PORTRAITURE & CELEBRITY PHOTOGRAPHY Nov 2013

Ben Wolf, born 1966 in Reinbrohl, discovered his passion for photography at the age of 16 and spent the following years discovering his own artistic identity and visual language. The concentrated beauty of his distinctive portraits and landscape photographs are a powerful testimony to his extraordinary talent, which is also quickly recognised and appreciated.

With numerous portraits of national as well as international artists, especially those of Scarlett Johansson and Natalie Portman, Mads Mikkelsen, Christian Thielemann and The Black Eyed Peas, he has established himself with a solid reputation in the music industry.

Since 1997, Ben has also been working as a cameraman for music and advertising projects. In 2012 he became a member of the Berlin artist group TCP. Here, along with Franz Dinda, he works on pieces such as 'Ego Schiele's' or the lyrical short film 'Kavalier an Dame'.

Ben lives and works in Berlin.

Born and raised in a family of artists, Benjamin Decoin has always been surrounded by visual arts. He started his career in 2000, travelling (sailing!) the world and writing text for travel and cinema magazines. He developed a love for photography and his passion for portraits and people have made him into a renowned celebrity photographer.

His ability to put people at ease and his pictures, recognisable for the story they tell, their bright and intense look, allow him to gain the trust of major celebrities.

Benjamin is currently based in Paris with his creative team where he can host full production projects and organise everything from pre- to post-production. While he travels all around the world for his clients and assignments, he tries to keep some time for his personal projects, mainly focused on the sea, on and under the water.

Among the many celebrities he recently shot include Catherine Deneuve, Nathalie Portman, Gérard Depardieu, Uma Thurman, Mads Mikkelsen and Ryan Gosling. He collaborates with major European magazines and French luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and department stores such as Le Printemps.

Brian Ach tells moving stories - with still pictures.

Blurring the lines between editorial and commercial photography, Brian possesses a unique skill set enabling him to excel at both. An in-demand music and portrait photographer, his easy-going manner and generous personality allow him to quickly connect with subjects ranging from Prince Harry to Prince.

Editorial clients appreciate Brian's low-key presence, affording him unparalleled access, while commercial clients appreciate his innovative ideas and can-do attitude.

His work has been seen in People, Time, Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly and The New York Times, among others.

The Saturday Times commissioned David Ellis to fly to the Amazon rainforest and document the work of Dame Vivienne Westwood for the charity Cool Earth, whose aim is to help stop deforestation.

David continues his collaboration with menswear designer Gresham Blake and Ray Winstone. He also had the privilege to direct 'Suits You' star, Mark Williams of The Fast Show and Harry Potter, in a short film.

A second Virgin Media campaign for David this time included Sir Richard Branson alongside Usain Bolt.

David is represented by Terri Manduca and his work can also be viewed on his website.

Erich Saide is an award-winning photographer whose clients come back to him time and time again for his crisp, highly polished imagery. From soft and sensual to edgy and dramatic, his stylized, cleanly executed photos use incredible lighting to capture a diverse range of moods. After more than ten years in the business, Erich’s body of work spans an impressive breadth of styles and industries.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica and raised in Vancouver, Canada, Erich’s passion led him to study commercial photography at Langara College before embarking on a career in music, fashion, commercial and advertising photography, both locally and abroad.

Clients include NBA star Steve Nash for Steve Nash Sports Club, Louis Van Amstel (Dancing with the Stars and LAblast), Discovery Channel (Property Brothers), HGTV, Dawna Friesen and Sophie Louie of Global National News, Lunchbox Studios (LA), Nickelback, actress Gabrielle Miller, Anna Kosturova Crochet Swimwear, the Felions dance team (CFL), BestBuy, Readers Digest, TV Week, Martha Stewart, Absolute Poker, CMA BC, Devin Townsend, designer Jason Matlo, and actress Serinda Swann, to name a few. His work has also graced the pages of Elle Canada, and is the recipient of the L’Oréal Colour Trophy. Visit his webpage for a complete client list.

The studio is located in Vancouver’s historic Gastown district. Highly motivated, energetic and full of passion for his craft, whether it's in the studio, on location, or by the side of a film set, Erich is happiest when he's creating powerful and dynamic images.

Gaby Gerster (photography) and Daniel Henschel (film) are specialised in people, celebrity and portrait photography. Their mainly scenic, authentic and moody images feature on magazine and book covers, annual reports, advertising campaigns, PR, electronic press kits, interviews, trailer and feature materials.

Recent work includes major international and German writers who have been filmed and portrayed in the US and across Europe.

A great strength lies in the possibility of a perfect combination of still and motion in a single production, resulting in greater value, variety and a choice of output for all clients' needs. Combined productions tend to be smaller, more effective, flexible and advantageous.

Clients include Fischer Verlag, Diogenes Verlag, Beltz Verlag, Stern, art, Brigitte, Freundin, Deutsche Lufthansa AG, AMB Generali, Hessischer Rundfunk, 3Sat, Ogilvy and G2.

Feinkorn Foto + Film works worldwide on location or from its own studios in Frankfurt, with in-house post production for photo and film projects.

The company is represented by laif, one of Germanys leading photo agencies. Visit the website and contact the company directly.

Giovanni Santarelli is a Milan-based advertising photographer specialised in fashion, portraiture and celebrity images. He uses photography as a means to communicate and express his feelings and emotions.

He particularly enjoys working as a portraiture photographer as it allows him to create a respectful and intimate confidence with his subjects that makes for far deeper, more revealing images.

Giovanni has photographed for many advertising campaigns, magazines and special projects including ONU worldwide campaign, Telecom, Harley Davidson, Peugeot, Bata, Elle Japan, Gentleman, Sisal Superenalotto, and many more.

Visit his website to see more of his work.

Harald Hoffmann is based in Berlin and Amsterdam and mainly photographs people.
His portraits communicate those aspects of a personality that raise questions and transfer emotions.

Harald's work is the result of a playful moment of exchange with the person in front of his camera. In close contact with clients, he carefully prepares the sessions so the subject and the environment in which they are to be photographed are truly in focus.

"I am a native of Mumbai, a city of 12 million people with a spirit of gold and a determination to never say die. With the same spirit, I moved to San Francisco in 2003 to pursue my passion for photography and study for a Masters in photography from the Academy of Arts University. This has been my home ever since.

"I am in absolute love with my passion for photographing people, especially when they are in motion. I see myself spending my entire life depicting moments of exhilaration, systematic synchronisation and elaborate sets, bringing to life what I see in my wildest dreams."

London-based photographer Ian Derry is an  experienced celebrity and portrait photographer. Known for his beautiful lighting and collaborative style of working, he is able to get the best from his subjects whatever the brief.

Working across editorial and advertising clients via an early career as a news photographer, there isn’t a job, situation or client that fazes him.

Ian remains deeply passionate about photography and regularly works on personal projects, including recently going back to shooting on his old film Hassellblad with Matt Smith and Gary Barlow.

Recent global clients include Speedo, Chivas Regal, Johnnie Walker and BAFTA.

Jesper Orrbeck is a photographer and film-maker based in Gothenburg, Sweden. His prime photography includes portraits, people and products. Jesper is a great fan of location photography, but he also spends a lot of time in a well-equipped studio in the center of Gothenburg.

Joan Tomás, born 1958, is a Spanish photographer based in Barcelona with vast experience in portrait photography. He likes a natural and fresh approach to his portraits. Simple and direct ideas are his goal, and he enjoys both studio and location work. His easy-going but committed character helps to create a good working atmosphere in each project.

Over the past few years he has shot editorial work for the music and film industry, corporate, advertising and documentary clients, and for major companies in Spain.

Latest book publications include:

• 2012 - “Joan Tomás portraits” in Photobolsillo collection, published by La Fábrica.
• 2013 - “What can be done” about the missionary Angel Olarán's humanitarian work in Etiopia, published by Iniciatives Solidaries.
• 2013 - “Bajarí” a book on the present-day scene of gypsy flamenco in Barcelona, published by La Fábrica

Since 2004 Joan has carried out social projects in street art. Visit his website or find him on facebook for more information.

“What can I say about Kennet. He’s a mad man, there isn’t a thing he can’t do, anywhere in the world. Immensely talented, very conceptual, easy to work with and focused. Every job, big or small, in studio or on location, and on an insane timeline, it will be his next great work.”

Edwin Foster, Art Director/Owner, Foster Design.

“If scientists clone sheep, why not Kennet? The world needs more photographers like him.”

Brian Rogers, Co-founder, Labor Day Creative.

Latest work from M. Zargarinejad - FOTOKAIN includes portraits of artists for Universal Music Germany who will feature in the third season of 'The Voice of Germany'. MZ also shot a movie poster for 'Systemfehler-wenn Inge tanzt' and 20th Century Fox, featuring tons of new German talent.

This year, MZ did multiple shoots with German band Silly (Universal Music), including on location in Binz on the Ostsee in conjunction with the video for new single 'Deine Stärken'. MZ shot at a live concert in Leipzig, along with the CD, DVD and Blueray covers and inserts for the new live album.

MZ accompanied German musician and comedian Helge Schneider to the premiere of his new movie '00Schneider - im Wendekreis der Eidechse' at the Munich Film Festival. He also took pictures of Caro Emerald (Universal Music) in Amsterdam at a beautiful nightclub location.

Andreas Schölzel builds tables from oak timbers he collects from his own forest. These tables are crafted up to seven metres long, all by hand and custom made. MZ also portrayed some outstanding entrepreneurs for the book 'Excellent Companies'.

Mark Bond brings a fun and often tongue-in-cheek approach to his photography. His work is extremely diverse, shooting everyone from soap stars and athletes to chefs and musicians.

Thriving on a challenge, Mark will always try to find a way to realise and expand on the ideas of art directors and picture editors, working fast and to budget. He has a down-to-earth approach that puts people at ease whether it's a simple editorial portrait or a conceptual advertising project.

Mark Nixon is a portrait, editorial and advertising photographer based in Dublin, Ireland.

According to InDublin Magazine, "He has an uncanny ability to capture the essence of his subjects and produces lasting images that have emotional resonance."

His first book 'Much Loved' has just been published by Abrams, New York.

Mark is currently looking for representation.

The sports theme has continue with Nick Dolding shooting a vintage football team all decked out in period kit and facial hair for Gillette’s 'Mo Gents United' campaign for Movember.

He is as strong shooting all types of lifestyle as he is portraiture in the studio.

Humour is all important in Nick’s images and this can be seen from the Vintage portraits that were shot for the folio.

Recent clients have included Barclaycard, McDonalds, HSBC, Colgate, Shell, Phillips, Vodafone and Gillette. He is represented in London by Horton-Stephens photographers' agents.

Pablo Sola was born in Madrid and graduated in illustration. It was while working as a graphic designer that he decided to become a photographer, quitting his job and studying for a Masters in Photography at EFTI in Madrid.

Pablo currently lives in Madrid where he is succeeding at celebrity and advertising photography. He also shoots video. Pablo's photography is mostly related to colours and crazy attitudes, but he also styles and grooms many of his editorial shots. He is a genuine young talent with a 360º view over his productions.

Pablo's photographs have won numerous new talent awards with his work appearing in magazines including Rolling Stone, FHM, CINEMANIA, GQ and Shangay. He has also presented his work in a series of individual and collective exhibitions in Spain, Italy, Portugal and Poland.

New York born, Paul O. Colliton has been taking pictures since he was 13, when in 7th grade he received his first camera, a Yashica, GSN rangefinder.

Upon graduating in 1978 with a BFA from The School of Visual Arts, SVA, he went on to work as photographer’s assistance to some of the top photographers in NYC, and then he opened his own studio in 1980. Paul owns a beautiful Penthouse Studio in the heart of Manhattan. The multi-level 360° rooftop has some of the most spectacular views in the city.

Clients include GE, Pfizer, FedEx, Ryder Systems, AIG, Chief Executive Group, AMC Networks, Microsoft Systems and Lucent Technologies, to name just a few.

Celebrity, fashion and portrait photographer Perou would like to think that there is nobody that he won't photograph. If time wasn't an issue, he might actually get around to photographing 'everyone'!

His ambition for photographic world domination has led him to photograph some of the world's most iconic names in music, fashion and Hollywood, including Jeff Bridges, Vivienne Westwood, Dita Von Teese and Helen Mirren (to name only a few). He continues to shoot fashion and editorial images for publications such as Vanity Fair, Q and The Guardian Magazine.

Sam Pelly has been a photographer for 15 years, specialising in portraiture, celebrity, advertising and fashion. He has a passion for people and life and his infectious nature has an ability to draw the beauty out in anyone. He has an eye for detail and composition, and maintains an integral purity to his work.

His editorial clients have included The Saturday Telegraph Magazine, Stella Magazine, Life, Vogue, Tatler and Condé Nast Traveller.

Clients include P&O, Sunseeker, Pfizer and SMA.

He also experiments with film and printing and has exhibited his work worldwide. He works from his studio in West London, where his assistants are always on hand to add their mastery of post-production to his images.

Sam is looking for representation both in the UK and internationally.

Simon Derviller is an award-winning creative photographer who specialises in making the impossible possible. His passion for sport has established him as one of the most inspirational photographers in the UK today. Simon's speciality is capturing creative action at full pace to perfection, a talent which has been mastered over many years and that has brought him much recognition. He is also renowned for his amazing ability and talent for lighting.

Simon's clients include Adidas, Canterbury, Champion US, RFU, Leicester Tigers, England Volleyball, Liverpool FC, GQ, Virgin, England Rugby and BOA. He appeared on Britain's Next Top Model as guest photographer, alongside Zandra Rhodes in the endurance Olympic-themed episode. He has been the featured photographer for the Phase One and Profoto advertising campaigns, and was chosen to represent Great Britain in the Global Olympic Art Series which saw the world's best photographers snap the world's best athletes.

He is represented in France, Portugal, Germany and the US, and is at present looking for representation in the UK.

Jes Larsen is the owner of Territorium. Born in 1971 and raised in Copenhagen, in 1993 he became a trained photographer with honours. He has since worked all over the world as a self-employed photographer for international companies, organisations, advertising agencies, magazines and record labels.

Clients include Bang & Olufson, Tuborg, Toyota, Grundfos, Fl. Smidt, Torm, Novo Nordisk and Lundbeck.

"My photographs are often shot as if they were film stills. It is important to the story I am telling that you sense the build-up to a scene and the further course of action. It gives you the feeling of observing a real life situation in which to explore that moment."

Jes' extensive experience in creative direction and production, combined with his technical knowledge, allow him to manage major campaigns as well as smaller jobs independently and efficiently.

Tom Wagner is based in Berlin and loves travelling the world. By trying to combine photography and his addiction for all kinds of outdoor sports, he has worked in many beautiful places including Cape Town, Hawaii, Miami, Australia and all over Europe.

Tom specialises in lingerie, portraiture, celebrity portraits, advertising, landscapes and sports photogrpahy. He finds it very important to have a good coffee on set, as well as a good atmosphere.

Check out his website and the Tom Wagner Gallery on Facebook.