Back in June 2017, we announced Birmingham-based photographer Emily Addis was the winner of the ’60 seconds to change your life’ competition at The Photography Show earlier in the year. Emily won a huge selection of prizes from across the photography industry, exactly what she needed to establish her budding photography business.
We caught up with Emily to find out what she thinks of her prize so far.
A life-changing prize
Part of Emily’s fantastic prize included a business-boosting starter pack from yours truly. With a choice of three albums from our award-winning Bellissimo collection, a Fine Art Book, Book & USB Box and a full range of branded Giftware and Marketing materials, Emily will have all the samples she needs to attract new clients. The prize also features two Wall Products and Framed Prints for Emily to display.
Meeting Team Loxley
In August, Emily travelled up from Birmingham to our state-of-the-art lab in Glasgow for a one-on-one tour of our facilities and a day with the team. The first part of the day was a grand tour of the lab:
“The lab tour itself was really interesting as I am a self-professed photo geek! I was fascinated by the different types of printing and framing that Loxley offer to cater to the different needs of many sectors of the photography market.”
A Loxley Colour lab tour means you get exclusive behind-the-scenes access to view our facilities and see Team Loxley working hard on award-winning products:
“I was interested to see that many aspects including the framing and canvas-making are done completely by hand by skilled craftspeople in workshops on the premises.”
After her tour of the lab, Emily met up with the rest of the team for some mentoring sessions. The highlight of her day was meeting Managing Director Ian Loxley:
“He started the business and has grown it into a huge success, so it was great to see that he is still on-site working alongside the team!”
Part of Emily’s prize was some insider industry advice, which was provided by several members of our team:
“I was lucky enough to be mentored by some of the experts at Loxley on subjects including marketing, branding, web design and SEO. This was amazing as I was able to pick up some top industry tips! The team are so nice, knowledgeable and helpful and gave me some great advice.”
So much to choose from…
Finally, Emily was given a detailed tour of our products in our state-of-the-art showroom. This was the perfect place for her to begin deciding what products she would like as samples for clients to see:
“Loxley have developed a range of products that will fit effortlessly into the workflow of any photographer including albums, prints, wall art and marketing materials. I can’t wait to receive my samples and I think my clients will love them too!”
Emily had a challenging task picking her sample products. With dozens of Albums and Wall Products to choose from, it can be tough deciding what to showcase to new clients:
“I really loved the Coastal frame range which has a great rustic feel, and the Heritage frame which is super cool and classic. I feel that they will really boost my photography! I love the fact that you can change the number of apertures in a framed print too.”
This is a once-in-a-lifetime prize to win, and Emily was spoiled for choice when it came to select the products as part of her reward:
“Regarding albums, I love slightly textured, matt papers, so I was immediately drawn to the Fine Art album from the Bellissimo range and the new Fine Art Book… I was interested in the Portfolio Boxes containing mounted prints. These are high-end, beautiful products… They will fit effortlessly into my business plan!”
What’s next for Emily?
As part of her ’60 seconds’ prize, she is currently halfway through the Training By Lumiere foundation programme, run by Kate Hopewell-Smith and Brent Kirkman:
“I am loving revisiting some old lessons and learning lots of new ones, they are such an inspiring pair! The course is also helping me learn business skills, which are important when you are a creative person.”
Emily’s plans for 2018 include organising her business strategy and establishing her goals for the year ahead, but she wants to make sure she prioritises her love for the craft:
“I am hoping to grow in 2018 and carry on shooting the things that I love!”