ABOUT US
80+ Years of photography in the bloodline.
Alastair is the 4th generation of photographer in his family and has inherited knowledge and gained practical experience from his great grandfather through his grandfather and uncle.
Alastair’s grandfather always told him he wouldn’t be allowed to take over the family photography business in Kelso, Scotland as he wanted him to pursue his own career and make his own name for himself. He took his grandfather's advice to heart so he grew his passion in photography and went on to study this at university.
When graduating from Staffordshire University with First Class Honours in BA(Hons) Photography in 2017, Alastair moved back up to his hometown of Carlisle, Cumbria to set up his own photography business.
Each of the four generations has seen and adapted to a new form and evolution of photography. His Great Grandfather with glass slides and large format cameras and then onto his Grandfather leading the way with 35mm film. His uncle began making use of digital imagery, and indeed set up the first digital printing lab in Scotland. So where are we now in the bloodline of this passion for photography?
Alastair is taking on a new era with the use of drones.
By using drones commercially, and having the correct knowledge and permissions to do so. Alastair has expanded into being a videographer as well as a photographer. This allows him to be more versatile in the projects he can undertake. Throughout Alastair’s work he strives to use the mentality of ‘never Settle’ and continuously works to evolve and adapt to the ever changing industry that is photography.
Using this mentality Alastair took the decision to evolve from Alastair Herd Photography to HERD'S MEDIA as this rebrand allows the business to continue to grow and evolve. Starting with just Alastair on his own he now has an expandable team of 7 depending on the jobs.
The company holds an OA (Operation Authorisation) that is required by the CAA and is also covered by the correct drone insurance and public liability. If you have any questions please feel free to get in contact by clicking on the link below.
Meet The Team
.png)
Alastair Herd
(He/Him)
Director, Drone Pilot, Photographer & Videographer
- Born & Bred Cumbrian
- Based in Carlisle
- Alastair oversees all the project that are undertaken by HERD'S MEDIA.
- As the main photographer and videographer Alastair also applies these natural skills to the drone operations which produce stunning videos and photography.
- Hobby: Comic book reader
- Fun fact: Is currently in the process of building a Lego room.
Sophie "Soph" McDougall
Wedding Photographer
- Born & Bred Cumbrian
- Based in Carlisle
- Sophie is our Wedding Photographer
- She organises all our projects and logistics to make sure all the jobs run smoothly from planning to flight crew.
- She doesn't stop there she is also an Undergraduate studying illustration full time at University of Cumbria.
-Hobby: Rugby
Fun Fact: Obsessed with Creme Eggs
Jon Lowe
Videographer & Editior
- Based in Carlisle
- As well as running his own business, Jon is an additional videographer.
- Started on telly nearly 15 years ago,5 years at the BBC I worked on Blue Peter, the One Show, and Strictly Come Dancing, filming, researching and directing. I’ve also filmed and directed on shows for itv and channel 4, and done post-production on a show for sky.
- Broadcast director for our livestreams
- Fun fact: will happily quote pop culture references in normal conversation
Michelle "Mish" Lam
Videographer
- Originally from Northern Ireland.
- Based in the Lake District and Lancashire.
- Studied Film and TV at the University of Cumbria and gained a 1st class honours.
- Studying part time on her master's degree researching the British-Asian experience.
- Works full time in creative marketing and social media.
- Hobby: bouldering (climbing).
- Fun fact: filmed her first wedding at Bassenthwaite Lake.
Kara Ashurst
Photographer
Ken Herd
Finance Director & Ground Crew
Catherine Herd
Ground Crew
Obi
Herd's Media Mascot
- Originally from the North East.
- Based in Cumbria.
- Currently Studying BA Hons Photography At University of Cumbria.
- She enjoys getting creative with experimental photography techniques, as well as traditional dark room practices.
- Kara is a very outdoorsy person.
- Hobby: Loves Baking
- Fun fact: She has photographed the only black browed albatross in the northern hemisphere.
- Originally from Berwick, Northumberland
- Based in Carlisle
- Company financial director
- Ken is also one of the ground crew when required for drone work.
- Hobby: Silk Painter
- Fun fact: Is known and Grumpa to his grand children
- Originally from Kelso, Scotland
- Based in Carlisle
-Catherine is one of our ground crew for our drone operations and a runner for larger events.
- Hobby: Sewing
-Fun fact: Had Ice Skating lessons with British Olympians
- Originally from Sunderland
- Based in his forever home in Carlisle
- Obi is the best office beagle
- Keeps all the team on task and make sure we take regular breaks when editing.
- Hobby: Eating ham
- Fun Fact: Loves to keep everyone
on their toes.
Follow our social media and never miss out what we are getting up too.
Testimonials
"I can fully rely on Alastair to produce a high quality and professional result whatever the medium; he will handle the whole project with limited involvement from myself until the finished product is ready for show/tell.
He has expertise and first-rate knowledge in his field, has a great eye for detail, is passionate in his work so produces high quality results time after time. Couple this with the fact that he is adaptable and flexible in his approach to getting the job done, I have no hesitation in recommending Alastair (and his team) for any photography and drone/video work whether big or small.
Plus he is a genuinely nice guy to deal with!"
- Nina Oxley Group Marketing Manager at H&H Group
Working With the Best Clients and Partners
