Jon Wyand, who has, remarkably, thrice gained the accolade of Errazuriz Photographer of the Yr, shares his personal photographic story with us – in addition to his prime three tricks to entrants!
How did your journey in pictures start?
As an expert photographer I minimize my tooth on journey books. Amongst which had been The World Information to Beer, The World Information to Spirits and Liqueurs and Nice Vineyards and Winemakers, a seven-week project within the vineyards of France, Germany and Italy. It was right here that my style for taking pictures panorama, portraiture and work got here in to play.
I knew nothing about wine however these seven weeks taught me so much. I acquired not solely experience however discovered a topic, nonetheless nîche, that I might concentrate on. With luck and some breaks, issues speed up and expertise grows however I’m nonetheless studying, which retains life fascinating.
‘Dominique Lafon tasting at his cellars’ by Jon Wyand, 1st, Errazuriz Wine Photographer of the Yr – Folks, 2014
Inform us a few of your favorite photos from Errazuriz Wine Photographer of the Yr
The woman within the vat, the 2023 general winner by Thierry Gaudillere has a splendidly understated calm, magnificence and authenticity. I do know he initially supposed to enter it in 2022 however forgot!
‘Woman After Emptying a Tank on the Finish of the Fermentation’ by Thierry Gaudillère, 1st, Errazuriz Wine Photographer of the Yr – Folks, 2023
So don’t procrastinate placing in your entries. I’m positive that image would win any 12 months so I used to be fortunate not be competing with it once I gained that 12 months.
The truth is Gathering prunings on Corton Hill had been shot a number of years earlier however neglected and solely whereas trawling by my recordsdata did I rediscover it and determine to enter it in 2022. Winners come from from stunning locations generally. I had not seen this as fascinating sufficient to achieve success.
‘Gathering Prunings On Corton Hill’ by Jon Wyand, 1st, Errazuriz Wine Photographer of the Yr – Folks, 2022
Robert Capa, the famend conflict photographer mentioned, “If the image isn’t adequate, you weren’t shut sufficient.” One thing to remember. I don’t know if he ever shot wine however I discovered Don McCullen had bought to at least one Argentinian vineyard lengthy earlier than I did!
One other favorite by Marina Spironetti gained the Locations class in 2022. A shocking picture of the Antinori vineyard in Chianti. The lesson to study from that is, even out of season, it’s essential to keep alert to different prospects at any time when and wherever there is perhaps a chance.
‘Structure And Wine’ by Marina Spironetti, 1st, Errazuriz Wine Photographer of the Yr – Locations, 2022
How do you view the judging course of?
By coincidence I’ve simply been judging for a photographic competitors on JancisRobinson.com.
It was my debut as a decide – I actually needed to cease reacting instinctively and take into consideration my selections.
Some individuals search for an on the spot influence from an image, I suppose you want that hook to catch a decide who’s wading by a whole bunch, even 1000’s of images, in search of a shot that can cease individuals and make them linger. The difficulty is influence has a brief shelf life and gained’t final lengthy. In {a magazine}, OK however in a e-book or anyplace encountered repeatedly, it must have endurance.
I used to be actually glad to seek out originality in an image and that can be extra essential in an enormous competitors with 1000’s of entries. So I’d advise having a very good take a look at earlier entries through the years and use it as a filter to be sure you don’t enter copies. I believe it’s finest to overlook about pleasing judges. If there was a method for that, competitions could be very boring. Select your favourites however, win or lose, be ready to study from the result so subsequent time it gained’t be a matter of luck.
If you happen to can set up a robust curiosity in wine, you’ll finally discover your personal fashion and voice however information of the topic is a superb asset in pictures. I’d suggest getting maintain of a replica of The World Atlas of Wine, it’s written by consultants and, though presumably too massive to journey with, it’s an ideal analysis instrument as effectively and wonderful photos.
For wider studying on wine, take a look at the Academie du Vin Library the place you’ll even discover my e-book too, so it’s not simply aimed toward consultants. The three sections of Errazuriz: Folks, Locations and Product require totally different pursuits and skills. I’m nonetheless ready to see myself on the wall with a product shot however I preserve attempting and should effectively resubmit a favorite that bought nowhere prior to now.
What are your three prime suggestions?
Respect your topic by studying about it and the individuals concerned. The extra you recognize, the extra you discover. Preserve it actual.
Have endurance. If at first you don’t succeed, preserve going. It may be good to attend.
Curiosity can reveal greater than you count on. If you happen to can’t discover a image, the very best cameras don’t assist.
‘Cleansing The Cuverie At Domaine Faiveley, Mercurey’ by Jon Wyand, 1st, Errazuriz Wine Photographer of the Yr – Locations, 2019
The general winner of this 12 months’s Errazuriz Wine Photographer of the Yr will obtain £1000GBP to accompany their trophy. Winners of the sub-categories, Produce, Folks, Locations, will even win a trophy. Check out every part that’s in our unimaginable prize pool. It consists of cash, vouchers, options in magazines and way more!
Need some extra inspiration for this award? Take a look at the archive of previous Finalists in Errazuriz Wine Photographer of the Yr.
