|
Arts Photography
Many of the photographs featured on this site demonstrate that there is no need to accept the “obvious” photograph.
Certainly theatre photography in the UK has suffered from ‘obvious-itis’ for a great many years with little or no creative use of the wonderful opportunities presented by the medium. Press photographs are frequently dull and do very little to convey any sense of drama whatsoever.
However, there are times when the more typical shot is desirable, so, the objective with every shoot is to provide a combination of these with photographs which aim to either provide a more aesthetically pleasing view. This methodology has proven to be popular publicists, marketing departments and designers, all of whom have different needs from one shoot.
Another change in the industry is developing too, which is a welcome one. Clients are now starting to demand more from their photographers. Why should a client have to go the expense and hassle of finding different photographers to do production and publicity shots?
Surely a good photographer who knows their craft should be able to work as happily in the performance in environment as in the studio? Anything less is a compromise and in a world where production budgets are getting tighter all the time, photography has to adapt to increase levels of customer satisfaction and service.
The whole philosophy I adopt therefore when working for a client, whether theatre, TV or film, is to give the client a lot more “bang” than the proverbial “buck” they are paying!
Portrait & Headshot Photography
Very few people enjoy having their photograph taken. Even actors, who may be able to don multitudes of personalities at the drop of a hat in front of thousands of people, suddenly freeze when it comes to the dreaded headshot session!
As a result, many people have a “photograph” face that they adopt when in front of a camera lens. Part of the job of the photographer is to understand this and work with people so that they become themselves – which is when the best photographs of them are taken.
There is no such thing either as being “unphotogenic”. There is only ever bad photography.
Great portraiture reveals something about the subject which is not merely contained in the two dimensional image. A great portrait is three dimensional, which personality, feeling or tension between the subject and the viewer of the image.
Commercial, Editorial and PR Photography
It may seem odd that I have grouped these apparently disparate photography disciplines together, but there is method to this. All three of these have one thing in common: a brief.
Because customer service is the most important aspect of the work I do, particular attention is given to ensuring that the client gets as a bare minimum the images contained in the brief. Once that has been achieved, I will then offer alternatives to provide the client with a greater choice and range of images for selection.
I have, over the years, supplied catalogue images, corporate brochures, interiors, event and considerable editorial photography. What this means is that I have had at times to work in fast-changing, often time restricted situations which have demanded fast thinking and adaptability in order to deliver to the brief and beyond.
|
