Luxury still life photography
Luxury goods product photography is a highly specialised and refined area of commercial photography that plays a crucial role in the branding and marketing of high-end products.
The challenges for the luxury product photographer
The items that I photograph range from designer handbags and watches to premium spirits and shoes, are more than just products; they are symbols of status, wealth, and impeccable taste.
One of the challenges I face in the photography of luxury goods is effectively capturing the essence of these products, their craftsmanship, exclusivity, and allure.
While communicating the brand's narrative and core values.
Goals in my approach
Photographically the my goals are to show my clients products in all their glorious detail.
Using my skill with lighting to reveal every texture and and form.
I am often amazed by the attention to detail that my clients have in the production of these items and work to convey that to those that look at my work.
Crafting the images
Having started my career in the film era.
When learning your craft was a key aspect of becoming a still life photographer. At a time when retouching was a very limited and expensive safety net, getting it right in camera was the only way.
I still use those skills today. Instead of a large format camera film and polaroid it’s a technical camera and a digital back that provide the control and accuracy that I need to provide the best possible quality.
Lighting Is obviously the life blood of any studio photographer.
Control of that lighting is key, whether using modifiers (some of which I have made to my own design), diffusion, power, and now and again bits of card and tape !
Honing reflections to perfection and bringing textures to life are all part of the creative process that excites me still.
Composition
Composition is one of the key elements of still life photography that I really enjoy. Taking a sometimes everyday item and turning it in to a memorable and striking image is a challenge I love to take on. Making the ordinary extra ordinary.
Retouching
Retouching is no longer the expensive last resort that it used to be. I now work with one of the best retouchers in London Nick Swaffield https://nickswaffield.carbonmade.com/
We have a working relationship of over 20 years. The luxury of having complete confidence if each others work has made many challenging shoots stress free, and means I’m able to concentrate on making the products look their best.
Nick is another man with an eye for detail, and colour, and tone, and imperfections, the list goes on. Suffice it to say that the result elevates my clients images to another level.