The Pool of
Specialists form an integral part of our
online services directory, in which we
highlight specialist services which can be of particular use to Hidden Art
designer-maker members. Hidden Art Level 2 members can use their Support
Voucher towards any of the listed design-based services. The 'How To' series of interviews utilises their specialist knowledge for articles in the quarterly Hidden Art magazine, and for replication here on teh News Section.
James Champion - 'Evolve Photography'
– Pool of Specialist Photographer
James has been
photographing professionally for seven years. He regularly works for a few
galleries, photographing paintings and exhibitions as well as performance art
and various types of music photography. He studied 3D design at Manchester Met
University, a background invaluable to a product photographer.
‘How To’ make the most of a product
Photoshoot
James Champion – “Before the shoot
the designer-maker should finish and clean the piece as much as possible. It
also makes sense for the designer-maker to email me some example pictures they
have of their work, so I can get an idea of the piece or pieces. Also it's
useful to let me know the size of the work.”
Are there any stylistic concerns
that the designer-maker should be aware of?
“It is important to let the
photographer know how you would like the work photographed. For example, are
these new photographs going to be used alongside other photographs of work? If
so it may be best to shoot the work in a similar style for continuity on the
website or portfolio.“
“If the
photographs are aimed at being produced specifically for press cut outs they
should be shot against a light background with no shadows.”
How complex can a photo shoot get?
“Fantastic images can be produced
when some time has been spent thinking about what type of background or surface
material pieces are shot against or on. I've had some great results with
jewellery on glass and other reflective materials, or porcelain and ceramic
pieces on a backdrop that graduates from grey to black. Using wood, water, grass or anything is
possible and can help to make a great image.”
What other considerations are there?
“Items of clothing, jewellery or accessories may
be more easily understood being shown in use. Would the piece benefit from
being photographed with a model? A model can mean anything from a professional
model for clothing and jewellery, to a friend used for photographs of body
parts (an arm with shirt and cufflink for example).”
“The length of time it takes to complete a shoot depends on many variables, for
example there is generally some time spent in setting up, balancing the
lighting, finding the right angle and deciding upon the best composition. Often
the designer-maker is with me on the shoot and can help by giving input and
letting me know when they are happy with the results. The number of pieces involved
will further determine how long a shoot takes.”
“Every shoot of this type is different but that’s what keeps it interesting. I
photograph from my studio at home or on location, often in the designer-makers
studio or home. We generally discuss by email or phone where the best place
would be to photograph the work and the results we want to achieve.”
