David Butler Photography

Behind the screen- a quick 3 min. tutorial of how I approach composites for “lifestyle” product photography.

Historically, I always photograph all the plates that go into my composites, but for this test project I decided to lean on (ahem… ) ai for the background scene to help speed things along.

If anyone finds any value in these videos- let me know and I’ll work on doing some more!

The Air Jordans were photographed on my tabletop using the 24mm probe lens on the R5.

Surface elements- asphalt photographed in my driveway and paint lines for the court in studio.

Background was created in .journey
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Occasionally I’ll get the nudge to put my digital gear away, and go raw, full analog and on intuition mode.

To create something different, I need to create with something different.

I’n this case, I chose ilford delta 400 as my canvas and the chamonix view camera as my tool of choice. I knew I was after something dark and moody, something with some class and grit at the same time…. I went a touch noir, and got close. I wanted to feel and smell that leather when I view these images, and bring out the texture details.

Working with a completely mechanical camera and having to correctly nail dozens with critical steps along the way, requires an attentive focus that brings me so much closer to the process. The results are exactly what I was after, perhaps exceeding my expectations.

While I’m not new to film by any means, I still tend to forget how much I absolutely love the process and the final look!

There are no cheat codes or shortcuts to the real thing, the time and effort is absolutely necessary.
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Violet cosmo.

Beautifully styled by
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Bringing some liquid energy with Hard Mountain Dew!!

⚡️ ⚡️ 💦 🌊
Client:
Beverages styled by
Digital tech:
Agent/ producer:

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Leaves are starting to fall around here in New England, and it always makes me appreciate the brown tones with pops of color.

It’s the visual balance we need after the vibrancy of summer, and the neutrality of winter.

This test image was from a few years ago, and I still go back to it…. It was fun using longer exposures and falling leaves to create a painterly background, while keeping the composition simple and about the boots.
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