VisualChaos Studios

Getting the Right Professional LinkedIn Headshot Your online business presence has been becoming increasingly more important over the last decade. Can you imagine trying to run your company without at least some online media space?  It’s almost unthinkable.  In fact, online marketing probably takes up a huge chunk of your time already. In today’s marketplace, your website is just part of your online marketing strategy. You’re also expected to operate on several social media channels as well and creating a consistent identity across all of these can be challenging. One of the simplest ways to make your business easily recognisable across all the channels that you operate with is to include a clear and professional headshot.  It has been proven that clients rarely purchase a product or service on their first exposure to it and so brand recognition can be a really important factor.  For many small businesses, you are the brand so it’s essential to make sure you ...

Shooting Pizza Flour Commercial Photography Studio in Crawley Pizza Flour Product Shots The lockdowns of recent times have fuelled the UK’s love of creating in the kitchen, more people than ever are taking an interest in creating their food from scratch.  Extended restaurant closures certainly did nothing to dampen the UK’s love of pizza!  This, in turn, has led to a vastly increased demand for speciality flours.  Gone are the days where the only choice to make was between plain and self-raising! This speciality pizza flour has been photographed specifically to be featured on Amazon Marketplace, meeting all their quality and background requirements.  Further to this, the packaging has been further enhanced to remove any of the natural marks that are common where paper packing is used. Professional Amazon Market Place Store Photography Amazon is a vastly competitive marketplace and it’s vital, if your products shots are going to stand out from the rest in the search r...

HOW DO SOLARE PV PANELS WORK? How Does the Sun Affect a Photovoltaic Solar Panel? The sun continually discharges little parcels of energy called photons, which arrive with us here on earth approximately 8.5 minutes after they have left their source.  Those little photons however can take 100,000 years to get from the sun’s core to the surface where they can start their journey to us – so we’re bathing in some very old light when we hit the beach on a hot summer’s day! Solar panels are designed to capture the power of this light and convert it into energy that we can use – natural, clean and green. How Does a Solar Photovoltaic Panel Work? Solar panels are made up of individual cells often constructed of silicon.  These cells, call Photo Voltaic (PV) cells become energised when they are in contact with photons and this energy is converted into a usable electrical current.  PV cells are wired together in collections on a board and then boards can be wired together into ar...

Product Photos To Reach A Worldwide Audience It can be frustrating to know you have an amazing product that people would love, but struggle to get sales. More and more, an in-person shopping experience is being eschewed for the convenience of purchasing online. Of course, this offers you a much bigger marketplace – worldwide in some cases – but then can also make it harder to get your product to stand out from the crowd. You probably already have your own website, but these can take time and expertise to grow and mature, so lots of businesspeople are looking to leverage the power of already established marketplaces – such as Amazon, Etsy and eBay – to boost their sales. These can deliver large audiences of potential customers who are visiting to make a purchase and offers a trusted platform for them to buy from. However, unlike your own website which naturally features only your products, these platforms mean that you may be competing for attention with other similar products.  A...

Not All Solar Panel Issues are Electrical Cell or String Faults Dirt on the Panels One very common cause of panels not functioning effectively is simply that they have become dirty over time, particularly in urban city locations, this can diminish performance by up to 10%. Regular panel cleaning can solve this problem. Check out our article on how to safely clean your solar panels here. However, if your panels have been on the receiving end of lichen growth or bird droppings, it is possible that hot spot damage has been caused that cleaning off the surface won’t fix. So, once you have cleaned your panels, you might still see that they are not operating at an optimum level. Shadowing / Shaded Panels It might be that your solar panels are being partially shaded.  For example, by trees that have grown since installation. Whilst this won’t damage your panels, it will be worth clearing any overgrown trees and large shrubs so your panels can once again enjoy a clear view of the sun. Degr...

Solar Farm Thermal Inspections - Effecient Solar Farm Maintenance Practices Drone Media Imaging offer solar panel inspections using state of the art thermal cameras and qualified thermographer Level 2 pilots. This means that we are almost uniquely placed amongst drone operators to guarantee data collection under the correct conditions and meaningful reports that identify any faults or anomalies. Add to this the enhanced flight operating permissions we have been granted by the CAA, puts in in a very small exclusive group in the UK. An aerial inspection is an ideal method of assessing the condition and performance of all solar panel arrays when compared to manual ground-based inspection techniques.  The advantage of an airborne camera is particularly acute when panels are in areas that are difficult to access or cover large areas, such as solar farms. Using dedicated mapping software, the drone flies a pre-programmed route or mission which allows large areas to be inspected quickly a...

A Simple Solution to Increase Solar Panel Performance To ensure that your solar panels are operating at their optimal level, regular cleaning is required. When solar panels are located on high pitched rooftops such as with domestic housing, cleaning them yourself can be dangerous and so we would always recommend using a professional solar panel cleaning company. However, on many commercial flat roof installations with purpose built human access, and of course ground installations, regular cleaning on PV panels should be part of your estate management maintenance practices. In all cases, when working at height such as on a roof space health and safety is paramount. Being compliant with the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and certificated with ‘Working at Height Awareness Certification v3.0’ will be the minimum required for those conducting roof top solar panel cleaning, as well as full electrical competence and understanding of the electrical systems installed. - Turn off the solar sys...

When you have invested a lot of time and money in staging a corporate event or product launch, it makes sense that you maximise this investment with a professional photographer or videographer with experience in capturing the event and giving you images that can become marketing tools for you (both internally and externally). VisualChaos Studio images are routinely used for publication in magazines, press and websites and they serve as visible markers of your company’s progress, success and achievements. We work to unobtrusively capture all sizes of events from small meetings to large conferences and awards ceremony black-tie evenings, documenting and capturing events as they unfold without interfering or halting appearances. Conversely we can also set up a small mobile studio that is ideally suited to award recipients to capture them with their prize. We offer a mix of action and background photography and video to capture speeches and presentations,  also to create images of bran...

Solar Panel Fault Finding A drone carrying a thermal camera is the ideal tool to assess solar panel condition given that they are often placed in areas such as rooftops which means they are difficult to access. This non-destructive method of inspection minimises any health and safety risk alongside the chance of damaging roof or panels during the inspection process itself.  It is also a great deal quicker than using scaffolding or elevated platforms which makes it more cost effective. Professional commercial thermographerHowever, having a drone and a thermal camera is only part of what is required to carry out a meaningful solar panel inspection. It is also imperative that the drone operator is trained in thermography to capture the data under the right conditions and interpret it correctly. Providing uncalibrated thermal data and not understanding the environmental conditions or physics of thermal energy generation will result in wasted time, effort, and money. Solar panels need t...

Marketing Your Own Property? Don’t Forget the Professional Images.. Marketing your own property is becoming increasingly popular with people looking to avoid costly estate agent fees.  It’s not an entirely straightforward process but it is achievable and, given that so many property viewings take place online at least in the initial stages, it can make a great deal of sense. However, whether you are taking care of all aspects of selling your home yourself or employing the services of an estate agent, one of the key areas in terms of marketing your property is publishing the highest quality photographs. Most buyers will browse the internet and view your property online before deciding on whether to visit it in person, it’s vital to both stop them scrolling by capturing their attention and then to showcase the best features of your home and grounds to entice them to explore further. Estate agents are exactly that – they are estate agents and not professional photographers and it’s ...

Thermal Solar PV Fault Detection Using photovoltaic solar panels to meet some or all  your electricity needs is a great investment, now more than ever. However, your panels need to be functioning correctly if that investment is to be maximised. Regular Solar Panel Checks Many solar panel owners don’t know how their installation is performing and of course, as most installations are on rooftops, it can be difficult to physically check them. Also, faults are not always visible to the naked eye! This is where an annual drone thermography inspection can give you all the information that you need with just one or two easy flights conducted by a qualified thermographer and certified drone pilot. When your system was installed, the installation company would have given you a performance estimate that you can use as the benchmark to monitor your panels and make sure they are working as hard for you as possible. Checking the display on your inverter or your accompanying app can easily demon...

Headshots – Are You Looking Your Best? If you’re coming to a head shot photo shoot – whether you’re looking to update an acting or modelling portfolio or simply to update your corporate image, you will want to be looking and feeling your best. It’s likely that you will be using your head shot images for at least a year, so it’s worth paying a little attention to grooming, including your hair and makeup, before you come to visit the studio. Your hair is often an integral part of your look so, whether you will be wearing it up or down, you’ll want to make sure it’s styled just as you like it. If you want an extra boost, you could schedule your head shot appointment just after your hairstylist appointment, so you come to visit the studio ‘salon fresh’. For men, it’s also worth considering your facial hair according to the image you wish to portray. For example, if you are looking to create a clean cut and professional image, then come freshly shaved, or if you prefer a bit of a beard or f...

Does Your Solar Installation Have a String Fault and How Does Thermography Detect it? If a fault develops in solar panels connected in series, then the entire string is likely to fail or be shut down. This results in a heat differential to the surrounding panels and arrays will show up clearly in a thermogram. This is because when light is falling on the panel cells, but no load is connected, there is an electrical potential across it, but as no electrons are flowing (under load) then the by product is heat. As soon as something completes the circuit, electrons will flow, and the heat is distributed and equalised across the open circuit. There is no turning of a solar cell, when bright sunlight is hitting the surface, the energy created most end up somewhere, it will become DC electricity or heat. This can be clearly seen in the thermogram opposite, where two strings of solar panels are ‘off. but producing heat and showing up in the image. DC GROUND FAULTS There are of course several r...

Is it time to re-shoot your headshots? Professional headshots don’t have to be traditional, ‘smile towards the camera’ moments, they can of course be more expressive and inventive. While it will depend on your particular industry or business, headshots can be an opportunity for self-expression and individualism. I wouldn’t suggest that if your are an accountant that you necessarily go for a headshot that has you jumping in the air with light-sabre, but headshots do present a chance to say what’s different about you compared to your competitors. With my headshot sessions, I offer both simple and traditional as well as a more advanced editorial styles. Take a look on my website or get in touch to discuss. #eastGrinsteadheadshotphotographer #headshots #professionalbusinessheadshots https://www.visualchaosstudios.co.uk/reexamine-your-headshots/

What is a UK Passport Renewal Code and How do I get One? Her Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO) encourage people applying for new or renewed passports to do so online and they have changed the way that these applications are now made. Instead of uploading your photo during the passport application process (which some people were struggling with due to getting the specification correct), there is a new system involving a secure digital ID Photo Code (IDPC). This simplifies the process of applying for your passport and attaching your compliant ID photo to the rest of your application data. An IDPC is unique to each customer and is generated when you have your photo taken by an IDPC compliant biometric photographer, which of course VisualChaos Studio is! When you visit our studio to have your passport photo taken, we provide you with your unique code at the time of the visit and you then simply have to enter it when prompted in your online passport application process to make sure your imag...

Professional Boudoir Photography So you’ve made the decision to book a boudoir photo shoot – go you!  You’re going to rock it but there’s always a comfort in a little bit of planning so you know you’re totally ready for it (well there is for me anyway) so here’s some top tips on getting ready for your photo shoot. Change it Up When you layout your clothing to take, try and create a variety of looks.  So don’t take three lingerie sets in the same style and cut.  Think about clothes you’d like to be photographed in too – that’s a great way to get used to being photographed in the studio.  Maybe think of a ‘modest’ outfit, something classically boudoir such as stocking and corsets and then something a bit more daring.  Also think, oversized sweaters, white shirts, crop tops, whatever else you fancy to give yourself some real variety in your finished image set. Accessorise Don’t forget shoes, jewellery and other accessories to complete your look.  If you’re not...

Why Should Solar Panels be Professionally Maintained? Over the years, panels can suffer faults that remain invisible to the naked eye but which impact their efficiency in terms of generating power. In serious situations these faults can even lead to a fire hazard. So it’s really important to keep up with the maintenance on your panels to keep your installation safe and also to make sure you are making the most of your investment. Obviously, the problem with regular and specialist inspection of your panels is that they are most likely to be in inaccessible areas of your home such as your roof. Having an actual human being up there to manually test each panel can be costly due to the health and safety precautions they have to take and potentially equipment they have to hire in order to gain access, plus you run the risk of damage to your roof structure during the inspection process. However, there is a simple and non-invasive solution that reduces inspection costs and means that if you d...

Wedding Photography at Ashdown Park Hotel with VisualChaos Studios Based in the heart of the countryside that is said to have inspired AA Milne to create the Winnie the Pooh stories, Ashdown Park is a simply stunning wedding venue. Built in 1987 as a manor house, it has also been a convent before being converted to country house venue in 1993 and it is there that I think it has found it’s true calling.  The grounds are immaculate and picturesque with a beautiful photo ready lake just a short walk from the main house. The chapel is just a stunning example of gothic architecture complete with stained glass. There’s plenty of accommodation (and parking) for your guests and the rooms are stunning, many with views of the rolling hills, so you can be sure that your guests will be as comfortable as your day is fantastic.  Speaking from experience of working there on a number of occasions, the service is also a really big selling point.  The staff are so helpful and friendly and ...

Quality Real Estate Photography - Shooting External and Internal Spaces This year, my business seems to have been heavily focused on photographing property portfolios.  It is an area that I have a great deal of experience in, and one that grew exponentially after I invested in drones back in 2016 and achieved my OSC enhanced operating permissions from the CAA which means that I can offer aerial images of the exterior of a property, even in more difficult urban areas. Drones can offer an opportunity to set your property in the context of its surroundings as well as showcase any special features that wouldn’t be seen from ground level.  Aerial photography also offers the advantage of adding a sense of drama and perspective to images of commercial spaces that can otherwise look pretty bland.  Captivating the attention of a browser and appealing to a wider online audience can only be a positive thing when it comes to marketing your property. The Important of Real Estate Image...

Driving License Official Photograph It’s pretty common to put your driving licence in your wallet and leave it undisturbed for sometimes years at a time.  However, your driving licence doesn’t last forever – a standard licence expires after 10 years. Even though you should receive a reminder letter when yours is close to expiring, this is pretty easy to miss and so if it’s a while since you looked at yours, then it might be time to give it a check.  Especially as the penalty for driving with an expired licence is a fine of up to £1000. In some cases, licenses have shorter expiry dates. For example, if you are over 70, then your licence must be renewed every three years and if you’re driving a lorry or a bus the expiry period is five years. So, if you check and discover that your licence is due for renewal, there are some things you will require - An updated photo - Your current licence - Your current passport - Your NI Number - Eligibility to drive - £14 (currently) to p...