Behind the scenes...

`The Bit's Theo turns his hoof to modelling some beautiful new rosettes for Dressage Anywhere

Sophie had arranged a slightly different commercial shoot; a shoot for lots of small equestrian businesses.  A chance for some smaller brands to have some stunning images created for them, at a fraction of the normal cost.

The first thing we notice as Sophie starts unpacking her car is the sheer amount of 'stuff'.  Of course when we say stuff we mean products to photograph and all of the photography paraphernalia required to run the afternoon's shoot.

We show Sophie around so that she can start thinking of how to stage the products she has to work with.  We'd given her a brief overview of the house and yard but really she had no idea what she was coming to.  The recent wet weather (including snow) had made everything look less green and more brown.

No time at all was wasted in getting to grips with what was available - a 17hh ginger model, an indoor stable yard with fluffy straw beds, a horsebox and an outdoor arena.

And the products included in the shoot? Feed scoops, home worm count kit, a My Horse Box, rosettes, horse shoe hearts and an Equissage, not the most obvious selection to work with.

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A differing approach...

"Commercial photography differs entirely, because you have to completely shift your focus" says Sophie. "Where portrait photography is all about focusing on the faces and character of the subjects you're photographing, commercial photography is more about showing specific products in their best light and in use, or illustrating what it is a service provider can offer, within one glance. And it's all about picking up the little details that make whatever you're photographing unique and desirable, whilst keeping the images attractive, head turning and on brand."

Head turning was easy...put the rosette on the pretty pony.  But what Sophie did next wasn't just head turning, but unique, desirable and show stopping all rolled into one.  The beautiful image of Theo caught as he emerged from the indoor yard, the darkness of the stables enabling the black background and the natural daylight highlighting his striking colour and the bright frilly attached to his bridle.

But how do you make a worm count kit head turning?

"Haha yes, I do get products like that (where you think what on earth am I going to do with that). But I also get portrait shoots like that too, so it's something I'm used to, and often these are the ones I enjoy most, because they challenge me to be more creative, put more thought into my work and not just shoot on auto-pilot.The worm count kit on our shoot was a subject that I thought might be difficult to shoot and the lady who sent it to me asked in an email if I was sure I wanted to shoot it, but at the end of the day, it is what it is. It serves an important purpose and that business needs images to show their work, just like every other business does."

Obviously there were a few bottom shots, but simply showing the kit, highlighting it in an equestrian surrounding.

Similarly just capturing 'My Horse Box' set out on a fresh straw bed was enough to create a simply and head turning image.  Likewise with the clawed feed scoop (we particularly liked these for getting a scoop of tightly packed Alfa out of the bin!)
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"Sometimes it's actually a case of not over complicating things and just photographing what's in front of you."

Natural and practical...

Capturing the products in their natural setting and showing them in use is obviously key.  Sophie was hardly going to shoot a feed scoop in a country kitchen or the equine elements of the My Horse Box displayed by the fire.

It was always quite obvious that Theo was going to get a go in the Equissage.

"When I'm shooting commercial images, I also try to think how the product would be used and position it in a way that looks natural and practical, but aesthetically pleasing."

So on it went.  One very happy dressage pony.  He stood blissful and relaxed in his massaged state and lapping up the attention of the camera.  All of which are highlighted in this shot - both parts of the Equissage Pulse captured in use, on a relaxed and happy horse.  Perfection.

So equestrian elements done.  Where do you place some Horse Shoe Hearts? Or how about a bottle and glasses stand perfect for picnics? Up to the house we headed to make use of a roaring fire and a less muddy outdoor space.

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Head turning... 

Quickly noticing the beams, the slate hearth and the pile of logs by the fire, the creative juices were already flowing.

The beautiful items forged from horse shoes were quickly placed around the house.  Hanging from beams, placed in front of the fire, all as it she was placing them in her own home, all the time keeping a thought as to what situation is going to sell the image.  Capturing the detail to show them off in all of their glory was high on the agenda.

The result?  A collection of stunning images in Sophie's signature style, all of which sell their products perfectly, eye catching and explanatory all in one.

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