Sunday, July 3, 2011
back from Israel.....
Just a quick note to update, I'm now back from two weeks in Israel. I'll be posting updates in the next week or so of projects once they've been edited!
Monday, June 6, 2011
Journey Monroe
A few weeks ago I had a meeting with Emma O'Brien regarding a book cover shoot. Emma wanted a video shot as well, so I had put her in contact with Dima who I'd worked with before. After a few meetings it all finally came together, and we shot the video and made the photographs all in the same day.
Dima worked on the video, shooting around the photographs being taken; and likewise when the video was being shot the other way around. It worked really well, and despite worries on the weather turning we managed to work around it.
The brief for the photography was to create images of 'Journey's' rise to fame, and catalogue her life through the years. Emma managed to find the perfect model, as she had a younger sister who would play the 'young journey' in the video and photographs. Bethany (Journey) was a great model to work with, despite her age she was confident and followed direction perfectly.
The shooting list was compiled of the following: A book cover, Dancing in a studio, Book/Movie Premier, Guitar playing, Recording studio, Various on location, Mother and Daughter, young Journey in park, young Journey at table with some drinks. I think that was about it.
Well we managed it, the shoot took 6 hours in total. I've added a few below although these are by no means a final edit. It should give a feel for the results. Please note I've added links to Emma's website, and the Journey Monroe facebook page below.
Here are the following links: (click on names)
Emma O'Brien's Website
Journey Monroe's facebook group
Dima worked on the video, shooting around the photographs being taken; and likewise when the video was being shot the other way around. It worked really well, and despite worries on the weather turning we managed to work around it.
The brief for the photography was to create images of 'Journey's' rise to fame, and catalogue her life through the years. Emma managed to find the perfect model, as she had a younger sister who would play the 'young journey' in the video and photographs. Bethany (Journey) was a great model to work with, despite her age she was confident and followed direction perfectly.
The shooting list was compiled of the following: A book cover, Dancing in a studio, Book/Movie Premier, Guitar playing, Recording studio, Various on location, Mother and Daughter, young Journey in park, young Journey at table with some drinks. I think that was about it.
Well we managed it, the shoot took 6 hours in total. I've added a few below although these are by no means a final edit. It should give a feel for the results. Please note I've added links to Emma's website, and the Journey Monroe facebook page below.
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| One of the proposed shots for the cover |
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| A casual at rest during a dance performance |
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| Reading at leisure - I love the back light from the window |
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| This was a rough mock up using an image for a cover/poster at a premier - it was shot with on camera flash to give that 'press' look |
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| This was Journey as a child - the photograph has been aged to imply a time scale |
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| This time shot with on camera flash to give a 'home snap' feel. I've over saturated and allowed the background to wash out to heighten this effect |
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| Journey in a recording studio. |
Emma O'Brien's Website
Journey Monroe's facebook group
Thursday, June 2, 2011
BLAC Jewellery Shoot online
I've not posted anything for a few days as I've been working on a new website. However last months Fashion goes online at (link) Fused Magazine
Thursday, May 26, 2011
FOC Science lesson
A couple of weeks ago I attended a Science lesson, to photograph the students in action. I had been given the brief to provide a series of images for FoC (FoundationCampus) that would fit in with existing images. This meant that I had to analyses established images that the company uses.
My requirements of the subjects were that integration and diversity was apparent (this of course is restricted by the students) and the image should convey learning, scientific study and elements of fun and enjoyment.
During the lesson or period of just over an hour, I shot just under 200 frames. My first edit went to 125, then second to 20-30. I've only added 11 of these below.
My requirements of the subjects were that integration and diversity was apparent (this of course is restricted by the students) and the image should convey learning, scientific study and elements of fun and enjoyment.
During the lesson or period of just over an hour, I shot just under 200 frames. My first edit went to 125, then second to 20-30. I've only added 11 of these below.
Friday, May 20, 2011
International Students language day FOC
I was fortunate to be called in for an last minute photo shoot of students teaching their own lessons. It was part of an International language/ culture day where they were sampling each others national food; and some of them had asked to share their language with fellow students.
I've just quickly edited a few. It was a really enjoyable experience - and I was impressed with the presentation and abilities of all involved.
The technical considerations were mainly based upon available light. I had to adjust my ISO a few times so I was getting a high enough shutter speed to avoid shake. I switched between two lenses allowing me different perspectives, also the ability to photograph natural expressions.
I've just quickly edited a few. It was a really enjoyable experience - and I was impressed with the presentation and abilities of all involved.
The technical considerations were mainly based upon available light. I had to adjust my ISO a few times so I was getting a high enough shutter speed to avoid shake. I switched between two lenses allowing me different perspectives, also the ability to photograph natural expressions.
IDA KAR - exhibition National Portrait Gallery London
On Saturday whilst making a stop over in London, I looked around for some exhibitions to view. I always make a habit of stopping off at the Portrait Gallery. I remember the last time some fantastic portraits from Jason Bell. I adored these so much I ordered his book, 'An Englishman in New York' (amazon was cheaper than gallery) Anyway for £2.20 this time it was to see Ida Kar.
Now I know little of her work, although the vast amount of famous authors, artists and celbraties she has photographed you'd of thought her name would be better known. I've lifted some text from the gallery page, just to save me some typing time. One thing that struck me was the amazing tonal range in the prints. I swear I could even smell the fixer on the Antique Bromide prints. The prints were around 12 x 12 and some larger in beautiful frames - well worth a visit!
"Despite receiving public and critical acclaim from her contemporaries, Ida Kar remains surprisingly little known. This exhibition of over seventy of Kar’s portraits highlights the significant role played by this woman photographer at the heart of the creative avant-garde.
Russian-born, of Armenian heritage, Ida Kar (1908–74) was instrumental in encouraging the acceptance of photography as a fine art. Her subjects were the most celebrated figures from the literary and artistic spheres of 1950s and 1960s Europe and Russia. They include artists such as Henry Moore, George Braque, Gino Severini and Bridget Riley and writers such as Iris Murdoch and Jean-Paul Sartre.
Taken in the environments in which they lived and worked, the photographs on display offer a fascinating insight into post-war cultural life. Comprising several iconic portraits and many never previously exhibited, the exhibition is drawn from the Ida Kar Archive, acquired by the National Portrait Gallery in 1999." - courtesy of National Gallery. Images below are again from the site. (all images copyright National Portrait Gallery London)
These are only a few of my favorite images. An aspect of the photography that I admire, is the use of available light. Seldom does she use any artificial lighting. All the subjects are relaxed and photographed in their natural (most comfortable places) - Studies, Studios etc. I'll be looking for this book to add to my collection - just need to get it for the right price!
Now I know little of her work, although the vast amount of famous authors, artists and celbraties she has photographed you'd of thought her name would be better known. I've lifted some text from the gallery page, just to save me some typing time. One thing that struck me was the amazing tonal range in the prints. I swear I could even smell the fixer on the Antique Bromide prints. The prints were around 12 x 12 and some larger in beautiful frames - well worth a visit!
"Despite receiving public and critical acclaim from her contemporaries, Ida Kar remains surprisingly little known. This exhibition of over seventy of Kar’s portraits highlights the significant role played by this woman photographer at the heart of the creative avant-garde.
Russian-born, of Armenian heritage, Ida Kar (1908–74) was instrumental in encouraging the acceptance of photography as a fine art. Her subjects were the most celebrated figures from the literary and artistic spheres of 1950s and 1960s Europe and Russia. They include artists such as Henry Moore, George Braque, Gino Severini and Bridget Riley and writers such as Iris Murdoch and Jean-Paul Sartre.
Taken in the environments in which they lived and worked, the photographs on display offer a fascinating insight into post-war cultural life. Comprising several iconic portraits and many never previously exhibited, the exhibition is drawn from the Ida Kar Archive, acquired by the National Portrait Gallery in 1999." - courtesy of National Gallery. Images below are again from the site. (all images copyright National Portrait Gallery London)
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| Dmitri Dmitiyevich Shostakovich |
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| Gino Severini |
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| Jean paul Sartre |
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| Sir Terence Ernest Manitou |
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Jewelrey shoot update
Last month I shot a series of images for Ashley Hilton as part of her project. During the shoot, she had asked Dima Kalenda create a film. The idea being it could be used to promote the jewelery along side the images. This is his completed work, shot on his Nikon D90 with primarily from my understanding a 50MM f1.8 lens.
I've also just attended a meeting with him today, and we are to collaborate again. This time he will be shooting a video for a book trailer. I'll be taking more of a back seat and provide 'documentary' style images of his filming, and produce final book cover images shot in the studio.
Enjoy the clip and make sure your speakers are on high!
I've also just attended a meeting with him today, and we are to collaborate again. This time he will be shooting a video for a book trailer. I'll be taking more of a back seat and provide 'documentary' style images of his filming, and produce final book cover images shot in the studio.
Enjoy the clip and make sure your speakers are on high!