Branding Photography that's on fire

Opportunities don't often come knocking at your door. You have to seek them for yourself. I discovered Foxglove Forge on Instagram, and my initial reaction was a strong desire to photograph this fascinating environment. So I reached out to Tony, and we made it happen. This wasn't about the money. This was about gaining experience and completely immersing myself to strengthen my skills as a photographer. I really enjoy this sort of thing and find great joy in it.

Tony Canevaro is the owner and founder of Foxglove Forge in Sooke BC.

Immediately, I knew I was in for a challenge. Tony's shop is small, crammed, dark and hot. As I began to set my gear, I made sure to display an other very important skill; communication. Establishing a rapport with him through small talk was just as important as picking the location of my off camera flash. You want to make people feel seen and valued. It's crucial that they relax and enjoy the process. It can take up to half an hour to get the set up that I'm happy with and I made sure that Tony knew this. There's no way I'm taking my best shot within the first five minutes.

It was important for me to highlight just how much of a hands-on process this is. For a blacksmith, his hands are just as valuable as his tools.

After about twenty minutes I figured out the optimal placement for my Godox IT32 off camera flash. Having it bounce off the ceiling created a theatrical and subtle effect without compromising on the moody darkness inherent to Tony's shop.

I used a compact and adaptable phone tripod to allow for quick and easy movement of the flash.

In such an environment, focusing your camera on details is important because they are the storytellers.

Branding and lifestyle photography is so much more than focusing the camera on your subject. It's much more about comprehending their world and how it fundamentally revolves around them. This world is their creation; for them, it frequently serves as both a purpose and an irresistible passion.

I observe, I listen, I immerse myself and soon; this universe becomes tangible. It's a story with layer upon layer. How will you tell it?

During this photoshoot, I prioritized my 50mm lens. For a handful of shots, a wide angle lens was unavoidable in such a small space.

I let Tony do his thing and tried to minimize my presence as much as possible. Moving slowly with confidence ensures your subject will reciprocate the energy. As a photographer, you lead the show. Your subject will pick up on negative vibes like stress and discomfort so it's important to move with confidence, slowly but surely. If you're not sure what you're doing and get overwhelmed, fake it till you make it. Give yourself and your subject a decent window of time. Being methodical and taking your time is your best bet for a successful outcome. Nothing good will come of rushing through the process.

Having just the right amount of fill light was crucial. I could not allow for it to drown out such scenes.

The best way to learn is by doing, so go ahead and seek out photography opportunities that will challenge you. The skills you will acquire are invaluable. Curiosity, creativity and confidence are three main attributes you want to embody as a photographer. They don't just happen, you have to cultivate them actively throughout your practice, day in day out.

Be sure to check out Tony and his blacksmith shop!

https://www.foxgloveforge.shop/

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