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.
www.hiddenartlondon.co.uk/servicesdirectory
www.jameschampionphotography.com
‘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.”