Remote Studio Photography: How it works in 4 simple steps

We’re often asked if we can set up remote studio photography shoots, and the answer is a resounding YES!  

And with the most recent announcements, clients need updated, relevant photography now, to ensure they have images ready to relaunch in style. A remote photography session is the way to achieve this, safety and creatively.

Working to the Covid-19 Government guidelines on social distancing and minimising personal contact, we have still been able to provide our amazing clients with fresh imagery and videography. 

In fact, we count ourselves very lucky to have been busy throughout the last twelve challenging months, working mainly in the comfort and security of our west London photography studio while working remotely with our clients.

No, it’s not that we are tucked away on a remote, exotic island…. sadly! 

But the shoots are ‘remote’ in the sense that we and our clients are at two separate locations while still working together towards the shared goal of creating product photography and videography.  

How does a remote studio photography shoot work?

Like any professional photography shoot, a remote studio photoshoot is very much a creative process.  
With the client at a remote location, and not in the photography studio as they would otherwise be, it just needs a little more logistical planning and time.  

Step 1 – A date is agreed for the remote photography shoot 

When commissioning us for a remote photography shoot, our clients are made aware that they will need to be present and available online on the day. 

They will need to view, feedback on and approve the setups before we start photographing products, and to be available constantly throughout the shoot since ‘popping’ on and off a Zoom call causes delays if we need to wait for feedback.

A remote photography shoot is still very much a team effort. Even though we aren’t all physically together, we are creatively together for the entire duration.

Step 2 - Products are sent to the photography studio

We must have everything in good time so that we can make sure we have everything we need and are ready to go on the day of the shoot.


Step 3 – Shoot day!

The shoot day starts with us sending over a weblink to our clients, art directors, and anyone else who needs to give approval and feedback during the shoot.  

We do a couple of test shots, to make sure everyone is online and can view the images as we take them. The web link allows teams to view the images as we shoot them, and they can be viewed on the client’s computer, iPad or mobile phone – wherever they are.  

Once all that is confirmed, off we go!

Step 4 – Image edits and final versions sent to the client

When everything has been shot and approved by the client, it’s a wrap!  

For the client, there’s then just the excitement of waiting to receive the final images and videos from the shoot.

For us, we still have work to do. All images are then edited and finalised before sending to the client via email. 

Remote studio photography shoots are the future (for now at least!)

Despite missing the in-person interaction, we do enjoy remote studio photography shoots. 

The benefits are many.  

• Our clients no longer physically need to be in the studio yet can still be as involved as they would otherwise be,

• Feedback and approval can either be via phone or WhatsApp links and are actioned instantly. So, if you want to try a different plate or product to the one seen in the image, no problem! It’s all done in real-time. We simply set up, tweak, shoot and get approval before moving onto the next set up.

• We all still work as a cohesive team towards the same shared objective, and it works as well as if the client is there with us. Seamlessly!

Successful remote studio photography shoots to date

Successful remote photography shoots carried out in our studio this year include:

Paul Patisserie: Food photoshoots for their Valentine’s, and Mother’s Day campaigns.

These shoots are always ambitious but, with careful planning, we achieve the full shot list which includes stills and video material for social media.

The Paul creative team provide a helpful proposed layout plan for their campaign shots as a guide.  These are invaluable when setting shots up to know where copy and logos are going to be, and it saves so much time.
 
On the larger campaign shoots, we also have our stylist with us in the studio to make sure the setups look especially gorgeous.  Extra Covid-19 safety precautions are taken whenever additional people are in the studio with us.


Panzer’s Deli: Food and product photoshoots for their wonderful hampers 

We’ve been photographing for Panzer’s Deli for a few years now, and always love having the team, and their delicious goodies in the studio.  

Again, for a remote photography shoot, the products are delivered to the studio in advance. 

We have a specific set up for the Panzer’s hampers, so it’s a case of displaying the products perfectly with some lifestyle styling options.  Everything within the hampers is of the highest quality so it’s a joy to photograph (although there’s always something that just wants to roll off the set mid-shot. Usually the perfectly positioned lemon!). 

If you haven’t already been converted, I can highly recommend their Panzer’s own Granola - my favourite! They also now have the most gorgeous Panzer’s apron - another must-have.

Jo Group: Product photography for their W10 drinkware

From giant meerkats to penguins and eco drinkware – a remote product photoshoot for the team at Jo Group is always a delight.  

Find out more about the work we do for the Jo Group here. 

Need remote studio photography during the pandemic, and as we come out of lockdown? 

If you require professional food, product or lifestyle images and are interested in our remote studio photography service, get in touch today. 

At Giles Christopher, we specialise in food photography, drink photography, product photography and people & lifestyle photography.