𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲: 𝗕𝗷ö𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘃ä𝗴𝗲𝗻 (𝗕𝗶𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱) 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗯𝘆 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗳𝘁⁣ ⁣

We are so thrilled to share one of our members, The Book Photographer, latest collaborations with Workshop Arts Publishing. This project, which showcases the works of Allen Wheatcroft, is a testament to the craftsmanship that goes into producing art and photography books.

Client Introduction: Workshop Arts Publishing

Workshop Arts Publishing is an emerging publishing house based in New York. They publish contemporary art and photography books, collaborating with artists to present unique ideas through exceptionally designed and produced publications. Our collaborations present the artists’ ideas through exceptionally designed and produced books that add to the dialogue of the medium.

The Vision: Exploring Dual Spaces with Allen Wheatcroft

Workshop Arts commissioned me to document latest work by Allen Wheatcroft, “Björkevägen (Birch Road)” and “The Northside.” In his new work, Wheatcroft turns his attention to structures and spaces in two settings: the bustling city of Chicago and the serene rural landscapes of Sweden. His photographs explore how these places are shaped by human presence, relations, and impact, while also delving into the conflicting emotions surrounding the concept of “home.” Wheatcroft shares, “I am drawn to barriers and feelings of separation and loneliness fostered by how we shape our landscapes.”

Backdrop Selection: Harmonizing Colors with Themes

Upon receiving the parcel with Wheatcroft’s books, I immediately knew that the backdrop needed to complement the colors used in the book production. I chose:

Keaykolour’s Old Rose by Antalis
Sorbet Yellow by Colorpan, G.F. Smith

These colors resonate with the books’ themes and design, creating a harmonious visual presentation. They also bring an element of playfulness and softness to the imagery, enhancing the viewer’s experience of Wheatcroft’s work.

Lighting Magic: Capturing Subtle Nuances

For this project, achieving the perfect lighting was essential to highlight the books without overwhelming them. Initially, I considered using harsh shadows but quickly realized that soft lighting would better capture the subtle nuances and craftsmanship of the books. The selected lighting, though slightly theatrical, complements the books beautifully without stealing the spotlight.

One of the particular challenges during the shoot was ensuring the books remained standing or slightly leaning, which required a careful and creative approach to maintain the integrity of the composition.

Final Thoughts: A Rewarding Collaboration

Working with Workshop Arts was an enriching experience. Their commitment to presenting artists’ ideas through meticulously designed publications is truly inspiring.

This project not only allowed me to experiment with lighting and composition but also to contribute to the dialogue on contemporary art and photography through visual storytelling.

Credits:

Author: Allen Wheatcroft
Design: Caleb Cain Marcus, @luminositylabdesign
Printed by: @robstolk.amsterdam

For more insights into photographing books and other printed matter, follow The Book Photographer on Instagram and subscribe to their newsletter. Join me on this journey as I explore the fascinating world of print, light, and design.

🔗 Follow me on Instagram: @the_bookphotographer
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Stay tuned for tips, behind-the-scenes stories, and more captivating visuals that celebrate the art of print.

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