Monthly Archives: May 2010

05/15/10

DON’T!

Yesterday, I had one of those conversations with someone that leaves you richer for having had it.

Maurice and his fiancee Elaine from Velvetine Studios were filming the wedding I was photographing, and we had a chance to chat over dinner. Our meandering conversation never strayed far from our shared philosophy of recording a wedding. A philosophy that is best captured in a single word: “Don’t!”

Let me explain.

While the bride was getting ready, I saw that a wonderful photograph was possible, involving a reflection in the mirror on a wardrobe door. I got quite excited, and set myself to capture it – only for one of the bridesmaids to swing the door open so the bride could see herself. Amazing shot – gone.

Elaine asked whether I wasn’t tempted to intervene; tell the girls we’d get a great shot if they positioned the door right.

I said I wasn’t. That would have meant interfering with the day. The bridesmaid opened the door – that’s what happened. It might have ruined the photograph, but that’s less important than letting people get on with it. I’m there to record what happens, not direct it. Hence: “Don’t” when it comes to moving things. What happens, happens – that’s what a documentary photographer should photograph.

Maurice and Elaine video weddings with a similar philosophy. They film documentaries, they record life.

Unsurprisingly, it is very easy for me to work alongside them. On Friday, we moved around each other easily and elegantly, despite the three of us working in the same space. A shared philosophy leads to mutual respect for the other’s needs. Everyone wins – especially the couple getting married.

Maurice O'Carroll of Velvetine Studios at work, Fossa, Co Kerry, Ireland

Maurice at work at the Prince of Peace church in Fossa, Co. Kerry ... You'll have to look hard to see him. (c) Roger Overall 2010

05/10/10

Documentary Office Photography

It still surprises me that there are lots of companies that don’t want to let you in behind the scenes. If the rise of social media has taught us anything it’s that reaching out and inviting people to see what we do is a very good way of building up relationships, starting conversations and generating business.

Actually, I should qualify that by saying that it surprises me that good companies still aren’t opening their doors. It isn’t at all surprising that bad companies don’t want to do that. After all, they have something to hide. They are better off keeping you out. We might realize just how bad they really are.

Here are some photographs from a shoot I did in London very recently for A Bilbrough & Co, the managers of The London Club, a marine mutual insurance fund. They are one of my favourite clients. Firstly, they’ve been very loyal to me – this is the fifth year that I’ve photographed for the company’s annual report. Secondly, they are genuinely nice people to work with. The fact that employees stay on with the firm for an average of 25 years speaks volumes.

What is also revealing is that these pictures were taken on one of the most important days in the company’s calendar, when the committee members meet to discuss current claims. These are high-pressure days when claims worth million of dollars are dealt with by some very significant people in the shipping industry.

Tell me, do these photographs suggest to you a company that manages itself and its members insurance needs well, or one that is stressed by the day and the decisions that need to be made?

Two A Bilbrough office colleagues discussing final arrangements for a committee meeting

(c) Roger Overall

London Club committee member Peter Cowling of Wallem Ltd at A Bilbrough & Co's offices in London

(c) Roger Overall 2010

London Club committee member John Raggio of Sealift LLC shares a joke with fellow London Club committee members at the offices of A Bilbrough & Co in London

(c) Roger Overall 2010

Two A Blibrough office staff work at their computers

(c) Roger Overall 2010

Two office colleagues in discussion

(c) Roger Overall 2010

Two office colleagues chat informally at the offices of A Bilbrough & Co in London

(c) Roger Overall 2010

Michael Lemos of C M Lemos & Co Ltd talks to fellow London Club committee members at the offices of A Bilbrough & Co in London

(c) Roger Overall 2010

A Bilbrough staff member in discussion with a colleague

(c) Roger Overall 2010

Two colleagues share a joke at A Bilbrough & Co

(c) Roger Overall

A Bibrough & Co staff member listens to a colleague

(c) Roger Overall 2010

I’m sure you’d agree that this is a good company. One that handles itself, its staff and its work professionally and in a healthy environment. The pictures tell me that internal communication is excellent and the staff are energetic. It’s the kind of company I’d like to do business with. Fortunately, I do.