Suggestions
Kaare "Cory" Iverson
Director & Photographer at Kaare Iverson Photography
Kaare "Cory" Iverson is a Director and Photographer who has been working at Sonoma Bottle since February 2017.2 He is based in Santa Rosa, California, and specializes in providing bottle shot photography services for the wine industry.2
Iverson is an experienced commercial photographer who has a unique approach to his craft. He believes in "making" images rather than simply "taking" them, which allows him to create more thoughtful and intentional photographs.1 His work often involves a blend of controlled commercial shoots and more spontaneous editorial assignments.
At Sonoma Bottle, Iverson's expertise extends beyond still photography. The company describes itself as a "multimedia machine," and Iverson is noted as an award-winning videographer and director.3 This suggests that he brings a diverse skill set to his role, encompassing both photography and video production.
Iverson's photographic style is characterized by:
- A preference for wider lenses to create intimacy in his shots
- An ability to adapt to challenging conditions, such as using hazy light from nearby fires to create a unique atmosphere
- A keen eye for capturing the essence of his subjects, whether it's the vibrancy of a winery owner or the details of a harvest
His approach to photography involves a balance between meticulous planning and embracing spontaneity. Iverson acknowledges that editorial work can be stressful for him initially, but he has learned to channel that stress into creativity, often finding inspiration in unexpected moments during shoots.1
Through his work at Sonoma Bottle, Iverson has likely built a strong network within the Sonoma and Napa wine regions, providing specialized photography services to wineries and related businesses in the area.14
Highlights
I'm a working photographer...which means that I'm scared sh*tless about the arrival of AI and its impact on our industry. Every day for the last month I've been riding a crashing wave between despair and elation. On the one hand, AI will totally change how we work. On the other hand AI will totally change the way we work...
Change, novelty, and challenge are big reasons why I love this industry. Nothing is static, taste is always shifting, and technology is constantly pushing us to new heights.
Breathe. Learn. Move forward.
But just to plant one foot in the past...
All of these personal images were shot on my favourite new camera setup: my clunky old Sony @6000 with a $99 full manual prime lens. The dynamic range of this camera is crap, which means that I have way less latitude in post-production, and the lack of autofocus means that I miss most of the shots I'm used to nailing. It's great!
Why, when I have access to the best equipment would I hamstring myself with a little toy camera like this? Because being limited is what breeds the best creativity in me.
Working with this funny little setup made me approach the image-making process in a totally new way. I suppose you'd call it "street" style.
I love all of these images because they look nothing like the rest of my work and thus opened new creative pathways for me. Elements of each of these have already leaked into my latest client work (the mid-day shadow play, the silhouettes, the on-axis light, the direct interaction between subject and camera, etc...).
Limitations open doors for me... and I guess that's what scares me about AI art. On the one hand, it removes barriers to creativity, and on the other hand, it removes the barriers that I believe breed the most interesting elements of creativity.
What are you photographers thinking about AI art right now?
Keeping it safe and sound with the home studio. Recent work for Zenni Optical Photography by me. Styling and AD by Zack B. Via zoom
#ShotInIsolation
