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Gumtree.com is one of the most visited websites in the UK. Managing Director Michael Pennington needed new portraits to accompany press articles; there had to be a range of styles to suit various publications and the photography had to be completed within an hour. Because Michael needed rather than wanted his portraits done, he wasn't too enthusiastic about the process to begin with. This isn't unusual, so to keep the energy up I aimed to shoot a number of brief set-ups. Using an assistant and the minimum of equipment helped speed things along and allowed me to shoot a greater variety of images. The company style is fairly informal, so after a few variations on corporate head & shoulders shots in his office Michael was happy to continue the shoot outdoors. There were a couple of interesting backgrounds right outside the office and Michael became more relaxed, especially after seeing the results on the camera's screen. He suggested more potential locations within a few minutes walk, particularly the Millennium Bridge by the Tate Modern, and I was able to use a flash technique to give a more dramatic, moody feel, which made the most of the setting. "I'm never happy about being photographed but unfortunately it's necessary as I'm often quoted in the press and they ask for an accompanying portrait" says Michael Pennington. "I was surprised how much I ended up enjoying working with Ian. In an hour he shot enough pictures of me to use over the next twelve months, and I can match the style of the photo to the type of publication. Put simply, this means that it's more likely to be used, and when I need some new shots doing in a year's time I'll certainly be calling Ian".