I just finished a four-day shoot that allowed me to provide my full suite of skills to one client at one time. This enabled a big picture approach to the project eliminating inefficiencies, saving money, and most importantly, giving them a better end product. From my perspective, it was a great challenge and an enjoyable four days working with a terrific new client.
The project came to me due to a referral from one of my current clients, which I greatly appreciated. My new client Anisoptera Mercantile has a new business offering wellness products, including CBDs, and art selections, to the 45-70 age demographic. In particular, they target people that lead an active lifestyle which informed much of the styling, props, and locations used throughout the shoot.
Every good project starts with a well thought out plan, and this was no exception. We began with several ZOOM meetings to brainstorm, discuss the products, and think about the most appropriate lifestyle shots for this target group. As we continued, the plan came into focus, including props, locations, composition, and all the factors that make the difference between good and great. Let me walk you through the project.
Days 1 and 2
We started with a two-day studio shoot photographing individual products for use in the eCommerce portion of the website. We started with tight shots on a white background that needed to be easy to identify and differentiate.
This was followed by product groupings where we added lifestyle props to enhance the message and add interest.
We even used studio shots to put the product into use applications our target audience could readily relate to.
Day 3
On day three, we went on location to begin the lifestyle portion of the shoot. One of my clients, Baystone Development, graciously allowed us to use their high-end Beachhouse model apartment and amenity spaces throughout the complex to put the products in appropriate lifestyle surroundings. The location was perfect and afforded us the ability to stage products in a variety of settings.
Day 4
On the last day of photography, we shot on location in Gloucester. During the planning process, I had scouted area locations, so we were highly efficient moving from shot to shot - covering a lot of ground in one day. The location shooting effectively framed the brand and told the active lifestyle story so important in attracting our target audience.
This project allowed me to provide a full line of services, from implementing brand strategy to art directing. I enjoyed the studio work that calls on a very separate set of skills from architectural or location photography. By art directing, styling, and location scouting, I provided one-stop shopping for my client - saving them the expense and effort of hiring separate specialists for each aspect of the project. Not only that, but having one person in charge allowed both the client and I to see the big picture - resulting in a more effective shoot that produced a superior end product in less time with less cost.
My new client’s website is stocked with all the images they will need for a while, plus we filled their social media library with months of photography.
At Shupe Studios our goal is to wow your audience. If you have a large shoot coming up with a mix of studio and location shots, I hope you’ll reach out to me.
We provide one stop shopping for great photography.