New Book Teaches Photographers Wes Anderson’s Signature Style

A new photography book is set to guide readers in recreating the distinctive visual style of acclaimed American film director Wes Anderson. Shoot Like Wes: A Practical Guide to Creating Your Own Wes Anderson Photography is a comprehensive guide written by photographer Liz Seabrook and film writer Adam Woodward, and is set to be published by White Lion Publishing (Quarto) on June 5.

The book breaks down the techniques behind Anderson’s iconic films, from the God’s-eye view in The Royal Tenenbaums to the low-angle in Fantastic Mr. Fox, and the symmetry used in The Grand Budapest Hotel. Each chapter focuses on a specific aspect of the Wes Anderson aesthetic, providing illustrated, step-by-step photography challenges for readers to follow with their camera or smartphone.

According to Seabrook and Woodward, the book’s goal is to empower readers with the skills to capture everyday moments with cinematic composition. By applying the techniques used in Anderson’s films, readers will be able to create visually striking images that evoke a sense of nostalgia and wonder.

Liz Seabrook, a portrait and lifestyle photographer who works globally for clients including The Guardian and Conde Nast Traveller, brings her expertise in capturing people and places to the book. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, Seabrook has developed a unique style that blends warmth and intimacy with a keen eye for detail. She has worked with a range of clients, from editorial publications to advertising agencies, and has a deep understanding of what makes a compelling image.

Adam Woodward, Editor-at-Large at Little White Lies magazine, one of the most respected publications for movie fans, provides insight into the filmmaking techniques that have inspired the book. With a background in film criticism and journalism, Woodward has written extensively on the work of Wes Anderson and has a deep understanding of the director’s unique visual style.

The book features a range of exercises and challenges, including:

Using low-angle shots to add drama and tension to images: By shooting from a low angle, readers can create a sense of power and grandeur, perfect for capturing dramatic landscapes or architectural subjects.

Framing faces and portraits to capture the essence of a subject: Seabrook and Woodward provide expert guidance on how to frame faces and portraits in a way that captures the essence of a subject, from the subtleties of expression to the nuances of lighting.

Shooting at magic hour to capture warm, golden light: Magic hour, the hour just before sunset, is a photographer’s paradise. Seabrook and Woodward show readers how to make the most of this fleeting moment, capturing warm, golden light that adds depth and texture to images.

Creating symmetry and balance in compositions: By applying the principles of symmetry and balance, readers can create visually striking images that are reminiscent of Anderson’s films. Seabrook and Woodward provide expert guidance on how to achieve this, from the use of leading lines to the placement of subject matter.

Throughout the book, Seabrook and Woodward include a range of images that demonstrate the techniques they are teaching. From still-life compositions to portraits of people, the book is filled with inspiring examples of how to apply the principles of Wes Anderson’s visual style to photography.

By following the book’s guidance, readers will be able to develop their own unique visual style and capture images that are reminiscent of Anderson’s films. With its comprehensive approach and expert guidance, Shoot Like Wes is set to become a valuable resource for photographers of all levels.