Alessi, the Italian homeware brand, has been a beacon of well-designed products since its inception in 1921. Their unique approach to product creation involves collaborating with unconventional artists, resulting in sleek and engineering-like designs. When photographer Sam Nicklin was given the opportunity to photograph some of Alessi's iconic wares, he wanted to showcase their distinctive forms and use in-camera tricks to exaggerate and elevate them. Sam's personal vision and flair for bold color combinations, inspired by Alessi's vintage advertising and his own Colors series, were key to the project's success. He aimed to define the silhouette of each object through color in the reflections, using negative space and minimal highlights to make them pop. This process, while technical and time-consuming, resulted in a series of images that captured the essence of Alessi's design legacy. One of the most challenging and rewarding pieces was the La Cupola espresso coffee maker, which required patience and a slight angle with colored card reflections to create 'pockets of color' and break up the domed surface. Sam's work for Alessi demonstrates that simple ideas can have a significant impact, and his inventive approach to product photography enhances the brand's distinct wares without overshadowing them. This project is a testament to the power of a creative's personal vision and flair when used with consideration.
