Tom and Lizzie Redman of Redshoot Photography.
Published: July 5, 2020 | Updated: 5th July 2020
Photographers Tom and Lizzie Redman could be forgiven for thinking that, perhaps, they’d upset someone in a previous life.
Already owners of a thriving wedding photography business, they launched an offshoot called Redshoot Photography in March.
March 9, in fact.
And what happened two weeks later?
Well, no prizes.
Not only did their income fall away completely but the new venture, specialising in business photography, was put on indefinite hold.
Then, in May, Lizzie, 39, developed Covid-19 symptoms and the couple and their twin sons, aged four and 18 months, went into isolation.
Thankfully Lizzie recovered with the exception of her cough which developed into a chest infection, leading to pneumonia.
Now back to full health, the couple, who live in Bournemouth and have 20 years’ experience as professional photographers, can finally put their plans into action.
It hasn’t come a moment too soon.
Lizzie said: “We worked so hard on the new business but Covid-19 took the wind out of our sails.
“But now we feel really excited and can’t wait to get started.”
Tom, 36, developed his photographic skills while working as a production manager for live events and tours.
His pictures, many featuring artists and acts, caught the attention of friends who asked if he could take their wedding photographs.
As his business developed, Lizzie, a former primary school teacher, joined Tom, establishing a husband and wife photography team.
Tom said: “It worked very well with Lizzie concentrating on the bride, and all her preparations.
“Increasingly, though, we were being asked by people at the weddings if we could take pictures of their businesses and products.
“It set us thinking.
“We take pictures of all elements of a wedding.
“Not just people but the flowers, rings, menus and locations.
“We’re telling a story and could bring these skills to businesses.
“So many businesses have websites that don’t sell their product or service well.
“It might be the functionality of the website or the fact that it’s too busy or confusing.
“More often than not, it’s the images that are just stock and don’t stand out or sell.
“They’re not authentic and can even be amateur.
“It takes 0.05 seconds for a consumer to form an opinion about a website and decide if they will stay or leave.
“Images cut through the noise and have the power to hold attention.
“They can tell a story that a customer needs to see in order to choose a business.
“Redshoot will take compelling photos to help businesses stand out online and in print.
“We specialise in telling a story that a customer choosing a business needs to see.”
Lizzie said: “So many pictures on Instagram aren’t always the best.
“We think there is a real gap in the market for what we’re offering.
“We’ve done a lot of work and have a massive list of businesses as targets.
“Three businesses were interested in our services before lockdown and we’re confident that we’ll get off to a strong start.”
