Capture One

Latest Posts

RAW Talent with Mary Ashokeji 

Meet Mary, an accomplished photographer specializing in documentary and portrait photography – and shortlisted for the 2023 Student Photographer of the Year for the Sony World Photography Awards.

As a person of Nigerian heritage and a devout Christian, Mary’s work always bears a piece of her identity, diversity, and faith. Having dedicated six years to honing her craft, Mary understands the importance of discovering one’s purpose and embracing personal passions – and bringing those to life via her imagery and stories.

We had a chat with Mary about how she turned an essential part of herself into an impressive shortlist submission for the SONY World Photography Awards and her experiences in the medium.

You’ve recently been shortlisted for the SONY World Photography Awards with your project “Expressions of Worship.” What was your brief?

The series was created in response to Sony’s brief, ‘In a Changing World,’ which asked for positive stories motivated by topics such as the environment, technology, and how we work and live. We were told to create work for this as part of a module brief and asked to interpret it mindfully but creatively. When coming up with an idea, I had to consider how I would respond to all kinds of situations, particularly those from the last few years, both good and bad.

How did being in the spotlight at one of photography’s most influential events feel?

I’m still surprised by the whole thing as I had no expectations after completing my work. I was pleased to have produced something that honestly represents myself and is as essential to me as it is to others. I am thankful for the experience, and others may resonate as well. I was very nervous and did not expect love, encouragement, or criticism.

Getting back to your project, can you tell us more about its idea? What motivated it?

I usually shoot for my church’s social media and see how I could use this. My friend runs a ministry called ‘Expressions of Worship,’ and I started shooting for it, where the name and idea originated. This was a wonderful visual representation of ‘the triumph over adversity.’ Because I am a Christian, I spend much time in prayer, communing with God, even when I doubted my faith and beliefs. Worshipping under challenging circumstances is where I find peace, joy, and solace. Worship is a way of self-expression that presents itself in several ways.

Your photography captures emotions in a very unfiltered way. How did you develop this approach?

I want to think this is because of how passionate the people are and because of the environment. I usually take the lead during praise and worship at church, and I wanted the experience to feel real for the viewer. The atmosphere is amazing and so immersive. I love negative space and rules because they draw you in and enhance the main focus of the picture. I used a lot of cropping and chose black and white to limit distractions.

How do you work with subjects when capturing such intimate moments?

It’s important to be considerate of who or what you’re capturing. These moments are intimate and sacred. They mean much more to those in them than you. You are ‘just’ capturing it for art or work. I was grateful that my church and the body allowed me to do this.

On a different note, how has studying at Ravensbourne University helped you become a better photographer?

I am immensely grateful to the tutors on my course because they have pushed me to explore exciting opportunities, such as Sony and the publishing industry. Ravensbourne offers a great learning environment that encourages trial and error, where I can learn from the talented individuals around me. The freedom to experiment and receive constructive criticism has done wonders for my growth and progress. Ravensbourne’s SEEDS program has been a fantastic source of my professional and personal development. It helped widen my perspective by showing everything possible in freelancing, networking, self-confidence, and entrepreneurship. One of the greatest benefits of this program was the opportunity to work with a mentor of my choice and all-time favorite photographer. Their advice and insight have had a big impact on my journey.

Follow along with Mary as she edits one of her photos to bring out the detail of the scene.

Back to your roots, what was your first experience in photography? How did you get into it?

I was a big fan of film and cinematography. I would take stills or screenshots of films with great grading and even study color theory. I’ve always struggled with education because I wasn’t aware I had ADHD. Still, after my GCSEs, I discovered a passion for art and photography. My first experience with photography came in A-levels, where I studied fine art photography and media. I didn’t do great at A level, and I didn’t receive an ADHD diagnosis until 20. Before this, I attended college for a BTEC in art design and photography. I had the opportunity to expand my knowledge and skills in photography, studio work, and film, all while gaining a better understanding of the subject.

What were some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your young career, and how did you overcome them? Any advice for other upcoming photographers?

I struggled with self-doubt and imposter syndrome. I think it’s vital to acknowledge your feelings and see precisely where they are coming from, whether it’s a comparison or doubt in your abilities and what you think you’re capable of. I think it’s crucial to remember how much you love what you do and why you are doing it. You’re doing your work for yourself. The sooner you stop comparing yourself, the better.

On a different note, when did you first come across Capture One? What role does the software play in your workflow?

I started using Capture One at Ravensbourne, and it’s impressive in functionality. Been a game-changer for me in post-production and allows me to explore and experiment with my images. It opened a world of things that I didn’t know before. I particularly like creating my own presets, allowing me to develop a unique style and aesthetic in multiple images with less going over. The software’s export and import features have also been handy, making handling multiple files and organizing them into groups using the color tab and ratings effortless.

Finally, are you working on any exciting projects you want to tell us about?

I have an extended version of the ‘Expressions of Worship’ series with 50+ images that will be published as a book. A close friend of mine, Esther-Renee Walker, a writer, poet, and actress, has also provided musings on worship. I wrote my dissertation on young black boys and if preconceptions and society have stopped them from exploring themselves and finding their passions. Whether they have been able to follow what they’re passionate about or even find out what you’re passionate about. I have pictured young black men from different walks of life for a photo book on this and have interviewed them on their current careers, childhood, and their aspirations.

See more of Mary’s work on her Instagram and website.

Are you a student? Register here and get a 65% discount on Capture One Pro

Capturing the punk with Capture One Live for mobile

Explosive energy, loud shouts, authentic voices, and forces of nature converge in the untamed world of live music events. When tasked with capturing the essence of the punk band Alien Chicks, photography students Nici Eberl, Pooja Dua, and Rudresh Arora from London College of Communications (LCC London) embarked on an exciting project that froze the intensity of punk in time. Their exploration of Capture One Live on mobile revealed new dimensions to their craft, pushing boundaries and unlocking the true essence of live music photography.

Entering the final semester of their MA in Commercial Photography at LCC London, the three students were faced with an exhilarating challenge: develop a concept for an on-location shoot and experiment with the capabilities of Live on mobile. Their goal was to showcase how this innovative tool could be seamlessly integrated into their photography practice.

Nici enthusiastically shares, “We were told to show how Capture One Live could be used in our photography practice. So, I thought, in the world of live music, the promoters, bands, PR folks, and magazines would love getting those on-stage photos while the band is still playing.”

Connecting as a team, Nici, Pooja, and Rudresh embraced their individual roles, each contributing their unique expertise. Nici, the designated hero photographer, fearlessly positioned herself at the heart of the action, capturing intense scenes as the band unleashed their wild energy on stage. Pooja, an expert in behind-the-scenes photography, preserved candid and vulnerable moments that unfolded during the shoots. Rudresh, known for his skillful video documentation, embarked on creating a final cutdown that showcased the dynamic essence of Alien Chicks. “While my primary focus is on portraits, I wanted to apply the same approach to my video work,” explains Rudresh.

Live music venues are notorious for their intense working environments. Navigating pulsating crowds and harnessing the electric atmosphere presents unique challenges for photographers. Undeterred, the team embraced a whirlwind of unpredictable moments. Rudresh, mostly experienced in staged shots, boldly dove into the spontaneity of live music with a hint of nervousness.

“Filming in that environment was intense. It’s dark, you know? But somehow, luck was on our side. The lighting magically fell into place, and it was just perfect,” he recalls.

Nici, a seasoned pro when it comes to live gigs, thrived in the electrifying atmosphere. Every challenge was an opportunity for her to capture vivid moments. She beams, “It was a wild, fun gig! I loved feeding off that energy.”

Pooja sheds light on the initial stress of tight deadlines and the crucial need for seamless teamwork. But through their unwavering support, they formed a bond that turned challenges into triumphs. Pooja reflects, “We kept telling each other, ‘You’ve got this.’ It became our mantra, and it helped us power through.”

One of the most exciting aspects of the project was the ability to hand the iPad to the band during the shoot. This allowed them to view the images live, providing immediate inspiration. Nici expressed her excitement about the iPhone app release, recognizing its potential as a game changer. She explained, “I think that is a game changer because everyone always has an iPhone in their pockets.”

Nici also shared a personal moment.. “I was shooting something else over the weekend in the middle of nowhere, and all I could think about was how cool it would be to have an iPad. I wanted to show the imagery immediately, but we had to wait hours until we got home. Editing in the moment is crucial because I want to bring out the captured essence and emphasize the image’s energy and emotion,” she says.

Shooting with Live on a mobile device helped enhance collaboration by enabling real-time shooting, seamless sharing, and instant feedback, all conveniently located in one place. The students could deliver the final shots more efficiently, even while on the move.

Pooja described the experience of working with the images on an iPad as astonishing. She shared, “ It was just the most insane thing watching it happen on an iPad. It’s a cool feature, and I think it will do a lot for the industry and become the new norm.”

Follow Nici, Pooja, and Rudesh on Instagram to see more of their work

Are you a student? Verify here for 65% off Capture One Pro

SALT – A dreamlike warning against ignoring climate change

In a not-so-distant future, the world has dried up under the scorching sun and all that remains to keep us afloat is salt. This is the scene that Barbora Lundgren, Ville Niiranen, and Goda Kraštinaitytė lay out in their project “Salt”, which depicts the consequences of ignoring climate change.

“When you’re there, you just feel this weird feeling of apocalypse. For me it feels strange, like being on the moon or another planet,” says Barbora, the hero photographer for the project. Shot on location in the Dead Sea, the team of students from London College of Communication chose the spot for its extra-terrestrial look.

About to enter the final semester of an MA in Commercial Photography, the students were tasked with coming up with a concept for an on-location shoot and experiment with the capabilities of Capture One for iPad.

Barbora – who is originally from Czechia – has spent time living in Israel and was inspired by the unique landscape of the area and especially the barren nature and salt crystals formed by the Dead Sea. Using the project as an opportunity to revisit the location and explore a topic close to their hearts, climate change, the team decided on a dystopian, futuristic look for the models to warn against what we might have in store if we don’t take action.

“I found these silver suits that reflected, I think, the alien feel I wanted to have. So, you’re not sure if you’re on this or another planet,” Barbora explains about the costumes they chose.

“You have to protect yourself if the planet’s going to be 50 degrees, and that’s the kind of clothing you would wear, I presume.”

Outfitted with a camera, a tripod, a cable and an iPad, Barbora and her team were able to travel lightly into the salt covered landscape and move around without being held back by heavy or ungainly equipment, while still being sure that their images would come out perfectly.

“Especially somewhere like that, where there’s very bright light, you’re unlikely to see any kind of issues you may have if you’re just looking at the back of the camera,” says Ville who was capturing the behind-the-scenes action together with Goda during their shoot.

“You can avoid a lot of tears afterwards by being sure about the quality of the work.”

Taking their concept one step further, the team set up a collaboration with London-based jewellery designer Hollie Paxton to shoot her “Rubbish Jewellery” collection featuring gold and silver gum wrapping broaches, earrings made to look like torn off pieces of plastic packaging, and twist tie rings.

Using Capture One Live, the team had Hollie join them remotely from the UK while they were shooting, giving feedback to make sure her work represented what she wanted and make the first selections of her favorite shots.

Watch the video to see how they used Capture One for mobile to take the studio on the go.

Follow Barbora, Ville, and Goda on Instagram to see more of their work.

Are you a student? Register here to get 65% off Capture One Pro

Kayla Connors is making moves

Kayla Connors isn’t afraid to go out of her way to get the right shot, whether that’s crafting a story about her subject or finding higher ground. “If there’s really something I want to do, I’ll figure it out. If I need to climb a tree, I’ll climb a tree.”

We spoke to the up-and-coming fashion photographer, whose work is featured in the new Capture One for iPhone campaign, about what gives her the freedom to move.

“I think what first drew me to photography was that it feels like you can step into someone’s world for a minute,” says Kayla, speaking to us from her apartment in London accompanied by her black cat, Munch.

“There’s an element of fantasy in fashion photography that I love. A familiarity of your mom giving you clothes when you were a kid or wearing your grandmother’s bag.”

Growing up in Switzerland, the now 25-year-old moved to the UK in 2017 to pursue her photography dream at Central Saint Martin. Last year, she graduated with an MA in Fashion Communication and since then, her work has been featured in publications like Dazed and Another Magazine.

Kayla tends to center women in her work. For her, having an emotional connection and a story in her head about her subjects is paramount to help her get the expression she is looking for. So much so that she tends to create a narrative for every shoot she does.

“In order for the team to be on the same page and for me to have a clearer story, I like [the model] to become like a character. So, we’re not just shooting pretty dresses in a pretty location,” she explains.

Her work, a lot of which she shoots on film, radiates with a feeling of softness and an introspective view of her subjects.

“I think a lot of myself is in my work, so it’s going to be a female perspective. Even if I’m shooting men, I’m going to shoot them as a woman.”

Yet, she is conscious about avoiding what she describes as “female gaze photography”, explaining that she feels that this is overdone. Instead, she likes to opt for a more subtle way of drawing out the experience of being a girl. With recurring themes in her work being sisterhood, motherhood, and the feminine urge to run away with your best friend, she wants the women she shoots to not look overly sexualized or passive.

“I think there’s always strength there because that’s how I see women. But it’s not a conscious decision. I think that just comes through naturally.”

Preferring to shoot outdoors, Kayla says her work has brought her to just about every location in London. But when out on location, trying to get the movement and space she needs for her work with a lot of equipment is not always practical.

“If we’re shooting outdoors and I can’t have an Eizo on set, I still want a way for my clients and for my team to just be able to see everything and make changes from,” says Kayla.

Having had the chance to use Capture One for iPhone ahead of its release, Kayla has seen some of the ways the app has given her the freedom she needs to create her images.

“When I’m doing smaller editorials, I’ll look at the screen on my digital camera, especially when I am also shooting film, because I use it to test for lighting,” she says.

“But sometimes, if it’s super sunny or if it auto adjusts the brightness on the screen, it can affect how I light for my film. Whereas on my phone, you can see it more clearly and I can just zoom in quickly so I can see that it’s the right lighting and say ‘Let’s go for it’,” she says, noting the relief of being able to go through and make selects on her phone and sharing them with her team to make sure she has the right shots by the end of a shoot.

With new tools and technology designed to automate and simplify parts of a photographer’s workflow becoming readily available, Kayla believes that the future is bright for photographers who manage to bring emotion to their work.

“I’m really not scared by AI or all the other new technology. I think if you can bring something creative to the table, no matter what technology can do, there’s always something beautiful about being human made. Right?”

“That certain time at a certain place with a certain stylist, a certain feeling, and all of that, even with whatever’s happening politically, socially, on that day will come through in the image somehow.”

“I’m just excited about all of the new possibilities.”

See more of Kayla’s work on her Instagram.