“Film and digital are very different approaches, but where possible, I like to use a combination of the two in my work. I also love playing around with different little cameras that distort the image or play with the colours.”
What country are you from, and where do you live?
I was born in Oxford, England, and now live in Whitstable, Kent. My studio is based in the heart of Shoreditch, London.
Education background (art school, photography class, self-taught)?
BA Hons First Class Honours in Photojournalism.
What is your signature style/artistic expression in your work?
I am a fashion-based beauty photographer working in stills and video. With a background in photojournalism, my photography always seeks to provide a sense of intimacy and understanding, with connection and vibrancy informing every piece of work.
What type of images or people do you like to shoot?
I’m really enjoying shooting non-professional models and working with art directors who focus on finding the right talent. With certain ADs, we work extremely closely and hard on casting, always aiming to find the perfect faces for our concept. What I love about working with non-professional models is the energy and freshness they bring to set, and when you have a brilliant art director on board, it’s a perfect combination!
For me it is always the person that comes first, then the type of image will come from there, which is why the casting is so important.
Do you prefer digital or film?
Both have their place for very different reasons. Film gives me far more surprises that, when honed, can give beauty a feeling that digital can’t find. Digital is great for quickly seeing the path we may go on a shoot day. Both are very, very different approaches, but where possible, I like to use a combination of the two in my work. I also love playing around with different little cameras that distort the image or play with the colours – always a lot of fun.
Do you have a career turning point or big break that has helped your career?
Julie Bellinger-Gibb was the person who gave me my break and nurtured me, and still does to this day. Julie’s a wonderful human who runs Gorgeous PR, and I am very grateful to her for taking me under her wing!
Was there a memorable, scary or proud moment in your career?
Last year was probably the biggest year in my career to date. It was the second year in a row that I shot the winning collection for Cos Sakkas for British Hairdresser of the Year at the British Hairdressing Awards (despite suffering from vertigo while shooting on a rooftop at the Toni&Guy Academy!) I also had the honour of taking home the gold and silver awards in fashion and beauty at the Association of Photographers Awards. I felt really proud of what my studio achieved last year, and I am thankful to everyone who helped it all happen.
What is next for your career goals?
I’d like to expand into more beauty videos alongside my stills photography. I think it’s so important to be well-versed in both, and I love the synergy that capturing beauty in motion creates. My other goal is to continue shooting large campaign work and bringing my creativity into this where and when I can.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in your business?
The most important skill to hone in on is lighting – lighting is the essence of photography, and controlling the light and shadow properly in your image-making informs the depth, mood and style of what you are shooting. Learning how to control this properly will give you the skillset to explore your creativity to no end. It’s also important to know that as a photographer, it is your job to keep everything going on a shoot day – be organized and prepared and stay in control of what is happening on set.
Instagram: @jackeamesphoto
Website: www.jackeames.com
