I ran across the portfolio of Lee Page (leepage.com) today and was reminded of what great photography really does. A professional photographer like Lee is thinking beyond the requirements of good lighting and instead concerns himself with accentuating the mood that the ad or article is emanating by adjusting the color cast, camera angle, props and model. The two pictures below are a good example of how small differences can change the feel of a picture entirely.
What stories do you think these pictures tell? What's the mood, the setting and the time of day?
In the end, as creative/art directors we can only do what our budget and timeframe allow. But if your message really hinges on the images you are using consider spending a little more time and money to get a picture that engages, that brings the reader in and informs them before the first line of copy is read.
If you know of other really great creative individuals, drop me a line. Thanks for reading!
I think there are a couple things to consider with these pictures. For starters, the person behind the camera knows how to frame an image to draw the eye using negative space and poses. Lighting plays a huge part, but has probably been enhanced by photoshop. It's of my opinion, that photoshop plays a huge part in the difference between a good photo and a great photo. It's obvious from Lee's porfolio, that he or she has talent in choosing locations and lighting, but don't forget the post work talent. Sadly, now that everyone has a camera, there is a growing divide in marketing between what is acceptable and what is good. In this digital age we are accustomed to not fight for that perfect picture. Instead we can crop, fix, and color correct what we want in post easily. In many cases though, people don't go that far and you may see low res images from a camera phone on a major companies brochure.
ReplyDeleteA great image can make a campaign, by setting the mood and drawing a consumer in. Spending the time to find, or create that perfect image can't be a bad thing.
So true, Brandon! The professional photographers have been doing much of their creative work in the darkroom for years so P.Shop is simply a necessary extension of that process.
ReplyDelete