Step into the creative world of Anatol Gottfried! In this interview, he reveals an unconventional essential in his toolkit. Explore insights on staying ahead in the fast-paced realm of commercial photography and the vital role of collaboration.
What is your favorite piece of equipment or photography gear, and how does it enhance your work?
The bluetooth speaker, no music - no shoot.
What do you think is necessary to become a successful commercial photographer?
We live in such a fast paced world that it is essential to always be aware of present and future trends. People lose attention very fast nowadays, so as a photographer you can not stick with one style even if it has worked very well in the past.
What challenges have you faced in advertising photography, and how have you overcome them to capture stunning images?
Time and weather are always my two biggest enemies. But I guess as in every situation in life, the way is not taking everything too personal and seriously. Many situations in the past have proven this, luckily it somehow always worked out in the end.
What role does collaboration play in advertising photography, particularly in working with models, stylists, and makeup artists?
Team spirit is key and without a great crew the artist alone can never achieve a stunning outcome. If there is one person in the team that does not enjoy or participate, the whole shoot can becomes draining and stressful. Eventhough the industry is huge, you often end up working with the same people again and eventually become friends. This of course is the ideal setting because then you can rely on each other and in the end achieve great results together.
How do you ensure your photographs effectively convey the intended message for advertising campaigns?
In my opinion a successful campaign is built on trust, meaning to give away partial control from client’s side. It is a healthy mix of what the client chooses to emphasise on and the trust of my expertise. At the end they are always positively surprised of the outcome because they just couldn’t picture it beforehand. A symbiosis of those factors creates an effective campaign.
What role does storytelling play in your advertising photography, and how do you approach incorporating it into your work?
Living in a time of image overload it is crucial to present something authentic and outstanding, storytelling therefore is essential to achieve the intended goals and to stand out. There is no recipe behind this, it’s like cooking you either know how to do it or no one will come back to your dinner again.
Do you have any upcoming projects you'd like to share or discuss?
As every year I will be spending winter in summerly Cape Town from January onwards. Some exciting projects are already in line and I am excited to see what other opportunities 2024 will bring.
Sincere thanks to Anatol Gottfried for granting us a glimpse into your creative world in the recent interview. Your perspectives on the essential role of collaboration and the challenges in advertising photography provide valuable insights for our audience. We appreciate your time and look forward to future discussions.
