Philip Sowels

Lead Product Tester and content creator at Saga Exceptional’s (Saga Media) purpose built testing facility in Chippenham.

Involved in the setting up a purpose built testing centre with dedicated “sound room” test kitchen and photo/video shooting space.

Responsible for testing all manner of products from vacuum cleaners, running shoes, coffee makers, smart speakers to office chairs and air fryers.

Responsible establishing test criteria and methods including building bespoke test equipment, create test data spreadsheets and writing observational notes for reviewers.

Responsible for running an inventory list and liasing with pr’s and manufacturers.

Responsible for creating imagery both stills and video content of testing procedures and product.

Studio and location photography for magazines and websites at Future in London and the new site in Reading, housing the Home Entertainment, Sports Lifestyle, Cycling and Food Test hubs.

• Tasked with developing relations with newly acquired teams especially within the Woman's Lifestyle Brands and encouraging their use of in-house resource and there by save on external freelance costs.
• Success of the studio and increased demand has led to a expansion and development of a second studio space within the building.

Studio and Location Photography and short form Videography

In addition to my roles as a Senior Photographer

• Heavily involved in the redesign and expansion of the studio and the temporary relocation to facilitate the build.
• Introduction of a 3rd photographer and an increase through put to nearly 60 shoot days a month.
• Develop strategy for short form video and stop motion, procure equipment to facilitate this.
• Tasked and succeeded to bring in external clients to provide extra revenue sources.

Purpose built in house studio in the centre of Bristol

• Established a new in house studio to facilitate the photography requirements for a number of Magazine Titles acquired by Immediate Media.
• Recruit and manage a second photographer
• Run a busy diary with 40+ shoot days per month.
• Source a body of freelance photographers to cover extra jobs.
• Responsible for accounts - including monthly recharging for photography.
• Work closely with Art, Editorial and Stylist teams to create content for both in house and external platforms.
• Manage, archive and add metadata to images.

Large in house Photography and Video Studio in the centre of Bath comprising of 7 individual studios including a drive in cove.

• Photography of products and/or people in the studio or on location.
• Create high quality short form product video.
• Liaise with Senior creative team to deliver content for both in house and external platforms.
• Streamline workflows within the studio both software and practical.
• Monitor standards of work produced by studio members.
• Mentor and guide other photographers to bring them in line with standards set.
• Keep abreast of current trends within the Industry
• Research and evaluate new equipment and technologies within the photographic environment.
• Organised and delivered a training course for new art editors for best practice within the studio environment.

Commissioned to shoot visual merchandising look books for Gucci, Tom Ford, Yves St Lauren and Bally.