Behind the scenes

We love a good photo shoot. Sure, the final images are stunning, but they don’t always tell the full story of the hustle, planning, and occasional chaos that go into creating those slick, polished shots. So, we're lifting the lightbox lid (or curtain?) on our favourite parts and lesser-known quirks.

First thing first.
A photoshoot means our lovely clients get it—they understand the power of creating and owning their imagery. In a world where businesses can sometimes feel like clones of one another, and with overwhelming access to stock and AI-generated images, a shoot is where individuality truly shines. It’s your chance to show the world that your business is a beautiful, unique snowflake—authentic, memorable, and unmistakably you.

Planning
We know this is meant to be a fun post, but as Abe Lincoln wisely said, "Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I’ll spend the first four sharpening the axe." That’s exactly what we do (well, not with axes… unless you’re an axe company in need of some branding and marketing). Our prep time is all about spreadsheets, storyboards, recces, shot lists, call sheets, location scouting, casting—you name it. The result? A solid plan that gives us the creative freedom to let the magic happen on shoot day.

Thinking on your feet
As the famous 19th-century Prussian military strategist Helmuth von Moltke the Elder said... "No plan survives first contact with the enemy." (OK, no more quotes.) That’s the reality of photo shoots. The enemy? Usually the weather, last-minute client requests, or the odd prop disaster.

The key to keeping things on track is staying calm, adaptable, and resourceful. Solutions, not problems.

But sometimes those unexpected moments where something goes “wrong” is actually the thing - it’s the happy accident. Unpredictable is interesting. Creating an environment and nurturing a culture where that can happen leads to great results - unexpected brilliance even. If you can’t do that, well, that’s what the spreadsheet was for.

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Where to shoot?
Obviously, we only ever shoot on location in a hot country—sun, sea, and golden hours galore. A desperate attempt to forfill our 80s advertising dreams. Damn the digital age.

But reality often has other plans. Sometimes it’s a chilly studio, a rainy city street, or a random warehouse that just works. It’s not always glamorous, but every location brings its own vibe—and sometimes the less-than-perfect spots create the best stories.

The light
Aside from the subject, your business, and the budget, the light reigns supreme. It’s the ultimate tool—whether you’re embracing an abundance of it or mastering its absence. Just because your eyes can see it doesn’t mean the camera can, so it’s all about wielding light with precision

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The wide
It’s all about context. It’s not just a shot; it’s a stage. It shows where the story happens, giving the audience a sense of place, scale, and mood. While close-ups dive into the details, the wide steps back and says, “Here’s the bigger picture.” When it comes to businesses, the wide shot sets the scene. It’s not just a product on a shelf—it’s the whole shop, the ambiance, the people. It’s the difference between what and why. The wide says, “This is where it all happens, and this is why it matters.”

Great wide shots feel intentional—they lead the eye, create depth, and give context without losing focus on the story.

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Trying to stay out of the shot
As creative designers and art directors, we work with photographers to ensure the vision is brought to life but there’s a fine line between guiding the process and getting in the way, figuratively and literally.

The best shoots happen when everyone has space to shine. Trust the team, respect the flow, and let the shot breathe. And if we occasionally photobomb or reflect in a shiny prop (oops), it’s all part of the fun. A little flair, plenty of respect, and a good dose of collaboration—that’s how we like to make ideas happen.

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The shortlist
Post-shoot, you’re faced with hundreds—sometimes thousands—of images. Too many good ones? That’s a nice problem to have, but it’s still a problem. You only need one image that tells the story, like picking the perfect Mona Lisa smile from three nearly identical contenders.

From 100-1000 shots in a day, it’s the 10-20 best that really count. Sorting through them can feel odd, but finding the one is what makes all the effort worthwhile. Quality over quantity, always.

That’s a wrap
Someone on the day has to call it. As much fun as a shoot is, it can’t go on forever. We shout that’s a wrap! And high five each other befor going for a pint (or soft drink).

One of our favourtie things about a shoot day is that it’s a shared experience that brings people together. Depending on your busines, it’s a chance for teams to collaborate, step out of their usual routines, and see their ideas come to life.

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