Meet Katrina James, an expert par excellence with 12 years of experience in the field she loves – photography. A wish to change the world led her to take up environmental science but soon she understood that it was through the lens that she can really initiate a change – a change in the way people perceive the world. Be it product photography or portraits, nature or events, her works stand apart due to the sheer happiness they exude. Having worked with the big names in the luxury world, she shares her insight into what she loves the most – photography!
As a woman who grew up in Australia, where should our readers make sure to visit?
Australia is full of stunning scenery, the most memorable holiday till this day is when my parents took me out of school for a month and we took a trip through the outback, it was life changing to me and I think that’s where my curiosity for travel started, the landscape was breath taking. I would highly recommend a visit.
You are currently shooting events and music festivals around the world. Where are you off to next?
Next stop is Bali to photograph (and participate in) a yoga and meditation retreat in Ubud.
There are stunning portraits on your webpage. What do you do to help your subjects relax?
Thank you. I treat my portrait sessions as if I was going to meet a friend for coffee sometimes it can be 30 minutes before I even bring out my camera, I love people and hearing their stories is such a treat for me so I try and create a feeling where my subjects feel like they matter to me, which they very much do.
What photo shoot have you been most nervous for? What did you do to relax?
I was pretty nervous to photograph the Australian foreign minister Bob Carr when he visited Berlin, I got to spend the day following him around Berlin as he met with German politicians, it was a really fascinating experience for me as politics is very far away from my world and there was a lot of protocol I didn’t know anything about. To be honest I don’t think I relaxed until the day was over.
What is the most important question to ask a photographer that you are thinking of hiring?
I can’t think of one specific question, however I do think it is important to really brief your photographer and give them as much information as possible about what you are expecting of their photography.
What things should the photographer you hired be doing?
Before the event they should be talking to you, asking questions about what is important to you, is there a particular detail that means something to you? How do you plan to use the photographs?
At the event they should be enjoying themselves, they should be making sure they get all the required shots as well as shooting some creative or interesting shots.
What is the best way for a client to help you understand their brand?
It’s really important to talk to your photographer about where you have come from and your future goals, how you see the photos being used and who your audience are.
What makes marketing photography different from other photography that you have done?
Marketing photography is a little different because you need to capture a product or service in its best light. You need to use images to tell a clients story and to make a viewer want to be part of that story.
Can you give an example of how you can use photography to tell a story?
My imagery is all about stories and I hope that each image creates its own story. I recently shot a job for a jewellery designer where I captured images that told the story of her work day, from meeting with her team to spending the afternoon cruising on her boat, the images really help people to connect to you and your brand.
Since we love travel here, can you tell us about your favorite place to take pictures?
For the pure beauty of it Cape Town is a wonderful place to take photos, the light there is incredible it’s the kind of light that moves me to tears, the landscapes are such a contrast from beautiful beaches to dry sand plains and the people are just wonderful.
Get in touch with Katrina James via email at katrina@katrina-james.com or connect with her on Facebook or Twitter. Or, we could introduce you, just reach out to us!
- Millennial Luxury Marketing – Understanding a generation of the future - March 12, 2018
- Luxury Brand Strategy – Elements to Consider in a New Luxury Economy - March 12, 2018
- Luxexperience –A Southern Hemisphere Luxury Travel Event - August 3, 2017