If you’re a photographer you’ve heard of Yervant. If you’re not a photographer, you’ll still know his images. This is one of the world’s true ‘heavyweight’ (in a creative sense of course) photographers. And he was in London as guests of our album supplier, Graphistudio.
Martin Baynes (who’s an old friend of ours and the UK Sales Manager for Graphistudio – you might remember me raving about the books that Graphistudio produce for us, often under incredible deadlines that our other suppliers simply can’t match!) asked us to capture some images for them to use for press and PR which was a real pleasure to do.
Yervant is an absolute legend in the photographic world but this seminar was as much about his wife, Annie, as it was about him and his images (and they are both hugely engaging characters on stage!)
It is, in fact, she that has taken what he does and turned it into an international business at the pinnacle of the industry. It is her work and her business-like approach that has made the Yervant brand (both in terms of the name and the iconic images) what it is today.
This was possibly the most interesting seminar I’ve been to from the perspective as it reminded me of how our company works: yes, I capture the images; yes, it’s my signature everywhere; yes, it’s my ability to see and seek out locations and light; but it’s Sarah who picks out those priceless images for our clients (she sees the world differently to me – she’s only influenced by what a bride or parent would wish to see rather than a photographer’s desire for the dramatic or the moody. Don’t get me wrong, these are important too but you need a healthy balance.) It’s Sarah who talks to most of our clients, helping to understand what is required and make sure we provide it. It is Sarah who watches the numbers and makes sure we’re on track. It’s Sarah who manages our alarmingly complex diary. It is Sarah who crafts our amazing slideshows. Quite simply, I would not be in a position to create the images that I do if it wasn’t for the fact we run the business together.
And that’s the point.
Sometimes, when I’m desperately trying to capture a particular image or moment, it’s easy to forget that this is a business. I am lucky as it’s the business of memories. It’s the business of beautiful images. It’s the business of bringing joy (and, occasionally, poignancy) to our clients. But, and here’s the rub, it’s still a business. A very successful business with the most incredible clients that we are both hugely proud of.
And seeing Annie and Yervant side by side (and please forgive the pun here) brought that sharply into focus.
Brilliant.
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