A food blog dedicated to the Kansas City commercial photography studio - Alistair Tutton Photography
Sometimes with food photography you need to capture products and so we do a lot of that too predominantly in the studio. Here's a great gallery of those images - Product Photography
Bayer, Maxforce - Focus Stack Image
Sometimes the products are food related too!
Delicious Guinness surging and settling in its best glassware
We got these cool glasses from Boulevard brewery and came up with the idea of trying some really stark product shots with strong reflections. Then we added some cocktails and wrapped up with some coffee. It’s just another play-day at the studio…with booze.
Credits:
Food Stylist - Trina Kahl
Assistant - Adam Caselman
3 Axis is one of our wonderful Rosedale neighbours and our paths have crossed before - most recently at Arrowhead where they built the insanely cool 12’ tall football helmet for the sports science exhibit - it’s cool. So when they came up with an idea for a line of plywood stools we leapt at the chance to photograph them. These are wonderful and they literally are made out of half a sheet of plywood each.
Credits:
3-Axis
Assistant - Adam Caselman
T-Mobile has been working with Wong Doody Crandall Wiener to develop a new concept for their retail stores and we got the chance to go and photograph them for the designers and for the corporate folk back in Germany. This involved travelling to New York to shoot in the Times Square store and also going to Seattle, T-Mobile’s US HQ, to photograph the corporate store. Lots of late night lock-ins survived with the use of gummi-bears and coke zero.
PS Thanks for the entertainment on our night off Jeff Smith - that was a whole lot of Seattle we got to see!
Credits:
T-Mobile
Wong Doody Crandall Wiener
Assistant - Adam Caselman
So what happens when you put a bunch of intensely competitive commercial photographers all in the same hotel for two and a half days and just throw ideas at them? A lot, an unbelievable amount actually. It’ll take a while to see it all sink in, but if even half the people I saw, deliver on half the ideas they came away with what will happen will be yet another evolution in the centuries old practice of photography.
So where was I? I happened to have the incredible good fortune to attend ASMP’s Strictly Business 3 convention in Chicago with a whole host of professionals from around the country. I got to meet people that were just starting off on their career. I saw people I’ve reached out to over the phone and in person for advice, and people whose work just simply takes my breath away. It was pretty cool. It was the first time in years I’d actually stepped way outside of my immediate circle to learn something and it was fantastic.
The format started with a series of one-on-one consultations, with some of the leading practitioners in the industry talking about my portfolio, my business and my way of thinking - pretty handy. Then into a series of workshops subdivided by key-note presentations and roundtable forums. The workshops were wonderfully varied, open and interactive. The key-notes were led by inspirational thinkers in the creative industry, outside of photography and the roundtables were positive and open - pretty much exactly what you want from a convention like this - the perfect mix to really generate new ideas.
I happen to be new to this industry, in my opinion. I am new like one of those adolescent toddlers, kinda precocious and silly. I am just learning my craft, developing my trade, finding my way and really enjoying it. I actually hope that in another thirty years, I’ll still be new to this industry, because I’m sure this industry will be new to me. That’s the nice thing about photography, it doesn’t stand still. Sure, it’s moved a little slower at times but it’s constantly changing techniques, developing new styles and engaging people in new mediums. This change is sometimes led by us, as the practicing professionals and sometimes it is led by the wonderful people that demand our images and clamor for unique imagery. That is what fascinates me about the industry of photography.
So what did I actually get from it? One of my favorite moments was when I skipped lunch to beat up on my SEO for an hour. Or it could be the keynote where it boiled your entire brand down to being awesome, think about it - it’ll work. Or discovering that there will always be change and I am going to have to search within myself to figure out how to continually adapt to that change. But the one thing that kept cropping up - personal work. I looked at the portfolio and realized that I’m looking at the sum of all these years of work. I am looking at the best of hundreds of thousands of images, countless hours all over the country, working with wonderful people on great projects, but the ones that I liked were the ones I put the most of me in. That’s when it hit me, that beyond the clients, the stylists, the reps, the camera gear, the mortgage, the software and the silliness what makes me a photographer is my vision, my desire, my beliefs and my interests, but above all me. I will tell you one thing, I fully intend to put a lot more me in my work because when I do, my clients are happy, my team is happy and my work looks so damn good I fall in love with it.
So, to any creative professional wondering if going to one of these conventions is worth it, I have to say wholeheartedly, yes! It will really help you remember why you do what you do and how to make it better for you. In sixty years, when you lay that camera/pen/pencil/mouse/[insert creative tool here] down that will add up to a lot more fun memories and a lot more success.
PS. The other highlight of the event was seeing one of my images in the new Find a Photographer video - pretty cool to see something from your portfolio make the cut, when they have over 7400 portfolios to consider.
PPS I didn’t take a camera - I think I was the only person there. But I did take two ears, and I really hoped I made use of them. Enjoy the bonk, breakfast and Charlie Sheen images - my finest work!
So the AAF-KC ADDY Awards and the AAF Regional ADDYs have wrapped up and we just wanted to wish a massive congratulations to SHS and Shatto Milk. We are proud of our long relationship with both SHS and Shatto Milk. Alistair Tutton Photography had a great night locally with wins for imagery we shot for Liquid 9, Houlihan’s and the Vox Theatre. But the big win was for Shatto Milk - a whole bunch of Gold locally and of course the big Best of Show at the District Nationals.
The images we shot appear on the Shatto social media feed and we also shoot the competition entries. It’s wonderful to work with such a great product and such a wonderful agency.
Congratulations, good luck at nationals and we’re looking forward to the next big win!
Credits:
Shatto Milk
Sullivan Higdon & Sink
Creative Direction - John January
Art Director - Seth Gunderson
Copywriting - Jonathan Vigliaturo
Copywriting - Garrett Street
Talent - Shawn Howard
Half way through the work on the new studio I discovered some really interesting items that were part of the history of the Vox Theatre (as far as we can tell!). Trapped way up in the ceiling of the back corner was an old sign for a jewelers store (that we think may be from next door), an incredible plaster fixture for a sconce light, some wonderful plaster fixtures that would be part of a ceiling light and finally an old cinema chair with the legs and arms still intact.
They’re wonderful to see and I’m hoping we’ll be able to cast from them to produce new fixtures for the studio as we renovate the lighting.
Seth and I have known each other for quite a while through the Ad Club of Kansas City and I’ve really enjoyed the experience of getting to know him; so I was delighted when he recently contacted me to capture the new Shatto Milk Soap packaging. It’s some great design work and a wonderful product…although I’m not sure if the photographer is always right, my wife certainly doesn’t agree.
“I approached Alistair about shooting some milk soap packaging. All we really needed was a few straight on shots of the product. Alistair was so enthusiastic about doing some shots that were a bit different, that it was impossible to say no. And, of course, the photographer is always right. Everything came out beautifully and the client couldn’t have been happier.”
“Seth Gunderson, Art Director
Sullivan Higdon & Sink”
Credits:
Sullivan Higdon & Sink Advertising
After a lot of consumption of their product it was nice to get a chance to photograph it. If you haven’t tried Shatto Milk then I have to recommend you do; it’s quite simply fantastic and with the launch of their new milk soap products I had the chance to work with the team at SHS to capture their new packaging designs.
The copy is fantastic, as is the product, check them out at a retail outlet near you.
Credits:
Shatto Milk
Sullivan Higdon & Sink
Art Director - Rose Gaynor and Seth Gunderson
After a lot of consumption of their product it was nice to get a chance to photograph it. If you haven’t tried Shatto Milk then I have to recommend you do; it’s quite simply fantastic and with the launch of their new milk soap products I had the chance to work with the team at SHS to capture their new packaging designs.
The copy is fantastic, as is the product, check them out at a retail outlet near you.
Credits:
Shatto Milk
Sullivan Higdon & Sink
Art Director - Rose Gaynor and Seth Gunderson
Kevin and I recently collaborated on his own website imagery and the Art+Copy Cheeky Awards collateral; he was an absolute pleasure to work with and really committed to the unique creative that we captured.
“While Alistair’s great eye was what initially made me want to work with him, it was his highly-collaborative style that made me choose him. I came in with what I wanted, and he "plussed” it. What he added to the process made the final result exceed my expectations.“
"I also work with Alistair on the Art+Copy board. He did an outstanding job as special events chair. He launched our newest event, the lifetime achievement award recognizing a creative individual in the Kansas City advertising community. The event was a huge success because Alistair threw himself into the project. I’ve seen him do that on several things. He just doesn’t know how to do anything half-way. I look forward to a long working relationship with him.”
“Kevin Fullerton, Owner / Creative Director
Springboard Creative”
Credits:
Springboard Creative
Kevin and I recently collaborated on his own website imagery and the Art+Copy Cheeky Awards collateral; he was an absolute pleasure to work with and really committed to the unique creative that we captured.
“While Alistair’s great eye was what initially made me want to work with him, it was his highly-collaborative style that made me choose him. I came in with what I wanted, and he "plussed” it. What he added to the process made the final result exceed my expectations.“
"I also work with Alistair on the Art+Copy board. He did an outstanding job as special events chair. He launched our newest event, the lifetime achievement award recognizing a creative individual in the Kansas City advertising community. The event was a huge success because Alistair threw himself into the project. I’ve seen him do that on several things. He just doesn’t know how to do anything half-way. I look forward to a long working relationship with him.”
“Kevin Fullerton, Owner / Creative Director
Springboard Creative”
Credits:
Springboard Creative
Erin led me a merry dance as I tried to get a chance to shoot for Anthem! It took about six months of pestering and cajoling but it has definitely proven worth it. Many of the great assignments that they have had me cover have become cornerstones of my portfolio and they have allowed me a wonderful level of creative freedom and inciteful direction as I have captured work for multiple mastheads.
“After being wooed by Alistair’s svelte English accent and cheeky sense of humor, we decided try him out on an assignment and the photos were wonderful! He has a keen eye and a knack for capturing the true essence of the moment. Whether it’s a person, place or thing- his images always make the viewer feel like they’re right there, next to Alistair, as he’s taking the shot.”
“Alistair is one of the few photographers that I can trust to take an assignment and run with it, usually without an art director, and get amazing results. I’ve never gotten my proofs back from Alistair and thought "I wish he would’ve done [insert wish] instead…”
“Erin Benda, Creative Director
Anthem Media”
Credits:
Erin Benda: Anthem Media
Erin led me a merry dance as I tried to get a chance to shoot for Anthem! It took about six months of pestering and cajoling but it has definitely proven worth it. Many of the great assignments that they have had me cover have become cornerstones of my portfolio and they have allowed me a wonderful level of creative freedom and inciteful direction as I have captured work for multiple mastheads.
“After being wooed by Alistair’s svelte English accent and cheeky sense of humor, we decided try him out on an assignment and the photos were wonderful! He has a keen eye and a knack for capturing the true essence of the moment. Whether it’s a person, place or thing- his images always make the viewer feel like they’re right there, next to Alistair, as he’s taking the shot.”
“Alistair is one of the few photographers that I can trust to take an assignment and run with it, usually without an art director, and get amazing results. I’ve never gotten my proofs back from Alistair and thought "I wish he would’ve done [insert wish] instead…”
“Erin Benda, Creative Director
Anthem Media”
Credits:
Erin Benda: Anthem Media
Stephanie has been a source of continual inspiration over the last six years; she’s an absolute pleasure to work with, a wonderful art director and an incredible graphic designer. My favorite project with her was the stunning imagery we created for Winntech’s VM+SD advertising campaign.
“Alistair and I have been doing collaborative work for the last six years. He eagerly addresses core issues and works through the developmental process to produce both compelling and thoughtful projects.”
“Alistair’s photography is very strong; he continually works at capturing the essence of the subject, giving the image a voice. And he consistently stays in tune with client needs, playing a key role in keeping the ball rolling so that work comes in on budget and on time.”
“Stephanie Malcy, Owner
Motif Design”
Credits:
Stephanie Malcy: Motif
Stephanie has been a source of continual inspiration over the last six years; she’s an absolute pleasure to work with, a wonderful art director and an incredible graphic designer. My favorite project with her was the stunning imagery we created for Winntech’s VM+SD advertising campaign.
“Alistair and I have been doing collaborative work for the last six years. He eagerly addresses core issues and works through the developmental process to produce both compelling and thoughtful projects.”
“Alistair’s photography is very strong; he continually works at capturing the essence of the subject, giving the image a voice. And he consistently stays in tune with client needs, playing a key role in keeping the ball rolling so that work comes in on budget and on time.”
“Stephanie Malcy, Owner
Motif Design”
Credits:
Stephanie Malcy: Motif
Needham Realty is an incredible independent realtor who is a phenomenal buyer broker. Beyond those projects that Terry has spearheaded on behalf of his clients he also dabbles in home renovation for some truly majestic gems such as this house on Oak Street that he restored to its former glory.
“I retained Alistair Tutton to photograph a 100-year old Victorian bungalow that had been completely rebuilt because it was clearly evident from a review of his prior work that he understood how to photograph architectural interiors and exteriors. Alistair’s training in architectural and design gives him a keen eye for perspective, view point and light in a manner that brings key features into sharp focus. His photography manages to take something that is already very special and make it seem totally extraordinary. He has a rare creative gift and it is a joy to work with him.”
“Terry Needham
Realtor/Builder/Investor
President: Needham Realty, Inc.
Founded in 1976”
Credits:
Terry Needham: Needham Realty, Inc.
Needham Realty is an incredible independent realtor who is a phenomenal buyer broker. Beyond those projects that Terry has spearheaded on behalf of his clients he also dabbles in home renovation for some truly majestic gems such as this house on Oak Street that he restored to its former glory.
“I retained Alistair Tutton to photograph a 100-year old Victorian bungalow that had been completely rebuilt because it was clearly evident from a review of his prior work that he understood how to photograph architectural interiors and exteriors. Alistair’s training in architectural and design gives him a keen eye for perspective, view point and light in a manner that brings key features into sharp focus. His photography manages to take something that is already very special and make it seem totally extraordinary. He has a rare creative gift and it is a joy to work with him.”
“Terry Needham
Realtor/Builder/Investor
President: Needham Realty, Inc.
Founded in 1976”
Credits:
Terry Needham: Needham Realty, Inc.
Camp Fire USA are a truly compassionate bunch who are quite wonderful to work for. Amongst a series of shoots I got the chance to photograph a selection of their collection of alumni gowns dating back into the twenties; an exceptional project.
“Camp Fire USA Heartland Council would like to thank you for your exceptional guidance in helping us plan and implement our photo shoot to develop an advertising campaign for our 2007 candy sale. We appreciated your advice and creative ideas to design an ad campaign which enabled our youth to sell over $35,000 worth of candy.”
“You and your associates certainly provided innovative ideas for renewing interest and excitement in our candy sale. Thank you for your quick response in providing information and answers to questions, commitment to assist with our non-profit agency, providing prompt turnaround during the design and approval stages, and final follow-up with the newspaper to make sure everything was within specs. Your involvement with this project provided the additional expertise I needed as the in-house Marketing Director to design the candy sale ad campaign, which was a new venture for Heartland Council.”
“Please feel free to have anyone call me as a reference for you if a potential client needed any reassurance about contracting with Al Tutton Photography.”
“Thanks, again.
Sincerely,
Sharon Frankel
Marketing Director”
Credits:
Sharon Frankel: Camp Fire USA Heartland Council
Camp Fire USA are a truly compassionate bunch who are quite wonderful to work for. Amongst a series of shoots I got the chance to photograph a selection of their collection of alumni gowns dating back into the twenties; an exceptional project.
“Camp Fire USA Heartland Council would like to thank you for your exceptional guidance in helping us plan and implement our photo shoot to develop an advertising campaign for our 2007 candy sale. We appreciated your advice and creative ideas to design an ad campaign which enabled our youth to sell over $35,000 worth of candy.”
“You and your associates certainly provided innovative ideas for renewing interest and excitement in our candy sale. Thank you for your quick response in providing information and answers to questions, commitment to assist with our non-profit agency, providing prompt turnaround during the design and approval stages, and final follow-up with the newspaper to make sure everything was within specs. Your involvement with this project provided the additional expertise I needed as the in-house Marketing Director to design the candy sale ad campaign, which was a new venture for Heartland Council.”
“Please feel free to have anyone call me as a reference for you if a potential client needed any reassurance about contracting with Al Tutton Photography.”
“Thanks, again.
Sincerely,
Sharon Frankel
Marketing Director”
Credits:
Sharon Frankel: Camp Fire USA Heartland Council
