The star of our fourth video (besides Fred) was South West photographer Tony Cobley. We spoke to Tony to find out what makes him tick:
My passion for photography began when I was about 12 years old and was a keen hobby photographer all of my younger life. I did lots of short courses and school projects on photography during this time.
I quit my job in sales and marketing in 2005 and went to Plymouth College of Art for 3 years full time where I achieved a first class BA (Hons) degree then did professional training and qualifications with the British Institute of Professional Photography. I am now a Qualified Associate of the BIPP, specialising in commercial photography for marketing purposes.
My clients are businesses and other organisations in South West England and marketing/ communications people – anybody who wants high quality creative images to help promote their businesses brand.
What’s your favourite thing about working for yourself in the South West?
I like setting high standards and having complete control over achieving them. I am able to have direct communications with the client and foster long term business relationships. I have lots of lovely clients who I have worked with many times and enjoy working with them and their brands.
As well as the obvious amazing scenery, I love the business culture in the South West. I find that businesses in Devon & Cornwall want to work with their suppliers and clients long term so strategies are based on doing the job well and really working together. Reputation is everything here in the South West and successful businesses really take pride in the job and look after their networks.
I’m always proud of my images and love it when clients see their people and their business looking great!
When Tony isn’t working he enjoys surfing all over the South West, exploring the coast and moors, fishing and playing competitive snooker.
If you would like to find out more about Tony’s work you can visit his website here http://tonycobley.com/
And just in case you haven’t seen it yet, here is the video: