*Notes
Highlight that the Photography will be in the 2025/ 26Website and social media campaign usage.
We were approached.
And with a snippet from the email we received, this explains why its important for your work to reflect what you do.
“We’re migrating to a new website and looking to update our website imagery and are looking for a photographer who specialises in lifestyle photography, with a particular focus on healthcare and brand storytelling….After reviewing your portfolio, I believe your style and expertise would be an excellent fit for our project.”
THE BRIEF
“We’re aiming for warm, authentic, and relatable imagery that highlights the positive impact of hearing care in various settings. The photos will be featured across our website, blog, and other digital platforms.
The shoot will focus on a mix of lifestyle and healthcare-related images, with settings that include home environments, nature, and our World of Hearing stores. I’ve attached a detailed brief outlining the creative direction, locations, and other key considerations.”
THE BRAND
Boots, as a British brand, has long been synonymous with trust, accessibility, and quality. With a history spanning over 170 years, it has evolved from a small herbal shop in Nottingham to a leading pharmacy and health retailer known for its wide range of products, including beauty, skincare, and personal care items. Boots’ commitment to supporting the health and well-being of the British public, combined with its strong presence across the UK and international markets, has made it a beloved and reliable brand. Being approached by Boots as an image producer was an incredible opportunity because of the brand’s deep connection to British consumers, its legacy of innovation in retail, and its ability to influence millions of people’s daily lives. Collaborating with such a renowned name allows for creative freedom while ensuring that the final product aligns with a brand that people trust and rely on, making the work even more impactful.
HOW AND WHERE
At this early stage the formalities are usually through emailing and are to sharing rates, a rough guide as to the process, how many days you estimate, an easy to read break down, financial wriggle room (outline things that may cost more once you look into it)
A the same time you shovel pencil in a video call which is what we did. It meant meeting your client face to face, which is a huge benefit to really understand them and their goals. And you get to meet the wider creative team they have internally. Which means communicating the visual output is better.
Boots have their own guidlesines, you ned to know to ask for any brands outlines. They have their own ideals and guidelines, colour pallets and its super important to learn this.
As you are an image maker you will need to see the clients scenario list. The list in this case is image that are relatable to hearing care, things you’d expect to see, and things then adding things perhaps that aren’t on their – creating the master shot slist. This list also helps you start to map out where you may shoot them, and how many models you need for each location.
We had a meeting with the creative and design team, and looked at the image sizes needed. This is important to consider for when you’re shooting as your also looking at layout for design formats in web, socials and campaigns. You’re shooting a story but also bearing in mind the practical use in design.
Models sourcing
We went through the scenarios and who typically might be in those scenarios – this helped us decipher which direction to head in for models. We consider culture, age, sex and combination shots couples, groups, friends, kids and family.
We use use various resources from our own talent list of models and actors and reached to our model and actors agencies. We sourced locally to keep to the budget. We consider day rates, usage rights, travel expenses.
Location sourcing
Now that we have explored the scenarios and thoroughly studied the brand ethos and color palettes, we turn our attention to locations. These locations must be practical while also reinforcing the story we aim to tell. Beyond functionality, they should be visually compelling, using shapes, textures, and colors to enhance the narrative. When selecting locations, it’s essential to consider not only their practicality but also their aesthetic appeal and how well they align with the overall concept.
Quoting and getting signed off
There comes a point after estimating costs and finalising actual expenses when a quote must be submitted. By this stage, 98% of the project has been thoroughly planned and considered, and the client’s approval is required. It’s important to allow a small margin for flexibility, as long as this has been communicated and agreed upon in advance.
Styling
The style guide we put together for the photoshoot with Boots was inspired by the combinations shots we had to achieve and brand colour palette.
We use their guide to reference colours, and also looked at location we know featured those colours. We wanted to models to look and feel relatable.
Time management
The photoshoots were scheduled over a four-day period, with early starts, carefully mapped-out locations, and model arrivals staggered throughout the day. The production team, including the photographer, assistant, and location managers, arrived early to set up. Hair and makeup teams also began their work at this time, ensuring everything was in place. Models arrived at their allocated times, aligning with the schedule to keep the shoot running smoothly.
Props
One of our shoot days took place inside a Boots store in Chester, where we had to work around their schedule while assessing the gadgets available on-site. Collaborating with the Boots team, we determined which hearing aid devices would be best to shoot off-site, considering which products were most visually suitable and where they would be used. Effective communication with the client and their team was crucial to ensure we captured the right products in the best settings with the models.
Additionally, we had to consider various props to enhance the scenes, including dining in restaurants, enjoying ice cream, sitting in a car, and creating the right atmosphere for each shot. Ensuring all necessary props were available on the day was essential for a smooth and successful shoot.
Food
We had to keep the team fed and watered and to keep all creatives happy!!! Working this into budget and schedule was part of the role as production.
On the day team
For this particular shoot, we had a small efficient on-the-day team, including hair and makeup artists, an assistant, location managers, models and Boots staff. It was essential that everyone involved in the campaign had direct access to a point of contact on the day, a role managed by the production manager. They also ensured that everyone was fully briefed on what was expected throughout the shoot. Keeping everyone informed allowed the day to run smoothly and maintained the energy levels needed for success. This was especially important for this shoot, as it required not just traditional modelling but also acting skills, all while staying on top of the schedule and managing the featured gadgets.
END RESULT
The final outcome of the shoot is a stunning collection of high-quality photographs that truly capture the essence of the campaign. Each image has been carefully crafted to tell a compelling story while maintaining visual impact and brand consistency.
The imagery is versatile and designed for multiple platforms, ensuring it can be used across various marketing channels, from print to digital. This flexibility allows the brand to maximize its reach and engagement.
Beyond aesthetics, the shoot delivers strong, positive messaging that resonates with the audience. The images evoke warmth, connection, and authenticity, reinforcing the brand’s identity and values.
At the heart of the campaign are relatable stories, such as the touching bond between a grandparent and grandchild. These moments add emotional depth, making the visuals more engaging and meaningful.
With all elements thoughtfully executed, the final assets are seamlessly ready for the next stage of the design process, ensuring a smooth transition into the campaign’s final presentation and rollout.
WEBSITE TO COME BOOTS 2025
