This gorgeous full size portrait, The Sweet Males, by Jon Enoch, gained him the title of Pink Girl® Meals Photographer of the 12 months 2023. Its composition, colouration, temper and emotion all captivated the judging panel once they got here to make their last alternative from a fiercely-fought subject.
We caught up with Jon to search out out extra about this lovely and resonant picture.
Are you able to inform me extra in regards to the venture that the picture comes from?
The picture comes from a wider sequence known as The Sweet Males, which is a set of portraits of sweet floss sellers in Mumbai, India. The themes all work promoting sweet floss within the metropolis, predominantly across the seashores and sights within the western suburbs. The construction is for displaying the sweet floss to draw prospects alongside the seashores and streets. The streets are packed in order that they want top so folks can see them. The seashores are additionally lengthy and vast so the sellers have advanced these pretty methods of displaying the sweet.
Would you think about your self a meals photographer? Why/why not?
I might think about myself a folks photographer. All my work and commissions have folks in widespread. Meals performs a big position within the human expertise so it is usually entrance and middle of what I shoot however I’m extra within the human issue fairly than the meals itself. Consider any nice human expertise and, nicely for me anyway, meals isn’t too distant.
What ideas would you may have for others coming into the competitors?
Make sure that your work stands out. It’s straightforward to say, however exhausting to do. Concepts are key. In a world so saturated with wonderful photographs you might want to be doing one thing a bit completely different if anybody goes to note.
What ideas would you may have for venture / documentary / meals images typically?
Planning, planning, planning – and throwing the plan out and with the ability to do one thing completely completely different. Everybody may have their methods of working however for me I like every part nailed down. This may be the making or the curse of a venture. It’s worthwhile to know when plan A just isn’t working and be fluid sufficient to attempt one thing else. The power to work and assume underneath stress are key. I used to work in information in order that talent is ingrained.
What’s the lighting setup of your picture/s on this venture?
Key mild from a Profoto B1’s then three extra B1’s all on C-stands with a variety of modifiers. It is about drawing out the lighting that exists within the scene naturally. So working with the road lights and the spill from the outlets and homes. The B1’s offer you energy and portability which is vital particularly when on the highway.
Did you may have this competitors in thoughts when taking these pictures?
No not on the time nevertheless it rapidly dawned on me it might be an excellent match. It is the primary time I’ve entered, so I’m very glad to have gained the award.
What drives you in your tasks?
I shoot loads of industrial work for a variety of shoppers and love bringing a model or company’s transient to life. However my tasks are fully executed and conceived in my imaginative and prescient. It is the liberty to do what I would like, how I would like, the place I would like. There are threads that hyperlink my tasks however I attempt to not overthink it. In the end I am pushed to supply private work as a result of it acts as the very best illustration of who I’m as a photographer.
What’s subsequent for you?
I’ve not too long ago shot for TAG Heuer, Grolsh and Bombay Sapphire. On the private venture entrance I am at that pretty and fairly terrifying level the place I’m making an attempt to give you the subsequent thought. I’m spending loads of time in espresso outlets staring out the window. I’m good at visualisation so I can run concepts via my thoughts and see what it’d appear like. I’m getting there…I’m bouncing concepts off the girlfriend which is driving her insane….. “Monkey tennis”.
Thanks a lot, Jon, for this fascinating and enlightening background to your profitable shot. Get pleasure from your 12 months as reigning Total Winner and we want you nicely and inspiration on your subsequent venture!
If you happen to’d like a shot at turning into the subsequent winner, discover the classes you could possibly enter at this time.
