The alchemy of Photography

27th May, 2015
How does a photographer translate a brief into a creative set of images?            
Communication, interpretation, observation, creativity, sensitivity, intuition and time.
Often l am asked to photograph a project with only an address and a contact on the ground. This could be anywhere in the world. Fly in, meet the client, English language not always required, local familiarisation of the area and the commissioned project.
Observation of the project many times is necessary, taking in and soaking up the environment. The shape, feel, access, areas of beauty all with the single aim of looking to achieve a creative outcome within a set period of time. Usually two or three days minimum.
Time is a very important factor for the photographer in allowing a structure to convey its form into an appealing looking photograph through the lens of a camera.                                                                              The translation of capturing a photographic image in time and form is likened to alchemy. Observation of beauty plays a leading role. Once the form has been established, and a perspective found the process of translation of an image commences. Click, click. This step is done repeatedly until the whole project has been captured in a selection of images telling the story.  
Many thanks for your time.
Blain Crellin :-)
Pic: Interior Boeing Office meeting room.
Client: MMoser
​Blain Crellin Photography

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