I have worked with Oztent for a number of years now. From shooting their products in studio to outdoor lifestyle shoots with products insitu and with talent in mock camp setups.
For the studio shoots the main brief was to capture detailed images that would be used on packaging and on their website. This included hero shots, details of product features to instruction images.
As we headed outdoors the brief sometimes stayed the same but Oztent wanted to show the product in its natural environment, creating more inspiring images of not just product but also place. As the shoots expanded adding talent was needed to show scale and use as well as creating imagery that inspired people to get outdoors with Oztent products.
Like any photoshoot, there are always problems and the challenges on how to overcome them. Shooting for Oztent and their products has been no different to any other commercial work.
Products with fabrics have wrinkles. Products that are smooth and reflective show every item in the studio behind the camera, even the lights and camera. Choosing locations, time of day and talent all have their own inherent challenges and only with experience and working closely with the client can they be overcome ensuring the desired images meet a standard both parties are happy with.
Another skillset that adds value is an appreciation for the outdoors. I have used many products and understand how most work and what they should look like. Choosing locations from past personal trips also makes it easier when it come to choosing shot locations. Its the small little details that matter in the job and when you already enjoy what you are shooting it makes all the difference in the final result.
