BE INSPIRED SESSION | Product lifestyle Session Feature by Catherine Philbrick

Tell us a bit about your approach to the work you do, your time in the business and a few personal facts about you.

I approach my work as a way too see beyond myself; A way to view the greatest depths of people’s lives. What a privilege it is to narrate someone’s story in all its simplicity and profundity! Light, shadow, composition and feeling play a huge part in setting apart a “pretty picture” from a captivating moment in my mind.

There’s a joy and a weighty responsibility behind the lens. I constantly reflect on what it is to visually tell a story with great emotion; knowing the gravity of a moment in time.

To facilitate a safe space for my clients is key. There has to be an atmosphere of trust to let go, be present, and know that we can be ourselves. I invite my subjects to see beyond their insecurities, and own their beautiful chaos, interwoven through the medium of imagery.

My time in the photography world has been quite short. I have been professionally photographing for 1 ½ years, and have a background in Family Daycare over 9 years. It’s a reason why I love connecting with little children through lifestyle sessions so much.

What about this session was most memorable?

This product lifestyle session was a first for me. I had not had much experience in product photography before being asked by Clover Flowers Co to capture their floras. To be able to work together and create a concept that was true to the values of Clover Flowers Co was an incredible experience. Working with Marg (head florist) was also phenomenal. As you can see, she is an amazing artesian. Marg’s passion for life is evident through her design. Christmas was in the air, and her products were a gorgeous example of Christmassy cheer. Not to mention the fun I had with Marg’s model Emma (the coolest English chick I’ve met).

Were there any hurdles?

Like with any new experience, I felt like I placed myself in the deep end. I had two main hurdles: 1). The constant sun to cloud shift, and 2). The lack of styling experience I had with products, and composing models. But like with most things, I just worked with what felt right in the moment.

Your best photographer/session advice?

As a storyteller, I believe it’s pivotal to share your own, unique voice as an artist. The depth in which your voice is communicated is so important. It has such value and worth, because of who you are as an artist, and a person.

Here are my two cents regarding Lifestyle Sessions. Slow…it…down. The moments before capturing a frame will confirm where your headspace is at, in how you see yourself as a photographer. So take deep breaths. Reflect on what your purpose for the session is in the moment. See yourself for who you are as an artist. Echo what matters most to you.

What gear was used to achieve these?

Canon 5D Mark iii

Sigma Art 35mm 1.4

 

 

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Catherine Philbrick is the visual artist behind Catherine Elise Photography. Cat is a Worldwide Lifestyle Photographer, specializing in Family Lifestyle and visual story telling. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Cat spends her time annoying her husband Jeremy, drinking lots of cups of tea, and is learning the art of slowing down.

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