WHEN Tony Longmore was made redundant from his job in the energy management industry he could not have foreseen what the future held.
But now, eight years later, he and his partner, former teacher Julie Darbyshire, are running innovative photography business Oculus Studios Ltd
They employ a team of seven – including four they took on through the National Apprenticeship scheme.
Tony said: “A lot of our success is through the apprenticeship scheme which we feel to be the ‘correct way’ to help the growth of your business.”
Tony was made redundant in 2007 but had been a keen amateur photographer since 1991.
He started Oculus working from a home studio, covering weddings, portrait sittings and events.
In 2012 he launched his Northwest Photobooth brand – a new idea from America which provides fun photography at weddings, children’s parties and other events. The following year they took on their first apprentice.
Last year they moved into state-of-the-art studios at Evans House in Orford Lane, Warrington and this year opened a market stall under the Fotocrazy brand, offering photo gifts and services.
They have completed more than 650 Photobooth engagements at more than 400 venues across the North West and now operate in a range of specialist areas including events with instant photographs, nursery, babies from newborn up to toddlers, photoshoot parties, equestrian, weddings, portraits and, of course Photobooths.
For more information visit www.fotocrazy.co.uk
