Snapshots: Shaun Pettigrew
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 If you're in Singapore before end July, do visit the HarbourFront MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) station. Unveiled to a group of journalists recently, a section of the walls in the station have been graced with the works of Shaun Pettigrew, a professional photographer and film-maker. Themed Delightful Expressions, Canon, the sponsor for this collection, claims this is the first photo-story gallery on display at an MRT station. The story begins with a woman on an exploration in an unknown part of the world.
At 44, Pettigrew started his photography career in the fashion industry. Subsequently, he made a name for himself in the New Zealand, Australian and Asia-Pacific advertising industries where he received several commissions from clients like Adidas, Levi Strauss, Sony, Nokia, Mercedes, all household brands most people are aware of. Pettigrew is also known in Europe for shooting independent still and film projects with various artists. To him, a winning picture must be able to communicate and tie with his passion for photography--something most people assume is simple, yet hard to achieve.
The images you see from this feature have been reproduced with permission from Shaun Pettigrew and Canon. If you wish to be featured in our interviews or know any photo buffs who may be interested, email us a short description of yourself, or your friend, and we'll get back to you.
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Name: Shaun Pettigrew
Type of photographer: Professional
Achievements: Numerous advertising and film awards from 1992 till now
Equipment: Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II
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We caught up with Pettigrew while he was in town as he spoke about some of his works and later told his version of the story.
[CNET Asia] How did you go about taking each photo?
[Pettigrew] Each shot was planned and scouted for talent position and composition. We shot the background plates separately to achieve the best possible angles, lighting and depth that I knew I wanted with the talent shots to work with. Once we had achieved this with as many options as possible, we then completed the process, grading and effects.
[CNET Asia] What techniques were involved for each photo?
[Pettigrew] Background plates were taken with the depth of field and focus that I wanted to use for the end result. We shot with available light and at times enhanced the scene with portable smoke machines. Elements of moss was photographed separately and used as window frames to work the depth more.
[CNET Asia] So which camera did you use for these shoots?
[Pettigrew] The EOS 1Ds Mark II was the main camera used for all the shots. I chose different lenses to achieve a match with the angles and composition, the main reasons being portability, user-friendly software and full-frame imaging.
[CNET Asia] What were your thoughts before and after each shoot?
[Pettigrew] Given the time frame to finish this project (Delightful Expressions 2006), I knew what I had to achieve--on location in the South Island and shooting the talent in a studio in Auckland. This meant I could concentrate on one part at a time and not overstretch myself. Weather was a concern but you plan to shoot in all conditions and New Zealand is known for having four seasons in one day.
[CNET Asia] What advice would you give our readers?
[Pettigrew]Plan and sketch each shot, then shoot as many options as you can
Stay on course and always keep the big picture in mind
Be aware of your own limitations and not overstretch yourself
Back up all your digital files as you go along
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