Photographic Inspiration - Tim Walker

It's that time of the year again where we start to plan next season's lifestyle shoots. In my research I came across Tim Walker whose elaborately styled shots I just love. Sadly our client has an odd aversion to props, but maybe some of these images could inspire even him to give props a go..

Summer 2011-12 Look Book

Thought I'd share this little (A6) look book I did recently.
Talent photography: Details as per this shoot
Product photography: Mindi Cooke
Art Direction, Styling, Design: moi

Summer in Cuba

This is the latest lifestyle shoot I worked on a couple of months ago, and it's out now. We came up with the concept of a couple hanging out in a run-down Havana hotel room on a hot Summer day based mainly on the colours and patterns from the clothes our client bought overseas to match the shoes for next season.
Client: Pulp Shoes
Set: The very talented Leo at Staging Dimensions
Photographer: Paul Giggle
Retouching: David Walden
Hair & Makeup: Tania Travers
Art Direction, props: moi
Talent: Alex F and Matt J from Dally's Models

Sorting out the binary..

I am currently sorting out my files on the work server, and came across this beautiful reference shot of Charlotte Gainsborough. I can't remember where I found it or who shot it or whatever, but I really love this image, so wanted to share it with all of you.

My new favourite blog

Heather Nette King: Melbourne-based stylist and interiors writer. LOVE LOVE LOVE. Check it out!
Who knew blinds could look so amazing:

The rest of this gorgeous shoot is here.

Image credits: Agency: Tank
Concept and art direction by Chris Evans at Tank
Photography by Mike Baker
Photographer's assistant: Stewart Dunn
Styling: Heather Nette King
Client: Viewscape Blinds / Contract Blinds

Silver service for a steal

Last Saturday I was lucky enough to snap up this beautiful silver tea set at the Brisbane Arts Theatre costume sale. Only 15 bucks - what a steal! I've bought the silver polish, now I just need to find the time. I can't wait to use this for a dinner party!

Antique store worth the 1.5hrs drive from Sydney

If you find yourself in Sydney with a day to spare you should do a day trip down to the Southern Highlands and stop off in Berrima. Not only is the country side beautiful, you will also have to stop off for a visit at this magnificent antique store. Loads of kitchenware, clothing, fabrics, and bits and bobs for around the home and great for styling!

Photography Assignment 1

It's the fourth week of my photography course tonight, and our first assignment is due to be presented. I didn't keep track of time properly, but I guess I spent about 4 hours on these shots on the weekend.
1. I got the letter from an antique store in Surry Hills a few weeks ago.
2. This was a bit of an accidental shot. The rose was from an early date with Ton that I dried out and it's been part of the decor ever since - about 7 years now!! I actually just wanted to use it in the background of shot 1 for a bit of texture, but when I saw how the light fell on it and created that lovely shadow I just snapped away and am really happy with this shot now.
3. I got my name stamp carved in Singapore a couple of years ago, with the rat on top (my Chinese sign), and complete with the red ink pot, I thought it would make an interesting subject.
4. The ring made out of an old spoon, also purchased in Surry Hills, as compared to some other old spoons.
5. I don't think this shot really works but I'll include it anyway. I wanted to utilise the antique shoe last, but somehow in the process it made its way into the background.
6. Technically two separate shots but I did them to be a pair - although I shot them on separate days. It's very hard to photograph glass.

There is no post-production on these shots - the only thing I did was straighten the one with the red drink, but it's STILL a bit wonky, I think. Other than that these are the jpg shots straight from the camera without any tweaking in Camera Raw. (as stipulated in the assignment)

Hope you like, but constructive criticism is always welcome. Seriously. :)

Work: Brown paper as a styling device

A couple of weeks ago I had to pull together a shoot in less than a day - the client had decided last minute that he wanted some groups shot for a last-minute project. No time for props, or even doing some test shots myself to figure out layout. Luckily we have heaps of brown paper at work, and I'd already organised photography for the next day for another project.
Mindi Cooke and I have worked together on quite a few still life shoots in the past 2 years so we have an easy rapport which was invaluable in putting this shoot together, flying by the seats of our pants. We used natural light and I think we pulled it together really well.

Blogger App Trial

Just trying out how this Blogger app works. This was in a Frankie mag, I really liked the look of the fabric-covered lids.

What a gorgeous table setting!

Photography by Rachel Thurston

More Hush Puppies stuff

The Global Hush Puppies images for winter are so beautiful, they did a really nice job on the shoot and styling. Simple, quirky, effective. Sorry about the terrible photography, I couldn't find them anywhere online.

 

Grey & Yellow

Beautiful colour scheme for this wedding. Love the table settings, and the gorgeous hair pieces on the flower girls. More images from this stunning wedding at Saipua.