WATCHES & JEWELLERY PHOTO + MOTION Dec 2014

Benton Collins was recently commissioned by New York goldsmith and designer Jivan Wolf to photograph a select part of her hand-crafted jewellery for an upcoming book that will illustrate her work. Jivan studied design at the University of Paris and also studied the ancient classical methods of jewellery fabrication in Egypt and Greece. These studies lead her to become an expert goldsmith and lapidary, and she strives to combine the look of old and new in her pieces.

Before the start of photography, Benton consulted with her in-depth, going over many different approaches, surfaces and lighting techniques before settling on the uniform look presented in this Spotlight. His goal was to achieve the right look and direction to showcase her unique pieces in a simple yet elegant way.

Benton has been producing memorable images for clients that include Coke, Pepsi, Sony, Miller Brewing and Toshiba and has worked with many top agencies including McCann-Erickson, BBDO, Hill Holiday, Bates, and Hakuhodo.

Graeme Montgomery has established a reputation as one of the world’s leading photographers of luxury fashion items. Renowned for his lighting skills and graphic modern style, his work has appeared in Japanese Vogue, Arena Homme Plus, Another Man, Numero, GQ Style and Vogue. His advertising clients include Christian Dior, Burberry, D&G, Prada, LG, Mont Blanc, Olay, Graff, Joop and Swarovski.

Born in England, Graeme earned a degree in Photography Film and Television at London College of Printing before spending a year documenting London travellers and gypsies. A move into portraiture - shooting for publications such as Design Week and The Sunday Times - soon led to his big break into still life photography with a story he shot for GQ.

His personal work includes ‘Mysore Style’, a book about Ashtanga yoga, its guru Sri K Pattabhi Jois and his students, many of whom are the world’s leading practitioners and teachers. His other books are ‘Femme Fatales’,’ Duo’ and ‘Triptych’.

Graeme splits his time between London, Paris and New York.

Laima’s interest in photography began in 2003 when she acquired her first professional camera. Her desire to engage in a challenging and creative field led her to engross herself in experimenting with a comprehensive range of lighting techniques in pursuit of capturing the spectacular inner beauty of natural crystal and mineral specimens.

By chance, in 2005, a close friend asked Laima if she could photograph and catalogue her extensive jewellery and watch collection for insurance purposes. Laima was delighted with this project and realised that in fact this was where her true passion lay, thus Jewellery Imaging was born.

Laima’s studio is conveniently located in the heart of Belgravia in central London. Her renowned clients include Avakian, Federico Buccellati, UIL and GFMS, to name but a few.

London-based photographer John Bennett specialises in still life product shots of luxury watches and jewellery. He has over 20 years' experience shooting high quality watches, jewellery, precious stones, perfumes and luxury fashion accessories.

His passion for the subject stems from a fascination with composition, the space between objects, and the beautiful forms they create. John’s clients include De Beers Diamond Jewellers and Harrods, among others.

Based in Dresden (Saxony), Jürgen Jeibmann's watch photography links his personal interest in fine chronometers with his photographic passion similar to that of a watchmaker: perfection up to the finest detail.

With a specialised camera system and lighting technique, he shoots premium labels like Glashütte Original, A. Lange & Söhne but also for smaller labels like Rainer Brand and Genesis watches. Together with in-house post-production, Jürgen supplies in addition to the shoot, a perfectly retouched final high-end image file.

The studio is frequently booked by film production companies and Jürgen is always present with his expertise on subtle lighting and equipment.

The two videos shown here are a result of cooperation with MCS Sachsen for A. Lange & Söhne (D.O.P.: Erik Schimschar. Production: Media & Communication Systems (MCS) GmbH Sachsen).

Contact Jürgen directly for more information.

Starting at an early age, Nico Savignac has been working with watches ever since. From his studio just outside of Munich, he develops sophisticated techniques and self-made equipment tailored to accomplishing the specific needs of high-end watch photography. Focussing on nothing but small luxury objects allows him to concentrate all of his time, energy, and passion on fulfilling watch-makers' desires.

Nico had been retouching before he even started shooting, and never delivers results without ensuring the best possible image editing. Achieving the impossible in retouching and composing, he can simulate non-existent products and eliminate any undesired flaws.

With vast experience in watch marketing, Nico conceives photography in the context of brand strategy, print products and online media and offers a one-stop variety of complementary products and services.

Omer Knaz is best known for his work with luxury goods, jewellery, watches and fragrances. With over 10 years' experience, he brings enthusiasm and commitment to every brief, creating strong dynamic images for advertising, editorial and commercial clients.

Whilst using the most up-to-date digital equipment, Omer retains a firm belief in applying this technology to enhance the image, leaving as much as possible to be created ‘in camera’.

Omer mostly shoots at his Shoreditch studio.

Reinhold Schroers specialises in still life photography, shooting high-quality watches, jewellery, precious stones, perfumes and luxury accessories. Located in Dusseldorf, he also provides high quality video productions.

Across both photography and film, Reinhold devotes great care to perfecting lighting for macro shots, with light curves available over only a few millimetres. His goal is to work out the character of an object by representing the finest facets and structures.

Reinhold uses the latest digital recording technology including innovative, digitally controlled motion control equipment for precise tracking shots and unusual perspectives.

His three studios - one with daylight and an 8m ceiling height - are set in the legendary studio spaces of Josef Beuys. From composing to proofs, he guarantees the entire workflow with outstanding quality.

Locate in Brussels and counting over 25 years experience, Shimera’s studio specialises in high-end advertising, still life, cars, jewels and watch photography.

With special attention put on lighting during the composition of the images, Shimera also offers retouching and post-production where required.

Clients include national and international names like Leo Burnett, Armando
Testa, Havas, Godiva, Eddy Merckx cycles, Raidillon, Ice-watch & PATTON watches.

Visit the website for more images and information.

Professionalism, great organisational skills and creativity characterise Tailer Studio’s team. With over ten years of experience, the studio focuses on liquids, watches, jewelry, cosmetics as well as classic still life photography.

The studio is able to offer a wide range of post-production skills, 3D rendering, production and cost efficient timing.

The team brings enthusiasm to every brief, thus creating strong dynamic images for advertising, editorial and commercial clients. Most recent clients have included: Stefano Ricci, Visconti orologi, Gucci, Benetti yachts, ABC Group, Lucart Group and many more.