Reviews of Focal (Photo Studio)

Paige Marshall

The quality of photography and service are amazing! Marlboro made my family and I feel incredibly comfortable in front of the camera which made my graduation photos look and feel natural. I would highly recommend Focal to anyone looking to capture their memories in a personalized and unique way.

Hannah Tabert

I love working with Focal!! Their excellent customer service and commitment to creating a platform that works for photographers is admirable and I have already seen the difference it has made in my business. I discovered them after listening to a podcast and I am SO GLAD that I did!! It’s amazing to have backend help through not only their free accelerator program, but also through their personalized advice, and knowing that they are doing the SEO work behind the scenes to make sure my packages are being seen by the right people!! I can’t thank them enough and I can’t wait to continue working with them :)

Asmaa I. Methqal

I have worked with many photographers in my professional career and I can confidently say that the level of customization and customer service with Focal is impressive. I have booked a personal photoshoot and I loved how the team asked me very detailed questions to hone into the style of photography I am looking for and my ideal outcomes from the experience and the pictures I'll receive at the end. During the session, I truly enjoyed just being the model and letting the photographer Marlboro direct me as needed and choosing the locations (it was so refreshing for me to not have to play the creative director for once ;o)). The end result was astonishing pictures that I can use in different mediums. Focal team truly heard my requests clearly and provided the exact shots I needed. With this level of service, I am planning to book a photoshoot every 6 months to update my gallery! ;o)

Greg Samborski

When Focal first contacted me I was skeptical, very skeptical. Having been approached by Airbnb, Flytographer, Localgrapher, Travelgrapher, Younameitgrapher... I had my back up before the conversation even began, ready to go on a tirade about how such uber-style-aggregators are creating a race to the bottom in our industry. Lachlan and I met for lunch in one sunny winter day at albeit closed cafe in the midst of covid. After he finished explaining Focal's vision and structure, well, he had taken the angry hot wind right out of my sails. Focal is the first photographer market place I've seen that REALLY puts the photographer first, allowing us to create our own pricing and packages and then promotes us for a very reasonable fee. It wasn't all talk either, Lachlan personally sent me many clients before I was even on board with Focal. He arranged an interview and posted it to their blog to help get my name out there, he helped me create promotions ,and always checks in to see how I'm doing. Honestly Focal has been SO good to me I feel guilty, hence my lengthy review to help ease my conciseness. If you're on the fence about joining don't be, there's nothing to loose and everything to gain. Thank you Lachlan and the entire Focal team for your dedication and commitment to creating a fair photography marketplace.

Hank Miller Productions

They rebuilt my website with my personality and image in mind! They are so good the first draft was the final product!! My last website I'd been building for about 3 yearsw, well they built a better on in a week. Lachlan and his team did an amazing job and I'm so happy I went with these guys!

Kim Cummins

It was an absolute pleasure working with Focal Photography to help capture our events and programs at the Shelbourne Community Kitchen! Their team not only volunteered to help capture our annual general meeting event, but also shared their time to build our photobank to support a variety of communications projects and promotional materials in print and online. We cannot say enough positive things about how wonderful it was to work with them! Lachlan and his team were professional, efficient, helped us capture just the right moments and made everyone feel comfortable in front of the camera. The results are just beautiful! We strongly recommend them to companies and to help capture your special event.

Adarsh krishnamurthy

Great Service and photography. The photographer listened to us for the type of pics we wanted and considered our request to click a few from our personal camera too on request.

Andriy Koval

Very happy with the support service. Responded quickly and was very attuned to my needs. Did not restrict communication to business hours, which was very useful to my schedule. Repetitive check-ins to see if everything was ok and to my liking. Will recommend to my friends!

Matt Condon

Great experience. The mentorship classes are phenomenal and help put into perspective what it takes to be a photographer full-time.

John Kilbank

Hired Focal to arrange a business photoshoot for a client of mine. When an issue came up with the original venue that was selected, they quickly found an alternate venue. The photos turned out great!

Hunter Murphy

Incredibly professional team to work with and the pictures turned out amazing. I had a scheduling conflict arise and they were able to happy to do was necessary to make it work. I will absolutely be using this service again

CJ McCullough

BookFocal built by website exactly how I wanted it, based on the awesome templates that they provide. They had amazing customer service and a high quality ongoing product that is ever improving. I would highly recommend them for photographers or videographers who are looking for a more simplistic design and aren’t in need of full customization on their website but value simplicity over all else. Lachlan and his team are sure to make you happy with your site guaranteed!

Brenton Cox (Brenton Cox Photography)

I loved the team. It’s always so hard getting a website designed and I honestly had no issues. They are so quick to respond and I’m half way across the world and that means a lot. The biggest reason I’d recommend them is the ease I was able to focus on other tasks knowing they had it. It honestly was too easy.

Naomi Maya

The team at Focal has been a huge help to my photography business, always treating me well and not just as "another photographer". I love using the booking system to keep track of my clients, payments and packages all in one place! It keeps everything so organized. The marketplace feature brings in new clients that I never would have had. I've been on other photography directories, but none compare even remotely to the value I've gotten from Focal. Truly grateful to be part of this initiative!

Finn

Super professional and the photos taken are exceptional!

Jimmy Farnese

Great guys to do a shoot with and had a blast. Totally recommend using them as they can do just about any type of photo from sports to wedding!

Nikki Elizabeth

Wow! I seriously cannot say enough good about Focal! As a photographer, I have definitely hit some bumps in the road when it comes to the business side of things. Whether that means trouble marketing, putting myself out there, or finding my ideal clients, there is always something to improve. When I started working with Focal, I knew it would be a game changer for my business. Everyone is so nice and genuinely wants to see me succeed. I cannot thank Lachlan and Martin enough for helping me become the business owner I am today. If you have any doubt about working with Focal, Im here telling you to DO IT! You wont regret it.

Jeremy Mueller

Very happy with the photos taken. Everything was shot in a professional and efficient manner. Scheduling was flexible and made it easy to get the photos taken in a short time frame. Overall, a great photography brand that exhibits professionalism in every way.

Steven Seltzer

The team at Focal supported our Harvest Brunch fundraiser and were a big part of the success of the event. Amazing pics that I was able to send to our donors and showcase on social media. Steven Our Place Society

Pauline Bartnik

The photos and the service are such high class at Focal. Very happy with the customer service, the team was very professional and organized. The photos turned out beautifully. Marlboro helped us get the results we wanted in no time. Would highly recommend Focal for any occasion, whether you need commercial or private life photos captured!

Christin Carruthers

I can't even begin to describe how amazing Focal has been and the impact they have had on my business! Their customer service is beyond amazing. They really care about your success in the industry as a photographer, but also care equally about the clients who are booking to ensure they have the best experience, start to finish... it's such a win win when you feel like you have a team behind you that aligns with your values! Their marketplace has been incredible for bringing in bookings, and their booking system has really improved how I go about scheduling clients. Focal changed the way I go about my business for all of the best reasons! Cannot recommend them enough! Lachlan and the whole team are just wonderful, and truly care in your success.

Sean Thurston

From start to finished product, Lachlan and his team were attentive to who I am as a business owner and how I love to treat my clients. My brand is reflective of that and so is my new Focal website. They're fast to respond and eager to help which is rare these days. I absolutely recommend team Focal.

YYCMOOD :: Wood Sunglasses

We were visiting Victoria and decided that we wanted a branding photoshoot for our Sunglasses, this was so unexpected and we didn't have much hope because we were short of time, Lachlan responded quickly and try to put everything together in two days, presenting different options so it will fit our budget, it was a long weekend so he put a lot of effort even finding two models for our photoshoot!, Rob the photographer was great and captured exactly what we were looking for, we are very happy with the results, and we recommend Focal to anyone who wants a great, good quality and fast response service. Thank so much guys!

Raluca Brix

Focal has made a huge difference in the recent success of Starfish Photography - both because of the additional work they have brought in through their platform for photographers but also as a result of the excellent customer service and genuine commitment to helping photographers improve their businesses. The staff have been responsive, informative, professional and friendly throughout our communications and they regularly check in to inquire about our experience with the platform and ask if there is anything we need. I appreciate their business model that does not demand an up-front membership fee and instead is based on a commission from bookings. I am looking forward to accessing more of Focal's services when I have the time, such as their mentorship program for photographers, which I've heard wonderful things about!

Christian Muñoz Mejia

Extremely pleased with the headshot quality for my much needed LinkedIn update. Photo shoot booking was right on schedule and, as promised, received the final edited photo within 5-10 business days. No complaints here!

Brendon Hildebrandt

they have a great staff and happy atmosphere

Ed Ismael

Great website with very friendly and helpful staff.

steve pennington

It has been an absolute joy working with Focal as they built me a new website. The team at Focal listened to all my needs for my website and responded within minutes every time I had a question. I couldn't be more happier with the results! My website is phenomenal now, and because of all the extras they implemented onto it I can now do away with some of the third party applications that I was using. Everything is built right into my website which has greatly increased my CRM as well as my SEO. Anyone looking to have their website built should look no further than this company. From the CEO that I spoke with to the people working directly on my website have been amazing. Usually I have a few cons when I write a review but I couldn't find anything I didn't like about the entire process. Will be doing business with Focal from hence forth.

Golnaz

I found this app when I was desperately looking for a photographer to capture my labour photos. Lachlan, the founder of this app, contacted me instantly and asked about my preferences. He found the right photographer for me considering my budget. I am so happy with the customer service and the level of communication. I definitely recommend this app/website and I appreciate the founder for streamlining the process. The photographer was so professional and she was an expert ..she was on call the week of my labour, showed up on time and took lovely photos of our special moment of becoming parent.

Rainbows & Hot Fudge

Working with Lachlan and Focal has been an exceptional experience. Trying to build my photography business had left me confused, stuck and exhausted. After partnering up with these guys, things started getting easier. Now I have a website that I love, clear and easy-to-book packages and confidence about how to continue to grow and market my business. I started booking clients with Focal almost immediately and couldn’t be happier with this experience! Thank so much Lachlan and the Focal team!!

Susan Seale

Very welcoming, accommodating and accessible. Fabulous customer service!

Nathan Froehlich

Focal was not what I was expecting at all--in the BEST way. Lachlan and Martin have been a huge help in getting my photography business off the ground, and pointing out ways I can improve my business and start booking clients, even outside of Focal. 12/10!

Eryn Brown

I recently had my convocation photos taken with Focal and could have not been more impressed! The photos turned out amazing, the team facilitated timing following the ceremony perfectly and I always felt in the loop on plans for the day. Would not hesitate to use them again if I am in Victoria!

Kourtney Knysh

I recently had my graduation/convocation photos done by Focal and they turned out AMAZING! I have never had pictures professionally done before so I didn't know what to expect but the Focal team made it very comfortable and fun! Highly recommend them if you're in the Victoria area.

T C (Tansim)

We had family pics with 8 adults and 6 kids, 5 of them were under 4 yrs and beautiful images were captured without making the kids be still.

Alison McGuire

Very impressed! Fun team to work with, and the photos turned out spectacular. Highly recommend.

Shelbourne Community Kitchen

It was an absolute pleasure working with Focal Photography to help capture our events and programs at the Shelbourne Community Kitchen! Their team not only volunteered to help capture our annual general meeting event but also shared their time to build our photobank to support a variety of communications projects and promotional materials in print and online. We cannot say enough positive things about how wonderful it was to work with them! Lachlan and his team were professional, efficient, helped us capture just the right moments and made everyone feel comfortable in front of the camera. The results, as you can see in the pictures above, are just beautiful! We strongly recommend them to companies and special events.

Christine Wensink

I have had multiple, fantastic experiences with Focal Photography! The level of service and quality is superb! Our headshots, and group photos turned out so well! Also, they are very present in the community and at local charity events! Would highly recommend

CJ Sutton

Fantastic company to work with as a photographer. Helped get my packages advertised with out the huge monthly fees. They listen to the needs of their photographers for the development of the back end of their software too which is amazing!

Peter Baillie

It was a well run photo shoot and the end result surpassed my expectations.

Brenton Cox (Brenton Cox Photography)

I loved the team. It’s always so hard getting a website designed and I honestly had no issues. They are so quick to respond and I’m half way across the world and that means a lot. The biggest reason I’d recommend them is the ease I was able to focus on other tasks knowing they had it. It honestly was too easy.

Deb Cee

We purchased a package as a Mother's day gift for our parents to take some photos with their grandchildren. The team was so patient with the two toddlers and went above and beyond to get the kids to smile and laugh. The photos turn out amazing and will be cherished by many generations to come. We will definitely be booking again!

Kristina Sequeira

We booked a newborn session with Focal and couldn't be happier. The response was quick and professional, and most of all, the photos are awesome! Christin provided a super laid back, comfortable atmosphere and her experience with photographing newborns was very evident. Highly recommended! Would definitely use Focal again!

Christopher Walker

Truly exceptional in their preparation and in providing an exceptional service and final product.

Taryn Makinen

Focal stepped up to the plate to donate their time and skills to help out Shelbourne Community Kitchen with new promotional photos. The team was great to work with, responding to emails quickly, presenting professionally and being very respectful of our desire to keep things low key and respect our family vibe. They definitely delivered....and I am excited to work with them again in June and I'd recommend them to others hands down. Also I just love how they pull together local photographers so it becomes a one stop shop, helping you get just what you need!

Paul Rosini

I contacted Focal for a few commercial photo shoots. They really do go out of their way to provide excellent customer service, working around tight timelines and changing conditions. On one shoot, the weather changed and made shooting a challenge. We were able to quickly reschedule and get the perfect shots another day. Excellent service, very reliable, and high quality pictures edited and delivered quickly. I will definitely use their services again!

Richard McCart

Hired these folks for my daughter's grad at UVIC. Friendly but professional, some great shots were captured, including some family and individual poses, all done outdoors at UVIC. Super easy to schedule, and on time at the convenient meeting place on the very busy day. Much appreciated! Rates amazingly reasonable after shopping around. Definitely recommend them!

Tyler West

My son was born a month early, and while a very welcome surprise, it also meant many of my plans for the end of my pregnancy went out the window. Near the top of my list was booking a newborn photography shoot. I knew I wanted to capture the sweet early days with my baby, but the sleepy overwhelm of being a new mom left little time or bandwidth to scroll Instagram, search Google or survey friends and family for photographer recommendations. Visiting the Focal site allowed me to view multiple local photographer portfolios and packages all in one place, book a time that worked best for my family and reduce the tedious back and forth correspondence and questions around pricing, scheduling and packages. Booking a shoot was super easy and the Focal customer service team answered any questions I had and let me know exactly what to do and bring to ensure a great experience. We received our photos quickly after the shoot and they perfectly captured that special time with our son. I would definitely recommend Focal and will be using them again!

Chan William YS

Organizing a pre-wedding photo shoot from overseas is an imaginably difficult job. The team of professionals from Focal did an amazing job to make our dream comes true and we couldn't be happier with the end result! The team did an amazing job since day one; from offering advice to making it happen (smoothly), we felt very lucky to have them. I would recommend Focal to everyone!