Friend and former assistant Stefan just published these:one year ago, in may 2011, i took these photos of the talented painter christian schoeler in his atelier in düsseldorf. originally they were meant to be used for a publication in art review magazine, but his gallery decided to just publish a repro of one of his pieces. of course the call telling us about the decision came in while we were shooting…
but it’s ok, at least i had a reason to shoot medium format and i somehow like the outcome :)watch the whole set here
This May MULL IT OVER is super pleased to recommend Jamie Stoker for his killer work. Enjoy …
JONATHAN CHERRY: What gets you up in the morning?
JAMIE STOKER: Usually heading straight to my gmail to keep on top of any new client developments or enquiries. Once that’s over on to Arseblog and Kotaku for any important developments in the worlds of Arsenal and video games.
JC: Are there any emerging photographers inspiring you at the moment?
JS: I see they feature often in this question, but Jody Rogac (for her work which I think contains a certain classicism and slow, considered beauty) and Jake Stangel (for his charisma, enthusiasm and killer work) are two awesome photographers that I love to follow and watch their bright careers develop. Over here in the UK I think Luca Sage, Laura Pannack and Walter Hugo are all making really strong work.
JC: What is your current project all about?
JS: Recently I returned to a childhood fascination with cryptozoology (defined as the search for and study of animals whose existence has not yet been proven) and travelled to Loch Ness where I photographed a documentary project about the inhabitants and landscape that form the backdrop to the infamous monster legend. It really is a fascinating story and through the interviews and portraits I took of those tied to the monster I hope one can experience it a little. But the project is also a response to the wider natural majesty of the place and the idea that the world becomes a far more interesting place when there are mysterious question marks left in it.The project is now complete and supported by Small Batch Editions who are printing an edition from the work. I’m also speaking to publishers about the possibility of producing the book I made of the project for a wider audience in 2012 and the long term plan is to continue to explore the world of cyptids (bigfoot is next I think).
JC: How do you find juggling personal & commercial work?
JS: To be honest as a recent graduate I’m trying to do and shoot as much as possible in order to successfully make the transition to working freelance and not just sit about reading the internet and playing xbox. What I’ve come to realise is that the busier you are, the more you pour yourself into your own identity and interests as a photographer, the more your personal and commercial work become something unique to yourself, and I think that’s when you really start getting interest and commissions because your craft and images start to stand out.
JC: Any advice to recent photography graduates?
JS: Be open minded with your influences and inspiration. There are so many great photographers making supurb work that it can be daunting to pick up your camera and find your own way. Instead let your work flow from all aspects of life,whether it’s an emotion you are feeling or a book you’ve read. I studied history of art before photography and that combined with a love of film has taught me so much about aesthetics, colour and narrative and really informed the look I try to achieve in the colour palette and composition of my own work. When making photographs before I press the shutter I always ask myself “would this work as a strong still from a movie?” and only take the picture if the answer is yes.
JC: Favourite tree?
JS: A lone Scots Pine somewhere on a crisp winters morning is usually pretty epic.
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