This strong belief in the highest levels of presentation, would eventually lead Westley Richards to stand well above the crowd; displaying a new standard of visual quality that would in turn elevate its beautiful products and showcase a desirable sporting lifestyle. What Simon couldn’t have imagined in his early days in the darkroom, is how great an impact photography was to have on the world-at-large, and why his efforts has placed the company in such an ideal position for the future.
Some time ago I read an article that stated ‘2014’ had been a landmark moment for photography. In that year 1 trillion photos had been taken, amounting to a quarter of all photographs/images to have ever existed since the dawn of the camera. Quite the sobering thought! However on greater reflection not too surprising with the proliferation of smartphones and the lure of social media.
What became clear since around that time is that every Tom, Dick and Harry with an iPhone could class themselves as a photographer, and the role of experienced image-makers would likely become a dying breed. Having lived in that world all my career that thought is by far from the truth. The level of skill and craftsmanship involved in the lighting, product composition, image capture and digital correction of top photography takes years to master. Here at Westley Richards we are lucky to have our own expert in-house team, led by Emma and on occasion Leica expert, Brett.
As Explora readers will be well aware, the images that we produce are of such distinctive quality the products exude the finest luxury, even on the smallest of screens. It is no surprise then, that as of this month we have launched two new social media ventures – on Pinterest & Instagram. Our friends and followers are now able to view a great many of our back catalogue on this new Westley Richards Pinterest page. It is a fantastic way to navigate iconic imagery and discover guns, rifles, engravings, people, sporting trips, leather goods and much more, at a glance. Month on month this page will continue to grow and will be an archive that any true Westley Richards aficionado should follow.
The second is the Westley Richards US Agency Instagram page, an account run by our man in North America – L.D. McCaa – who’s technical knowledge of firearms and their histories are second to none. The account will be regularly showcasing the many pre-owned firearms that he has for sale along with his key interests in ephemera, hunting stories and US sporting events. It is the perfect place to keep an eye out for your next used gun or rifle!
Westley Richards Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.co.uk/WestleyRichardsandCo/
Westley Richards US Agency Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/westleyrichardsagency/
The Explora Blog is the world’s premier online journal for field sports enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, conservationists and admirers of bespoke gunmaking, fine leather goods and timeless safari clothes. Each month Westley Richards publishes up to 8 blog posts on a range of topics with an avid readership totalling 500,000+ page views per year.
Peter Buckley. on July 3, 2020 at 6:04 pm
Dear Stephen
This article of yours truly emphasises the ‘Top Class’ photography achieved by Westley Richards.
Great photo of Simon, and by the looks of it, in his element !
Ahh the elusive Emma, photographed in her natural environment, I have admired lots of her work in previous articles, no wonder she leads the team.
Very best regards
Peter.
Ed Waters on July 7, 2020 at 6:14 pm
Fantastic! I have long admired WRs aesthetic and, dare say, used it as an example of where the company I work with needs to be visually. Look forward to viewing the archive.
Stephen Humphries on July 7, 2020 at 6:55 pm
A pleasure Brett, you along with Simon and Emma have set the standard that other gunmakers can only dream of. I look forward to working with you myself in the not too distant future.
All the best,
Stephen
Stephen Humphries on July 7, 2020 at 6:53 pm
Many thanks Peter.
Great to hear such fantastic feedback, always an incentive to push the team to break new ground with their imagery. Watch this space.
All the best,
Stephen
Stephen Humphries on July 7, 2020 at 6:58 pm
Thank you for your kind words Ed, and pleasing to hear that we inspire so many. Enjoy the archive, which rest assured will continue to expand.
All the best,
Stephen