For further information, to make an appointment for your photography consultation or to check on current availability, please feel free to contact Cai Graham Photography using the Get in touch page.

Following on from the thought “ people buy from people “ … and in my attempt to give you an insight into Cai Graham – the person … I felt that telling you about the following exercise would give you a glimpse into … um – me.

In the task to get my business on track and to target to the right market ( blimey it all sounds to calculated ) I was given a list of potential core values ( see below ) and was asked to highlight the ones that mattered most to me.

Politics, Knowledge, Relationships, Simplicity, Training, Family, Effectiveness, Status, Integrity, Money, Quality, Security, Faith, Customer Satisfaction, Fame, Respect, Recognition, Consistency, Value, Trust, Excellence, Tradition, Innovation, Fun, Precision, Balance, Power, Honesty, Loyalty, Service, Improvement, Courage, Charity, Learning, Empathy*

 * Those that I have underlined were the words that stood out to me.

A lot of these words do have significant importance in any given situation. But to label them as a core value was quite tricky. From this initial selection I was then asked to narrow down the values and this exercise was repeated a number of times.

I was finally left with a list of the 5 most relevant words that reflected my approach on a daily basis and therefore the way that I would run my business.

 My final five were : Integrity, Empathy, Fun, Family and Trust.

INTEGRITY : for me, means doing right by others. My Granny always said, “Do as you would be done by.” I desperately try to adhere to this piece of advice on a daily basis. I try to treat people kindly, aiming to be honest and transparent in all my dealings with anyone both personally and professionally. People respond to this openness. Acting with integrity builds trust, and this in turn builds relationships.

It’s important to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes before making a judgement. We don’t always get the most rational client or supplier, colleague or friend – but we have to remember that there could be alot going on their world at the minute. If I can make their day a little bit better – then surely that’s a good thing – right ?

EMPATHY : as I understand it, means agreeing or relating to the feelings another person has regarding a given situation or individual.

It’s not easy to have your photo taken – I appreciate that. But to fully empathise I have made sure I regularly get in front of the camera. I have recently arranged a Boudoir shoot for myself – this is totally out of my comfort zone. But for me to photograph boudoir sessions effectively and sensitively I need to have experienced the emotions that many of my boudoir clients say they experience. Those of nervousness, anticipation, low self-esteem ( in many cases ) and excitement.

I am a Mum, I know what it’s like having kids. We have a rollercoaster of emotions from :  ”It’s Time To Grow Up Now” to “Please Please Don’t Grow Up So Fast.” So I know the importance of capturing the photos of a new baby, and of recording the milestone moments of our little ones growing up. More recently, I also understand the feelings of sadness and nostalgia when our teenagers spread their wings and leave home for the first time. These emotions are true and have to be captured in our photographs.

I was a bride ( a long time ago ). I know the stress and the anticipation involved in preparing for ( as some brides view it ) potentially the biggest day of their lives so far. I have to understand how crucial it is that the invitations are in the right font size and that the napkins are the right colour. So much preparation has gone into creating this fabulous day. Also, being sensitive to the fluctuating emotions of the day, those of happiness and uncertainty – including the fact that the bride’s family could be at loggerheads and the groom’s maiden aunt is partial to the odd sweet sherry. It all matters.

FUN : I have to inject FUN into all of my shoots. For me, the portrait sessions are all about the Cai Graham Photography ‘Experience’. I want people going away having had a great day and feeling good about themselves. Looking forward to receiving their photos – knowing that they have had a great time and that I brought out the best in them. And with FUN comes relationship building.

In fairness this list of might change ever so slightly, from time to time depending on the circumstances.But there are two core values that are unwavering for me.

Notably FAMILY and TRUST.

FAMILY : for me is non-negotiable. My family is my bedrock. They are my driving force and my soul. The only thing that matters to me above all else is the health and happiness of my family.

This is my "Motley Crew"

TRUST : requires a little more explanation. I feel that TRUST actually encompasses many of the words included on the list above. From trust comes honesty and loyalty, and, I believe that without trust you have no respect and integrity.

“Without trust – there is nothing.”  ~~  Anonymous

For further information, to make an appointment for your photography consultation or to check on current availability, please feel free to contact Cai Graham Photography using the Get in touch page.

The article focusses on the links that I have forged with Women in Business NI . This organisation is the fastest growing network for business women in Northern Ireland.

I highlight the benefits of being an active member in Women in Business and how this networking organisation has helped me forge some valuable business relationships.

For further information, to make an appointment for your photography consultation or to check on current availability, please feel free to contact Cai Graham Photography using the Get in touch page.

Treat your loved one to this very unique gift. Pamper her and treat her to a Boudoir Photo Session with Cai Graham Photography.

For just £195 this Collection includes :

* Professional Make-up Service

* Up to 2 hour photography session

* 10 stunning images beautifully presented in a handbag sized album

This Boudoir Collection from Cai Graham Photography – celebrates every woman’s beauty. Cai helps you feel fantastic and will take beautiful photographs to show you … How to look good ( nearly ) naked.

To find out more about Boudoir Photography with Cai, please click : here : 

Gift Vouchers Available.  Terms and conditions apply.

For further information, to make an appointment for your photography consultation or to check on current availability, please feel free to contact Cai Graham Photography using the Get in touch page.

Historically speaking, January is a time for those in the Photography Businesses to plan. I have been doing just that. I have been restructuring my Business Plan. This exercise is helping me to clarify and define exactly what my style is; and more importantly – why this is so important.

Over the past 2 years I have been chasing the ideal of the perfecting my technique. I have been trained by many great names in the business and meeting many very talented photographers. However I feel that I have been a bit like the proverbial ‘rabbit in the headlights’. I have concentrated too much on the technical rather than the emotional aspects of taking photographs.

This has made me uncomfortable – as this is just not me.

One of my daily facebook quotes stands out to me more than any other at the minute :

 ‎”Perfectionism is self-abuse of the highest order.” ~~ Anne Wilson Schaef

The technical ( and dare I say it geeky ) side of photography makes me feel uneasy, as I feel that I am removing the fun and the passion ( such an over used word in photography ) from my images; all in the pursuit of the holy grail … the technically ‘perfect’ photograph. For quite a while, I had taken my eye off the ball. I had forgotten that, for me, my best photographs are taken with the heart. In my search of perfection I had taken the spirit out of my work.

Martin Oliver made a passing comment at his seminar on Family Portraiture; something along the lines of “ No clients have said ‘I love this picture of my daughter, but the ISO was too high’ ”. This was ( yet another ) lightbulb moment for me.

So, I have decided that I am giving myself permission to photograph my clients MY way. And do you know what ? It’s OK.

I want to create images that my clients love.

I want to create images that my clients want to buy.

I want to create images that turn my clients into raving fans …

… regardless of the f-stop, the ISO or the lighting set-up.

This does not mean that I will ignore all the techniques that I have learned. They will always be adhered to. The number one rule in photography is to look for the light. I want to use the available light, to paint with light and to experiment with light. BUT I am no longer going to let my equipment get in the way of capturing a great photograph.

The purists might be tutting in the wings – and I cannot blame them – as this is not the way that many of them would want to take a photograph. For some, focussing on the meter reading and the lighting ratio is tantamount to building the foundations of an award-winning picture.

BUT, I feel that I owe it to myself, my business and ultimately my clients to create the best photo that I can.

And this is how the key factors of my Business Plan have evolved :

Mission Statement :

I shall Capture the best version of you, by using the best version of me.

Vision Statement :

I will achieve this by becoming the preferred portrait photographer in County Down, Northern Ireland.

I will become the photographer most known for putting the personality and emotion into your photographs.

I will do this my building relationships with my clients. By creating the trust that is so important when taking pictures of either their families and their business / staff.

I will pay attention to my clients’ needs and create fantastic images for them. I will achieve this by knowing who is in front of the lens; and happy and confident with who is behind it. I will capture pictures of a person, going beyond recording their likeness. I will show their personality, their character and their relationship with their surroundings – comfortable in the knowledge that I can guarantee that I have taken the best set of photographs I am capable of.

It is not important to me if the photograph wins a competition – but it is crucial to me that the image reaches out to the viewer.

Strap Line : Free Range Images.

To me “Free Range” means that we are allowed to roam and wander; not being confined. This has always been what my photography is about – I lost this for a while – but now I am embracing it again, and I am excited for what the future will bring for me and my clients.

For further information, to make an appointment for your photography consultation or to check on current availability, please feel free to contact Cai Graham Photography using the Get in touch page.

The days are long, but very worthwhile. I always expect to learn so much during this week, which, yet again, surpassed my expectations. I attended the Business School for the first couple of days and, for the rest of the week, I attended workshops galore; covering areas from Boudoir Photography to SEO ( Search Engine Optimisation – all the Googly bits).

The bonus of visiting London for 6 days is that I get to stay with my brother and his family. However, my nephew asked me the evening that I arrived; “Is this the week that we don’t get to see you?” Harsh, but true.

So what did I learn ?

Decisions. Decisions

The Business School this year totally blew me away. One person who always makes me smile and kicks me into action is Catherine Connor from Aspire Training. Her sharp business mind and Northern wit just inspires me to reach for new horizons. I can safely say that, in my humble opinion, Catherine ( and her team ) is one of the best in the business. There’s a reason why the country’s top photographers recommend Aspire. This year, Catherine encouraged us to “Think like a Rock Star”. Tonight Matthew I am going to be ….. Lady GaGa!

The talks throughout these two days were not only delivered by Catherine but from many who are real influencers in the business.

James Derbyshire from Julia Boggio Studios is a true master of sales. At the end of his seminar I stood up in front of a room full of people ( including his lovely wife – Julia ) and gave him a kiss … twice. ( OK! OK! I couldn’t help myself … )  Due to this escapade, I did win a Sales Bootcamp at their London Studio; well worth the embarrassment! And another opportunity not to see my nephew LOL.

Becker is a great photographer from Orange County. Not only are his photographs fun and relaxed – but his clients totally rave about him. He reckons that the way to keep your clients happy is to provide a fantastic service. Amen to that; because raving fans mean referrals. There is no better place on earth where this rings truer than Northern Ireland!

Melissa Love  gave me a greater insight into design, and how our brand and online presence should be a true reflection of what we stand for. At the end of the day what makes us stand out is who we are.

Are you still hiding ?

So, we were reminded that to enable our businesses to thrive we have to pay them some attention. In fact it’s important to acknowledge that our time spent is 20% on Photography and 80% on Business; more time behind the desk than the lens. This is something that I am ( now ) very comfortable with. I have learned that you can aspire to be the best photographer in the business – but if nobody knows about your existence then there is precious little use in being in business in the first place.

I attended a number of other workshops from many talented photographers. Nikki Hill is one person who jumps out from my action packed week. She ( and others ) made it OK for me to shoot what I enjoy, and to develop my own particular style. This might sound pretty obvious, but it was one of my big lightbulb moments over the week. ( My next blog post will expand on this idea. )

Sandy Puc who I saw last year, has so much energy that I feel exhausted just listening to her. But if I can have half of her drive I would be thrilled. I have joined her online business resource : Sandy Puc University – so watch this space !

Joe Photo ( another photographer over from The States ) gave a supremely motivational talk which I attended in the early hours of Sunday morning. We were encouraged to assess our core values and how they are reflected in our business. I shall blog about this in the future as I am currently exploring these very same avenues with my Business mentor – Lyle English. Joe’s workshop might have been a bit ‘hug-a-tree’ for some, but it was right up my street. His view ( and mine ) is that our business approach and photography has to come from the heart. He said “Don’t be afraid to fail – be more afraid of the fear of trying.” So this year I am thinking bigger. Thanks Joe.

I invested in a SEO Superclass with Kevin Mullins ( a wedding photographer from Wiltshire – and SEO Expert ) who instructed us that by not updating our websites and blogs, we are encouraging Google to ignore us – Yikes ! Not good. So I have given myself a proverbial slap on the knuckles. I have dropped off the ‘Bloggie Radar’. I do still make a daily appearance in the Social Media World, with my daily motivational quotes which is all done from my facebook page ( please come along and be my friend ). It is surprising how many people come up and say that they enjoy these updates. I hasten to add that these thoughts are rarely my own – but they do seem to brighten up people’s day. So please when you are next on facebook, please drop by my page and either ‘like’ or leave a comment. It makes me feel so much better that I am not spouting into the ether. I will also be announcing Business Updates from my Business Page.

However, clearly Facebook is not enough and I have to make a concerted effort to jump back on the band-wagon and attempt to crawl my way back into Google’s favour. Learning about SEO is a necessary evil in maintaining an effective online presence. So it all starts here.

Kate Hopewell-Smith not only a talented photographer – but also a branding guru – urged us to stand out from the crowd. She advised us to ask our clients, friends and family to share what our brand meant to them … I hope that I stand out – but is it in the ways that Cai Graham Photography should ? What do you think when you see my photographs / website / facebook page ? It would help me immensely if you could tell me. What does my brand say to you ?

And just for the record – by encouraging comments to my posts I am shouting out to Google – saying “Hey ! Here I am ! Over here !” – so you will be helping me enormously. Thank you.

For further information, to make an appointment for your photography consultation or to check on current availability, please feel free to contact Cai Graham Photography using the Get in touch page.

MT4Uth is the brain child of the late Vernon Mound and Jenny Cooke where their dream was ” to create a charity which offered young people from all over Ireland the chance to access the very best of international professional training in all aspects of singing, dance, and drama under one umbrella.”

West Side Story, the award winning adaptation of the classic Shakespeare tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, was performed by a fifty strong, talented young cast selected from auditions across Ireland.

I have had the very great pleasure of photographing the production from the rehearsals through to the live performances. Wednesday night was opening night, and bearing in mind that this production has been cast, rehearsed and performed in a total of twelve days throughout the year, this show is nothing short of spectacular.

The team who are supporting these young budding stars reads like a Who’s Who in the Musical Theatre world and those heading the line-up are :

* Internationally acclaimed Director and choreographer - Anthoula Papadakis (Gothenburg Opera – Sunset Boulevard and European Tours – Hair, Fiddler On The Roof),

* Choreographer - Johanna Hybinette (Nine, West Side Story and Miss Saigon)

* Musical Directors – John Donovan ( Mamma Mia, Cabaret, Fame. John also works as a keyboard player for live work and studio sessions and has performed with Brian May, Kerry Ellis and Nell Bryden ) and  Tim Sutton (National Theatre, BBC, Royal Shakespeare Company, Edinburgh Festival)

These young people are gaining experience and tuition from some leading names in the business which shines through in this exciting, cutting edge production.

The set has been designed and built by the team behind HBO’s Game of Thrones, namely Tom Martin and his crew from Acapple Construction. See the video of the set : here :

On Thursday Night the cast were fortunate enough to have in the audience, Niamh Perry, ( of BBC1′s I’d do Anything and MT4Uth’s Young People’s Patron ) and her friend and mentor Nick Lloyd-Webber.

This is what the Belfast Telegraph had to say in Friday’s Editions :

 ”A last chance to see this site-specific ( how I love that phrase! ) piece which is performed on a specifically-designed set, built by the team from HBO’s Game of Thrones. May Street Church has been transformed for it and tickets are selling like hot cakes. Director Anthoula Papadakis joins musical directors Tim Sutton and Andrew Corcoran, for this breathtaking production, performed by 50 youung people from across Ireland. Blink and you’ll miss it.”

The paper awarded the opening production 4 stars. Had they been there at the following performances, I am sure the review would have warranted the full 5. These guys are just getting better and better.

For further information, to make an appointment for your photography consultation or to check on current availability, please feel free to contact Cai Graham Photography using the Get in touch page.

Recently, I had the added advantage of second shooting for a great photographer friend of mine : Donal Doherty.

Being a second shooter really involves helping out the main photographer – and capturing some additional images of the wedding day. I feel that my aim is to provide another dimension to the occasion and it is important to complement the photographs provided by the main photographer. I love Donal’s style as his wedding images always portray the emotion and the fun of the day. He is great craic to work with and made my task as additional photographer so enjoyable.

Whilst Donal took the photos of Maeve getting ready with the bridal party, I was able to spend an hour with the guys as they too got ready for the ceremony and calmed their nerves in the local pub with a ‘swift half’.

To see more of the wedding please click on the slideshow below.

For further information, to make an appointment for your photography consultation or to check on current availability, please feel free to contact Cai Graham Photography using the Get in touch page.

However, Dear Reader, I have been a busy little bee – and hopefully I can catch up and over the next few weeks by telling you all about some of the things that I have been up to.

The most significant event for me however, over the recent weeks is that I am now, Home Alone.

The end of the Summer and the move into the Autumn heralds ‘new beginnings’ for many of us. Mothers across the land are relieved to welcome the comfort that the new academic year brings. The familiarity of the routine which is forced upon us. For me, these ‘new beginnings’ are just that – as both my chicks have flown the nest – within three weeks of one another. I am excited for them – and a tiny bit envious as I watch them embark on new stages in life’s journey. However, part of me momentarily yearns for the inconvenience of the school run and the mountains of ironing.

What strikes me is the resonating silence throughout the house; it’s quite eerie. There are no hairdryers droning in the back ground, no squabbles over the remote, no clink of the breakfast plates at mid-day. I miss watching “Two and a half Men” ( though I did manage to catch the Ashton Kutcher’s first episode – mmm ). I am reluctant to leave Radio 1 and disinclined to act my age and listen to Radio 4.  I am finding it all rather strange. Having said that, I am dealing with the transformation a lot better than anticipated. What really softens the blow is knowing that both Jack and Alice are happy in their new surroundings and that they are coping without me ( oops – us ).

For so many years my children’s needs have been my very purpose – and suddenly it’s all change.

As a mother, the hardest part is not feeling involved and worrying about whether or not they are coping on their own. I also worried that perhaps I would lose my identity. I am happy to say that that particular black cloud never descended – although I am not afraid to admit that I was expecting some anxiety. I guess I managed to avoid this feeling of ‘pending doom’ because I am highly organised and was able to plan not only for the children’s transition – but mine also. I had to redefine the architecture of my life. Of course I am still a mother – and when the kids come home I drop everything and they are my world again, but in the meantime I am re-defining my role. This has been crucial for not only my own sanity, but Mike’s also.

My work has been my saving grace – I have great plans in place. Marketing plans and Communications plans, additional projects and more training. Truth be told – perhaps I am a tad too busy at the minute. Oh well – we live and learn.

Mike and I are now going on impromptu dates which is a lot of fun. Admittedly, I did have wild aspirations of dusting down my Nigella cookbooks and become a culinary Domestic Goddess once more – but alas, that notion is still firmly on the back burner. ( Rome was not built in a day ). Now that we are able to be more spontaneous we are planning a weekend away. February is the next available slot – strange but true.

I do miss my kids daily – but I am enjoying a very full and varied life now. I still find it strange when I drive past their old schools and see some of their friends; but I am getting used to it all.

I am so thankful that we have modern technology at our disposal. I email and text constantly – and Skype and Apple Facetime are an absolute godsend. Just seeing their faces allows you  to read between the lines – it is very reassuring. I am just terribly proud that Mike and I have – thus far – been able to raise two such fabulous children who have the confidence to embark on their new phases of young adult-hood with strength and enthusiasm. ( Remind me of this post in the Christmas holidays when the place looks like a tip and they are treating this place like a hotel.)

Life is all about milestones and how we adapt to our changing circumstances. And overall we are all coping well with our new adjustments. Long may it remain.

I thank my darling husband for this achievement – but would also like to publicly put it on record that now I have been to see 2 action movies with him – it’s his duty to accompany me to Jane Eyre ;o)

There are many forums on Facebook and by putting out some feelers we have been able to get together and have a ‘Shoot-Up’ in Belfast.

The general idea is to have a bit of fun and play with our cameras. We get the opportunity to bounce ideas off one another, borrow kit and try new techniques.

This can only be a good thing as it enables us to stay sharp and offer more to our clients.

We had a fantastic model – Debbie from Dazzle Me With Your Tips. Nothing was too much trouble and she was a pleasure to work with. She made my life so much easier – allowing me to worry about flash and exposure settings.

The location was just fantastic, and I felt that Debbie’s style fitted in brilliantly – allowing us to create some edgy urban style images. I just love some of the graffiti – it adds to the overall grittier feel of the session.

Here are few photos of the afternoon’s shoot.