PHOTOGRAPHY FOR MAKERS
MEIJI DESIGNS
As a follow up to my previous ‘Look Book’ fashion shoot at Grays Court I was delighted to be commissioned again by Meiji Designs for a ‘Photography for Makers’ session at their studio in York. It’s always such a privilege to see behind the scenes and observe first hand the love and expertise that goes into a piece of art or design.
Meiji create stunning hand dyed silk kimonos and scarves using traditional Japanese techniques. One of the key features of a Meiji piece is devoré which is a process where patterns are created by burning away areas of the fabric with acid. This section of the shoot required full safety masks on due to the chemicals used.
Using my documentary eye I captured textile artists Natalie and Ruth at work on some of their bespoke pieces. Close up action shots of hands at work are becoming a bit of an Olivia Brabbs trademark! I love how they communicate so much about a process and the materials involved. We also finished the shoot with a relaxed branding portrait to showcase the makers behind the product. I always encourage business owners and makers to get more visible. It helps so much with building engagement with your customer base and really adds something to the story behind the product.
To view more photography of makers at work please do pay a visit to my ‘Producers and Makers’ portfolio
1 Comment
Lots of lovely colours, although the black and white worked very well too. Great work!