If you would like to get in touch, please email me at martin@lumondo.com, rather than sending a message through MM. I will respond faster.
creatives
I am available for TFP projects with experienced models, stylists and designers. Please see the collaboration section below for more details about creative shoots. You can also download my release forms and a creative shoot FAQ at
http://www.lumondo.com/creative.
services
I offer photography services with a focus on editorial fashion and beauty, portfolio building consultations, and advanced studio and location lighting instruction.
my approach
The most important element in my photography is concept, followed closely by composition and simplification of form.
I place strong emphasis on geometry, symmetry and line and make ample and positive use of negative space.
I favour low-key, moody, hard lighting, with the grid and Fresnel being my favourite modifier. Accentuated cast shadows figure prominently in my images, sometimes interwoven from multiple light sources.
I approach image creation from an analytical, brainy perspective. My post-secondary background is Physics and Mathematics (I am currently a research scientist in computational biology - see mkweb.bcgsc.ca).
My affinity for physical science deeply influences my work, driving my appreciation for irreducible forms and variety of representation.
gleaning patterns in everyday things
The notion of perfect symmetries in small things is endlessly fascinating to me. Looking at a regular scene, unposed, and finding connections and patterns within the blunder of geometries to reveal something clean and simple - this process guides my work.
Or, in words better than any I can write,
influences
Photographers like Irving Penn (portrait), Christophe Gilbert (advertising), and David Burdeny (nature) provide a lot of inspiration.
I like Penn's high-contrast and pine for the fashion of days gone by. Gilbert's technical execution is flawless and the concepts behind the ad campaigns are incredible. Burdeny's work is vastly different - medium-format long exposures of shorescapes - and reminds me to simplify, simplify, simplify.
The first series below was created as a tribute to Penn. My avatar is derived from this shoot with Rebecca, which was lit with my favourite modifier: the grid.
Rebecca [622434]
Aida [487664]
If I'm not reincarnated as a worm, I want to come back as a typographer. My letter-idol is Eric Gill, whose Gill Sans is the pinnacle of letter forms. Following closely are Futura and Frutiger, all geometrical, modern faces. Somewhere off the end of the list is Comic MS.
ongoing projects
Lately, I have been doing creative fashion shoots. The dynamic energy of this kind of work is compelling. I stand back, let people be brilliant and generally listen when they tell me to stop doing something goofy.
Previously, I spent time on adbusters-style culture jams. I guess this form of expression lets the iconoclast in me have a voice.
let's collaborate
If you are an experienced model, stylist or designer, love creating images, are passionate about your art and if my style resonates with you, drop me a line. I have a specific interest in creating images with noir, vintage, retro or glossy style. I'm always keen to do more ad jams! I would also like to collaborate on black-and-white beauty portraiture, such as the work of Michael Tarasov, whose images have a pensive and spontaneous feel.
That being said, I will shoot anything once, with the exception of small babies for which I have repulsive affinity. I make up for this, however, by an unnatural attraction towards animals. My ideal vacation is to spend two weeks stapled to the back of a Great Dane.
If we wind up working together, you'll find that I am consistently creative and passionate, when it comes to my work, and relaxed and about everything else. I respect and value creative input from models, MUAs and anyone involved in the shoot.
Because I try to approach each shoot from a fresh perspective, and do not use a formula for my work, I usually ask to meet models a few days before the shoot, and anyone else on the team, to talk about ideas and to break the ice.
I can light and shoot you in the standard way - whatever that is - but if you wanted the standard photo perhaps you would not be reading this far.
Above all I am dedicated to creating compelling images. I believe in sharing - my resources, my knowledge and my enthusiasm during a shoot.
other work
My other interests in visual arts include graphic design, information display and typography.
outtakes
Jordan [4135]
Alex [453676]
Julie [91413] and Leanne [484257]
but enough about you, let's talk about me
I'm from Warsaw, have an unpronounceable last name, survived a stampede of French goats and don't let friends drink bad coffee.
Drop me a line here, or at martin [at] lumondo.com.
Martin
