Crest Photography - Creating Words With Pictures

We'd guess that you've heard the proverb, “A picture paints a thousand words." Loads of folk have claimed credit for its origination, but there's no doubting that it really is true.

A cracking photograph instantly gives colour to any story and frequently makes words obsolete. However, creating that cracking photograph isn’t down to good luck.

Here’s something you can try. The next time you spot or happen to be working with a professional photographer, go and stand next to them with your own camera or smart phone. Take a shot of the same view at the same time. We can guarantee that their photo will hit the nail on the head and create exactly the right image to ‘sell’ the story.

And that’s where over 35 years of experience behind the lens makes Simon Williams stand out from the crowd. He has the eye and can create some magic from a seemingly mundane story.

He set up Crest Photography, based in Northumberland but working throughout the North East and frequently throughout the rest of the country in 1995. All of the clients Simon began working with in 1995 still use his services today. They plainly like the way he works and the sort of photographs he produces.

“I guess I’ve developed a style over the years and I never cease to be amazed at how many people can recognise my work,” said Simon. “I’m lucky that I’ve had some private sittings with Prince Charles and have another coming up this month. I’ve also had private sittings with two Prime Ministers. I spent several days working Richard Branson and I’ve also worked with a host of personalities such as Sting, Cheryl Cole, Ant and Dec etc.”

To be honest, if there’s an official opening in the North East or a ceremonial visit featuring anyone from the Royal family or a well-known VIP, Simon will be there. Simon’s forté at Crest Photography is making stories ‘work’.

“I see my role as bringing a story to life and helping a person, company or organisation get their message across. Although I frequently do architectural/Industrial work, the majority of my work revolves around Public Relations. PR jobs invariably involve photographing a chairman, unveiling a new product, introducing new staff or breaking some good news. Initially, the story can seem rather dry, but with a bit of imagination, and putting years of experience to good use, I can produce a photograph which helps provide some colour, some fun or perhaps helps explain something which is quite complicated.”

It’s always interesting to see Simon in operation because he invariably asks the client two questions. First, what is the message they’re trying to get across, and secondly, where would they like it to appear? He will take photographs differently to make them appeal to different outlets.

“There is a difference to taking a photograph which is destined for a magazine cover to one that is going into the business section of a newspaper. Thankfully, I know all of the magazines and newspapers and can gauge exactly what they will be looking for and, more importantly, what they will use.” In other words, Simon knows what works.