THE
Countryside Collective
Bringing Countryside Businesses together
Networking
Meet fellow minded countryside business owners and employees in your local area.
Open to all
No compulsory membership fees, no closed shops, no restrictions on business types. The only prerequisite is a countryside link to either the business or those involved.
Affordable Brand Photography
Bringing a revolutionary offer to a networking event. Micro lifestyle product photography sessions at very affordable pricing
Build your business networking with the right people
Even in the current digital online era there is no doubt that face to face networking is one of the most effective, and importantly affordable marketing tools for small independent businesses.
The Countryside Collective offers a networking opportunity specifically for country businesses both large and small. Currently focused in Hampshire and Wiltshire, but soon to expand into surrounding areas and beyond.
Additionally we offer a revolutionary service in the form of brand lifestyle photography. Bring your products (or yourself!) along, and subject to only a few restrictions, have them photographed in a lifestyle environment. All imagery ticket holders receive one complimentary social media image with additional images available to purchase at affordable costs.
About our founder
Katie Mortimore – Professional Photographer
Our founder Katie is a county girl born and bred. Growing up on the island of Jersey, before moving to Devon and ultimately Wiltshire, gives her fantastic country credentials in itself. But to add, her Grandfather was a dairy farmer, and she has been heavily involved with horses and equestrianism in general her entire life.
Katie is a professional photographer specialising in equine portraits, weddings and commercial work. She decided to found the Countryside Collective after numerous discussions with fellow small business owners who struggled to find relevant networking opportunities and also to afford professional photography of their products.
Like-minded businesses best support & market one another
We offer an open policy in terms of who can attend. As long as you either own or work for a countryside linked business you are welcome at our meetings. That link doesn’t necessarily have to be direct though. For example, the business may be an online stationery business, but you as the owner live in and embrace the countryside, you are welcome!
If you are looking to reach your ideal clients, and they are country-focused, how better to reach them than through a countryside focused networking group.
Our ethos is community over competition, therefore we don’t limit attendees from within market sectors, and actively offer educational resources to our followers where we can.
Upcoming Meetings
Click to buy tickets to one of our upcoming meetings
Coming soon!
Venue TBC – Time TBC – Photo Theme TBC
Coming soon!
Venue TBC – Time TBC – Photo Theme TBC
Coming soon!
Venue TBC – Time TBC – Photo Theme TBC
Contact Us
Would you like to know more about our sessions?
Would you be interested in hosting a session at your venue?
Would you like to see Countryside Collective in your area?
Whatever your question drop us an email we would love to hear form you.
Please either use the form or the below contact details
email: thecc@countrysidecollective.com
Phone : 07813075277
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn How it Works!
How much does it cost to attend?
Ticket price may vary according to location but our standard cost to attendees is £30 which includes one social media/web licensed image from the lifestyle session. Tickets not including the photoshoot option are £15. Where possible/practical light refreshments will be included within the ticket price.
How Do the networking sessions work?
On arrival you will be given a name tag and asked to hand over any products to be photographed. You will then be free to network away. Before leaving you should collect all your items from the photographer. Any items left behind will be stored for a maximum of 7 days and collection will be arranged by the attendee at their expense. Please note perishable items can not be stored and any damage or loss to items in this time is at the attendee’s risk. Any items not collected within 7 days will be disposed of.
Where will products be photographed?
The photography location will vary according to the meeting venue and potentially also the weather. Each meeting will have a theme therefore meaning if you attend multiple meetings at the same venue you will receive different but complimentary imagery each time.
At applicable times of year there will be key themes such as Christmas which will be done early enough to allow for Christmas gift guide submissions.
Some months will be flat lay style set ups, others more inclusive of the location surroundings and background.
We will provide examples of the intended images before each event to allow attendees to decide which of their products may be most suitable.
What products can be photographed?
Products, unless by prior arrangement as a general rule should be able to easily carried by one person in one hand due to venue limitations. Products requiring an electrical point to function (and to be pictured functioning) will require prior approval and compulsory PAT testing.
Can clothes be photographed?
Yes! Where there is sufficient demand a model will be available meaning clothing will need to be provided in a set size according to the available model. The size of the model will be made available prior to the event but as a guide will generally be for female models size 10-12 purely as this is the industry standard for sample items.
In the event there is not a suitable model or you cannot provide an item in the correct size your product can still be photographed in a lifestyle setting. We would recommend if you offer personalised packing that this included with the product when handing in for photographing.
What if I don't have a physical product?
For many businesses the product is the business owner and their skills and therefore we offer those business owners, or those whose products are not suitable for photography at the meeting to have their own photographs taken.
Research shows that images of the faces behind a business offer far greater engagement than those of products on social media.
Our photographers are experts in helping you to quickly relax in front of the camera to capture professional but beautiful lifestyle portraits.
What if I don't need/want any photos taken?
No problems at all, if you don’t need or want photos of you or your products, then you can purchase a standard attendance ticket for £15 so you can come along and enjoy the networking session.
How many products can I bring?
You may bring up to 5 products but we ask that a preferred product is highlighted. This is because depending on the number of attendees we can only guarantee to photograph one product.
How many photos will you take?
This will vary widely depending on the number of attendees, products and also the venue. There will be an allocation of a minimum of 5 minutes per attendee. The amount of photos taken during this time will depend on complexities with setting up and displaying the product at its best. We guarantee that each attendee will have at least 3 images to choose from.
If you are open to your product appearing alongside other non competitor products in complimentary images then there will potentially be additional images.
How do I receive my complimentary photo?
All attendees will be provided with an individual voucher code to be redeemed on the photographer’s website which will allow them to download 1 complimentary image from the gallery which will be made available within a week of the event.
Further images will be available to purchase.
How much do additional photos cost?
Pricing depends on the chosen usage licence. Pricing for all images beyond the complimentary included image. Complimentary image comes with a web/social media usage licence.
Web/social media usage (no print or product use, non transferable)
Single image £25
ALL images for one business £100 TOTAL
Full Commercial Licence (10 year non transferable licence)
Single image £50
ALL images for one business £200 TOTAL