Recent Professional Works

[Frank Doorhof]

A few from today

[Jeremy Roussak]

Are they trying to communicate?

Eric

Not hard enough to get through to me, certainly. All I see is a "you need Flash 10" message, which has persisted after I installed Flash 10. Hey ho.

Jeremy

[Abdulrahman Aljabri]

"What it's worth" is some of the best interior photography...

...but my wife was not excited about the photography - she liked the interiors!

... and your work is great too, Abdul!

Almost missed this. Thanks Dick, I appreciate your comment.

[JoeKitchen]

Well then, they will probably dislike this one even more Abdulrahman - Hectic Harmony - which is from this weeks shoot.

Still, they are kind-off fun to do - and may just help to get our point across to some clients, that images like this...  

.. don't just happen - when it comes to quoting a fee.

Very nice job, as usual Ashley.  Really like the lobby shot.

I notice that these shots have more people in them than you usually have.  Are they yours and the hotel's employees, or random guests?  If the latter, how do you get around it?  Do you limit use or ask for model releases?

And I do think that videos like these can help you with those "on the fence" clients.  Those that are concerned about budget, but also want quality.  Clients who expect you to sell on price will never understand no matter what you do.  

[LKaven]

Another master class from Ashley on interior photography.  For anyone who ever stood there confronted with an interior shot and wondered how to make beautiful out of it, this gives you some idea.  The natural inclination is to despair and give up before getting to this point.  Perseverance appears to be the essential thing.

Question for you -- at what point did you know you would need things like a wedding cake, piano, or rocking moose?  Did your production designer interview the client and do an inventory of what props and set dressing was available on site?  Did h/she acquire additional props for dressing as a part of the job?  I imagine hotel rooms need to be photographed with authentic decor so as to not misrepresent the properties, though you can obviously accent the decor with the "guest" belongings. 

[Dick Roadnight]

Well then, they will probably dislike this one even more Abdulrahman - Hectic Harmony - which is from this weeks shoot.

Still, they are kind-off fun to do - and may just help to get our point across to some clients, that images like this...   

Trouble with the videos... some people might actually believe that photography is 99% moving furniture.

Do you use a Medium Format Digital View Camera or what?

[Abdulrahman Aljabri]

Well then, they will probably dislike this one even more Abdulrahman - Hectic Harmony - which is from this weeks shoot.

Most defiantly this picture will come across as natural to most people and they will never imagine the process required to shoot it. I would imagine it would not be the most impressive of your collection, yet shooting a space like this is a lighting nightmare that only a professional understands and appreciates.

Still, they are kind-off fun to do - and may just help to get our point across to some clients, that images like this...   

.. don't just happen - when it comes to quoting a fee.

Therefore, I think you can impress the viewer with this picture. If you limit your presentation to 4 pictures you will make a lasting impression. I suggest four pictures in the following sequance:

first picture randomly posed and composed
second picture in the final position
third picture with all styling elements in place
fourth picture with full lighting applied

You might want to add a fifth picture with people placed in the picture to show the difference. I think if you present this brief sequence you will impress everybody and more important not give out your trade secrets, unless of course you don't mind that.

[Dick Roadnight]

Trouble with the videos... some people might actually believe that photography is 99% moving furniture.

Do you use a Medium Format Digital View Camera or what?

Hasselblad V system.

Thanks, Ashley... I was aware that there was more to it than kit, but I was wondering if DOF was a problem you had to contend with, and for which you needed a view camera... apparently not... or do you have to take DOF limitations into account in positioning things, or sometimes stack for DOF, or do you use a Flexbody with your Hasselblad V system?

[Abdulrahman Aljabri]

As for giving away "trade secrets" - I don't really think I'm showing anything here Abdulrahman, that most of you don't already know about.

Who told you I already know, lol? I have been shooting interiors for 11 months only and there are things I learned for the first time from your video. Speaking of learning are you still planning on holding workshops?

Anyway, time will tell I guess - but it's always interesting to here what you guys think - as many of you are based in different parts of the world and specially in different fields - therefore see things slightly differently to me, as a result.

So thanks for looking and all your comments to date ... they have been noted and are very much appreciated at this time.

You are more than welcome.  

[JoeKitchen]

To answer both Joe & Luke's questions - that sort of thing is usually discussed pryer to the shoot - and will also be covered in our concept report, after we have recced the place and talked to their marketing people.

Yes, I understand this.  But are all those people the hotel's staff or random guests?  I would think that having random guests could get you into much trouble, along with the hotel, if the images are used.  

[JoeKitchen]

You will find a free pint of Guinness goes a long away over here - to sort out such problems.

mmmmm, Guinness.  

So that is one of your trade secrets.  

"And for your lovely signature, we give you a gift of our appreciation."  

[MrSmith]

Ashley. is that foyer shot a work in progress? only it's not very straight  horizontally or vertically.

[haefnerphoto]

I want to post a couple of images but can't figure out the new interface. I don't see an upload button after choosing the files.  Thanks, Jim

[JoeKitchen]

I want to post a couple of images but can't figure out the new interface. I don't see an upload button after choosing the files.  Thanks, Jim

You need to hit the "additional options" link underneath the text window, and then you will see an attach a file button. 

[haefnerphoto]

Here's a couple of recent images, the interior is MF, the exterior was shot with the 17mm T/S.  Jim

[Dick Roadnight]

f8 to f11 usually does the trick - once you hit the sweet spot.

We would use the FlexBody sometimes

Thanks again, Ashley... and if you do a masterclass I hope to be there!!!

[Abdulrahman Aljabri]

Here's a couple of recent images, the interior is MF, the exterior was shot with the 17mm T/S.  Jim

Master pieces James! especially the one done with the 17mm, its so natural looking giving no clue of the extreme perspective. Very well done.

[Abdulrahman Aljabri]

And Adobe's diet treatment: Liquify, helps sort out the rest...

OMG! and I was thinking there were allot of beautiful models in Ireland based on Ashley's pictures!! But for real, where do you stop retouching the picture and why not just leave people natural?

[Kirk Gittings]

Well done James on both. On the first the interplay of lights and darks is magical. On the second the formal organic sympathy of the clouds and trees contrasts the rigidity of the architecture superbly (using a little artspeak there-that MFA had to be good for something ).

[Rob C]

Two stunningly simple but beautiful representations of still life, proving yet again that less is more, that it's almost all in the lighting, the equipment, the technique and what else? Oh, I almost forgot - the talented eye of the snapper!

Great stuff, James. Almost enough to make me actually buy myself a TSE after all, and find a new direction in life.

Rob C