Meet our spotlighted artist, Eric Blackman, a pro at making everyday items look extraordinary! Dive into the world of product photography as this talented photographer turns the ordinary into the extraordinary with captivating compositions and vibrant colors.
Website: ericblackman.com
Instagram: @ericblackmanphoto
Describe your signature style or approach to photography.
My approach to photography stays the same no matter the subject. That is to create eye candy that your eye and mind want to look at and keep looking at. The longer someone looks at an image the more they feel, they form a deeper connection and the more the image will resonate with them. This is especially challenging in product/still life. How to captivate the viewer sans a human connection whether direct or implied. For me that comes down to using compelling composition, interesting and alluring light, and color used in its most positive way per subject. Whether that’s an image drenched in saturation and pop, or selective points of color on a neutral range of backgrounds. Blending these three is always at the forefront of my thinking and process which guides me along the way while conceptualizing and through production.
What equipment, platforms, or tools are essential for you as a commercial photographer?
You know for this one I am going to avoid a technical piece of camera gear or fancy whir-to-bob-a-thing-a-ma-jig (my son is really into Dr.Suess right now if you couldn’t tell) and go with mirrored surfaces. All sizes and especially shapes to create some interesting light patterns and sometimes to add a tiny highlight that could make all the difference in the world to a product image. I always keep a thick stack to pop in when needed to paint in some light or add some interesting patterns. I use a mirror in almost every shot in some capacity or another. My newest and recent favorite is actually used primarily by auto mechanics on a telescoping wand. It was given to me by a fellow photographer and is such a great example of repurposing for our creative needs.
How do you stay inspired and keep your creative juices flowing?
In today’s world staying inspired for me is a relatively easy task. With so much great work being produced a casual scroll through LinkedIn will do the trick. But diversification of creative juice pumping yields fantastic results for me. A walk through my neighborhood and a touch of people-watching. Watching shadows play in winter or the edges of the day. I’m a big believer in playtime for all ages and playing has led to some great moments of inspiration. The trick is getting it in writing or typed out before it escapes back into the ether. Conversations with interesting people, finding a peaceful place with a decent view, and allowing my mind to take a back seat to my senses. A lot of times I’ll be in this state of mind when my brain surges forward using a sensory link to a link to a link to a link to arrive at inspiration.
How do you approach capturing the essence of a brand or product in your photography?
It starts simply enough, listening to the client getting to know their expectations, and learning what they ultimately need from this campaign. Then it’s time spent with the actual product. I often work with cosmetics, skin care & hair/body care products so the ingredients and scents play a key role in the essence of the product. I use those for inspiration and see what a great place that takes me.
How much of your time is spent on photography vs. business management and how to keep these two aspects of business organized?
I’m lucky in the fact that I live in West Hollywood and have an abundance of studio spaces to rent for shoots. This lack of overhead costs and organizational energy allow me to focus most of my time on photography. As for all of the contracts, ASMP has some great resources to streamline the entire paperwork process that accompanies photo shoots. I try to dedicate 15 hours a week to marketing tasks, whether that’s communications, designing some portfolio content, or updating new projects across my various portfolio sites. Then the rest of my working week is spent on actual photography. Even if there is no client, testing and all the goodness that entails occupies the rest of my week. It’s been a great week when Sunday night is my ’night of marketing’.
Describe your dream photo shoot.
This might be a bit far-fetched but we said dream right? A shoot in a space station with a transition and travel to a shoot on the moon. The production challenges, the prep, and research, the incredible team you’d undoubtedly be with. Food & beverage shots in zero gravity? Oh my, the ideas, are just limitless with unbelievable production value and potential. So if any space tourism companies are reading this, you know who to contact for all of your imaging needs.
Do you have any hobbies or interests that people might be surprised to learn about?
Exploring outside when the moon is either full or almost full is one of my favorite things to do. I usually scout out the location at the end of the day then stay and immerse myself into the landscape. The world transforms into a familiar yet alien landscape and offers an entirely different vibe when bathed in moonlight. Some of my absolute favorite outdoor memories happened under a full moon. A lot of times I will create and capture a scene or concept I planned out but sometimes it’s best to just absorb everything and jar up that inspiration for another moment when it’s needed.
If money wasn’t required, what would your dream job be?
Traveling the world and capturing the natural & culinary beauty of this world for all to see. That may sound like an odd pairing but they are two of my favorite things. Trying the foods of different cultures & exploring the natural world hunting for unique conditions and beautiful light.
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