Copperdollar Studios welcomed Gemma Mount to The Hayloft for a kids’ fashion shoot for The Pigeon and the Wolf. Gemma has been a photographer for 20 years, beginning her career with big brands such as Eurostar, Evian, and 3 Mobile, with published work in major newspapers. After relocating to the Sussex countryside, she now focuses her work on children’s fashion and lifestyle photography. We asked Gemma more about her incredible career and about her project at the studios.
Could you tell me a little bit about yourself?
I am a kids’ fashion and lifestyle photographer. I moved to the countryside just outside Brighton almost five years ago having spent most of my life living and working in London. I have two small children and am married to a photographer/filmmaker.
What was the project you were working on recently at Copperdollar Studios?
Most recently I photographed The Pigeon and the Wolf’s new collection at Copperdollar Studios, shooting website and lookbook images for a beautiful children’s fashion brand who hand make all their garments from linen.
You’ve previously said you love sourcing great locations, how did our studio space help you with telling a story?
The space was perfect for our shoot as there are so many different areas, the doors and windows and beautiful old brickwork were ideal as the brand is very classic and timeless. This collection was called Fallen Clouds, we had clouds of flowers hanging from the beams so the hayloft was the ideal location for us. It is also a brilliant size for shooting movement which is always good when working with children.
Can you remember how you first heard about the studios?
I first shot at Copperdollar in January this year as a lovely local vintage brand, What They Wore Store, organised our shoot there. I am so glad they introduced me to such a stunning and very local location!
How did you first enter the world of phtography and how did your career evolve?
I have always been a photographer. I studied Photography at University and started shooting on commercials and music videos soon after I graduated, back when everyone shot on film, which makes me sound very old! I travelled a lot and got to photograph lots of famous faces like Kylie Minogue for Eurostar and Agent Provocateur, my first advert was with John Malkovich which was terrifying! I also shot lots of editorial portrait stories, my favourite was behind the scenes in football clubs meeting the mascots and capturing the people inside the suits which I had published in the Sunday Times Magazine.
Since specialising in children’s fashion photography, how does this compare from your previous work?
I have always had to work fast so this has been a useful skill for working with small children. Working on film sets you only get a very limited time to get your shot and kids are similar, they might do something great and spontaneous and there is one chance to capture it.
I love having more creative input with kids fashion shoots, collaborating with designers and stylists to come up with a story and casting great kids is really exciting.
Where could we see more of your incredible portfolio?
My website is www.gemmamount.com and you can see my portfolio on Instagram here.
