Behind the Scenes: Mastering a Challenging Skincare Photography Shoot
As a professional food, product, lifestyle, and drinks photographer, I often face unique challenges that require creativity and meticulous planning. Recently, a client approached me to quote on a skincare range photography shoot with some interesting requirements. They wanted the products suspended in the air, with water splashing across them, and others backlit on a perspex background with color gels to create vibrant shadows. After capturing these images, I would then have to composite them together for client approval before moving on to the next set.
The brief was exciting but also demanding. I spent two days brainstorming and exploring various possibilities to ensure I had a solid Plan B if things didn’t go as planned. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at how it all came together.
To start, I sketched out different setups and considered the equipment needed to achieve the suspended effect and dynamic water splashes. I decided on using high-speed photography techniques to freeze the water motion and experimented with different lighting setups to create the perfect shadow effects with color gels.
Day one of the shoot was all about setting up the suspension rig and testing different angles and lighting. I used thin, invisible strings to suspend the skincare products and a controlled water spray to get the splash effect just right. With the help of assistants, we managed to capture the products mid-air with water beautifully arcing across them.
On day two, we focused on the backlit shots. Using perspex backgrounds and color gels, I played with the light to create stunning shadow effects that highlighted the products' sleek designs. Each shot required meticulous adjustments and patience, but the results were worth it.
After the shoot, the real magic happened in post-production. I carefully composited the images, blending the suspended shots with the backlit backgrounds to create seamless final images. Each composite was then sent to the client for approval, and we made adjustments as needed.
Overall, the shoot was a success. It was a challenging project that pushed my creative and technical skills, but the final images exceeded the client's expectations. For more inspiration and to see my recent work in food, product, drinks, lifestyle, and portrait photography, click here to visit my website.
This project reinforced the importance of thorough preparation and having a backup plan. It also reminded me of the excitement that comes with overcoming challenges and delivering stunning visuals for my clients.