Sunday 23 November 2014

@Model_Portfolios Photography on Instagram - New!

Being a photographer who is constantly photographing.. people, fashion, life, the urban environment; never without a camera, and not just the one in the phone. Well once I got into instagram, just like so many people I thought I had found the perfect place for ALL my pictures! Of course while casually showing lots of different shots is a lot of fun; I think the message about what I do as a working photographer was getting a bit lost in amongst the picture posts of whatever had caught my attention that moment, that day. I decided that maybe, maybe I should try a dedicated to (my) Modelling Portfolios, Instagram account and see what it could do for me on the social media front. Amazingly @Model_Portfolios was still available so I snapped it up and started posting, just modelling and fashion related pictures.

The new Instagram account has 63 pictures up which means @Model_Portfolios has been going for about two months already, one picture a day most days; the response has been great and Scott photographed below is my first shoot booked through Instagram. Of course we are all on there sharing too, that's what it's all about!  A great result already; with I think much more to come.


#BookNow #0433796863 #kent@artcommunication.com.au

Beach, tanning fashion shoot on Instagram - Social Media Marketing picture by Kent Johnson
Scott at Bondi beach at sunrise wearing Sluggers swimers, on Instagram - Marketing picture by Kent Johnson
In the studio, behind the scenes picture on Instagram - Modelling Portfolio BTS by Kent Johnson
Grooming Scott at Bondi beach at sunrise, on Instagram - Modelling portfolio picture by Kent Johnson
Scott on Bondi beach, on Instagram - Modelling portfolio picture by Kent Johnson
Scott at Bondi beach at sunrise, on Instagram - Modelling portfolio picture by Kent Johnson
Becca BTS Beach, tanning fashion shoot on Instagram - Social Media Marketing, Photography by Kent Johnson
Sydney Studio fashion shoot for a modelling portfolio, on Instagram - Social Media Marketing, Photography by Kent Johnson
Sydney location fashion shoot, on Instagram - Social Media Marketing, Photography by Kent Johnson
Location BTS for editorial, Hair and makeup BTS on Instagram - Social Media Marketing, Photography by Kent Johnson
Sydney Studio fashion shoot for a modelling portfolio, Hair and makeup BTS on Instagram - Social Media Marketing, Photography by Kent Johnson
Sydney studio editorial high fashion fashion shoot, on Instagram - Social Media Marketing, Photography by Kent Johnson
Sunglasses on location, Sydney fashion fashion shoot, on Instagram - Social Media Marketing, Photography by Kent Johnson
Sydney Studio headshot for a modelling portfolio, on Instagram - Social Media Marketing, Photography by Kent Johnson

Keeping it square and loving it!
http://instagram.com/model_portfolios

Kent Johnson,
Sydney, Australia.

0433 796 863

Tuesday 18 November 2014

Lifestyle shoot for a new sunless tanning product launch.

First shot released by our new client for the launch of a new tanning product Glow by Becca. More shots to come and looking forward to seeing them everywhere!

Tanned woman at beach, blue sky. Lifestyle and tanning product launch, promotional and advertising photography by Kent Johnson.

www.kentjohnsonphotography.com.au/Lifestyle-Beauty.htm

Book your Campaign with Kent Johnson,
Sydney, Australia.

0433 796 863

Saturday 15 November 2014

Baraka Fashion with Ksenija Lukich - On Location, Sydney, Australia.

My location photo shoot for Baraka Women's Fashion label was produced a little before Ksenija landed her new gig with !E Australia.  Congratulations Ksenija! I am thrilled about your new role.
It's always great working with designers and models who really do live their dreams.This is my fourth photo shoot for Baraka and our first on location. The beautiful textured wall was chosen to reflect a change in direction for the designer while not being a 'complete outdoor' departure from the indoor studio look of our previous shoots. All images are for use across the designers web site and social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram and traditional media.

Ksenija Lukich by Kent Johnson for Braka Woman's Fashion - Headshot, Fashion Branding and Marketing Photography.

Ksenija Lukich laughing!  By Kent Johnson for Braka Woman's Fashion - Linen jacket and pants, Fashion Branding and Marketing Photography on location Sydney, Australia.

Ksenija Lukich by Kent Johnson for Braka Woman's Fashion - bold check vee neck dress, Fashion Branding and Marketing Photography on location Sydney, Australia.

Ksenija Lukich by Kent Johnson - Woman's Fashion photo shoot - full length, jacket and pants, Fashion Branding and look Book and Marketing Photography on location Sydney, Australia.

Client, Baraka
Model, Ksenija Lukich at Chic
Hair and Make Up, Friederike Letzin

Book your Campaign with Kent Johnson,
Sydney, Australia.

0433 796 863

Friday 12 September 2014

Shooting Fashion in Studio or on Location, What's best for You?

Studio vs Location, what works best for your fashion or accessories..Studio vs Location Photographing Fashion. Headshots, Fashion Photography branding images.
The first question to ask yourself is..
are the pictures going to define your Brand or are they marketing collateral and just what does that mean? By way of explanation, I was a guest at a luxury jewellery store last week for VFNO, and that store as part of a successful international company had both branding pictures and marketing collateral pictures, they had a big beautiful picture book and boxes of postcards too.. the branding pictures were of Danish super model Helena Christensen in moody black and white, and yes she is wearing the jewellery but the pictures are all about the style of the brand first, the immaculately styled jewellery second, the pictures are about who wears the brand. Along with these beautiful pictures of Helena are the clean and clear colour pictures of the jewellery against a white background, standard sales shots, well done, showing you exactly what you are buying, marketing collateral images to work alongside the heart pumping branding images to close the sale.. I'll take that one!

Of course this being a bigger company who take their marketing very seriously they have not stopped there, they have also made luxurious still life pictures of selected pieces from their ranges, reinforcing the beauty of the jewellery pieces, objects of desire, in and of themselves. Scroll down to read on.

Swimwear comparison photography. Photographing Fashion, Studio or on Location?
The branding pictures are always about key pieces.
It does not matter if it is jewellery, handbags, dresses, swimwear, shoes or jeans. The flagship pieces from the range get the special treatment as part of a campaign. The Campaign shots define the Brand and who is the brands consumer. Confuse your message or do a half-assed job (excuse my French) and you will confuse your customers, and confused customers shop elsewhere. The message you want to tell about your label is Who you are and Who wears your Brand. If this is what you need pictures to do - you want Branding Shots!
Studio vs Location Photographing Fashion Sophisticated swimwear comparison photography. Photographing Fashion, Studio or on Location? Photographing Fashion, Studio or on Location?
If all you need to do is show your garments..
your items; if you are thinking about direct-sales pictures then you are most likely thinking about marketing collateral images; or, Look Book pictures as they are most popularly referred to. Of course there is no such thing as "if all you need"! Every picture is important as they are all part of the buyers journey, part of the path that leads to a sale. These pictures which are often considered secondary or less important images.. they are not; need to be well lit and well focused and well framed to show details of your product as clearly and cleanly as possible. With the growth of e-commerce and web-stores this kind of image has put a LOT of pressure on retailers and designers to show all the range in pictures for the first time ever as the clothing racks move out of the high street to on-line. As a result of that pressure many have 'dropped the ball' or failed to gain any web traction at all. Get these pictures wrong and your product won't be walking out the door, you will be losing sales and maybe even closing your doors, on-line is that competitive.
Bridal fashion in the studio and on location. Photographing Fashion, Studio or on Location?

So how do you decide which way to go to make the most of the budget you have for your fashion photography and make the right decision, Studio vs Location about where to shoot and how to shoot it? These four points should help you make the right choice.

  1. Great Look Book shots can make for very good Branding shots too. If your budget is limited, spending a little extra time on two or three key outfits, perhaps with additional styling can give you the hot shots you need to sell your Brand. You will need the RIGHT MODEL and a photographer that can deliver the quality you will need to pull off this miracle feat. Experience can make all the difference here so investing in a good, experienced, professional photographer is money invested now, for the future sales that will grow your business.
  2. Indoor location VS Studio Photographing Fashion, Studio or on Location?

  3. Branding shots made in the studio will require a lot more than booking a photographer the studio and a model. To pull off studio branding you will need to design and style a set and this of course costs money! While locations can cost money too, many locations can be photographed for free, you may need a pre-plan for elaborate Hair and Make-Up (H&MU) but if you plan well with your photographer location can be the perfect choice for branding shots on a budget. Of course if budget is not an issue, well Hello, the world is your oyster!
  4. Studio vs Location Photographing Fashion. High fashion branding photography in the studio vs Accessories branding on location. Photographing Fashion, Studio or on Location?

  5. You can shoot Look Book on location but you need to be very organised! Even if you have a ton of equipment (lots do and use it badly) you need to take account of the sun. The sun changes all through the day making it a big call to create a consistent Look Book look.. If your range is small it can be done, if the range is large and the budget small, book a studio; just trust me on this one.
  6. Creative studio photography and creative location. Photographing Fashion, Studio or on Location?

  7. Sophistication is cheaper in the studio! A LOT if not most of the greatest dresses ever made from the greatest fashion houses of the world.. have been photographed against a simple white or black or 'canvas' background. This is one of the great traditions of Fashion Photography. Of course not every studio picture shot in this 'style' cuts it. You still need a photographer who knows their stuff; great photography, great lighting, a fabulous model (a little luck won't hurt), the right attitude. Just remember, camping is the enemy of sophistication, what was hot in 1959 is completely camp in 2014!High fashion photographed in the studio compared with high fashion photographed on location. Photographing Fashion, Studio or on Location?
Everything in photography takes time, and money. A budget of $300 won't buy you dinner at a top restaurant but it will by you dinner at a McDonald's; where do you see your buyers wearing your Brand? Festivals cost hundreds of dollars to attend; are your pictures going to grab the attention of your customers? Every photo shoot requires some sort of budget but if you are starting out its quite likely smaller rather than larger, though hopefully not too small to do the job at hand. What's right for you, Studio or Location, or maybe both? When it comes to shooting fashion there is always a lot to decide; hopefully this blog post answers many of your questions. Mind you it is a lot to take on-board so don't hesitate to ask me about any queries you might have in the comments below. And yes, do contact me about photographing your fashion or accessories range, I would love to be involved with your fashion project.
Jewellery campaign branding shots photographed in the studio, studio as location. Photographing Fashion, Studio or on Location?
Jewellery campaign and branding shots photographed in the studio, studio as location.
All text and photographs by Kent Johnson. Copyright 2014.

Kent Johnson
0433 796 863

Friday 5 September 2014

Talisker Whisky & Johnnie Walker Black Label - Social Media Marketing via Leo Burnett Australia.

About a month or so ago I was approached by Leo Burnett Australia to do some work on a social media marketing, father's day campaign for Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 year old Whisky and Talisker Single Malt 10 year old Whisky.
Talisker Whisky still life, jacket hat and product photographed in a Sydney Harbour Park, social media marketing and promotion.
For the two different brands I created two distinct sets of images for use on instagram, Facebook and for blogging; two different sets of images that were ultimately tied together by the use of a hat motif. For the Johnnie Walker shots I created a set of 'walking man' shadow pictures in a Film Noir style. A journey where the hat wearing 'shadow' discovers Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky.
The establishing shot for Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky photographed in a Film Noir style for a father's day, Social Media Promotion.
Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky photographed in a Film Noir style for a father's day, Social Media Promotion.
 For the Talisker Whisky shots I worked with the idea of a whisky by the sea playing with Talisker's island heritage by using sailing boat masts in the background of shots, taken on a sunny day in a Sydney Harbour park. The hat reappears along with a cord jacket, a picnic in the park, a still unseen man relaxing with a single glass of whisky, setting a perfect tone for this Father's Day promotion.
Talisker Whisky, the hat jacket and a single glass of whisky still life photographed in a Sydney Harbour Park, social media marketing and promotion.
Alternative shot, Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky photographed in a Film Noir style for a father's day, Social Media Promotion.
A thoroughly enjoyable project to work on with the added benefit of receiving some great whisky product to enjoy as well. All shot with the Fujifilm X-Pro1 camera.

Kent Johnson
0433 796 863

Friday 22 August 2014

Shooting Fashion on Location - One Wall, Many Great Results.

It's kind of funny how we continue to work photographing on a white background in the studio again and again; making fresh pictures every time; no problem there. But when a photographer thinks about photographing the same location again.. and I do mean the exact same location again, Oh No! You just don't want to go there you just don't want to do it. Been there, done that! At least that used to be my feeling about shooting the same location more than once but now my feelings have changed.

So how did I change my feelings and what changed my mind? Well finally I re-shot the same location on different commissions as it was perfect for each job. And now I know that revisiting a location is really the same as revisiting any background that I use to create pictures. It's OK because it's not just the background that makes the shot, it is everything that goes into it (although I knew that already). The garments, the models, the hair and make-up, the attitude, they all help to define the original nature of a fashion shoot, modelling portfolio or portrait, in the studio or on location.
Old door in wall, The Rocks Sydney - Photographed by Kent Johnson.
The first time I photographed this location in Sydney's The Rocks was some years ago to produce campaign shots for a hot young label called Lulu in Chains. I had recommended the client scout for a 'wall' down in The Rocks for our shoot that appealed to their taste and the label. As soon as they told me, I knew the location, it's a popular photographers wall to say the least and for good reason, photographed well it looks great, it was just that until then I had never photographed it before.
Location fashion shoot against an old wall in The Rocks Sydney for Lulu in Chains by Sydney Photographer Kent Johnson.
Lulu. 
My second time photographing this wall was with Kyrien for his Sydney portfolio shoot just a few months ago. Kyrien had seen the Lulu shots in my portfolio and loved the location, which happily was close to other landmark Sydney spots I wanted to use for his photo shoot too. Then when my client Baraka decided they would like a change from white background in the studio to location; outdoors but not completely outdoors, still with a neutral and versatile look.. I showed them the Lulu shoot and the recent shots with Kyrien. And that as they say was that! My third shoot against the same wall was on.
Kyrien in a Tuxedo photographed against a weathered old wall in Sydney. Male modelling portfolio photographed by Kent Johnson.
Kyrien.
Check woollen fashion dress by Baraka photographed on location in Sydney Australia by Kent Johnson.
Baraka.
Womens fashion campaign photo shoot in The Rocks Sydney against a backdrop of an old wall.

Kyrien sitting in a Tuxedo photographed against a weathered old wall in Sydney. Male modelling portfolio photographed by Kent Johnson.

Detail of dress and jacket photographed against an old textured wall on location in Sydney Australia.

Black and white fashion photograph, high fashion on location, old door, stairs and wall, model wearing a top hat. Photographed by Kent Johnson.

I love this wall in The Rocks and its not the only location like it that I love but it is the first one that I have ever photographed repeatedly. Curiously every time I pass by this wall I am amazed that it is as small as it is, that's right it's really quite small and it seems like we have produced a little miracle fitting these tall models into the space. And although on the page together you can see it is the same location, viewed as separate campaigns they represent beautifully different looks and feels, after all that's what great photography is all about and I love it.

Kent Johnson
0433 796 863

Thursday 31 July 2014

From Mumbai to Sydney. How I Created an International, Custom Model Portfolio Location Shoot for Kyrien.

As mentioned in a previous post Kyrien came all the from Mumbai India to do this Sydney portfolio shoot with me. We had first contact by email and then after arriving in Sydney we met to discuss exactly what Kyrien wanted from his shoot. Although I shoot on location quite often, for most portfolio shoots it is usually more convenient for everyone to work in the studio. In the studio we have electricity, a roof, studio lighting, air conditioning etc.. we don't need to worry about the weather, we book the shoot and we are good to go. Of course photographers and photography styles aside, Kyrien could have saved himself a trip and done a studio shoot back home in Mumbai! No, a studio shoot was not going to work this time. What we needed was an International look; some subtle hints of Sydney's famous landmarks in his shots, we wanted an International and Sydney Look for when Kyrien and his world-class afro hairdo headed back home to India.

Black tie dinner suit shot, formal style menswear, The Rocks Sydney - Photography by Kent Johnson.
'Bad Ass' look, Aviator Sunglasses, linen jacket - Sydney Harbour Bridge location - Kent Johnson Photography.
 Male modelling, fitness and sport, body shot on Sydney Harbour with Kyrien Crasto, Sydney Harbour Bridge, shot by Kent Johnson
Big smile casual style wearing Panama hat - Observatory Hill Sydney - Model portfolio photography by Kent Johnson
Streetwear shot with the Sydney Opera House in the background - Model portfolio photography by Kent Johnson
Sydney harbour beach location - Model portfolio photography by Kent Johnson
A sun drenched room, men's fitness and sportswear Sydney parkland location - Model portfolio photography by Kent Johnson
Headshot, black and white - Male Model portfolio photography by Kent Johnson
Black Tie, morning after? - Menswear Modelling portfolio photography by Kent Johnson
Kyrien in The Rocks Sydney wearing the Levis Commuter Parka - Model portfolio photography by Kent Johnson
Model comp for male modelling portfolio - Model portfolio photography by Kent Johnson
Kent Johnson - Sydney Australia.
0433 796 863