Congratulations to photographer Mark Fell, who has achieved his first winning entry in the SuperDog of the Month competition!
Mark’s image of Springador Monty was hugely popular with our Facebook followers and also our Dog Owner judging panels, making it a winner in November 2019’s competition. Monty’s owner will shortly be receiving a winner’s certificate and a £25 Pets at Home voucher to celebrate their success, plus automatic entry into the 2019 SuperDog of the Year competition where they could win £1000!
We caught up with Mark to learn more: “I began my photography career at 18 and was one of the youngest photographers in the UK to receive a Licentiate from the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers at that time (SWPP). Within two years, I was fortunate to be photographing 30 weddings per year!
Since then portrait photography has overtaken weddings, with family portraits being the heart of the studio, which is based on the Wiltshire/Hampshire border, positioned in the military town of Tidworth. Our customer base is largely military families; however, we cater for non-military clients too. Our business premises are a real mixed and split design. Being in a high street position, simply offering photography was a huge risk in relation to the costs incurred when we opened 10 years ago, especially in the time of the last recession.
In the process of evolution and development, we have introduced bespoke framing and partnered with Fujifilm to become a digital imaging specialist. This means we can offer framing and printing – both in-house. Lead times, overheads, and quality have all been boosted as a result – and the customer also received a very personal and flexible service. Outside parking, the studio is open six days a week, and a team of four staff members, two of which are qualified photographers, the business is really at the forefront of photography in the local community.
The SuperDog competition is new to our business and has only been operational for less than six months. We are already seeing a massive interest through social media, with our initial Facebook post offering sessions reaching more than 7000 people. This resulted in some incredibly busy months. The entire concept of SuperDog works so well for our studio and it is always exciting to see if we win something as well!
Photography is still very enjoyable, diverse, and creative. Different clients, different cultures, and some photographic requests are incredible, there are literally no two days the same – or two people different! Therefore, we have to be flexible enough to capture what is requested – and that is enjoyable! Some memorable occasions in the last 10 years or so have to come from some very exclusive weddings, from as far wide as Florida to some very prestigious locations in the UK, including Salisbury Cathedral. In the last few years, we have also framed art for Buckingham Palace, provided prints for very exclusive Military personnel as well as working with commercial clients including Twinnings Tea.
Sometimes, however, it’s always nice to simply present a client with a set of images that mean the world to them – pets are definitely part of the family, and why shouldn’t a pet owner decorate their wall with wall art? We have had numerous clients in tears as seeing their images projected large at a viewing, really hits home that, regardless of the competition – it’s memories that we create.
2020 is a very important year for the business, our 11th in total. A complete branding overhaul, new samples, website, and redecorating will all ensure that we are at the forefront of photography within our area.”
Click here to visit Mark’s Facebook page
Click here to visit Mark’s website
Call the studio on 01980 600409 to make an appointment
Its great to have achieved my first winning image in the SuperDog of the Month competition!
I really look forward to presenting Monty’s owner with their prize and winners certificate.