Beautiful Product Photography: Kim Westad: Ceramist

In many of my composition posts, I talk about using the "Rule of Thirds" and the "Fibonacci Spiral" to create dynamic photography. Which at its root suggests that placing your work in the very center of the photo is undesired.

However - to EVERY rule there are (many) Beautiful Exceptions! 
This shop from Kim Westad is the perfect example of one of those exceptions: 


Why does this work? 
  • The items are gorgeous (this helps a great deal)
  • They are placed on a gradient background (fades from white to dark gray)
  • The white balance / color balance is spot-on (white and off-white are distinguishable)
  • The highlights reflected in each piece encourages your eye to scan the whole photo


Please share your thoughts in the comments section. Thanks for reading!


3 Response to "Beautiful Product Photography: Kim Westad: Ceramist"

IMakeCuteStuff (aka Marlo M.) said...

I just realized that I posted two ceramic artists in a row! Hm. I wonder what that says about taking photos of these types of objects? Simple design asks for simple photography, perhaps?

Pam Corwin, Business of Crafts said...

These are indeed great images, and gorgeous work! It's amazing how many artists don't know the basics, gradient background, color and contrast balance, etc. For most jury shots you really do need to center your image, but I do appreciate people who are creative with their imagery, as long as they don't overdo the props or use a busy background. Great info Marlo, as always!

IMakeCuteStuff (aka Marlo M.) said...

Thanks for commenting Pam!
I agree - jury shots (photos taken to apply for high-end or wholesale trade shows) are a different aesthetic altogether. I'll make sure to do a future post about that - thanks for the reminder...you're the best!

Be sure to check out Pam's blog at http://businessofcrafts.blogspot.com/

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