Brand photography for Key IS.
Working as a brand and marketing photographer takes me to a variety of locations, working with people from all walks of life. I get to see how their business works and then have to tell that story in photography. I was commissioned by agency https://opportunus.co.uk to document the workings of their client Key IS. Key IS are a bespoke engineering firm who install and maintain mechanical and engineering systems across the UK.
My job was to create a series of images that portrayed the dynamic and detailed nature of their work. As with all commissioned work from creative agencies, Opportunus sent over the brief which outlined key areas, any specific images and how these images were to be used further down the line.
The first stage of the photography process was in the client’s office, documenting how they work in the design and creation process. As with lots of office photography, there’s a huge wave of unease when I appear with cameras and lights. My first job is to relax people and get them all on side. The process is often easier than they expect and most are pretty comfortable after a few minutes.
The location work takes a bit more prep and we’re often working for large companies with quite strict health and safety procedures. SIt’s often hard hats and safety footwear and I’ve acquired a good selection of high vis vests over the years. I’ll work with an assistant who will help with carrying kit, setting up lights and testing the lighting process. I use one or two regular freelancers who have got to know me and the way I work, so the process normally runs pretty smoothly. Not all shots work out exactly how we had planned and sometimes we don’t get the luxury of a recce so we have to react pretty quickly. On the other hand, we often come back with surprise images that weren’t expected. I often have to reign myself in from getting carried away as an opportunity creates great visuals. You know, just when the light changes and everything starts to get a bit dramatic!
Working as a commercial photographer has taken me to a huge range of places all over the UK and given me a good nuts and bolts insight into how some business operate. Working with branding agencies and seeing the process that goes into the creation of their clients brands never ceases to amaze me. Those little details, the obsession with fonts, pantone references and other details that most people wouldn't normally pick out. Spending money on a good creative agency is money well spent and then sending me on the subsequent photo shoot is most definitely well spent!
