COMMERCIAL AUTOMOTIVE PHOTOGRAPHY
21st April 2015 by Ian Pollen
PROFESSIONAL COMMERCIAL AUTOMOTIVE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR MINIBUS LEASING CLIENT
Castle Minibus is a leading provider of leased minibuses and driver training to over 1000 schools, academies and colleges across the UK. This commercial automotive photography commission provided the images to update their printed marketing materials and website content. The brief was to highlight the educational activities and location access that leasing a modern minibus can offer their educational clients.
PHOTOGRAPHY BEHIND THE SCENES
We planned and scheduled an ambitious full day of commercial automotive photography to create a variety of marketing images visiting a number of locations in and around the New Forest and Hampshire coastline. On the day we had the choice of three different size and style of minibus ranging from a 9 seater to a large 17 seater.
The photography shoot commenced on the Hampshire coast with a view of The Needles and the Isle of Wight as a backdrop. On the face of it a fairly simple image but careful choice of focal length to compress perspective combined with 1200 watt seconds of flash power as we were shooting into the sun, were essential ingredients.
We then relocated a little way along the coast to Milford on Sea Harbour. Prior to the shoot I had completed a location recce and had already met with the Harbour Master to reserve the exact positions we required for photography on the jetty and shoreline.
This location offered the opportunity to combine sunlight and flash to great effect. When working on location I always try and work with the sun if possible. It means I can simplify lighting set ups and work faster.
Next stop was a cycle hire company based in the New Forest. After positioning the minibus and arranging a pleasing line up of bikes I turned my attention to the lighting. It was a little tricky here with the minibus in full sun but the side of the cycle hire shop in full shade. A carefully positioned flash head directed at the shop and flagged to make sure no light spilled onto the minibus did the trick.
On route to our next photography location we had to drive through the New Forest. The sun was in the perfect position so we took the opportunity to pull over and create some quick images. Essential kit for these shots was my trusty step ladder and someone to steady it so I didn’t fall off!
Our final photography location of the day was a campsite located on the edge of the New Forest. Great location at the perfect time of year with the trees heavy with blossom. This was another set up that used combined sun light and flash creating a set of well balanced images.
I am happy to say the client is extremely pleased with the finished images and with their decision to invest in professional photography. The images from this first photography commission are already being used to great marketing effect and a second shoot in the Cotswolds is in the planning.
If you or your company requires a professional Commercial Photographer for commercial automotive photography then please contact me today.
