SCOTT A. WOODWARDTravel, lifestyle, and fashion photographer

By Sara Jane Sim

13276

INTRODUCTION

• Scott was introduced to photography when he was a boy by his father, an accomplished amateur photographer

• His father imparted to him a sense of wonder and adventure, characteristics which define him as a photographer

• Scott’s work has been published in National Geographic Magazine, The New York Times, and GQ, among others

• He is based in Singapore

ICONIC PHOTOGRAPH

• Scott’s favourite photograph is of the Bhutanese novice monks from his Thunder Dragon collection

• It started out as a promotional still and has now become his most popular and successful photo reportage, having been featured in National Geographic Magazine

• It was also one of the photos that was selected by Luerzer’sArchive when he was honoured as one of the “200 Best Advertising Photographers Worldwide”

Thunder Dragon collection

Thimpu, Bhutan (2008)

In his own words: “I love the spontaneity, emotion and movement captured in this single frame: a true moment frozen in time, and my favourite picture I've ever taken.”

STYLE & TECHNIQUE

• Scott uses a self-coined “Choose Your Own Adventure Photography” style which bases his photo opportunities on the decisions he makes

• He photographs mainly people and landscapes themed accordingly to the various locations and type of shoot

• His colours vary from vibrant to earthy tones

• He sometimes uses analogue lenses with his DSLR to attain a dreamy feel which combines lo-fi and hi-fi

CONTRIBUTION TO THE FIELD

• Not only is he an established photojournalist, but also a successful editorial photographer

• Part of the documentary team for ‘Shooting for Democracy’

• He creates unique narrative photo reportage and photo essays with strong themes like one on Singapore’s own red light district, Geylang, titled Red Light

MAKING A LIVING• He shoots editorial and commercial

assignments

• Some brands he has shot global ad campaigns for: Google, MasterCard, Adidas, Nokia, Honda, Standard Chartered Bank

• Scott’s photos are featured in esteemed fashion, lifestyle, travel, and photography magazines from time to time

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

• Photos have very distinct colour schemes which vary across his collections

• He often displays his photos in a diptych or triptych format

• Street photography

MY RESPONSE

• All his collections have their individual quality and yet are shot with the same keen originality

• My favourite collection by Scott would be his Thunder Dragon travel collection shot in Bhutan. He uses a beautiful range of values in his photos

• Photography is about composing a moment within a still frame and making the viewer live through that moment

Gaze collection

Lao Chai, Vietnam (2005)

• Diptych, photo features match

• Distinct foreground, soft background

• Naturally lit with bright daylight

More examples of his work

Thunder Dragon collection

Thimpu, Bhutan (2008)

• High contrast, sharp focus

• Candid shot

Training Day collection

Singapore (2008)

• Low-key contrast

• Dramatic lighting

Rising Sun collection

Dili, Timor-Leste (2009)

• Triptych, cool colours

• Bright and uplifting

Rising Sun collection

Maubisse, Timor-Leste (2009)

• Diffused natural light

• Soft focus

• Warmer at the bottom, cool near the top

References

• scottawoodward.com

• scottawoodward.com/blog/photo-reportage/happy-valley/

• wearejuxt.com/2013/08/23/street-photography-japan-warrate/

• invisiblephotographer.asia/2011/03/24/invisibleinterview-scottawoodward/

• www.thisisthewhat.com/2011/04/10-minutes-with-scott-woodward/