BTS Shooting Workwear on Location
Behind the Lens: Shooting Workwear on Location
A few months ago, I had the opportunity to shoot a lifestyle photography campaign featuring tradies in their new workwear and safety gear. The shoot was split between two locations: an active construction site and a scenic beach. It was an exciting project but also presented some unique challenges—mainly the weather.
Day 1: Battling the Rain on Site
The first day was set on a construction site. Unfortunately, the weather was far from ideal. Constant rain made it difficult to navigate the site and find suitable locations to shoot. The wet conditions also posed challenges for the safety of the equipment and limited the variety of shots we could capture. Still, we managed to make it work by staying flexible and finding covered areas where possible.
Capturing portraits and full-length lifestyle shots of the tradies in action required careful planning. I wanted to showcase the functionality and durability of the workwear while keeping the images authentic to the environment. The rain added a gritty, real-world touch to some shots, which worked in our favor.
Day 2: Chasing the Light by the Beach
The second day brought us to the beach, where we hoped for better weather. Although the rain had eased, we only had a few clear weather patches to work with. This required us to work quickly, setting up and capturing as many shots as possible during the brief windows of sunlight.
For these beach shots, I used two Profoto B2 flash heads to brighten the subjects and intentionally overexposed the background. This approach allowed us to simulate a brighter, sunnier day. In post-production, we replaced the dull gray sky with a vibrant blue one, giving the final images a polished and cheerful look.
Equipment Checklist
For a project like this, having the right gear and a solid backup plan is essential. Here’s what I brought along:
Cameras: Canon R5C and a backup body
Lighting: 2x Profoto B2 flash heads
Computers: MacBook Pro and a backup computer
Tethering Gear: Spare tether leads
Client Monitor: For real-time previews
Accessories: Reflectors, weather covers, and additional flash gear
Vehicle Storage: Backup leads and extra equipment in the car
I always keep a detailed checklist of location gear to double-check before any shoot. It’s a habit that has saved me on countless occasions.
Final Thoughts
Despite the challenges, the shoot was a success. Working in unpredictable weather conditions taught me the importance of adaptability and preparation. It’s also a reminder of how much post-production can enhance the final product, as seen in the BTS footage below, where we transformed a dreary day into a bright, professional-looking campaign.
Projects like this highlight the beauty of lifestyle photography: capturing authentic moments in real-world settings while showcasing the client’s product in the best possible light. Whether it’s on a bustling construction site or a serene beach, every location has its own story to tell.
