John Guest - "Specialist location photographer"

 

I like to "begin with the end in mind" so visual orientation interpretation is critical!

 

Since the age of 13 I have been printing my own b/W photographs and have been captivated by the timeless appearance monochrome has to offer. Processed and printed all works including my Infrared red "John Guest Limited Edition" dating back to 1985.

 

Completed Diploma in Photography in 1984

 

First job: Procolour Braamfontein. Darkroom specialist and reproduction of all flat copy material. Equipment Sinar 4x5 inch.

 

Big break: I spent my early days with Anglo America Corporation of SA specialising in gold , diamond, coal, hot metals and general industrial photography. Included underground, aerial and special events photography. I have no doubt that this is where I learned "how to get the shot" and at any cost.

 

Most Challenging assignment: Undergound shaft sinking in Welkom for Amgold annual report cover photograph. Got the shot, only 24 exposure taken but Hasselblad Camera and two lenses written off due acid water penetration into the leaf shutter mechanism. I had insurance in those days!

 

Other life learning environment: Over 20 years of dedicated annual report photography for Highveld Steel and Vandium. Truely a place to learn about light combinations, ability to work fast under extreme conditions of heat & toxic gases which nearly cost me my life! I could say that this is where the takkie hits the road, either you are in or out! Hard core Industrial photography is not of the feint hearted.

 

Concluded numerous annual report executive board room photographs including stylised individual portraits.

Currently more diversified in Media Brand & Advertising related work with extensive coverage on events, campaigns and product launches.

 

European and USA travel: Spent 6 months travelling 12 countries. Freelanced in New York for a top commercial photographer and learned new lighting techniques not taught in the books!

 

Freelance: Left corporate life to chase my dream and manage my own business. Had great support from the Anglo Group which set me up for about 6 years then the bubble burst. Global pressure on Corporates to relocate their head offices to Europe and elsewhere became a reality and the mining business dried up. This required immediate diversification to to my media brand and adveritsing strength which today is still part of my core business.

 

Other areas of photography covered: Micro and macro photography of diamond synthesised end products (De Beers Industrial), rough and polished diamond photography, high tech lighting techniques that I amplified upon from my USA trip. The "edge" technique was my term I created for my "high impact back light techniques" in "dark studio" . Many of my clients were still running the same media adverts 12 years later! It was legendary! Talk about timeless photography in a real and fast moving world..it was slower then.

 

Current position: Creative director of Visual Brand Engineering (VBE) with roots now taken in Media Brand related campaigns and advertising projects in association for Media Brand Advertising and Shoot Digital.

 

Graphic design incorporating VBE: Many graphic designers have merged from a photography base and found design a logical progression of the creative skill base. The integration of social media has made the world a more exciting and pacey environment where one has to keep improving on what you know and how you think.

 

Product innovation: I have been blessed with the ability to generate and create new ideas. I suspect that being a location specialist has taught me one thing.."make a plan!"

I love to challenge new boundaries often with equipment and budget limitations.

 

DSLR coaching: I have been coaching and training corporate media personal for the past 20 years. Coaching and mentoring where to get in-house staff to higher levels of competence. Currently providing training for Kodak Express, Double Vision Photography in Douglasdale Gauteng. Course 1 covers the introduction to DSLR photography and primarily focuses on the 3 in 1: Aperture, ISO and shutter speed and how the interact with each other. This course is for suited for clients with inter-changeable lens systems. A practical field assignment solidifies the theory and is the highlight of the course, apart from the food on offer for each evening session. The course is relaxed and offers full support from all staff.