jamiestokerdotcom

A quick update:

I got a job shooting stills on the set of a film over the summer – and I’ll share some more info about this soon but needless to say it was very exciting

I’ve started Second year on my BA Photography at the University of Brighton – can’t wait to get snapping again

I’ve also moved into a new house with friends down in Brighton, aside from all the house parties its great to live in the center of town, close to the darkrooms, library and labs, as well as the sea!

We don’t have internet yet though so a proper post when I get online!

Got a 580ex II flashgun the other day along with an 85 1.8 lens. Flash is the one thing I’ve never really considered in my photos, but the more I see inspiring work the more I learn that lighting is often involved, whether it be in the studio or on location, and so it’s something I’ve given myself the aim of learning more about. I know I can’t expect Leibovitz style results with one little flashgun but one has to start somewhere right? Any good websites or advice on naturalistic understated lighting? Stuff like you would assume is used in shots like these (again I realise that in these shots there are likely 1000’s of $$$ worth of lighting) Not too keen on brash gimmicky stuff that you often find on flickr etc. Thanks in advance!

When buying a new camera, it always takes a while for one to become comfortable with how best to operate it, and also when you should reach it over another camera. Being a new and very exciting purchase I’ve been using my Mamiya 7 alot recently. Scroll down a few posts and you’ll see a few fashion shots I took with the camera, where I really enjoyed using the camera. Lots of available light, a model and an assistant, considered shooting on 120 film. Below I’m going to post the complete opposite, i.e. photographs I’ve taken out and about of friends, sometimes a little under the influence of alcohol, other times inside where the light is hardly ideal for an F4 lens, – whilst the shots came out okay, I think in the future the Mamiya 7 will be spared for what its best at – slow considered portraiture or documenting places, and when it comes to snaps out and about I think thats the realm of the Leica.

Probably the worst license plate I have ever seen.

Outside the studio of Ben Roberts who I have been assisting over the summer – amused to see a photoshoot happening on his doorstep!

The above color shots were taken during the Great Escape festival which takes place in Brighton during the spring of every year, highly recommended!
J

Just a quick update:

• Finished putting up the portfolio section, they are mostly old shots but are the most complete body of work I have to show at the moment and they are still photographs I am proud of.
• I’m aiming to post an update of some new shots this weekend
• Being an Arsenal fan I am not only ecstatic at the start we’ve made this year, but I also managed to get a season ticket for 2009/10, so I’m planning to do a football focused documentary project. Probably my M6 and color film. Keep it simple. Watch this space.
• I’m also involved in an upcoming job that will involve me shooting as unit photographer on the set of an exciting up and coming film,
  more information as I get it but below is a shot I took during a production meeting the other day with the actors and director and producers – exciting times.