When first I met renowned studio potter, Eleni of Pottery by Eleni, at a book launching party, I was fascinated by her! Not only did she make incredibly beautiful pottery pieces, she was also well spoken and business savvy. I was so excited when she reached out to me to capture her newest venture, Pottery and Prosecco, where Eleni will be offering workshops that teach groups how to make her famous pottery art.
As a photographer, my approach to capturing the launch party of Eleni's new pottery workshop, Pottery and Prosecco, was to blend fine art with a photojournalistic approach. I wanted to create images that not only showcased the beauty of Eleni's pottery and her sponsors' products, but also told a story - a story of creativity, joy, and human connection. I set the scene with a mix of close-up shots and far-away images, capturing the vibrant colors and textures of the pottery, as well as the atmosphere of the workshop. In addition to seeing the workshop, I wanted viewers to feel like they were a part of it, experiencing the joy of working with clay through the lively and expressive images of the participants' hands touching and shaping the clay.
To capture the essence of the event, I immersed myself in the energy and excitement of the workshop. I observed and captured the moments of creation – the clay being molded, shaped, and transformed into beautiful art. I photographed the participants engrossed in their work, their concentration evident as they molded the clay with their hands. The focus was on the details, the intricate patterns and textures of the pottery, as well as the raw emotions of the participants. I aimed to showcase the craftsmanship and skill involved in pottery-making, capturing every delicate touch and every effort put into creating something unique.
I also understood the importance of showcasing Eleni's sponsors' products. Throughout the workshop, I strategically captured images that featured the sponsors' products alongside Eleni's pottery. From wide shots of the workshop space adorned with the sponsors' products to close-ups of the pottery with the sponsor's logo in the background, I highlighted the relationship between the sponsors and Eleni's pottery, effectively promoting their collaboration.
In addition to capturing the technical aspects of the workshop, I focused on human connection and interaction. Eleni herself was a central figure in this event, and I ensured that her passion for pottery and dedication to her craft shone through in the images. I captured candid moments of her interacting with the participants, providing guidance and inspiration. I also photographed the expressions of delight and satisfaction on the participants' faces as they created something beautiful with their own hands. By capturing these genuine moments of joy and connection, I brought the viewers into the heart of the workshop and allowed them to experience the event vicariously.
To further enhance the storytelling aspect of my images, I paid attention to the overall atmosphere and ambiance of the workshop. I captured the surrounding environment, including the workshop space and artistic decorations. I photographed the participants engaging in conversations, sharing techniques, and forming new connections. The images reflected the lively and dynamic energy of the workshop, transporting viewers to the event itself.
Post-production was another crucial aspect of my approach. I carefully selected and edited the images to enhance the colors, textures, and overall mood captured during the event. I aimed to create a cohesive and visually stunning collection of photographs that not only told the story of the workshop, but also highlighted the beauty and craftsmanship of Eleni's pottery and her sponsors' products.
In conclusion, my approach to capturing the launch party of Eleni's pottery workshop blended fine art with a photojournalistic approach. By capturing the details of the pottery-making process, the human connection, and the overall ambiance of the workshop, I brought the viewers into the heart of the event, allowing them to experience the creativity, joy, and sense of community that was integral to both pottery-making and Eleni's brand.
~ Yvonne