Royal Kink Editorial by Atomik Photography for Gilded Magazine

I loved this shoot from a few weeks ago I did at Bayham Hall in Kent, UK. Our amazing creative team are the reason I’ve been able to capture these images, so massive shout out to:

Chantal Mallett for her corseted gowns, skirts, and amazing jewellery; Yuvna Kim for her stunningly ornate dresses; Sonata Rapalyte for the intricate lingerie; Suki Miles (superstar!) on hair and make up; our stunning models Kimi and Roxanne; and finally our wonderful friends and hosts, the Cooke family at Bayham Hall.

Going for dramatic regal fashion shots, we added a slight touch of kink to it all, and were really excited to be published in the Royal issue of Gilded Magazine.

Keep an eye out for more dramatic fashion shoots from me 🙂

Recent Works – Menswear Fashion Editorial

I mostly shoot women for beauty and fashion editorials, so was delighted to work on a menswear editorial with Yash @ MOT Models, make up artist Halimah from H-Beauty, and Styling by CreateMe Stylists. Enjoy!

Atomik Perspective: Retouch – Behind the Glass with Nigel Barker

I’m with Nigel Barker on this one – retouching how we look has been around for millennia: be it clothes, hairstyles, make-up, working out etc. As humans we manipulate how we look all the time.

I’m a professional photographer, so I retouch. Shock horror, but I do – however as Nigel says in his #BehindTheGlass video, I’m not flippant about the impact, nor the responsibility that comes with retouching.

I categorise my retouch in my own mind:

composition > cropping
lighting > levels adjustment
colour management > hue-saturation-colour balance
artistic > cloning, healing, liquify

The first 3 types of retouch I will apply to all types of photography in varying degrees, despite trying to get the closest results in camera as possible particularly with good lighting and composition. Colour manipulation is particularly good for creating certain moods, be it sunny and happy, or classic and elegant, colour manipulation is a powerful tool.

The last type of retouch, the artistic physical manipulations such as skin retouch, removal of stray hairs, slight physical features manipulation I only apply to fashion/beauty imagery. It’s a personal choice of mine to not ‘artistically’ manipulate wedding or family images, those of me or my daughter, because I feel personal photography like weddings, family, and portraiture should be accurate likenesses of people. I do retouch such images using light and colour management, but I don’t physically or structurally alter their looks. For fashion/beauty images though, I do artistically retouch.

I do see fashion and beauty imagery as different to lifestyle imagery – it’s about aspiration, it’s about inspiration, and an ideal. Clients, advertising, and entertainment aren’t about reality, and it’s not about passing off those images as real, but being open about the artistry that goes into creating such imagery. It’s a fine balance though, since I know portraiture in magazines, and even lifestyle and wedding images are manipulated now too.

Whatever your stance on retouching, just remember we all do it, all the time. As Nigel said, the simple of act of brushing your hair is retouching yourself…

Twitter: twitter.com/nigelbarker
Facebook: facebook.com/NigelBarkerOfficial
Instagram: instagram.com/nigelbarker

Atomik Inspiration – Free People Look Book

I look the new Free People Look book featuring Zella Day – romantic, wispy, hazy, but oh so up to date! Come the better weather, I’ll be planning shoots like this one! Who wants to play?!

Royal tumble – Atomik Style

It’s normally the catwalk models who are famed for their fashion falls, and tumbles – but it was the photographer i.e. ME, who took a royal tumble on Saturday – spraining my toes, wrist, and cutting up my knees and hands!

My little daughter was with me, and I was carrying too much photoshoot related luggage, so didn’t see the height of the curb (damn it I can’t even sue anyone!).

Post fall, my first thought was ‘Is my daughter ok?’, and the second was ‘Is my gear ok?’. As it happens, my camera was just fine, as was the lens, but I fell on it so there is a Canon 5D Mk3 outline imprinted on my stomach!

My gear is luckily insured, but I was surprised at how many fellow photographers aren’t insured… I’m sure they are surprised that I didn’t carry all my stuff in a roller-case, so I guess we’re even!

For those of you interested, here are a few insurance products for photographers:

I’d avoid making any recommendations – do your research and pick what suits you. Most of all though, don’t be a clumsy clutz like me, and just avoid falling down in the first place!

Atomik Inspiration – Club Monaco Look Book

Loving this grey scale look book for Club Monaco SS15. I’m known for my colour popping images, so this year I’m going to develop my B&W portfolio too! This 70s themed shoot for Club Monaco was by photography duo Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin.

Atomik Photoshop Actions – Pizzazz

I’ve launched my Atomik Photoshop Actions – 20 gorgeous actions to save you oodles of time! Special introductory price of £19.99 this weekend only! Check them out at http://www.atomikphotography.com

Atomik GPS: Venice & Burano

I adored my trip to Venice last year with my little daughter, and wanted to share some more Atomik GPS tips with you all 🙂 There are GPS coordinates for Google Maps under each image, so next time you’re planning your trip, you can take some gorgeous images too!

Dell’Opera – Venice

Traghetto Dogana Ca Vallaresso – Venice

Piazza San Marco – Venice

Rialto Bridge – Venice

Grande Canal

Burano Island – Colourful Houses – Fondamenta San Mauro

Pont dell’Accademia

Campo Santo Stefano – Venice

Yuvna Kim – Recent Work

I recently had the opportunity to shoot the stunning collection by Yuvna Kim – Maison De Couture. The most delicate of laces in the richest reds, and encrusted in jewels, embroidery, and chiffon embellishments, it’s no wonder her designs are an international hit with celebrities on the red carpet.

Atomik Inspiration: Geisha Luxe

‘Good Old Day’ Model Asia Papkova by Photographer Steven Cheung for Harpers Bazaar Hong Kong.

I’m adoring this theatrical and bold editorial for Harpers Bazaar Hong Kong, January 2015. With lush prints, and jewel encrusted gowns, contrasted with edgy accessories, and highly chromatic make up inspired by Geisha, this feast for the eyes can’t fail to stir you!