The Story Behind the Headshot - Meet Simon James
Drivers, Aspirations and What Makes Them Smile
A key benefit of the Melbourne Networking events run by Your Time Matters (YTM) is the opportunity to have in person, real , purposeful conversations that help you to connect. Now you might say that you have conversations online through Facebook and zoom, but when you really sit at a table with one or more people and have a conversation, you really do have the opportunity to learn about not only their business but also their drivers, aspirations and what makes them smile.
Conversations continue and Business Relationship Strengthen
The same applies when you invest time in attending a workshop, or any in real time event. Last year, I was attending an introductory workshop with Alvin Cooney, from Asentiv Australia, when I first met Simon James. Our paths began to cross. I found Lisa Stoneham, one of our YTM Members, was in a breakfast group with Simon and then we both attended a five day “live-in” business development course with Alvin. So our conversations continued and our business relationship strengthened.
It was not long before I asked Simon to take some event photos for me at one of our dinners and also at the event I ran at the Hub in Collins Street. It was quickly evident and logical that we should continue our collaboration and I was delighted when Simon agreed to be a YTM 2020 Partner so we can grow our businesses together.
Let me introduce you to Simon - so that you can learn more about this valued Member, YTM Partner and Friend of Your Time Matters Business Networking-
Meet Simon James
“Why” do you do what you do? What made you start your own business?
I have always been attracted to people and their stories and photography gives me the opportunity to meet with and help tell your stories. All that I do is focused around story telling. Your wedding day is capturing the story of your day. Your family portrait is showing the relationship between your family members. A corporate headshot is one of the most challenging stories to tell, we only have 1 image to tell your story. To connect you to your clients.
I started my business straight after my photography studies finished. I’ve always been a creative person and having my own business has given me the freedom to create and control my work home life balance. My parents also worked from home in their own business and I guess that also influenced me as well.
I am sure there are things that really give you a “buzz” about your business. Could you share 2 or three things with us?
Showing peoples connections with others
Empowering the people, I photograph
These are just a few of my greatest joys.
Who inspired you to take up photography?
My epiphany in life that lead me to photography wasn’t a person but a moment in time.
I was crossing the Nullarbor by train with my family when I was about 16 years old. Looking out of the train window while the landscape slowly passed by, it was like looking through the viewfinder of a camera. I was hooked and have been following my lens ever since. I find inspiration in the people around me to keep capturing and creating images that connect us all.
As you know at Your Time Matters, we believe conversations, connections and knowledge enrich lives, personally and professionally and impact on the lives of others, helping them learn, grow and achieve what matters to them. What impact would you like your business to have on the lives of others?
Connecting you with your clients in a meaningful authentic way.
In 3 years time, where would you like to see your business?
Known as the go to photographer to tell peoples stories in and around Melbourne.
I asked Simon to share some tips on how to get the most value from headshots and event photography and as our son is a marriage celebrant we also discussed wedding photography. I was amazed at the thoughtful things Simon considers to make the day as relaxed and enjoyable as possible for the couple!
Tips on how to get the most value from headshots and event photography
For your new headshots to really connect with your clients, the image must be engaging with your audience there must be an emotional thought behind your eyes. Without that it’s just a photo of you looking at a camera…
Make sure you get the images out to your network asap. Be that on social media or on your web site from any events that you have photographed
.What are the benefits of professional photography at a wedding?
I can capture the story of your wedding day from many different points of view. On the day you can only experience it from your lived experiences and conversations you have with the guests. I capture everything, giving you the complete story of the day.
After shooting weddings for over 29+ yrs I have gained the skills to bring the best out of you. Making you feel comfy and relaxed, so no matter what we are creating together the images will look and feel dynamic, meaningful and raw.
Please share your favourite quote with us about time or business .
Under promise & Over deliver. Is the motto I live by.
OH, and I always try to make the world a better place for those around me.
How can people connect with you?
A phone call is the best way to communicate your photography needs to me.
(0417) 000 456
My web site shows you a galleries of my skills and story telling.
Instagram is my in-depth business card.
Lastly, as Simon is a client, referrer , supplier, friend and collaborator of YTM its always helpful to know how your business adds value , so I asked Simon-
How have you benefited from being part of the Melbourne YTM Business Networking community?
The YTM community is a relaxed yet focused environment in which I can talk and mix with other business owners and discover how I can help others. In return other business owners have helped me grow my business.
You can meet Simon James at YTM events each month ! Thanks Simon, for your continued support and we look forward to helping you learn, grow and achieve, personally and professionally. Subscribe to receive Event Alerts here and get your FREE gift of Conversation Starters
