Daido Moriyama

For assignment to I furthered my reading of Daido Moriyamas book “How I take photographs” and was fuelled by his use of black and white photography. I do seem quite drawn to the Japanese style of photography that seems to have few rules and often impurities in an image are championed rather than cast aside as unworthy. I also spent sometime on Moriyama’s website, in particular looking at his body of work and different sets of images. I was particularly intrigued by his work in “Light and Shade” and loved the way he worked with apparently uninteresting subjects to create high key and low key style images.

I really love this style of image not only for its content but its almost flippant execution. Its just so unassuming, Moriyama could have his eyes closed, its like he sees things that are not even there. There is just enough detail going on to let the viewer know this wasn’t taken in a car showroom, but out on the street. Maybe it was accident that he captures those highlights bouncing off the side of the car, but I sincerely doubt it.

Joanie Simon

I also looked at lots of food photography by contemporary figures within the industry, many of whom have large social media followings. One of whom is Joanie Simon who I follow o YouTube and Instagram. I must admit I seem to be spending more and more time on Instagram, not only following photographers but also researching food photography and styling. Below is an example of some of the work I looked at that influenced my final images.

I also spent some time watching YouTube videos and tutorials, gathering information, tips and understanding how commercial photographers work. I love Joanie’s style and although she shoots alot in bright, bold colours she has the skillset to diversify and produce other types of work. I also looked at Joanie’s editing methods and how she works in lightroom in process.

References

Reference – (ONLINE) Joanie Simon – Gallery – https://www.joaniesimonphoto.com/savory (last accessed 01.05.20)

Reference – (ONLINE) – The Tools You Need for Styling Food Photography with Joanie Simon | Photography Tips – Shutterstock Presents – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4rirJ2B4Tk (last accessed 04.05.20)

Reference – (ONLINE) – Editing Dark and Moody Food Photography – YouTube – Joanie Simon – The Bite Shot – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLq8Rqyr0Mk (last accessed 05.04.20)

Reference – (ONLINE) – Shutterstock Presents: Artist Series with Joanie Simon -Shutterstock Presents – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEbmsZVNMkk (last accessed 04.05.20)

Reference – (ONLINE) Daido Moriyama – Photo Gallery Moriyama Daido Official WebSite https://www.moriyamadaido.com/en/photogallery/ (last accessed 02.05.20)