Blackpool photographer's new focus sees growth in business

Photographer Stephen Redfern, who has been privileged to capture images of the Royal Family as well as Barbara Royle, aka Sue Johnston from the BBC comedy The Royle Family, has seen his turnover double through the support of Blackpool's Economic Development team.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Jun 2018, 11:23 BST
Updated 4th Jul 2018, 18:24 BST
Stephen RedfearnStephen Redfearn
Stephen Redfearn

With more than 20 years’ experience in the industry, his work has received numerous awards from the MPA and BIPP and has resulted in him working for the north west’s most prestigious businesses and private clients.

Stephen sets the creative benchmark that blurs the line between promotional photography, art and visual design.

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As well as photographing the likes of Princess Anne and Prince Edward, his career has taken him to the famous cobbles of Corrie, and Manchester United.

Stephen Redfearn's portrait of actress Sue JohnstonStephen Redfearn's portrait of actress Sue Johnston
Stephen Redfearn's portrait of actress Sue Johnston

Having spent many years building his career, in late 2016 he approached the Economic Development Division at Blackpool Council to develop a strategy that would take his photography business to the next level.

Since that initial meeting, Stephen has gone on to celebrate a record turnover and increased new business through the support and advice provided by the team at Blackpool Council.

It’s not always been easy for Stephen, in the beginning he was faced with negativity towards his career choice and on tragically losing his mother at just 15 he struggled with his education.

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Time and time again he was told he would never make it as a photographer, however, he wasn’t deterred and he returned to college, where he was awarded, Student of the Year whilst studying for Photography.

Today he is an award-winning photographer and has a seat on the board for Master Photographers Association for the North West region.

He said:“I have been very lucky over my career to have had some incredible opportunities. Like all business owners it’s not been easy to achieve my success, but with the help and support of initiatives like the Economic Development Division I’ve been able to grow my business and create new opportunities”.

His main focus now is on building his corporate client base with attractions, colleges, the NHS and local Councils.

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Coun Mark Smith, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Enterprise and Economic Development, said: “It is wonderful to see someone have the opportunity to work in the field that they love and to achieve great success.”

Related topics:BlackpoolBBCBlackpool Council