The Photography Of Seimon Pugh Jones

[Darhling]

Thank you..Best compliment you can give me.. I've gone for that movie still style, and often been asked "when is the film being released??"...
All shot for stills I'm afraid..

Can't wait to do some 20s-30s-40s-50s civilian shoots...and always looking for models!!

Well if you ever come to Scandinavia, drop me a PM.

 

[Eyemo]

Milk Run

Last one tonight..enjoy!

 

[Eyemo]

Thanks very much for your kind comments...If you like my work then please spread the word... This is my life, I love taking photographs...and I want to keep doing it...

 

[Eyemo]

Hello Mods, Please move this thread if you think it's in the wrong place..

Thank you!..

 

[scotrace]

Holy SMOKE!!!! Beautiful lighting, great compositions, they really put the viewer THERE! Well done!

Holy SMOKE!

 

[TessTrueheart]

T

Can't wait to do some 20s-30s-40s-50s civilian shoots...and always looking for models!!

I feel like packing my bags and going to Wales!

 

[Eyemo]

I think I might be right in saying that one of your Swedish Queens was Welsh.. (I'm hoping that I'm right:eusa_doh: )

 

[Eyemo]

Holy SMOKE!!!! Beautiful lighting, great compositions, they really put the viewer THERE! Well done!

Holy SMOKE!

Thanks very much.. really appreciate your kind comments...

 

[Eyemo]

If anyone wants some techno details on these pics... I'm happy to answer!..
Most (if not all of my best images) taken on Medium format. This is a PHOTO-SHOP FREE ZONE..lol lol lol All images shot using good old fashioned methods..

 

[kerry]

Stunning!

 

[Slim Portly]

What truly amazing photographs. Thank you for posting your work. I am looking forward to anything that you choose to share with us.

 

[Eyemo]

Thanks Kerry, Slim...You Guys look cool..maybe we could get you involved in a shoot!!...:eusa_clap

 

[Fletch]

Fantastic work...I was totally convinced except for the serif type "Happy New Year" banner, which was obviously made by a computer.

I dunno if they had those cardboard glitter signs then, or if they would be in a combat zone, but they might have been a good bet.

Hate to nitpick, but it's the one standout, really the only one in an otherwise meticulously and lovingly done set!

 

[Eyemo]

Sorry to dissapoint...hand painted by myself..Blood, sweat and insanity..Like all the people on this forum.. Art is passion..

 

[Sachet]

Amazing!

I have so many questions I don't even know where to start.

The layers of meaning portrayed within each photo is incredible. It feels like you could literally step into each one because of the strong sense of "being there" that you manage to convey.

Obviously it takes superlative talent to capture this level of clarity and the nuances that enrich each photo.

Could you choose one photo and walk us through the steps of composition, please? One of my favorite sayings is "Ask me the time and I might end up telling you how to build the watch." <g> The details and nuances of life are just so fascinating.

For instance, how did you manage the lighting? How many shots does it take to get the look you aspire to capture? Did you get to choose the models to help ensure the specific look you envisioned? Is it challenging to get them to comprehend the exact facial expressions you need? The tilt of a head, the attitude in a look, the message in a smile.....there is just SO MUCH to consider.

I think the aspect that I enjoy the most is that you can't simply take just one look at these photos. They are so intriguing that you feel compelled to take your time to notice all the details.

Thank you for sharing them!

....Sachet

 

[Mike in Seattle]

Great work - truly wonderful photography!

 

[BellyTank]

In the image, entitled "The calm before the Storm", which looks like a D-Day
armour crewman on a transport, the colour is just like in some images you see in the book; "US Army Photo Album, 1941-1945", for example and other Wartime colour photos-
-how did you achieve this..?

You're using "film", right?

But how do you get that effect?


B
T

 

[Eyemo]

For instance, how did you manage the lighting? How many shots does it take to get the look you aspire to capture? Did you get to choose the models to help ensure the specific look you envisioned? Is it challenging to get them to comprehend the exact facial expressions you need? The tilt of a head, the attitude in a look, the message in a smile.....there is just SO MUCH to consider.

I think the aspect that I enjoy the most is that you can't simply take just one look at these photos. They are so intriguing that you feel compelled to take your time to notice all the details.

Thank you for sharing them!

....Sachet


Thanks Sachet, You’ve put on the spot now..LOL, I’ll do my Best.

It’s a huge process, which I would never want to escape from. I’m very limited in everyday skills. but very focused (sorry) when it comes to my photography. Basically, I would love to be a hero..and to say that all these images were shot in “Combat”.. But I’m not and these pictures weren’t…. So How do I create the illusion?
To start with I rely so much on the enthusiasm and commitment from my models. Almost all of them are re-enactors/friends, they have an insight to what the image is saying and in what context. I then give them a story to think about based around the shot…like a director would do with an actor, but this is for a stills picture, and that image is one single shot…no emotion on film other side of 1/60th.

I try and convey my emotions to the actors. I don’t want hero’s in my pictures, I want emotions that illustrate the moment they way I may have had.. Honest emotions.
Main caricature in most of my shots have become very good friends of mine, so we’ve kind of grown with the style and makes people quite relaxed (Which is very important).

Attention to Detail:- Well, That’s why I love this forum..You Guys are the best, I go 200% to try and satisfy your high standards…If it’s not good enough, I won’t take it.
I also feel that once you believe the emotion of the image, historical content and costume accuracy becomes secondary…even though as important, it becomes less…as you (Hopefully) believe and get drawn into the moment. A complete contrast to Reference book type photography.

I do shoot on film, and while working for Armchair General shot a lot, It cost so much to put these shoots together that film really was the cheapest part of the process…Sending real film across the pond also meant doubling up for safety.

I love this comment..heard it often!
“I bet you’ll shoot a roll and hope you get one real good shot”.. I’d be fired after my first shoot if that was the case..
I don’t shoot 36pics to get one good shot. I shoot 36pics to try and get 36 good shots, and maybe one “Best shot”…LOL!

I have now having been dragged into digital (for other work).. but when shooting projects like these will be going back to my trusted medium format… I certainly don’t want to go to get into that “Auto focus, auto exposure, Auto-picture attitude.

Lighting is everything..and I light 99% of the time…Lets say (Without going too techno) that most of my lighting equipment would be more typically seen on the floor of a TV studio.(That's how I get some of my lighting effects BellyTank)

After 25 years..(Wow has it been that long since leaving Art college) I am first time freelance (Ended of contract with ACG last August due to £-$ exchange rate)and honestly quite scared..I’ve had a bit of a C*** year, but now getting back on my feet..I said in an earlier post that finding this forum was amazing, and I mean that. It is such a boost to have so many positive comments about my work…If you like my stuff, then talk about it, tell you’re friends…tell Galleries. Maybe one day I’ll be able to show my stuff in the States.

Thanks for your support!..
Seimon.

Ps. Sorry if this is a bit difficult to read.. Welsh is my first language and I’m a bit dyslexic…LOL!

 

[Two Gun Bob]

Hi Seimon,

Great to see you on here, you'll be in your element!

For others reading this, Seimon and I have crossed paths a number of times during my WWII re-enacting 'career'. We're both professional photographers who have ended up 'time-travelling', in his case for his job and my case as a hobby.

I'd say our two different styles are complementary in a way. As you can see Seimon is a master of the finely-crafted period style set-up location and studio shoot and in my view he is the top specialist in that field.

Whereas I aim more for the reportage style, as I have tried to re-create a British Army photographer and a civilian photo-journalist using original period cameras 'embedded' in re-enacted events. A somewhat different 'focus' if you will. lol

In any event, I cannot recommend Seimon's work too highly to anyone interested in commissioning this kind of photography!

- TGB (aka 'Smudger' in WWII circles)

 

[Eyemo]

Cheques in the post Mate..LOL!!. Kinds words Smudger! Thanks.

BTW, Have you got a copy of the new book "Ink and Images" Uniforms and Insignia of War Correspondents and War Photographers?..

Excellent book!
Kind regards,
Seimon