Two photographers have teamed up to launch a new photography business in their home town of Cwmbran.
Paul Croxford and Jane Watkins met while studying photography at Crosskeys College. After finishing their course they set up Picture Photography Studio in Charles Street in Newport in 2010. They had two successful years but felt Cwmbran Shopping and its benefits like free parking would boost their business.
Paul, a former pupil at Fairwater Comprehensive School, said: “We are really proud of our new studio at 29 The Parade in the town centre, on the upper level above Greggs, Willis Butchers and Nine Yards Cafe.
“It’s modern, beautifully decorated, great atmosphere and large studio area make it the perfect place for taking stunning portrait photographs. We opened the new studio in Cwmbran in June 2013, closing the Newport studio at the same time.”
“The main areas we specialise in are wedding photography, newborn baby photography, babies, kids and toddlers, families, and individuals, all aspects of social photography really.”
I asked Paul how he got into photography.
“It all started for me when my parents got a camera for my 13th birthday, an old film camera, no digital back in 1990. It’s pretty much been a passion ever since with me taking photographs of pretty much anything ever since. In 2005 I took a few photography courses and took my first steps into becoming a working photographer by starting to photograph weddings alongside my job at the time. I became a full time professional photographer in 2010 when we opened the studio in Newport.
“The best thing about taking photographs is knowing that you a creating memories for people. We had this quote by the famous photographer Aaron Siskind stencilled on the wall of our Newport Studio:
‘Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What is caught on film is captured forever…it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten every detail.’
“You can’t beat the feeling of seeing your customers faces when they see their photographs for the first time.”
“There are always funny moments in this job, you never know what kids are going to do next. They keep you on your toes and keep you smiling. There always guaranteed to be at least one joker at every wedding, keeping everyone entertained. Weddings are great fun, everyone is happy at a wedding and we are so lucky to share their day with them.
“We were over the moon to be able to open the studio in Cwmbran. Both myself and Jane have lived in Cwmbran for the best part of our lives. It’s a vibrant shopping centre with lots of potential and the free parking is always a bonus for our customers. We have a lot of customers that travel to us from the Valleys, Cardiff, Monmouth and even as far away as Swansea. They have all commented on what a fantastic shopping centre Cwmbran has and that they will definitely be returning here to shop.”
Picture Studio and Cheeky Monkeys have teamed up to hold a Cute Kids photo competition that is free to enter. Jane or Paul will be in the soft play centre on Monday 12 August from 10am to 4pm to take your children’s photo. Kids must be aged between between 0 and 11.
If you can’t get along to Cheeky Monkeys on that day you can pop to the studio in the town centre on these days and get the pics taken to enter.
Wednesday 14 August 10am – 4pm
Friday 16 August 10am – 4pm
Tuesday 20 August 10am – 4pm
Thursday 22 August 10am – 4pm
Saturday 24 August 10am – 4pm
Paul said: “We will take a variety of photographs from which the parents will be required to return two weeks after their shoot to view the photographs and choose which photograph will be entered into the competition for free. Not to worry if you cannot make it back to Cheeky Monkeys. We will be open for viewing at the Cwmbran Studio until Saturday 21 September. The winners will be announced on our Facebook page on Tuesday 1 October.
“There are 3 prizes, 1st, 2nd and 3rd. First prize is a beautiful 36 x 48 inch black ornate frame along with the photograph of the winning image. Second prize is a 24 x18 inch white frame along with a mounted 18 x12 inch print of the photo. Third prize is a mounted 18 x 12 inch print of the photo. Print packs and enlargements will be available to the parents for purchase when viewing the photographs for the entry selection but no purchase is necessary to enter.”
Call Paul or Jane on 01633 877 699, visit the Picture Studio website or like their Facebook page.
