More Inspiration...Kids, Dogs and Lambs

I have been widening my research to include more currently operating photographers whose work I find relevant or inspirational.  Not to take anything away from globally recognised "masters", I just want to see what other people are doing, and how they are doing it.

Bart Pajak is a Dutch born, London based, (mainly) fashion and beauty photographer.  He has, however, made a diversion into lamb portraits.  Inspired by the light used by 17th century painters such as Vermeer and Rembrandt the resulting photographs are strangely beautiful, with the sheep appearing to be quite regal and composed (which I have never thought of sheep to be before).
Lamb IIII.  Bart Pajak.

Lamb II. Bart Pajak.



More of Pajak's work



Another photographer I recently discovered is Emma Wood.  I find her photography totally inspiring, and after looking at her images I always want to pick up my camera and capture some memories of my own children.

more beautiful black and whites

Research - Theron Humphrey

Austin, TX


Scotchman’s Peak, ID (7006ft)



All images from maddieonthings.com and ©Theron Humphrey

Theron Humphrey is a photographer who has been documenting his coonhound, Maddie in different locations and she can frequently be seen balancing precariously on things!
It would seem that this is a side project to Humphrey's "This Wild Idea", in which he is travelling round the US, meeting and photographing  one new person a day for a year.

I enjoyed looking at the Maddie on Things series.  They show a humour that evokes a lighthearted feeling to the series.  The dog would appear to have an easygoing demeanour, and I think that the colour palette complements this, adding a serene feel.  Humphrey's use of light is also, in my opinion, key to the success of these photographs.  The Austin, Tx. image above is reminiscent of works by WIlliam Eggleston.

I contacted Humphrey to ask about his techniques used, specifically about camera and film and I was surprised to learn that in the main he shoots with the Iphone 5, and uses Instagram to post.

As a bit of an "appaholic" I have several camera apps on my phone so here is a pic taken with Instagram...

...and one with Hipstamatic...



Read more at www.thiswildidea.com and www.maddieonthings.com

Testing...

So as I've been walking around in the autumn sunshine, I keep seeing little pockets of sunlight dotted around (a lot of my walks are in woods), and I have been wondering if these can be put to creative use for my dog portraits.  Of course a photographer would usually avoid shooting portraits in direct sunlight, but should the same guideline be applied to dogs?  Direct sunlight is normally thought of as "contrasty" - but that high contrast can bring out more detail in the dogs fur.  Under-eye and under-chin shadows are not something that concerns the average canine, and so I also ruled out this contraindication. This is an iphone snap, what do you think?  As time goes by, I aim to have dogs lit in many differnt ways, and so maybe then the comparison will be easier.

Vocation? Location? Inspiration?

My inner "commercial" photographer has been in battle with my internal "fine art" photographer, and this has been reflected in my magazine purchases this week.  I have come to the conclusion that these two personas need to come together and work as one in order for me to be true to myself, photography-wise.  Surprisingly, I found the BJP backed up my conclusion with an article about Jurgen Teller, who has worked for many major fashion houses on advertising campaigns, but has retained a totally free reign when it comes to the details of the shoot. 

Marc Jacobs, Men's collection S/S 2007 (William Eggleston and Charlotte Rampling). 

©Jurgen Teller.  image from www.bjp-online.com

As this morning was pleasant (briefly), I took the opportunity to start my location scouting for my "dog" project.  I intend to take images both indoors and outdoors, so I snapped a couple of potential areas which may be suitable.

I was attempting to capture the dappled sunlight that was being cast by the trees but that hasn't been really picked up by these iphone photos!

I am also in the preliminary stages of arranging a trip to Paris to see an exhibition by one of my current favourite photographers - Charlotte Dumas click here 

Slightly off topic, I'd just like to share with you my inspirational person for the week... 

image from www.ram.ac.uk

Yes - Gareth Malone.  Geek Chic personified.