What it’s like being photographed at Big Stick Studios…
“When you set foot in Big Stick Photography’s studio, it’s hard to believe such a normal space could be capable of producing such extraordinary photos. That’s because at Big Stick Photography, it isn’t the location that makes the shot – it’s the photographer.
Extraordinary photographs
After my photo-shoot with Carl, I am convinced he could take an extraordinary photo in the most mundane of places; creating the images he does sometimes with only a camera and a flash. He can create a dark expanse within full daylight, as well as a sunny afternoon in the dead of night.
Chilled out
With some relaxing music floating around the room combined with Carl’s chilled-out nature, it did not take long for even as nervous a ‘model’ as I to feel comfortable. With absolutely no experience in standing alone in front of a professional photographer, I was pleasantly surprised to see how little time it took me to stop cringing every time the flash clicked, to start creating my own poses and angles, to just chill out.
I began to enjoy myself
Carl’s gentle encouragement and reassurance throughout helped me relax, pulling my own shapes before long, happily throwing on the props and costumes Carl had on hand, laughing into the camera imagining the final product. I’m slightly disappointed we did not get the chance to experiment with some face paint and make up – as I have seen examples of Carl’s great pieces using it, for his talented advertising work and stunning portraits.
Even models I knew personally were unrecognisable after Carl had finished working the angles, lighting poses and props. It’s all well and good to have a great photo of yourself looking great, but Carl can give you something different – he can give you a photo of yourself looking fantastic, unrecognisable, out of this world (while also giving you a few of just you looking great).
Stunning and totally unexpected result
His striking use of colour and lighting creates stunning pictures. A unique vision of what constitutes a great picture allows Carl to look past merely the model and to incorporate the weird and wonderful features and concepts to enhance portraits in a modern and fresh manner, meaning even if you were standing in front of the camera, you’re kidding yourself if you think you’ll know what the finished product will look like – the unpredictability adds to the excitement, adds to the anticipation, making it the first time I’ve truly been excited to see a picture of myself.
I’m glad I didn’t settle for run of the mill
If you are looking for run-of-the-mill, utterly normal portraits akin to the passport booth – Big Stick Photography may not the place for you. If you are looking for images that will stay with you forever, that show aspects of yourself you’ve never seen or noticed, images that make a tiny part of you forget you’re even looking at yourself, then maybe it is. These pictures combined with the relaxed atmosphere and the kindness, patience and professionalism Carl shows during shoots creates a service well worth shouting about.
If you want a photography of yourself or the kids looking fantastic, I’d give him a call”.
Evie V- Tring
