fashion-photographer-uk-photography-blog by James Nader

Welcome to Silvergumtype by James Nader, a leading fashion photographer and advertising and UK-based. I am known for cinematic fashion photography, expert portrait work, and photography mentorship. With over 30 years in the industry, I share photography tips, black-and-white techniques, gear reviews, and insights from real-world campaigns. Whether you’re an aspiring creative or pro photographer, this blog offers guidance grounded in the craft — from the studio to the street.

If you’ve been here before, you’ll remember Silvergumtype as a blog built on curiosity — my personal journey through decades of commercial and editorial photography. From experimenting with film in darkrooms to creating cinematic fashion editorials for global brands, this blog has been my creative journal.

Why the name “Silvergumtype”?

The name Silvergumtype isn’t a trendy brand. It’s a tribute to the early photographic processes that shaped everything I do:

The name Silvergumtype pays homage to the foundational photographic processes that have profoundly influenced my work.

•Silver Prints: The timeless, rich monochrome prints I first crafted in traditional darkrooms.

•Gum Bichromate: A complex, multi-layered printing technique I was privileged to learn from a mentor who had collaborated with Ansel Adams.

•Cyanotypes: distinctive blue-toned prints that expanded my creative horizons and deepened my appreciation for alternative photographic methods.

My immersion in these techniques was deepened during my studies in the USA, particularly at the Rochester Institute of Technology in Kodak City—a pivotal period where I was fully immersed in analogue photography.

Silvergumtype embodies these roots—tactile, traditional, deliberate, and soulful. It’s a testament to my photographic identity, emphasising legacy, process, and authenticity over the allure of the latest gear.

I studied these techniques during my time in the USA, particularly at the Rochester Institute of Technology in Kodak City — a formative period where I lived and breathed analogue photography.

Silvergumtype reflects those roots — tactile, traditional, slow, and soulful. It’s where my photographic identity was forged, and why this site isn’t just about shiny new gear — it’s about legacy, process, and truth through tone.

Who I Am (And Why You Might Care)

I’m James Nader — a UK-based fashion, advertising, and portrait photographer with over 30 years in the industry. I’ve worked with brands such as Belstaff, De Beers, Sony, and Rolls-Royce. My fashion and celebrity work has been featured in Vogue, GQ, and Harper’s Bazaar.

My journey started with analogue film — dodging and burning in traditional darkrooms. Those early days taught me more about light, timing, and tone than any YouTube tutorial ever could. Today, I work with large-format digital, cinematic lighting, and sometimes AI — but my eye is still rooted in real-world, in-camera storytelling.

I’m also a photography mentor, guiding emerging photographers through workshops, one-to-one coaching, and now through the content here on this site.

What You’ll Find on Silvergumtype in 2025

My blog delivers the following:

Gear Reviews Based on Actual Campaign Use
No fluff. Only real-world takes from high-pressure environments.

Black-and-White Photography Tips
Learn the art of monochrome — tone, shape, contrast, and emotion.

Photography Mentorship Content
Creative mindset, industry navigation, pricing, and building a niche.

Street & Travel Stories
Learn from my work in Havana, Beirut, Austria and beyond.

SEO-Optimised Photography Articles
Perfect for portrait photographers, fashion shooters, and gear heads alike.

“Whether on a cold rooftop in Iceland or a sun-washed street in Havana — I’m always chasing light, shape, and story.”

Free Resources & Recommended Tools

You’ll also find:

Free Download: “The Real-World Black & White Workflow” (PDF)
My Full Kit List: Fuji GFX 50S, GF lenses, Nikons, Sony, lighting kits and more
Editing Tools I Use: Lightroom, Capture One, Topaz Labs
Mentorship Portal: Coming soon for workshops, critiques, and digital courses

Final Thoughts

If you’re an aspiring portrait photographer, fashion creative, or someone who wants to sharpen their vision and build a career with integrity, Silvergumtype is your place.

If you’re returning — thank you. If you’re new — welcome.

Let’s keep it honest, sharp, and beautifully monochrome.

— James