RICHARD FOSTER
FOR
GRAFF

Diamonds have long been associated with the epitome of luxury. A product of pressure, time and ultimately, precise human craft, a diamond is in many ways synonymous with the creative act of still-life photography.
Richard’s photography is one of expertise, not only to capture an object in its truest, and often most artistic form, but also his ability to sculpt light into a workable thing of beauty. The two acts, jewellery-crafting and photography, showcase the human potential to take two very different mediums, both innately physical, raw and timeless, and turn them into mediums through which an act of art can take place – they are, in their own ways, expressions of beauty.
Commissioned by Graff to photograph a collection of high-end pieces, Richard Foster was tasked with the goal of capturing the “Art of Radiance” for the luxury diamond brand. Working collaboratively with Graff’s new Creative Director, Sion Phillips, Richard was keen to bring in his artistic craft and expertise to the table…


Graff’s iconic logo shape became a subtle but central design element – Richard and his team played with distorting and shaping the logo behind the jewellery, using it to echo, enhance and contain each piece. The project allowed Richard and his team to treat the logo almost as an abstract form, letting it play a more atmospheric and sculptural role.



One of the creative/technical challenges for the campaign was in finding a balance between flash lighting, and a constant source of light to define the edges for use as a background. Richard worked across a six light setup, ranging from soft to very harsh to create a clarity and sharpness to the light where it was needed, but retained that softness so as to not overload the visuals and draw away any focus from the jewellery pieces.

Shot on a sunny March day in South West London, the team were treated to experiencing the diamonds set within the jewellery pieces becoming a natural glitter ball of light splashed across the studio walls. It was a ‘stop-you-in-your-tracks’ moment to watch a craftsman at work, working with the pieces so delicately, yet so thoroughly, and making something beautiful…

PHOTOGRAPHER
@Richard Foster
PRODUCTION
@Wren Agency
CREATIVE
@Graff
@Sion Phillips, Creative Brand Director
@Claude D’Avione, Art Director
@Kate Barrett, Head of Production
@Andrew Oluwi, Behind the Scenes Videographer
PHOTO TEAM
@Tom Stewart, Lighting Assistant
@Cristina Ene, Lighting Assistant
@Laura Heckford, Lighting Assistant
POST PRODUCTION
@Jon Gibson-Skinner