at understanding body positions and following instructions. Both had a sort of ‘rock’ look to them so I wanted to use a local skate park with lots of graffiti to match the look. However when I got there the council had painted over the graffiti with a horrible green paint. All that was left were a few tags on the half pipe and although the couple couldn’t sit on it as it was so slippery, it made a cool shot the second they could.
KAT: The Bride - Its funny, I didn't even notice this image that much the first time I saw it. I had done my raw conversion to the photos, then handed the wedding to Hannah to do some fancy effects. When it came back she had cropped this image panoramic and put a beautiful soft desaturated effect on, and I was like 'wow - I took that?'!
The Church - This one was the opposite as I new it would be a good one as I was taking it. The lighting was perfect, the natural framing of the arch and I was in the perfect spot. Its this type of photo I love to look for on a wedding day, and the extra vignetting afterwards, just makes it perfect.
If you weren't a photographer what would you be doing do you think?
KAT: I have absolutely no idea! I have always been really headstrong so when I decided to be a photographer, I just went out and got a job as a photographer.
Tell me the 3 scariest things about setting up your own business?
1) Doing your own tax return.
2) When the phone doesn't ring for a while.
3) I can't think of a third - being self-employed was pretty much second natural to me. I think its much scary to have a boss to please!
HANNAH:
1) “What if it doesn’t work!”
2) The learning curve.
3) Money.
Quick fire round.....are you ready? - If each of you can answer these that would be great – thanks.
HANNAH:
1. Favorite word
Supercalifrag - when used as an adjective e.g. “that idea is supercaifrag” followed by “yeah, it’s expialidocious”
2. Pet hate about the world of photos
The massive amount of arrogance in the industry.
3. Another person that inspires you At the moment
E J Camp
4. Any personal projects coming up?
We have plans to do more model type shoots and although their not personal projects they are what I love shooting the most and get the most creative imagery.
5. Your being shipped to the moon and can grab only 3 things, what are they?
My dog, my Mac (Kat already took the iPhone) and a McDonalds Banana milkshake - not sure why just fancy one.
6. Favourite book
Hmmm...too many. Life of Pi, Dice Man, Sophie’s World, Marley and me
7. 2010 see’s what for Artis?
Hopefully more big plans, we always want to push ourselves and the business further. Another full time member of staff, solid plans towards moving/changing premises,
KAT:
1. Favorite word
Pudding
2. Pet hate about the world of photos
Spot colouring - why do you want to make people look dead.....WHY!?
3. Another person that inspires you
Jeff Ascough
4. Any personal projects coming up?
I would love to have a fine art section to the website to sell some travel prints and give me an excuse to go round the world and have it all put on the business! Can't say its coming up anytime soon though.
5. Your being shipped to the moon and can grab only 3 things, what are they?
My iphone, my dog and a really good book. Wait, do they have electric sockets on the moon? Does the charger count as a separate item? I need more information!!
6. Favourite book
I have loads - 'Dice Man' maybe. I am loving 'Jane Eyre' at the moment.
7. 2010 see’s what for Artis?
A full time retoucher I hope. We are growning too fast for us and need to have time to actually run the business, not just work in it. If anyone reading this wants to come work for us, send us your CV!
And lastly.....is there any bit of advise you can offer those trying to get into wedding or portrait photography?
HANNAH:
I am always impressed with people who have used their time to get as much experience as possible. Free work experience, shadowing a professional, even just taking lots of their own photos and trying new things.
KAT:
Find a style and stand out from the crowd. There is a million people that can all take photos, so they need a really good reason to pick you over their friend with a camera. Keep up the quality as well, as once you start cutting corners its a vicious downward spiral and the customers WILL notice - referrals are everything!
