When you’ve been behind the lens as long as I have, you learn quickly that great photography isn’t just about the technical side - lighting, composition, timing, for example. It’s about people. It’s about businesses. And it’s about stories.
That’s why, at Chris Vaughan Photography, I don’t approach client work as just another job to tick off the list or a way to pay the bills. I approach it as a partnership.
More than a transaction
A photoshoot should never feel like a one-sided transaction. If I turn up, take the shots, and leave, then I’ve missed the most important part of my job: understanding your business and what success looks like for you.
Whether working with a local council, a marketing agency, or a construction firm, I want to know the story behind the image. What’s the goal? Who is this for? How will these images help you connect with customers or stakeholders?
That context makes all the difference. It’s how I ensure the final images are not only visually strong but strategically valuable.
Our values drive the work
I’ve built Chris Vaughan Photography on a set of values that guide my work with every client, large or small. Respect, trust, and genuine collaboration are at the core of those values.
One principle I always come back to is work in partnership with clients, not for them. When we work together as a team, the results are better. You feel more confident and comfortable during the shoot, and I gain a deeper understanding of your business goals, which leads to images that do far more than just look good.
It’s why people recommend me
A lot of my work comes from referrals, and I think that’s because I don’t see clients as just customers. I see them as people I want to support and work with long-term.
When someone recommends a commercial photographer in Lincoln, I want them to say:
“Chris didn’t just take great photos, he really understood what we were trying to achieve.”
That mindset is how I’ve come to be trusted by local and national organisations, as well as various local authorities and charities. In every case, the relationship made the difference, not just the photography.
Partnership in practice
A recent example is a testimonial shoot I did with Fizzco. Yes, the goal was to create visual content, but it became something more. We captured not just what they do but also why they love what they do.
That kind of storytelling only happens when people feel relaxed, listened to, and involved, which is exactly what a good partnership provides.
Whether photographing people, products, or places, I always aim to make people feel comfortable and confident. Even something as straightforward as colleague profile pictures becomes a better experience when you feel supported and understood.
Why does it matter to you
From your side as a client, working in partnership means you’re not starting from scratch every time you need photography. I learn how you like to work, your brand, and what your audiences respond to.
It also means I can be more proactive, suggesting ideas, spotting opportunities for drone photography, or offering images directly for social media from live events. That flexibility and trust save you time and get better results.
The long view
Building partnerships also benefits me. Let’s be honest: as a photographer, it’s easy to slip into a “gig mindset”, book the job, do the work and get paid. But that’s never been my goal.
I want to work with clients who see photography as a vital part of their marketing. Clients who value the thought and creativity behind every shot. Clients who aren’t just looking for a service, but a trusted commercial photographer they can rely on, someone they’d recommend without hesitation.
That’s why I invest time in getting to know your team, your challenges, and your ambitions - not just for one project but for the long haul.
Final thoughts
Whether I provide drone photography for a regeneration project or capture images of a new product line, my approach is the same: I work with you, not just for you.
So if you’re looking for a trusted commercial photographer in Lincoln who values your business as much as you do and believes great photography starts with a great relationship, let’s have a conversation.
Because when we build that trust, the results speak for themselves.