When you’re a creative agency working for fun and innovative clients, opportunities sometimes arise that allow our employees the chance to get out of the office and lead new initiatives. One such opportunity came about when a new product launch took two of our team members to Atlanta for a one-of-a-kind photo shoot. Account Manager Heather, who is leading the project, along with our Creative Director Allison, share some key learnings from the trip and provide insights on what helped them execute a seamless photoshoot. So without further ado, here’s Heather:
So tell us, how did this photoshoot come to be?
We’ve been working with our client on the launch of a new product to market and recommended they do a photoshoot to capture the unique characteristics of the product and its design aesthetics. Since it was a new product, little to no assets and photography had been developed to date.
What were the steps you took to prepare for the photoshoot?
Preparation was key to the success of the photoshoot. Allison and I spent a significant amount of time developing the creative direction, identifying each product shot, researching props to be used on-set, and conducting calls with the photographer to align our vision.
What were everyone’s roles during the shoot?
There were several parties at the photoshoot. Our client, Allison and I from the agency side, and the photographer. The client was the expert on the product and the dispensing of the product, we directed/approved each product shot, and the photographer not only captured the images but had to create the perfect environment to achieve the desired photo.
Were there any unexpected road bumps or surprises that came up?
Actually, we didn’t really have any surprises. The only shot that was more difficult to achieve was the photo of the dispenser. We were unable to move the dispenser from its location and the background was not ideal to have in the photos. We knew it would be difficult to get certain shots of the product. We also wanted to get the product ‘in action’ and it took at least 30 tries to get that shot right.
What’s something you learned from the experience?
I learned that our preparation was vital to a seamless shoot. Also, the details that go into each and every photo, from lighting to styling to the background, are extremely important. In fact, the lighting was one of the most crucial aspects of achieving the desired look. I also learned that you know exactly the shot you want when you see it.
What are the next steps coming out of the shoot and what will you be doing with the photography?
We are designing point-of-sale (POS) to launch the product in-market. We will basically be using the photography for all marketing purposes including a toolkit, social media, video, and more.