Advertorial Commercial Shoot For Aaduki by Greg Daly With Professional Photographer Magazine and a Photo TV appearance.
Last August we were thrilled to announce NEWS of our Competition WIN in Professional Photographer Magazine, PLUS the prize was a Major Commercial Photo AD Campaign shoot for national company Aaduki Multimedia Insurance.
Well that time finally arrived, to get the wheels in motion, and set about arranging and finalising the locations, models, props, make-up, clothing and outfit changes, praying for kind weather, co-ordinating and liaising with the team and interested parties which would finally be assembled or involved, at the locations in South Cheshire, for it all to happen during a tightly scheduled timeline – all during one day of photographing, when light conditions would be challenging and variable for all three scenarios, and themes being portrayed, given the time of the year and the different environments being utilised, as well a client brief which needed to be fulfilled.
The themes:
The Professional Photographer competition, was to provide photography advertising concept themes for the client, to remodel, restyle and reshoot a series of High Profile Advertising Campaigns for Aaduki, inspired by three iconic movies, film stills and photos: Knight and Day, Fred with Tyres and Lady Chatterley’s Lover, only with a twist, and role reversal, i.e. male lead, now becomes female point of reference in the main, and vice versa.
Taking on the challenge of producing not one but three iconic images that would appeal to professional photographers alike is no easy feat; then couple that with each image selected for the advertorial campaign, needing to be of individual merit, strong and eye catching, to match the marketing; and the logistics of pulling that all together to capture in one day at different locations, each with a range of environmental considerations, the weather conditions, travelling between set-ups, and making best use of light hours, but having the know how to bolster the lighting technically with our own portable light rigs and pro kit, was essential to delivering a successful set of images for both the client and Professional Photographer Magazine, so they would be able to finalise their ultimate three images for the annual ad campaign and for publishing nationally, to represent the Aaduki brand strongly and reliably.
No pressure then!
The locations:
Knight and Day – Film still for front cover of the DVD with Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz riding big motor bike through the streets. We contacted Honda, who were keen to help us. We were also pleased the local dealership saw the potential for them in being involved. Roger and his team at Honda Motorcyle Centre, Crewe were so helpful and accommodating – so refreshing when you meet people who want to collaborate like this and can see the mutual benefit in doing so with other local businesses. We had a selection of super powerful motorbikes to choose from, to utilise and drool over on the day, and an area of their showroom and display floor space was cleared especially for us to use and spread out within on the day, which was all ready for when we arrived to set up our gear. We can’t thank you enough Roger.
Fred with Tyres – The recognisable and iconic quintessential picture originally shot by Herb Ritts of Fred with Tyres. We contacted a very local family garage, Simpson and Edge Garage, Nantwich, to see if they would be available and interested in our borrowing their mechanical workshop for a couple of shots. They were very interested, and in fact handed over their location to us for a couple of hours. We found fantastic light filtering through at the time of the day we had scheduled to be there. The mechanics, technicians and engineers were brilliant, helping us to move pieces of equipment and tools, along with providing spare tyres, crow bars, turning up the radio and heaters to take the chill off for the models. Thanks chaps, and see you soon.
Lady Chatterley’s Lover – A DH Lawrence classic, censored at the time due to it’s steamy nature. This called for an outdoors location set up in a countryside backdrop, and closeness from the models, with a hint of secrecy, passion and intimacy. Temperature on the day was biting and well below zero degrees. The lake channel was frozen over, and everyone’s breath could be seen. We’d utilised the local bistro facilities nearby to make costume changes, but nothing could quite prepare for the sheer numbing nature outside. Once again the models were jolly and delightful in doing exactly what was requested of them. Given they didn’t know each other at all since that first meet and greet that very morning, asking anyone to get up close and personal to provide smouldering non shivering poses is quite something, and not everyone can pull it off. They did though, beautiful images from two models who really played their part on the day.
The models:
It is important when undertaking any client shoot to understand the brief and requirements – what is their expectation, and then ask yourself can you deliver, and what do you need to make sure you nail it.
For us, the models are key with any commercial advertorial photo shoot.
So much so, that with most advertising photography work requiring models, who can accept direction, have great attitude’s and willingness to get the job done, we look to hire in professional models, for their ability to understand what is required, can do attitudes, and work ethics.
Our models were absolute stars. Neither knew each other before the shoot, but you would never know that. Sourced from Mentor Model Agency, they arrived on time, in great spirits, and were a joy to work with throughout every part of each of the shoot sessions. Thank you Laura and Akil for being so amazing and fabulous, immensely eager and willing. You were such great people to work with; we had huge fun photographing you both. We’ll be in touch soon ref some portfolio shots as our personal thank you to you.
Ably assisted by:
Fellow Ashford Daly Photographer and partner Mary Ashford (all things planning and organising behind the scenes, as well as my essential back up photographer on the day), and my camera gear assistant Spencer Hickson (who definitely received a workout, and had no need for the gym for the rest of that week – so we’re told).Photo TV appearance:
Showreel:
A sneak peek of the photographic workings and logistics required, during one day out in the field, with multiple set-ups in and at different locations in the South Cheshire region, whilst capturing three new advertising image shots for the annual advertising campaign for Aaduki Multimedia Insurance - filmed by Jessica Bracey of Photo TV. Thanks Jess ;o)
Click link below to preview video showreel:
http://www.professionalphotographer.co.uk/PhotoTV/?vbtvid=SCafcFGmHHEThe results:
A stunning final set of images from three very different photo shoots and themes, fulfilling the client brief, and presented to magazine publication production standard.
Professional Photographer Magazine and client Aaduki are both ecstatic over the results attained. Selection for the final three advertorial photographs to be used commercially was a challenging decision to make, from the final set presented. So many more pictures apparently could have been used for the marketing efforts and promotional drive too we’re told.
First national advert published and running in the Professional Photographer Magazine title in June 2013.
Our imagery will be featuring across 12 months of promotions and marketing activity, in magazine publishing and commercial advertising campaigns.
Exposure:
Full page adverts will be appearing nationally throughout 2013/2014 (the next twelve month period) in Professional Photographer Magazine and other leading publishing house titles, to the general public, trade and industry, for Aaduki, featuring imagery shot by Cheshire, Berkshire and UK photographers Ashford Daly Photography.
Original blog article featured on the Ashford Daly Magazine online here:
http://www.ashforddalyphotography.com/blog/advertorial-shoot-with-professional-photographer-magazine-for-aaduki-by-ashford-daly/
Contact:
You can contact the Nantwich based photographers Ashford Daly Photography here, for further information about their wedding photography, family portraits, contemporary lifestyle sessions, equestrian commissions, fashion and style portfolios, commercial assignments or the Ashford Daly fine art limited edition print collections – they cover Cheshire, Berkshire, London and across the United Kingdom by appointment:
Tel: +44 (0) 7709 522626 – for customers interested in booking or enquiring about our photographic services and products only please.
Web: www.ashforddalyphotography.com/
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