As the director of commercial, PR, and sports photography specialist Northedge Photography, no two days are ever the same for Ed Sykes. Here, we learn more about his past experience (including photographing the Paris Olympic games and several World Cup events!), advice for aspiring professionals, and how he enjoys spending his time outside the office.

1. Tell us about your role at Northedge Photography, and the part you play:

For more than 20 years, my business partner Craig Bough and I have been contracted photographers for some of the world’s biggest news and sports picture agencies. Keen to branch into more corporate, PR, and property-based photography, we launched Northedge Photography in 2017. When not behind the camera or piloting the drone, my role also includes photo editing, liaising with clients, accounting, and more – all the usual tasks that come with running a small business.

2. What has been a key highlight for your organisation, to get to where you are now?

I’ve just returned from Paris, having photographed my first Olympic Games, which is definitely a personal career highlight. I’ve been lucky enough to cover some great events over the years, including FIFA World Cups and European Championships. However, I’d say consistently delivering top-level, reliable service has got the business to where it is now, rather than any single highlight.

3. And what’s next for your business?

To continue growing and innovating. Camera equipment never stops evolving, so we must keep pace with the latest gear if we’re to truly offer the best service. The popularity of drone photography is increasing within the sector, and we’re keen to do more on this front – particularly on the videography side of things. We often outsource specialist work, such as production and video editing, especially as we continue to get busier. However, our plan in the near future is to bring this offering in-house, giving our clients a comprehensive, full-service experience.

4. Share one word you would use to describe your industry:

Varied.

5. Finish the sentence: The biggest misconception faced by our business sector is…

…that the job is finished once the cameras are packed away!

6. What advice would you give to someone starting a career within your sector?

 The best piece of advice I could give is: Don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Learn from the best, research what’s successful and why, and find an area in the sector that you’re passionate about. At the same time, don’t be afraid to diversify.

7. And the best piece of professional advice you were ever given?

As far as my photography career is concerned, it was: Continue doing what you love doing, for as long as you can.

8. What will be the biggest trend within your business over the next 12 months?

There’s no doubt AI will continue to trend. While it doesn’t come into play in most of our work due to the strict editorial standards we need to adhere to, it can certainly assist with automation and editing in other areas of work.

In contrast, we’re seeing a growing trend in companies seeking genuine, natural profile photography of their employees to showcase their brand and tell their story – a shift from stock photography and a far cry from anything AI can create.

9. If you’re out of the house, what would be the first activity you opt for to pass the time?

I’m a keen cyclist, and we’re blessed to have great countryside right on our doorstep in Halifax. I’d probably head up into the hills of Brontë Country.

10. And finally, if you could play a part in any movie, what would it be and why?

I’m definitely more comfortable behind the camera, though I reckon I’d make a pretty decent cowboy, so a role in something like Deadwood would be very cool.

If you’d like to contact Ed regarding a photography requirement or view Towngate’s directory of preferred suppliers, click here >>