STARBUCKS® ART + COFFEE BOOK
Assignment:
Create compelling images with a storytelling quality to guide the text and ultimately shape Starbucks® first coffee table book.
The premise of the story:
The journey of coffee from origin to cup, through the eyes of influential artists on immersive explorations.
Locations:
Sumatra to experience coffee's origin; Seattle to partake in Starbucks' blending and roasting process; New York City to gain a sense of the human connection that comes from a shared love of coffee.
Challenges:
No shot lists or art direction prior to shooting - the book would be shaped around how Morgan captured the story; Shoot in tandem with a video crew; Work with no assistant in Sumatra and pack minimal gear that fit into two carry-on cases; Direct and communicate with non English speaking subjects; Ensure images shot over nine months and from three locations maintained consistency.
The featured artists:
Tristan Eaton, Ricardo Cavolo, Jessie + Katey, and Laolu
The rest of the team that made this possible:
Caitlin Leffel - Editor
Fiorella Valdesolo - Writer
Peter Ahlberg - Book Designer
Kyle Iskra - Retouching
Starbucks Whole Bean Coffee and Retail team
A special thanks and hug to Doug Cohen of Stadium Status Group
And thank you to the warm, welcoming, always smiling people of Sumatra who patiently communicated with me through hand signals, facial expressions, and lots of laughter.