Early Experiments

In my first attempts at taking properly done photos were through the basics of lighting. Making sure to use a flat and even light from the top and side. The reflectiveness of the glaze made properly exposing them a bit of a challenge. I found that the shadows that were created in the front helped make the details become more detailed but I dont think it was enough to really show off the pots.

After using a direct light shoot I wanted to try something different to find where I found was the best way for me to use my skills. When making some new plant pots I set up this display on top of the throwing wheel. Close ups of my monogram signature with high contrast and deep oranges.

Themed Pottery

It got to be later in the year and I had to start thinking about holiday markets. Fall Festivities were about to come into full swing and so I made a set of flower pots that resembled Jack O Lanterns. Being that they were plant pots I decided to do the shoot outside in the sunset. Getting the perfect lighting to accentuate the deep reds of the clay and bright reds of the glaze.

For the markets I was selling these at I felt that plant pots could use some pretty flowers to occupy these scary faces. After putting in their floral headpieces I lined them up and took photos again with a smoother and more even lighting. With how bright the flowers are I felt it better to even out the colors so they didnt stand out as much

Once winter came around I thought to do it again with some holiday themed vases. I gathered some rocks from some of my adventures out in the wilderness and added them to accent the plants that grew above them. With lights in the background I found that I had found a good way to make product photos

Studio Sculptures

After finding my stride in the photos I had a new task to work on. To make stock photography for backgrounds and photos of the studio I was working with at the time. The shelves were always full of unique pottery so all I had to do was walk around finding the good angles and lighting.

An opportunity would often come up at the studio where we fired some of our vases with the Raku method. Heating up these pots fast and hot and then covering them in sawdust, newspaper, or even using feathers and horse hair to make fiery new abstract designs from this chaotic process. It also gave some good opportunities to photograph these unique pieces of art.

Black Pottery

After all this experience and knowledge I gained from these experiments I used it to show off my biggest project yet. Mugs, bowls, teapots, and plant pots all made from a jet black clay and coated in bright colored glazes. I had the perfect idea in my head for how I wanted these to be displayed. So I called up a friend with a studio and found the perfect black backgrounds.

The idea was to accentuate the bright colors that were in the glazes and the plants that I put in them by matching the background to the color of the clay. The tone was different enough to let the non glazed portions blend into their surroundings

Rocks from all over the United States were used to decorate the soil and the bright succulents enhanced the colors of the glaze. With nothing to distract from these beautiful colors I know I had made something I was proud of