Illustrative photography is a type of photography that involves taking pictures that illustrate something. It is difficult to convey meaning through a photograph, however when done properly it is a beautiful and incredibly beneficial way of working.
For example; a cover for an album, this photograph will have to portray the meaning within the music, therefore the power and meaning within the photograph is vital. When taking a photograph for a book cover the directions are the same. The cover will have to portray the narrative and emotion within the story.
e.g
When advertising a product the photograph will have to show what is on offer, and show it in the best light possible.
For example; If advertising food, the photograph will have to look tasty. Not necessarily how it may look in reality.
Illustrative photography can be a range of things, but the best metaphor to describe its definition is ‘a picture tells a thousand words’ because in illustrative photography it really does. I am choosing to focus on the photography of book covers.
Wendi Schneider is an incredible illustrative photographer, her focus of work is book covers. She is known for producing sensual and graceful photographs. Schneider likes to photograph gentle and delicate objects such as; Flowers, nudes, fashion. She started off her career as an artist in the 70’s, oil paintings being her preferred area of work. She began photographing in 1984 whilst working for ‘The Times Picayune’ this is where she photographed for her first book cover ‘The Picayune’s Creole Cook Book’ of 1901. Schneider loved photography, she moved from the New Orleans to New York City
I am a big fan of the 'Shame on you' book cover, therefore in order to create my book cover i used 'shame on you' to give me ideas.
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