Darkness and Light

The Worst Photograph Ever?

noreply@blogger.com (Kieron Heath) — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 18:33:00 +0000

Is this the worst photograph, ever? Well, from my experience working in a minilab, I would have to say that this is certainly not the case. There are plenty of people taking blurry pictures of the pavement at different angles (I never could work out what it was these customers were trying to illustrate) which beat this. However, Leibowitz's photograph for the Espresso calendar is a very good contender.

It lacks any sense of style, context, good composure, or taste. I fail to see how any of the subjects relate, and see this more as an example of what not to do with a budget and with guys working on photoshop with some Mac Pros. Honestly, what on earth is this image about?

I have calendars from suppliers that have their images sourced from amateurs that are blazingly more interesting and better thought out than this image.

Perhaps I am biased in that I fail to appreciate photomanipulation artwork, but I've never seen any example of that medium which has been this bad. But I do think that even those blurry pavement images have a little more style than this image does.

Happy Christmas From Lux Imaging

noreply@blogger.com (Kieron Heath) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 13:49:00 +0000

Posting will resume in January.

Movember Gala Parte

noreply@blogger.com (Kieron Heath) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:40:00 +0000

The whole team will be attending the Movember Gala Parte in London, and I'm sure that you will see us all there in fancy dress in the theme of each of our moustaches... now where can I get a highway patrol uniform?

On a different subject, it's my birthday today!

Mo Update!

noreply@blogger.com (Kieron Heath) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:59:00 +0000

Now that's a Mo!

Don't forget to sponsor my Mo!

Law of Annoyance

noreply@blogger.com (Kieron Heath) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:02:00 +0000

There are many companies out there who base their business and marketing strategies on the Law of Averages. It doesn't work!

Victor Antonio, a marketing speaker, used the analogy of a nightclub to describe the idea of the Law of Averages. You go up to a woman and ask her for a dance, she says no, so you move onto the next one, and the next one until the 14th one says yes... but then a track comes on you can't dance to, so you have to start again. That, Victor Antonio explains, is the Law of Averages. The more people you ask, the better your chance of getting a 'yes'. I see, that makes you look like a desperate dick.

This is the idea behind all those amazingly annoying cold calls you get from about 11 o'clock onwards. They spend their whole day having people scream and shout and swear at them to go away, because they are talking to people who simply are not interested. I mean, who is really going to say yes to double-glazing just because someone called them up in the middle of their lunch.

Apparently, we are one of the luckiest households in the country, we've managed to win £10,000 worth of double-glazing three years in a row. And yet, we still haven't won that damn lottery.

According to Victor Antonio, we should embrace negativity and rejection as part of the marketing game, but why? If you're calling 100 people and only getting 2 or 3 yes, or maybes then how much time and effort have you had to waste to get there. Stop worrying about how many people you've managed to call, and start concentrating on who you're trying to talk to.

As a marketer and business owner, I want to be talking to people who are actually interested in my services. I don't need a radio ad (who the hell can see what my photography is like, let alone remember my web address), or a witty TV advert (a good advert doesn't make me drink a certain type of beer, or buy a certain washing up liquid) or a whole page spread in a magazine (positioned just nicely between the letters section and the sports pages).

If you're out to annoy your potential customers, then by all means keep making those calls - but I can guarantee you'll be the last person they think of when they are looking for a service you provide.

All Lobsters are Red

noreply@blogger.com (Kieron Heath) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 21:34:00 +0000

'People don't want that...'

'If you were a woman you need...'

'When you're over 60 you...'

I hear comments like this all the time. Endless lists of expectations that are more often than not unfounded and without evidence.

Just because a million white, British families enjoy caravan holidays doesn't mean that 100,000 Indian families wouldn't. Invite them along and let them see what it's like. You'll probably find that when they enjoy it, they'll talk to their friend's about it and, before you know it, 100,000 Indian families are enjoying caravan holidays, and that customer base continues to grow.

Recently, I photographed a client as a portrait for her mother's birthday. The client was adamant that her mother would choose a regular 'seen it before' studio portrait. So, I took the studio shot, but then moved into the kitchen and took a few photos there. The client was more relaxed and less concerned about how they looked, where their hands were and what they were wearing.

So, what image do you think the client's mother chose? That's right, her mother went against her daughter's expectations and chose a portrait that was taken in the kitchen, when her daughter was more relaxed.

In truth, it doesn't matter how well you think you know you're friends, family or customers, they can always surprise you. In my case, people want to see a photograph of you, not how you can pretend to look like. If you have a product, and it's not going to be popular to that main section of the bell curve, you need to figure out how to make your product attractive and interesting to the long tail of that curve.

Ignore expectations and go for the unusual option and you're sure to get the best prize.

Sit, Stay... Go!

noreply@blogger.com (Kieron Heath) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:29:00 +0000

I don't buy my dog Pedigree or Baker's, or any other budget brand. I buy him Royal Canin, who make a range of dog food that is specifically designed for individual breeds.

As it's not readily available at all pet stores, or superstores, I have to travel about 25 minutes down the road to a place called Pets Corner. What a treat this place is.

I was having problems with my dog constantly getting an upset stomach, resulting in a bit of a mess coming from both ends. I tried altering the amount of food, the frequency of his meals, but nothing would help. He was on Baker's at the time, and after enquiring at Pets Corner, they let us know about how horrible this stuff really was.

They gave me some really sound advice on his diet, what the best treats were to give him, and even what toys would last with him.

Recently, when I had to switch him to adult dog food, I wanted to know if I should slowly intergrate his new food with the old stuff. I had a pleasant chat about it, and when we stumbled onto a hole in the assistant's knowledge, she was more than happy to go and compare the ingredients of the old stuff with his new adult food.

This experience was so much more pleasing than your average retail experience of, 'dunno' or 'I'll get the manager'.

Hire passionate people to sell your products, and give them the training they need to not only sell to your customers, but to help them as well.

Don't make customers, make fans!

I Told You So

noreply@blogger.com (Kieron Heath) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:12:00 +0000

Judging by my latest addition to the Quotelog, Shakespeare could see this financial catastrophe coming.

"Neither a Borrower nor a Lender be"
William Shakespeare

I don't have a credit card and I rarely borrow money from the bank, except when there is no way to save cash fast enough for what ever it is I am looking to do. I live within my means, not far beyond them.

Society needs to relearn how to use money. Rather than living surrounded by credit, why not earn the money, save and then spend it. Borrowing with no idea how you're going to repay that debt is crazy! Slow down, the world isn't going to end tomorrow, there's time for that American style fridge, or that fancy sofa from DFS.

Borrowing can be a good thing, but you need to do the math first.

Mo Update!

noreply@blogger.com (Kieron Heath) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:18:00 +0000

That's right, folks. It's time for an update!

As you can see, it's just been trained, but it will start coming through a look quicker now and should be rather nicely defined by the start of next week. I'm looking forward to the odd faces. That'll give me plenty of opportunity to explain my cause.

Don't forget, you can donate and sponsor my Mo!

Murder a Prostitute...

noreply@blogger.com (Kieron Heath) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 20:06:00 +0000

Classic Clarkson.

That's all it was, nothing more. In the last Top Gear episode, the first of a new Series, Jeremy Clarkson made a gag about truckers changing gears and murdering prostitutes. It was a joke that made me laugh, and I like to think that I have a very wide sense of humour. I can handle the darker, dirtier side of comedy, and I can find the humour in a simple, classic style of joke. Clarkson's joke was nothing more than a mild one.

I don't think that Jeremy should apologise for it, nor should the BBC try to remove it. I most certainly do not think that calls from MP for Ipswich, Chris Mole, for him to be fired are right. Chris Mole decided to complain to the BBC, and call for Jeremy Clarkson to be fired, even though the families of the victims of Steve Wright, a serial-killing trucker, had not complained about the comments that were made. When a friend of one of the victims heard the gag, it didn't even cross her mind that Clarkson may have been referring to the Ipswich murders.

Jeremy Clarkson's persona on TV is that of an over-exaggerating, highly opinionated, and rather conservative stereotype. He makes jokes of many topics, and his humour is always expected to be close to the mark. I saw nothing out of the ordinary, or distasteful about the joke he made on Top Gear.

I do love how our society gets on a band wagon. If it's not a recession, or constant killings in a country far away, its upheaval in the BBC - with a lets fire everyone mentality. I do, however, agree that Ross and Brand's joke went far beyond the line of taste. How funny really is it to listen to two men shouting to someone's voicemail... I would have wanted Sachs to be on the phone, at least he could offer something in return.

With Russell Brand's sense of humour, you could see this coming. Brand was always pushing the boundaries of what he could say on TV and radio, and most of the time his ramblings and over-excited nature did little to tickle my funny bone. But if we've learnt a lesson, it's that if you're going to throw insults at someone on their voicemail, do it to an old person. Sachs didn't even know about the messages until the complaints started pouring in.

I don't think Jeremy Clarkson needs to be fired, nor do I agree with the complaints that people put in. Comedy can explore almost every subject you can imagine, even death, birth, driving... and I believe that no comedian should have to apologise for a joke that offends an individual, it is a comedians job to bring laughter to the many. But, perhaps I can see past the laughter and see the cogs working.

Movember Donations

noreply@blogger.com (Kieron Heath) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:29:00 +0000

You can sponsor my Mo and help to pay for research to treat prostate cancer. Did you know that 1 in 11 men will be diagnosed with it in their life time, and that one man dies every hour because of prostate cancer.

Pass on the link to everyone you know, and make a difference this year. Cards and Paypal are accepted on the donations page.

Please email me for information on where to send cheques, and who to make them payable to.

Our current team total is £763.00 and we've only just started.

Beard Watch: Day One

noreply@blogger.com (Kieron Heath) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:08:00 +0000

After a hecticly few days rushing around for my personal life, it's now time to get stuck into Movember. As promised, I will be holding regular Beard Watch updates so that you can keep track of the mustachioed tomfoolery that goes on behind the scenes.

Lux Imaging, along with the team of lads from Ascot Underwriters that I am joining in this escapade, will be attending the London Gala Party on the 28th of this month.

The bald look:

Donations can be made by emailing mo@luximaging.co.uk for more info.

Great Service Is...

noreply@blogger.com (Kieron Heath) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 18:03:00 +0000

When you work with a company over 12 months previously and the staff still remember you.

When staff are happy to go out of their way to offer you real, honest advice beyond simply selling you a product.

When you get a good feeling in your belly from working with a company or business.

When a contractor builds things that will save you time and sweat later on if something goes wrong.

Getting an end result that is worth more than you really paid for.

When someone will spend 45 minutes draining themselves of all the knowledge they know of a given subject.

When someone knows their company literature backwards and inside out.

What we all should be offered, and should be offering to all of our clients.

Writing, Photographing and Living

noreply@blogger.com (Kieron Heath) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 21:09:00 +0000

For just over a year, I've been writing a book. It's a horror / fantasy novel that is the culmination of a few ideas that have been floating around my head for about five years - some even harking right back to my GCSE Drama course. As a rule, I have tried not to talk about it with too many people, in case I scare the whole thing away. However, the second draft is rolling along very nicely and the story is maturing from its very rough form at the moment.

Once it is complete, I'm going to be self-publishing it and concentrating on the Long Tail effect that I hope will make the book a success. The Long Tail approach requires that you earn the trust of readers and customers so that they become fans and, in turn, help to spread the word about you and your product. Watch out, The Marsh could be at a book store near you.

I've also been busying myself of the last couple of months photographing landscapes, preparing to make them into exhibit quality prints. Next year should see the opening of my prints store and, should all things go smoother than this year, my first exhibit.

I've also taken time to live a bit, long hours and plenty of stress have taken their toll on my energy levels and I'll be enjoying some well earned time off next week. I plan to be reading, walking the dog and, most likely, writing a hell of a lot of chapters for the book.

There may also be some posts coming by way of the blog.

Happy Birthday Rolo

noreply@blogger.com (Kieron Heath) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:49:00 +0000

Rolo, my chocolate labrador, is one this week and to celebrate I took his first proper portrait - which was a mission I can tell you.

Having spent about half an hour bolting off from sitting (how he does get bored quickly with daddy's new tricks) I managed to get this absolute corker of a shot. I'm also enjoying playing with my new lens which is proving a huge new asset of mine.

Bridge, Heybridge Basin

noreply@blogger.com (Kieron Heath) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:06:00 +0000

I have a number of projects in the pipeline, one of which I'm hoping to have finished rather soon. It will involve limited edition prints, gallery space and a photobook. Keep an eye out for more information and for images from the individual projects.

Somewhere Between Yoghurts and Fruit Juice

noreply@blogger.com (Kieron Heath) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:36:00 +0000

I didn't always want to become a photographer. In fact, I spent a very long time not knowing what I wanted to do. A problem that most young people suffer from.

I went to college, simply because it was the next step that everyone else was taking. I chose a number of subjects that were vaguely interesting, but no where near where my real passions truly lied. I completed a solid year, then by the time my second year came round I was disheartened with the education system and with the lessons that I was learning. It became clear that I was running down the wrong road.

Then my college hit us with university applications. 'Ugh', was all that I could think. I knew instantly, with a sickening lurch of my stomach, that I didn't want to be going anywhere near a university. I imagined myself alone in a dorm room somewhere far from home and my friends cursing myself for going to university. And, yes, I know friends who have felt just such a feeling and who had hated all three years of their courses.

I discovered a very interesting thing. Educational institutions have no structure built into their systems should you decided to break from the norm. Because I didn't want to go to university meant that all of my teachers started to label me as a waster, and one of them even said that I was going to 'waste my life.' If anything, that gave me even more drive to prove them wrong.

I found a paralegal job and dropped out of college to pursue it. Unfortunately, regardless of the copious notes, professional manner and dress, I didn't get the job. I then experienced the stresses of job seeking, and the terrible pain that occurs when you finally realise that you must succumb to external pressure and take a job you know you're going to hate. I returned to work in a local supermarket.

I worked there for two months and then took a night-shift job on their chilled foods aisle. It was mildly interesting for a few weeks, but then I quickly realised that I couldn't adjust to the sleeping pattern, my bodily functions went haywire and I didn't see a single person I knew for about four months.

It was on a single night, when I was the only person in the department, that I had a mild breakdown. I started thinking about where I'd gotten myself. I had practically no qualifications, no real experience, and I was working at 2AM in a career cul-de-sac. I called a good friend of mine at the time and asked her advice. She asked me 'what are you good at', and after some thought, 'well I'm consistently good at photography.' 'Well,' she said, 'then maybe you should be a photographer.'

It took me time to realise what my dream was, but once I uncovered it, my passion for photography shone through.

Are you driving down the right road? Maybe it's time to take the next junction and get on the highway to your dream.

How to Stay Pumped

noreply@blogger.com (Kieron Heath) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 21:37:00 +0000

Running your own business is difficult. It's one of the most difficult things you could choose to do, apart from trying to remove the head from the Statue of Liberty with a junior hacksaw.

It is a story of immense highs and devastating lows. There are going to be moments in your self-employed life where you are so pumped and motivated that you'll think that almost anything is possible, and there are going to be times when you'll feel so wound up, and demoralised that you'll start questioning yourself, your idea and your goals.

So, how can you pull yourself together to drive through this emotional avalanche? One of my favorite techniques is reading quotes. I collect them. Inspiring, humorous, thought provoking quotes help to engage your mind, and get you going again. Sales centres cover their walls with quotes to motivate their staff. So, you should do the same thing. Why not visit QuoteLog to get you started (yes that's my collection of quotes).

Another great technique, is reading inspirational books, or listening to positive speakers who can get you thinking in the right tone of thought. That way, you can start ignoring some of the problems that have laid themselves in front of you, and see the path between them. People like Seth Godin and Scott Ginsberg are great examples of motivational speakers and writers.

For a handy quick fix, make a to do list of all the things you need to do. Choose one of the easier tasks on that list and start it, make it your aim to have that task over and done with by the end of the day - devote yourself to its completion. Now, you've blocked out the other problems that have been fogging your memory, and steam rolled over one the problems getting in the way of your ultimate goal.

You have to have belief in what you're doing. Be your biggest fan, and help yourself fight through the difficult times. Ignore nay sayers and unbelievers. Preach your own way of doing things, and live it 24-7! Remember, the sweet is never so sweet without the bitter.

Live in the Kitchen

noreply@blogger.com (Kieron Heath) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:17:00 +0000

Well, I just enjoyed an hour of Q&A with the Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson from 37Signals.

The two provided their 840 viewers with some interesting answers to questions about their company, how they started out in the early days, and about their business approach. They were also improving upon a live video broadcast system that they have been developing in house.

As Jason Fried was saying, to build success through a community you have to give, give, give, and these sorts of live shows are a good way of doing that. It helps to put a real face on a company that you use and trust, and is easier for more of your customers to appreciate, as opposed to going to a business conference.

The people in any business are its brand, so do everything you can to show everyone that you are real people, whether that is online, or simply in your working environment. And why not go that extra length and teach your customers something from your own mouth, and make it free!

Actions Speak Words

noreply@blogger.com (Kieron Heath) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:21:00 +0000

It's not about how you're described, or how you look that defines your business. It's about what you do.

I went to a bakery in Southminster today called Golden Platter. The store is built from two halves of seperate buildings, and has extended what would be a small bakery into a cafe. The store doesn't quite match, with wood flooring only on one side, and pictures on the walls that don't have matching frames. But I didn't care about these small defects, because the bacon and sausage baguette that they made for me was out of this world!

To top it off, all of the staff were extremely friendly and made the entire experience a smooth transaction. I was very pleased to leave the store with a little goody bag with some cakes and a drink inside.

While I noticed certain defects which were skin deep, the overall experience, customer service and quality of the product that they were selling speaks volumes about their work.

Are you focussing enough on the quality of your product, and ensuring that your customer service is at its highest level?

Putting the Mo Back into November

noreply@blogger.com (Kieron Heath) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 20:14:00 +0000

What better way to get men thinking about their health, than to don a mustache and earn some cash for prostate cancer awareness.

Movember is a brilliant idea to help change the way men think about their health. 1 in 11 men could be at risk from developing prostate cancer and the are more likely to have it go undiagnosed purely because they don't want to go to a doctor with a complaint.

Taking part in the cause couldn't be any easier. All you need is the ability to grow a mustache, the will to collect money and spread the word about prostate cancer. The idea is simple: you start the month clean shaven, and then you have the rest of the mouth to grow and trim the best mo possible.

Lux Imaging will be taking part in this year's Movember, as we have a fondness for any mustachioed tomfoolery. I am sure that pictures will follow. Applications will be taken in September to take part in the proceedings, and will be available from the Movember website.

You will also be able to keep track of our progress with Beard Watch. A section will appear on the sidebar closer to the date.

Mid-Summer Murder

noreply@blogger.com (Kieron Heath) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 22:13:00 +0000

There was a mid-summer murder at the South Woodham Players' Murder Mystery dinner, and Lux Imaging was there to cover the night.

The Players put on a fantastic night of entertainment in what was a sell out performance four nights in a row. The audience were treated to sexual innuendos and whip-cracking, improvised humour. We were kept on our toes as to 'who dunnit', and I certainly didn't see the ending coming.

The South Woodam Players will be holding a pantomime this year, I will keep you up to date as to the theme. It's more than likely that Lux Imaging will be there as well.

A gallery of all the images from the show will be available from the main page by Wednesday.

Update: The images are now available in an online gallery. Im experimenting with this gallery template, please let me know if there are any issues.

iTunes Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Kieron Heath) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:04:00 +0000

I'm off to the iTunes Festival this Sunday to see the Portico Quartet and the Neil Cowley Trio. Both are bands with heavy jazz, rhythmic influences and improvisation. They should compliment each other well at a gig.

I won the tickets through the iTunes Live competition. This is yet another example of what can happen when you simply say 'yes'.

What could you be doing on Sunday if you just said...'yes'?

Image of the Portico Quartet in their busking days.

A Wedge is More Than a Door Stop

noreply@blogger.com (Kieron Heath) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:23:00 +0000

A revolution is starting to spread across London, and I can't believe what a great idea it is. It's called the Wedge Card. It is helping to support small businesses and independents in London. The idea is that you pay £10 for a card, and you then get the benefits of discounts and special promotions when you use your Wedge Card. It's a bit like a student discount card, but without the long hair and a folder under one arm. And what's better? Chains are not allowed!

Lux Imaging would join straight away, but the expansion hasn't quite got to us yet. Long may it grow. If you live in London, help support the specialist shops around you. Eat better, live better, Wedge it!

We support local businesses and events in the Dengie / Maldon area by offering special discounts and deals. Imagine getting the same treatment thanks to your Wedge Card. Of course, we might also accept a massage or a box of sweets.

Hidden Gem

noreply@blogger.com (Kieron Heath) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:46:00 +0000

Why go through life with blinkers on your eyes. That's just a bland and uneventful life. I've spent the last month actively finding events in the local area and making myself available to as many as my schedule will allow, and it's been loads of fun. Say yes, and go do it. I've done it, and I've had a huge amount of fun at these events.

One such event was the Essex Charity Stages rally held on the Dengie Marshes. I've lived in the area for 4 and a half years and this is the first year that I've ever heard of it. But wow, what a fantastic gem this was to find. The marshals were very friendly and extremely helpful, and the sun held out to make it a brilliant day out.

I scouted a great spot for next year that I took some of these test shots at (well I had to be about twenty feet away from exactly where I wanted to be, something about not having some accreditation to say I didn't mind possibly getting a rally car heading straight for me).

I will be making the Essex Charity Stages a big event on my calendar for next year, and I recommend that you all do too.

Please have a gander at some of the images below, if you were at the rally, or were part of it, please email me for a CD of my best images from the day. They are only £5 since it was a test run this year.