STILL LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY Feb 2020

 “Avocado Studio was born from an idea of three classmates, after having completed their degree in Visual Communication at IED Torino in 2015. Together, we had the need and the will to showcase our world through the creation of photographic images, composed primarily in the studio.

We have worked for clients on national and international scale, but also, because of our strong legacy with our hometown, we love collaborating with local start-ups and brands. Over the years we have managed to create a unique style and identity, that we love to apply to our projects in food, still life and automotive photography.

Everything starts from the urge to communicate something that we feel inside. When we are on set, we get completely transported by all the elements that compose the process, from the first flash that we set up to the final image that we shoot. The ability to amaze, enchant and transform what was just a sketch into a final image is what gives us the biggest satisfaction.

Recent clients include Martini & Rossi, Fabbri 1905, FCA, Lavazza, Carrefour, Guido Gobino, Makr Shakr, Amaro Ramazzotti, F.C. Juventus, Scribit, Perini Navi and Ristorante Magorabin."

Ben Appleby is an award-winning still life photographer. From his UK studio he has become known for crafting images with strong composition, vibrant colours and a graphic style.

Before becoming a photographer, Ben trained and worked as a retoucher. His in-depth knowledge of image editing allows him to approach shoots with this in mind and lets him push the boundaries of what is possible with traditional photography. Ben works closely with his clients and his in-house team of creatives to deliver exciting ideas that showcase the beauty and design of each product. 

Recent clients include Diechmann, Next, Sainsbury's and Brockmans Gin. His recent project for Juice & Glow saw Ben and his team build a kitchen set in the studio to create an array of still and motion assets which can be seen in this Spotlight.

Ben is currently seeking representation in the UK and US.

"Creating images that convey meaning and subtext is what I strive to achieve as a photographer. Ideally, a photograph should tell a story, or at a minimum invoke an intended feeling in the viewer. If the project allows, I love to collaborate with clients towards achieving images that effectively communicates a story or intended feeling.

Other times, I'm asked to just take a great photo, and that has it's place too! The bottom line is that I always deliver what the client wants, wether it's high resolution still images for advertising or an impactful video.

One of my latest shoots was for a very high end LP turntable manufacturer called TechDAS. While I've shot their more expensive models, this shoot was shooting stills and video of their $20k "entry level" model. I consider audio equipment to be one of my specialties."

Christian Colmenero, international still life and automotive photographer for more than 20 years, is specialised in splash and cosmetics photography.

Christian is the CEO of Zona IV Productions and Prismatica Studios, including its own postproduction and CGI team and three studios for advertising or film productions.

You can see his personal work on his website. 

"My name is Dusan Holovej and I am a professional product/still life, commercial photographer and retoucher based in Slovakia. 

I am a member of the Slovak Association of Professional Photographers as well as a member of the Federation of European Photographers. 

My work, creative approach and execution were rewarded with a QEP (Qualified European Photographer) title.

My main focus is on the product or still life photography, commercial photography and retouching. I love working with light and in those areas I can use it in full potential. All my works have a high-end look and help customers to make the best impression with "wow" effect. My services are suitable for producers of any products, service providers or even advertising agencies."

Ellen McDermott is a New York City based photographer best known for her beautifully lit interiors, moody still life, portraits, lifestyle and objects d’art.

Ellen believes a strong collaboration with clients enables new creative possibilities in achieving photographic excellence. Her team is ready to take on projects that need to harness human emotion to sell their productions.

Ellen’s current passion is A Day in the Life series; an ongoing personal project that takes her into different realms of the human existence. Her work can be seen in ad campaigns, magazines, periodicals, books, corporate projects, and private collections throughout the United States, Europe and Asia.

Clients include: Ralph Lauren, Ad Council, Cannon, Fieldcrest, Royal Velvet, Waverly, J Crew, Cartier, Rolex, Christies, Sotheby’s, Smithsonian, House Beautiful, Martha Stewart Living, Publicis among others.

To see more of Ellen's work visit her website and Instagram, or get in contact 917-282-4692.

Hiro is an award-winning still-life photographer shooting campaigns for international brands. He spends most of his time in the studios in Shanghai, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Singapore, and delivers stunning photographic visuals on a daily basis.

Hiro started his career in New York City, where he learned exceptional lighting skills to draw elegant lines by strobe lights. Now he resides in Japan, where he sharpened his minimalistic approach towards photography.

Hiro is expanding his career by shooting still life movies in collaboration with beauty brands.

His rapidly growing list of clients includes:

Estée Lauder, Lancôme, Clé De Peau Beauté, M.A.C Cosmetics, L'Oréal Paris, Shiseido, Clinique, Shu Uemura, Olay, Maybelline New York, Max Factor, Kose, Albion, Tsubaki, Lux, Nivea, Kate Spade New York, United Colors of Benetton, Apple, Panasonic, Vogue Japan and many more.

Ivan has been photographing all types of products for the past 10 years.

Fusing the technical experience and his contemporary artistic vision, Ivan creates powerful imagery for the advertising industry. Ivan uses classic and modern photography techniques to achieve a unique character to his work.

Based at the heart of Tel-Aviv's Diamond District, Ivan's studio has gained a reputation as one of Israel's leading jewellery photography studio, offering high-end photography and retouching services for Israel's leading Jewellery designers, cosmetics and furniture companies.

Some of Ivan's clients include: Inbar Fine Jewelry, RolTime, Prince Watches, Lublinsky, Hava Zingboim, Tollman's Dot, Platinum Time, Private Vintage Collection, Black Market TLV.

Kenyon Manchego is a self-taught photographer / videographer specialising in luxurious still life.

Graduating as graphic designer, he worked as an art director for several years before following his major passion, photography. Since then, Kenyon has worked with some of the most prestigious French agencies and brands.

Clients include: Coca-Cola, Payot, Nuxe, Moët, Martell, L'Occitane, La Maison du Chocolat.

"It’s been a busy start of the year!"

Leo has recently shot campaigns for AHC Beauty and Russell & Bromley. Some recent commissions also include work for Peroni, Tesco, The Financial Times, John Lewis and Cosmopolitan magazine.

Leo Acker's playful and imaginative work makes him one of London's most sought-after still life photographers.

In the last 15 years, he has developed a unique creative photographic style and precise digital skills. He has a studio is in Shoreditch and also shoots on location.

"I’m a still life photographer and cinematographer, specialised in jewellery and luxury goods.

By continuously pushing the envelope to capture rare, beautiful and emotionally driven images, I offer an authentic look into my clients’ lives. Drawing on my technical experience, industry knowledge and extensive understanding of different subject matter, I intertwine fine art with commercial appeal.

My approach is one that encourages me to fearlessly push the boundaries with my subject matter. My obsession with exploring new points of view allows me to create original pieces of art that “wow” my clients and their audiences.

I focus on bringing my clients high-quality images, elevated by my unique artistry, skilled eye and obsessive passion for excellence."

The end of 2019 was very busy for Max Bridge. While regularly working for a number of small brands, Max also took on projects for Apothic, Hardy’s, Gallo, and Kumala, whilst also finding time for a holiday in Colombia.

2020 has got off to a busy start. Max had a new portfolio printed, begun re-designing his website and social media, kicked off production on a few new commercial projects, and is in pre-production on some personal work, including returning to his roots with some video.

Max loves creating imagery using every modern tool available. While often producing complex and meticulous work, Max equally enjoys crafting simple and elegant pieces. There’s not one genre Max is drawn to, instead it’s the challenge of producing imagery that astonishes. It’s this passion for his work that sets Max apart.

Currently seeking UK representation.

Milan Radulovic is a studio still life photographer based in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina. He shoots food and liquid splashes, cosmetics and everyday objects.

Working from his purpose built still life studio, Milan is covering the whole process, from the idea sketching to shooting and retouching.

He's been specialising in still life photography for over 15 years, distributing his work through the main stock photography agencies.

Omer Knaz is one of the world's most respected and in-demand still life photographers, with an enviable portfolio of images for luxury brands across both editorial and commercial campaigns. His clients include David Morris, De Beers, Tatler, Harrods, Chopard, Boodles and many more.

Omer prefers to get as much of the quality of his shots 'in camera', utilising his lighting and technical experience from his background in film photography, thereby ensuring that even when his shots are enhanced, they retain a sense of reality and honesty that is often missing in contemporary still life photography.

View more of Omer’s work here.

Pierre-Jean Moulis is a French advertising photographer with 20 years’ experience. After working in London and Barcelona, he is now based in Paris, where he specialises in commercial product and still life photography.

Inspired by Robert Doisneau and Henri-Cartier Bresson, Pierre-Jean began his career as a photojournalist. Over the years, his interest in studio and still life photography grew and became his principal activity. 

 His client base today spans e-commerce websites such as Veepee, Printemps, Showroomprive and 24sevres, global cosmetics brands including L’Oréal, and food magazines such as Le Chef.

Pierre-Jean is known for bringing a dramatic and surrealistic approach to his work, and his strong sense of composition and lighting always produces spectacular results. Precise and efficient, he is aware of the quick evolution of the market. Clients can always expect fast, high quality photographs, making Pierre-Jean the perfect partner for even the most complex and innovative campaigns.

Robin Smith is a dynamic and precision styled photographer from New Zealand. Always experimenting in his Auckland-based studio, he's constantly pushing the boundaries of imagination and machine to their limits through his work. He believes there is no visual concept that can't be solved!

His approach to image creating draws from his love of DIY from building sets to outdoor environments that capture the movement of his subjects with moody dramatic impactfulness. 

Robin is highly creative and passionate about what he does with just a touch of madness, lightly sprinkled with constant curiosity. His charismatic charm and ability to see from the big picture to the details is an asset to any project, using his unconventional problem solving has given him the nickname MacGyver.

He is grateful to have worked directly for some of the iconic brands such as Tourism Auckland, 2Degrees, Vodafone, Les Mills, Horleys, Isuzu NZ, Hyundai, Sony Music, and many others.

Sara Morris has a fun, fresh and contemporary style. Her beautiful lighting flatters, and her exquisite use of colour and quirky compositions make for wonderfully engaging images.

Regularly commissioned by the top creative agencies both in advertising and design, Sara is as comfortable shooting stills for social media content as she is for 96 sheet posters, or in the case of moving image, gifs to TV commercials, indeed her style lends itself well to and stands out across all of these mediums.

Her many years in the industry gives her the advantage of experience. It also places her in the great position of knowing the best team needed to call upon for each individual commission.

Tapestry are a complete production agency and have been producing content since 1972. They provide commercial and advertising photography to a wide range of brands and agencies from their Soho studios.

Their portfolio demonstrates the broad range of industries that they have photographed for - food and drink, technology, cosmetics, jewellery, accessories, fashion, sport, fitness and portrait. 

They love taking on board a creative brief and turning your ideas into a reality. Whether it's a global campaign or a social media campaign, they produce top quality imagery every time without fail. 

If you'd like to find out more about their work (whether that's photography or otherwise), then please get in touch on +44(0)20 7896 3415 or pop into their offices.

Drawing inspiration from everyday inanimate objects and working across multiple visual platforms, Vijey’s work is immediately identifiable in its ability to tell a narrative which is at once evocative, gripping and memorable.

Working between Los Angeles and New York City, Vijey’s still life and drinks work has drawn creatives from all over the United States to bring their vision life.

To view more of Vijey’s still and motion portfolio please visit his website.

Zachary Goulko is a globally published still life and beauty photographer specialising in cosmetics, jewellery, and watches.

His work has been seen in publications like Vogue USA, Vanity Fair, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, W, Allure, and The New York Times. Among his clients are world renowned luxury brands such as Patek Philippe, Chopard, Hublot, de Grisogono, David Webb, Lancôme, L’Oréal, and Frederic Fekkai to name a few.

With a background in design and interactive programming, he is constantly seeking new ways to push the technological boundaries of his medium and give full expression to his creative vision. His still life and beauty photographs are clean and precise, yet startlingly intimate.