Photographer Research - Josh Caudwell

Josh Caudwell

Why I've chosen him

Josh Caudwell is a London based photographer who specialises in commercial photography and also looks at fine art. His work is unique and varied in comparison to some of my other photographers. The reason that I have chosen him to be part of my photographer research is because a lot of his work appeals to me, as I don't just want to look at food and drinks in this project. My topic is advertising, and advertising is what I want to do. Under this topic comes an endless list of subjects and products that could be advertised through photography, and many of Josh Caudwell's pieces are part of them; nail varnish, bags, peoples possessions and alcoholic drinks etc. There are surreal elements in many of Caudwell's pieces that inspire me for when it comes to capturing images for my project along with ordinary elements that are also inspiring. Caudwell explores a variety of formal elements in his photography and he doesn't just specify around one area. His versatile approach to his work is an attractive trait of Caudwell's that is visually evident in his photographs. 

This is an example of Caudwell's beauty photography which is just one of many themes that this man photographs. In this image, it is evident that the overall piece has been put together; not naturally shot. As it would be impossible for 5 nail varnish bottles to all balance on top of each other on their sides, with one elegant drip of the product seeping through the lidless packaging. This photoshopped technique has allowed a very creative and effective piece to be formed, as the image isn't messy - which it would have been if this was created naturally - instead it is attractive and oozing with femininity, which you would expect from beauty photography. The combination of pinks tones allow for them to appeal to a mixture of audiences, as one colour might not to appeal to someone but another colour might. This is a beautiful piece of commercial photography that has been composed well. The slight reflection beneath the bottom bottle is also an interesting touch made by Caudwell as this adds to the feminine appearance. There are minimal shadows featured in this photograph which reduces the harsh and bold look that nail varnish bottles shouldn't have. They are an elegant and glam beauty product which is reinforced by the bright lighting, with just enough contrast to keep the overall image at a balance. 

This is a more unique and different photograph of Caudwells. He has taken a few of these with the same style, but consisting of different props. This style of photography appears to be fashion themed mixed with a persons belongings. It conveys someones identity, and as a result advertises their taste in fashion and hobbies: filming/photographing. On the other hand, the above props could be products of a store, and this combination is what you can style the props with e.g. a brown belt with a brown faced watch and black frame glasses etc. The grey wooden bench beneath the objects was an interesting background to have these items on as it creates a rustic appearance, close to becoming slightly vintage. The props in this photo have been situated around each other in an artistic arrangement, therefore creating a successful composition. The formal elements line and shape are extremely apparent in this piece and it is these that make this photograph a successful outcome of his commercial work. 

This is yet another photograph of Caudwells that is different in it's own way. He has shot a lot of alcoholic drinks in his work that involve some form of splash. In this photograph movement is extremely apparent - this formal element stands out the most. It is an important part of the image because the only still life object is the orange on top of the breadboard. Having the remaining props captured in motion makes the overall photograph eye catching and interesting. There's a slice of lime and a slice of orange in the air along with the alcoholic beverage splashing out of the glass. Ice cubes have also joined the composition as this would also be part of the contents in the glass before it erupted. Trickles of the drink are featured near the orange slice to create a more natural appearance of the piece instead of having a splash of drink flying out the glass but appearing nowhere else in the frame. The two knives are also in the frame as these would have been the cutting knives used for slicing the fruits. All props and food items used in order to create this drink have been captured in one image, even if they haven't been elegantly presented. The surreal approach is successful in replacement of an ordinary shot because the overall pieces looks a lot more appealing. Caudwell's creative juices were definitely flowing in the creation of this photograph.

Another style of Caudwell's consists of this. He has photographed designer bags in a way that displays to the audience their 3D nature instead of a 2D version. He has pulled the strap out and extended it to its furthest in order for the audience to compare the size of the strap with the bag. Caudwell has also presented the designer tag so that the audience can see what style it is. The beautiful light grey colour of the bag has been  portrayed through a high key lighting set up as there is extremely minimal shadow casted over the bag. The cubes is a style that Caudwell has used in his other photographs of bags, as it adds to the creativity of the overall images. Having these variety of sized cubes act as accessories in the photograph adds to the creativity of the piece, which is something I see as vital when capturing advertising photography.

How he has influenced me

Caudwell inspired me to photograph some flattering and feminine products after looking at his work of the nail varnish bottles, personal belongings and handbag. The majority of the lighting used in Caudwell's work is high key, which illuminates the bright appearance of the subject he's photographing. I used two light boxes and a beam in the photographs of mine above to add a sparkle to the outer packaging of the perfumes, and a white background to allow the colours of the subject to emerge from the frame. Unfortunately, I was unable to create anything with the surrealistic movement except for the momiji doll and popcorn in shoot 6. Therefore, the 3rd photograph of Caudwell's in this post didn't inspire me as much as I'd have liked it too. I will be exploring more of the surreal technique in Unit 4.

Summary

To conclude, Josh Caudwell has captured many different styles of photographs, all with equal pros, and all oozing with creativity. His pieces always look well thought out and have a nice finish to them instead of appearing incomplete and lacking in imagination. Caudwells work attracted me because of just how versatile his photographs are. He doesn't specialise in anythng inparticular which I think is a benefit in advertising/commercial photography because it reduces the risk of becoming stuck with developing an idea. He explores a mixture of formal elements in his work which is also something that makes his work attractive, because it isn't repetitive, therefore every piece is refreshing to look at.