Outdoor product shot, Bradford, Tuesday 1st July

Garry Edwards

Garry Edwards

Moderator
Messages
13,475
Name
Garry Edwards
Edit My Images
No
As per the title. It's a product shot, but an unusual one with a few twists and extra challenges. Hint: we will create our own weather and the star will be a duck, or maybe a goose:)
And it's outdoors, which means that the light needs to be totally controlled, whatever the weather may be.
And, because it's going to be interesting, we're making a video showing how it's done.

I'm offering the opportunity for up to SIX TP members to come along to it, to learn how not to do it:)

Please don't reply unless you really will attend - it isn't fair on either me or other people who would have liked the opportunity.

Please be aware that by taking part you will be expected to help carry lighting gear a couple of hundred yards or so, and that you may end up in the video too.

I'm planning to start the shoot at 2 p.m. on Tuesday Ist July, and we will meet at the location in Bradford BD6. I will give the address to the people who will be there, via PM.
 
Last edited:
Tuesday is the 1st July.... or do you mean Wednesday 2nd? ;)
 
srichards said:
Tuesday is the 1st July.... or do you mean Wednesday 2nd? ;)
Click to expand...
Sorry, I meant Tuesday 1st July.
I've now edited the post and title
 
Thought you might be... You're in
 
Shoot done, and my thanks to Phil who pitched in and helped.
It went OK, and I will update later with photos. The only bit that didn't work out was that our location was the edge of a duckpond and we really wanted a duck to take part and star in the shot, but at this time of year, with everyone throwing bread into the water for the ducks, and plenty of fish for them to eat, they just weren't interested in helping.
 
It was a fun couple of hours, and a nice cup of coffee back at Lencarta HQ.
Thanks for the cover too Garry:)
 
Maybe Garry will give a bit more notice next time;)

It would have been nice for a few more to turn up. And someone taller for the watering can too.
 
Was a bit far away for me to come up, but looking forward to the video!
 
Sir SR said:
Wish I'd have been off for this!! Only up the road too!!
Click to expand...
It was only a small, simple shoot. But your special skills could have been useful - you could have anaesthetised a duck for us:) We've now resorted photoshopping one in.
Phil V said:
Maybe Garry will give a bit more notice next time;)

It would have been nice for a few more to turn up. And someone taller for the watering can too.
Click to expand...
The plan was to do it next week instead, but my hand was forced by circumstances, I'm sorry about that. I'm planning to do some more shoots later in the year and will give as much notice as I have.
 
Ever thought about moving to Cornwall Garry - its lovely here and I would try to be able to help out almost as often as you want !
 
Shame I missed this - just up the road from work. Looking forward to seeing other opportunities in the future too!
 
There you go. We ended up comping in a goose:)
safari_goose.jpg
 
Update:
Video, starring Mr Philip V (best supporting actor) is now finished, and so is the blog entry here
:)
 
Diving Pete said:
Thanks Garry - love the shot made me laugh
Click to expand...
Laugh is good. Product photography has advanced to the point well beyond just showing what the product looks like it needs to show the benefits.
The benefits here are clear
1. It can overpower the sun - so use its own power to prove that (that bit was very easy, it was turned right down).
2. It can get wet - so add some water, and make it real water, not photoshop rain
3. It's a lot smaller than a goose - so include a goose to prove it.

Add in the fact that this shot has now gone into a media ad targeted at photographers, who (hopefully) can't be fooled by PS work, and who are pretty hard to sell to, and it's pretty obvious that something else has to be added too - emotion. And laughter is a pretty good emotion, because it makes the advert more memorable.

This shot was dead easy for me, after all I know the product well, I've used it for months now and I know its benefits. The problem is always showing the benefits of a client's products, products that we haven't used ourselves. Our job then is to get them to tell us the benefits, so we can draw them out in the shot. Most pro advertising photographers insist that the client is present at the shoot, and that s/he actually contributes to the shot by enthusing the photographer with their own passion.
And by 'client' I mean the person who actually designed, or made the product if possible, or the boss, who has invested a lot of money into it - never a junior employee who is just out of the office on an away day.

Which may explain why I personally don't have a lot of respect for "packshot" photographers who shoot products on a production line basis, without understanding the product.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top