Member Article

Scaleup plans show Tyneside photographer sees Bigger Picture

Following a string of new contracts and increased work from national brands, including Reebok, Three, Virgin Money Foundation, Pizza Express and Interserve, Tyneside photographer Angela Carrington has revealed plans to upscale her business.

Founding The Bigger Picture almost ten years ago, after lecturing in photography at Northumberland College, Angela has found her niche in specialising in commercial and PR work.

After single-handedly supplying photography to represent both small and large brands online, in the media and for advertising purposes, Angela says she’s enjoyed much success, forcing her to rethink the way in which her business operates.

Focussed on current growth and future expansion, Angela has recruited a brand new team to extend the business’ offering.

“The recent appointment of Jeanette Doherty as director and property-lead has also opened up new avenues for the company”, she explained.

“Jeanette has brought a lot of technical experience to the business and she’s created excellent links with national and local estate agencies, shooting properties for them on a daily basis.

“Together with our new studio manager, Richard Davidson and a growing number of associate photographers all over the country, the business is rapidly expanding.

“Our turnover has doubled in the last twelve months and we’re receiving more work from PR agencies and businesses based in London and Manchester.”

Originally from the North West, Angela, a former winner of the prestigious North East Champion Award (for promoting the region) is proud of her adopted city and the roots that she has laid there.

Her studio is ideally situated in the fashionable Ouseburn area of the city within the creative hub of The Biscuit Factory art gallery.

Whilst her clientele are based predominantly in the North East, the growth of the business has led to more shoots all across the UK and internationally including Majorca and Nepal.

When Interserve Construction commissioned the Bigger Picture to document the conversion of one of Newcastle’s most iconic buildings over a two-year period, their reputation in the construction sector was sealed.

“Interserve needed to see how the old Co-op store in Newcastle was developing through time during its conversion for a major hotel chain”, said Angela.

“At least once a month, I would photograph the various stages of work undertaken and produce documentary materials to assist them in their project.”

This work gave Angela the route needed to expand further into the construction industry where her photography has since helped a number of medium and large firms win lucrative contracts.

As part of future growth, Angela revealed that the firm has also embraced new technology in the form of 360º Virtual Reality imaging.

This allows potential property buyers to see the building in 3D from the comfort of their own office or homes.

“We’ve also invested considerably in new state of the art cameras and time lapse equipment to show the progress of buildings being constructed and in some cases demolished,” continued Angela.

“For the ultimate view, we can also supply aerial footage via a drone and we can also provide thermal imaging for specialised construction surveys.”

She added: “We’ve come a long way from the days of just a camera and a tripod!”