Photoshoot + Interview: 'Golden Garden' by JHM Photography
As summer is now upon us here in Australia, we gratefully find ourselves bathed in golden sunshine, just like this stunning photoshoot from JHM Photography.
Jessica is the talented photographer behind JHM Photography and she is based in Canberra, Australia. Of this beautiful series, she explains: "I recently photographed a race series for Local Fashion Blog The Fashion Vault AU and had the pleasure of using a Crystal Crown from Eclipse Crystal Crowns in Melbourne. Three hours before i needed to post the crown back i decided to put a call out for and impromptu shoot that was more of my whimsical style…This was the result!"
We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Jessica to discuss her photography career, inspirations, and dreams for the future. Check it out below!
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Q: When did your love of photography first blossom?
A: I have always been a creative person and a visual learner in my final years of High School. I chose photography as my elective purely because I thought it would mean less study.
I was wrong and found myself at exhibitions on the weekends, constantly out taking photos and writing essays that (surprisingly) I enjoyed and endless book work! I was rarely an A student and got my first A+ in Photography. I was the vice captain and then captain in my final year. I started creating installations and enjoyed all the late nights, super-glued fingers and making something unique.
After school I went to University to study Criminal Law and Psychology feeling stuck and bored following what was supposed to be the 'real career path'. I left everything and moved to Melbourne to study at RMIT - it was the best thing I ever did! I was surrounded by amazing mentors and students that inspired the hard work and dedication I needed to keep up in this industry and push me out of the nest.
Q: What inspires your creativity the most?
A: That's a hard one, I'm inspired almost everyday by something on the street or in my backyard, a location I see and take a photo for later referencing which will trigger a model I've wanted to work with and it all ties in from there.
In terms of who inspires me, I have many mentors in and out of the creative industry that I adore and learn from both professionally and personal relationships. The golden flowers I knew would look amazing from a time I assisted a shoot where we spray-painted a pineapple gold and it looked amazing so I gave it a go. You should always feel inspired by others and not intimidated, learn from others but also remember to be unique if you can. See other's work in your own, just take it back to what you love and master your own style even if it seems inferior at the time. I tell myself 'you are still learning keep it up and you will have your own style to be recognised one day'. I tend to start with a small idea or an interest such as the paper flowers and build on that idea. I have mood boards as rough guidelines.
Most of it is trial and error, I have a vision but it's the people I get to work with that bring my work to life. I am selective with who I work with not because they are talented but because I can see their passion and having a team that is positive and passionate is very important to me. We inspire each other and help each other get the most out of a series.
Q: Please tell us a little more about the experience you had whilst capturing this stunning series?
A: It was 100% that team spirit.
The flowers were hand made in under and hour and spray painted to create a "magical forest look". The talent has a flawless complexion and almost looks pixie-like. The Makeup Artist is up-and-coming in Canberra and I love what she did in this series - it's flawless. It stemmed from the beautiful crystal crown I had for a racewear shoot with The Fashion Vault, a Canberra fashion blog I contribute to. The editorial can be seen at www.thefashionvault.com.au - a wonderful shoot. However, Michelle was so sweet to send us her crown I wanted to thank her by featuring the crown more.
The day before the crown was due to be sent out I put a call out on the creatives page and had a makeup artist and model in under two hours. I spray painted the flowers and mounted them on butterfly catchers from the $2 shop and blocks in the weeds next to my house in the middle of the suburb. You would think we were in the forest and now know my secret. Who needs million dollar gardens when you can create your own golden garden anywhere you like?
Thea was the first to respond to my call out having worked with her before and knowing she hasn't model a lot. It was her enthusiasm to work together that I didn't hesitate! Our Makeup and Hair Artist Hannah basically said she was on her way over before I had confirmed the shoot was going ahead. These ladies are your true creators of the Golden Garden. Thea, so ethereal and warm, took on the persona of a goddess and took direction like a natural and Hannah was on every hair, every branch that was in the way. Sometimes on set you can get caught up in a moment and focus on getting the perfect shot you can forget to change things up. Hannah was all hands on deck for this series and I loved working with this incredible team.
Q: What does an average day in the life of Jessica look like?
A: Even on my days off I can't stop myself from working, if I'm not at my casual job in hospitality, processing or out shooting I'm usually researching and planning new concepts. My siblings love days at home with me.. (not). I'll dress them up do some crazy makeup and hair and use them as my trial models. Some days they are beautiful.. other days they spend hours trying to wash dye out of their eyebrows or unknotting their hair.
Q: What do you hope to achieve with your photography career in the not-too-distant future; Do you have any upcoming, exciting plans that you would like to share with us?
A: I have recently accepted a Uni offer to study in Canberra and plan to go into Media and take my creativity into the marketing world. I recently met the Editor of Harpers Bazaar and have my heart set on creating magazines and and working in Marketing Communications.
I have a series coming out that I shot days after assisting and meeting an idol of mine, Lara Jade in Sydney, and have used her lighting techniques and the poses are inspired by Lara and Sue Bryce who recently did a posing guide on Periscope. These will be on my photography page soon! I was humbled to have been asked to showcase my work this year for RAW, however am unable to attend with so much work on my plate it's definitely something I want to do! I also have my website launching next year which will show all my series but will continue to support local artists and work with those who show the same passion.
I hope to work internationally and collaborate with some amazing artists in the years to come.
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We want to thank Jessica for taking the time to answer our questions! We encourage you to view more of her amazing work by visiting her Facebook page. Enjoy!
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Full credits: Photography / Concept + Flowers: JHM photography | Model: Thea Ross | Wardrobe: Alannah Hill + ABYSS BY ABBY | Crown Designer: Michelle Conn at Crystal Eclipse Crowns | MUAH: Makeup by Hannah K