Studio Pottery Photography
This pottery photography was done very recently for a Stoke-on-Trent ceramics manufacturer. The Image Factory studio received a phone call in the morning and were asked if we could possibly collect the ware and then photograph and supply the image the same day! Andrew was out on a location shoot at the time but was able to collect the items on his way back to the studio and then this and a few individual items were all photographed. The work was completed on time and the images were sent to America to meet their deadline. As with all types of work the lighting is a crucial element. Here we needed to create some mood and at the same time use reflections to highlight the relief in the ware. Our client, Royal Stafford were very happy and have kindly given us permission to use this image on our blog and social media.
15 Jun 2016 in Studio Photography, by
Location Food Photography With A Difference
We recently traveled to a Southport location on a hot and sunny day to photograph a mushroom farm for Freshview Foods. I did not know what to expect so when I got there I was amazed at the set up. After being dressed in overalls, hair net and two masks we entered the ‘shed’ to find what looked like something from another planet. There were row upon row of mushrooms at various stages of development and it was incredibly humid. One of the biggest difficulties we faced was the light, or lack of good quality light. Location photography like this can always be a challenge as you never know what you are about to confront but we captured some great atmospheric images. The image here has been used as a large graphic and really has an impact when you see it. If you would like to talk to us about any location or studio photography you might need please call us on 01782 577790 or contact us here.
Brochure Photography
Brochure photography is a major part of what we do here at The Image Factory, Stoke on Trent. This image was taken for Dunoon mugs of Stone, Staffordshire recently and was used as their 2016 brochure back cover. Please click on this link to see more of their brilliant designs and more of our photography. On this project we worked closely with Origin Studios who designed the brochure layout. We get given a brief, page layout showing where text is to go and props to use in shots and then each image is sent to the client via email for approval. The great thing about professional photography these days is that one image can do a multitude jobs. For example this image was used in the 2016 catalogue, on the clients website and used as part of an email advertising campaign. Good value!  
24 May 2016 in Studio Photography, by
Pack Shot for Michelin Lifestyle
Pack shots are something we do a lot here at The Image Factory in Stoke-on-Trent. In essence these are very straight forward images to capture, the description is this – noun: (in advertising) a close-up picture of the advertised product in its packaging. In reality it can be quite different, you’ll know this is you have tried to capture an image of you product yourself. You can get reflections where you don’t want them, you can get no detail where you would like to show some and maybe the colour does not look correct. Using a time served professional photographer should negate these problems. If you are in any doubt to the value a professional photographer can add to you the items you are trying to advertise simply come into our studio and let us take a test shot for you. Compare this to what you have done yourself and you WILL see the difference. The image shown here was taken recently for Michelin Lifestyle. They asked us to take several pack shots showing various angles of the new Bibendum for an upcoming release. On the face of it it sounds very simple, however consider we had to capture Bibendum […]
22 May 2016 in Studio Photography, by
Precision Engineering
When a local precision engineering company in Stoke on Trent was recently bought by KMF Limited we were asked to go in and capture some interesting images. The shots needed were of the factory, the staff and machinery and had to show all elements of the processes used. Some of the products they make were brought back to the studio to photograph. Here we have much more control of the lighting etc and with over 25 years experience photographing products like these much better results could be achieved. The images shown are just three of a series but hopefully demonstrate that items like this can look stunning. If you are not happy with how your business is being presented please contact us.
12 May 2016 in Studio Photography, by
Capturing Texture
A few months ago Craven Dunnill came to our studio and asked us to photograph a series of small ceramic tiled sets for their website and for use in brochures etc. Here is one of the images taken that day. We have tried to create a realistic enviroment (coffee shop) and light it in such a way to show the tiles and their wonderful textures. The shallow depth of field helps concentrate the eye on what it is our client manufactures and creates a feeling of depth within the image. If you would like to talk to us about any photography your company may need please call us on 01782 577790 or use this form.
10 May 2016 in Studio Photography, by
Caught on Camera in Liverpool
Site photography in such a wonderful building as St. Georges Hall, Liverpool was always going to be a great location shoot for us at The Image Factory. I personally love architecture, I love looking at it & photographing it! Our client Craven Dunnill from Bridgnorth had commissioned us to photograph one of the areas of floor they’d been asked to restore, but wasn’t quite expecting what I saw when we entered the hall. The floor was vast, the whole hall was massive & the challenge was going to combining the natural light with the lighting we’d taken with us so we could see the restoration work & also capture the ‘mood’ of the place. Here’s a couple of images of me photographing some of the smaller areas of floor.
06 May 2016 in Location Photography, by
FREE Food Photography
At The Image Factory we often have promotions & at the moment we are offering a FREE food photography test shot to any local restaurants, pubs, cafes etc. Last week The Mirchi, Stoke on Trent asked us along to photograph one of their dishes. The owner Kishore showed us around so we could choose an area in which to do the shot & then introduced us to the chef so we could discuss what it was he was making & the dishes to serve it in. The smell of all the spices coming from the kitchen made it a little difficult to concentrate it was so lovely but soon we were set up & ready to go. Together we came up with the image featured here which we thought gave a good impression of the food served at The Mirchi & the warmth of the environment. As a rule we usually photograph food in a slightly less busy way, maybe from above with some utensils etc & using a shallow depth of field to give that soft focus feel, but as always we listen to the client & give them what they want first. If you would like to take […]
Team Shots Don’t Have To Be Boring!
We were recently asked by a car exhaust manufacturer to their factory on location in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire to take a nice group photograph of three members of the management team for their marketing materials including website, brochures & social media. Well, an easy option would be to take the photograph around the boardroom table or under the sign at the entrance so we thought we’d go for a different look. We explained our idea to the client and they were more than happy to ‘give it a go’. We’re so glad they did as we really like the finished result – it shows the scale of the factory, their position within the company and they look nice and friendly too! If you what to see more of our creative team photography check out our portfolio, or call us on 07957 188620 or via our contact form.
Making a Splash in Photography
Photographing a white ceramic beaker on a white background sounds like it’s not going to be the most exciting photography commission ever I agree. However, this is what we were asked to do by Promotional Ceramics of Fenton & with a little creative thinking at our studio we think we have given this ceramics image the wow factor. In combination with creating a splash we have lit the subject in a way that the shadow on the ground makes it look ‘grounded’ & the shadow on the mug helps separate it from the background. We got some really good feedback from the shot from the client, on our Facebook page & on Twitter.