Case Studies

Franchise case study- Merilyn Saddleton

In a previous life I worked for a Building Society for 17 years, mainly in financial planning, and latterly as an area sales manager. 

I’ve had a love of photography for many years, and once my partner, Keith, convinced me to buy a ‘good’ camera, we’ve spent many afternoons photographing anything and everything.  However, it’s social photography that I really love, and once I’d bought a book on wedding photography, I was completely inspired and knew that that was what I wanted to do in life.  However, not knowing my apertures from my f stops, I finally decided to get some proper teaching – which is where Barrett & Coe came in. 

Their courses appeared to be just what I was looking for, with practical, hands-on approach from day one. (This is where Keith comes in again – endless posing for my homework practice). For me, the courses taught me what I need to know to take great pictures, and didn’t attempt to fill my head with all the details that I’d never really use. The wedding course particularly provides a useful insight into the planning aspects too, which in turn has been helpful in discussions with potential brides.

I’m so pleased that I chose to do the Barrett & Coe courses.  Before, I would buy one (probably all!) of the monthly camera magazines, and wish that I could take photographs like those.  Now, I’m often thrilled at the results I’m getting, and more importantly, so are my mums and brides. 

I opened a studio earlier this year, and have been busy mostly with Emma’s Diary baby shoots so far, although there have been a few family sessions, and I’m looking forward to increasing those, as I’ve found that they are fun to do, for me and the families.  All in all, having my own photography business is a dream come true.  Its great to spend your time doing something you so thoroughly enjoy, and every time a mum or bride cries – I think I’ve done a pretty good job.