Case Studies

How can a professional photographer develop his work to remain at the top of the game?

Since the advent of the internet, the world has been moving faster and faster. Artificial intelligence, while further accelerating this movement, has introduced additional variables. In this context, professional photographers must evolve in a highly organised manner so as not to lose their way. This evolution must include developing empathy and the ability to integrate creatively into the client's teams. What is expected of creatives is to contribute their expertise while helping the existing team to evolve. The aim is to ensure that the client remains at the forefront of their field, while respecting the values and specificities of the domain in which the client operates. It is a balancing act that requires constant training. If the talent does well, the return is substantial. What could be more rewarding than working long-term with a client who has complete confidence in you?

Below are a few examples.

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Photographic Research and Creative Collaboration at HEAD Geneva (Personal Initiative)

As a professional photographer based in Switzerland, I frequently get asked: "Why do you photograph the Bachelor's and Master's level fashion creations at the HEAD - Haute École d'art et de design Genève (Geneva University of Art and Design), especially as a personal project?"

The answer lies in a blend of creative passion and strategic professional development. This initiative is a self-driven project, providing a unique opportunity to capture innovative work and push the boundaries of my photographic research.

The Objective: Curating Creative Inspiration

I do not photograph all collections. Instead, I capture the designs that resonate with me the most from a creative standpoint—whether it’s the innovative use of colours or the intricate elaboration of the students’ work. This selective approach allows me to focus my energy on projects that truly inspire me.

My Approach: Experimentation and B2B Application

This project serves as a crucial opportunity for continuous professional development. The dynamic environment of the live fashion show challenges my technical skills, while the artistic freedom allows for valuable experimentation.

Crucially, I am in contact with the students, allowing me to exchange information and opinions with them. This dialogue is a vital part of the process, challenging my own perspectives and helping me discover new ideas. We discuss not only their creative work, but also their research and general culture, making the interaction incredibly enriching for both sides.

Manual Post-Production as R&D:

The images within this case study were captured during the event and have undergone extensive, manual post-production. I specifically test new techniques and ideas, particularly associations of colors and textures. This experimentation phase is a vital part of my workflow:

Testing New Ideas: I use these projects to explore innovative photographic techniques and aesthetics.
Audience Testing: Publishing these results allows me to gauge target audience reactions and refine my approach.
Future B2B Integration: This feedback process helps me bring new, mature techniques that can later be incorporated into future corporate mandates and commercial projects, ensuring my services remain contemporary and cutting-edge.

Results & Impact

The outcome of this ongoing initiative is a high-quality visual archive that reflects the hard work of specific graduates.

Significantly, this allows me to experiment with innovative concepts in collaboration with this emerging generation of creatives. This is designed as a mutually beneficial collaboration: the students provide me with valuable fresh perspectives, and in return, I strive to offer them high-quality visual assets, professional insight from my experience, and access to my network of contacts.

From Independent Makers to Major Swiss Brands – A Different Photographic Approach

What is the difference between taking photographs for an independent watchmaker and for a brand belonging to a group or for one of the major Swiss watch brands?

The difference is significant, primarily concerning the approach to themes such as authenticity and expertise. Working with independents brings an additional layer of responsibility. Often, there are no predefined standards, extensive market research, or established marketing tools to draw upon; the creative direction must be built from scratch.

The Human Factor in the Creative Process

When working on assignments for independent watchmakers, people are at the heart of the creative process.
This means a professional photographer needs to conduct a great deal of preliminary research and pay close attention to subtleties. It also requires building a different kind of working relationship with the talent and their team compared to that required for a large corporation or an industry leader. The collaboration is closer, more personal.

When Talents Join Forces: A Case in Point

Where it gets truly interesting is when several independent talents join forces to create a timepiece without compromise. An example? My assignment for Maison Renaud Tixier and the Monday Organica watch by Olivier Vaucher. This project combined the technical innovation worthy of a renowned master watchmaker such as Dominique Renaud with the unique creative signature of Ateliers Olivier Vaucher.

Precision Work: The Formula 1 Analogy

It is precision work, which can perhaps be compared to driving a Formula 1 car: the slightest detail can cause you to veer off the track and lead to the race being neutralized, or even a red flag. The photographer cannot afford to make any creative or technical mistakes.

This demands extreme care with the photography to avoid relying heavily on post-production tools such as Photoshop. The naturalness and authenticity of the images must highlight the watchmaker's unique approach and the creative synergies proposed by Olivier Vaucher, centered on cutting-edge craftsmanship applied to watchmaking.

Results & Impact

Ultimately, these mandates are far more than just commercial assignments; they are opportunities for deep collaboration that enrich all involved parties.
The outcome is an authentic visual narrative that perfectly mirrors the craftsmanship of the independent watchmaker. This process allows me, the photographer, to contribute my technical expertise and creative vision while deepening my understanding of the industry's cutting edge—a truly mutually beneficial partnership that goes beyond a standard client-vendor relationship.

What about the colour work on this specific mandate?

As the watch face, which evokes the architecture of the movement and is therefore in a way a portrait of Dominique Renaud, is the dominant subject of the image, I worked on the colours in two phases:

1) a study of the colours of the image as a whole
2) a study of the colours of the watch face, i.e. the subtleties of the different shades of blue and their reflections.

This was a real challenge due to the complexity of the mixed techniques used by Olivier Vaucher. These included multi-level hand engraving and translucent blue Grand Feu enamel, which creates a kaleidoscopic effect. Summarising more than 112 hours of work on the dial alone in a single image.

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