I am usually at one of The Chinthurst Group’s beautifully finished projects shooting images for their website. Today we were doing a Branding Shoot at their Design Studio and Workshop in the beautiful Surrey countryside .
The Design Studio
First location for our branding shoot was the lovely Design Studio Office. It’s a great space where Ben and Claire have their desks day to day. It also doubles up as the meeting place for their clients. I wanted to keep the lovely natural light coming from the window, with a strobe light firing into a 120cm soft-box (camera right) to add balance. A little reflector panel was low on left side of the table to bouncing some light back in to the shadows ….we were ready to go!
The aim of today was to produce a collection of images for them to use on their website and social media. To introduce their audience to the human face of the team behind all the construction and woodworking craftsmanship of this family-run business. We were joined by The Brand Storyteller, Lidia Rumley who was working with them on this company branding project.
The Design Studio is not only the office and meeting area. Surrounded by cabinets and beautiful carpentry, you are effectively sitting inside a life-size brochure of the Chinthurst craftsmanship.
BTS with HMUA
Claire had organised Sophie Mills, to be with us today for Hair and Makeup. There would be several outfit changes throughout the shoot and Sophie was unhand to keep Claire looking lovely for the photos. Ben wasn’t letting Sophie anywhere near him with those straighteners though
The Workshop
Walk just a few meters from the Design Studio and we were straight into the Workshop… where Henry would say the real magic happens. Turning digital plans and wood into beautiful kitchen units and cabinets for their clients.
By shooting tethered straight to the laptop I was able to apply some of my motorsport ‘moody style’ edits saved as a preset in Lightroom. It’s quick to do and makes a big impression when the guys could see how these images were coming out.
The Busy Team
The Chinthurst Group are a small but incredibly busy team. This is a family-run business and that ‘family’ feeling can be felt throughout the whole team. They work together and play together, often having BBQs on the HQ farm.
I’m really looking forwards to shooting a fantastic project currently under construction next year, that’s going to be an awesome shoot…. watch this space!
