advertising photography

Portrait Project

I recently did a portrait project for a client. We photographed a bunch of employees for posters to be displayed on workplace walls along with inspirational quotes. The plan was to create dramatically lit portraits to print in duotone. Here are a couple of the images. One was taken in the warehouse, the other in the offices. Let me know what you think.

Location Portraits

Femal Ecutive PortraitI like shooting portraits on location. Getting people in their own environment. In some ways, it's easier to see someone's soul when they are on their home turf. This day I was photographing some exceptional women who were being recognized for there work. I enjoy the excitement of pulling together the location/background, the lighting, and posing until everything works. Or at least I think it does. What do you think? Marketing Manager Portrait

Small Cog in a Big Machine

Detroit Industrial PhotographerWe are all part of a larger whole. The scope of the larger whole is sometimes difficult to fathom. In this case, these are pulleys, not cogs, and they have a bit of silicone or rubber to absorb shock and vibration. Smoothing out the bumps seems like a good idea in many contexts.I like the way the translucent silicone looks. It's always fascinating how industrial parts are beautiful objects with the right perspective and lighting. 

Aerospace Parts

Aerospace PhotographerPhotographing anything shiny is a kick! Finely machined aerospace parts fit the bill. You wouldn’t think Detroit for aerospace, but in the last year I’ve done work for several aerospace companies. I’m guessing that there is a lot of talent here honed making automotive parts. It’s fun shooting them, wherever they end up.

Automotive Paint Photography

Detroit Automotive PhotographerThe science of automotive paint is stunningly complex. This car only has an “E coat”; it’s the initial coat of paint. It’s a process not unlike electroplating, where the paint is attracted to the metal by an electronic charge. The upshot is that the paint gets onto all of the surfaces of the body including all the inaccessible little nooks and crannies. This, among other things, is why our cars last longer than they used to. My job of course, is make an interesting and compelling photograph for use in an ad. Let me know what you think.

Product Photography in the Studio

Beam-0014Telepresence, a concept from science fiction is here! Well, not a Princess Leia 3D hologram.This one is made by Suitable Technologies. It’s a beautiful product, making my job a little easier. We shot all day and ended up with some very nice photographs. (If I don’t say so myself!) There is another image on the Blue Sky Photography, Inc. blog and a little further down in this blog. Let me know what you think!Detroit Product Photographer Tom KirbyBeam-0038

Jewelry Photographer

Jewelry Photographer

My best friend, Richard, created this gold necklace with diamonds. His hand is holding it. This is one of a series of images we’ve done with his hands. The jewelry pops off the black background, and his hand contrasts nicely with the jewelry. The photograph tells the story that this necklace was crafted by an artist. I like working with Richard, he has a finely tuned aesthetic and we collaborate well together.

Industrial Photography for the Web

Detroit Industrial PhotographerThere is a misguided belief that photography for web should be less expensive. This might be the case if photographers charged by the pixel. The value of an image is not determined by it’s resolution. The value of a photograph is determined by it’s ability to tell a story, communicate an idea, and grab your attention. As always I am interested in your thoughts and comments.

Medical Device Photography

Medical Device photographerMost people don’t like to think about the things that surgeons do while they’re working. We’re happy enough to have their help when it’s needed. One of the things I love about commercial photography is that it give’s me a peek behind the curtain, into industries and professions that ordinarily are invisible. It’s necessary to learn at least a little about things you’re photographing to tell the story. I am interested in your thoughts and comments.Detroit Medical Device Photographer

Industrial Table Top Photography

Detroit industrial PhotographyWe have been forging metal for thousands of years.  Modern industrial processes are used to forge a wide array of automotive parts. As it involves shiny metal, I enjoy photographing it. In this case, it’s a die and the finished forged part. I stood them up on a table top in my studio using blocks and shims. Afterwords, I put them on a brown background in Photoshop. I’m always interested in your thoughts and comments.

Medical Equipment Photography

Product PhotographerThis is a tourniquet used when doing surgery on hands, arms, legs and feet. We weren’t doing surgery in the studio; it’s not nearly clean enough. The red and blue together with the low-key feel help make this an interesting photograph. The doctor was my assistant. He’s very good, but I’d get nervous if he were working on me in a hospital. I’m interested in hearing your thoughts.

Gourds

It’s a classically autumn vegetable. Cultivated for centuries, they have been used for food, kitchen tools, toys, musical instruments and decoration. They have fascinating shapes and colors that make interesting subject matter for photography. I’m sticking with the simple approach again, a single light source and a white background. I feel that it allows the nature of the gourd to be revealed. As always, comments are welcome.Detroit Food Photographer Gourds-40 Gourds-27