THE VISION
This shoot started when I pitched the idea of a photoshoot with Vacation. I knew I wanted to create something that aligned perfectly with their current photo style. I also expressed excitement about shooting with 35mm film. The concept was to capture the playful experience of their whipped sunscreen, and I pictured a shoot that was trendy and vibrant. The idea to produce an all red theme was set to enhance the visual impact of each individual product. Ensuring that each image would not only be eye-catching but also resonate deeply with the brand's identity.
THe PLanning
Planning is key to a successful photoshoot. From the beginning, I was determined to make sure every element—from the props to the models—contributed to the cohesive story we wanted to tell. The first step was pitching the idea of incorporating Dorne jewelry to style the models, which added a touch of elegance and detail to the overall look. I worked closely with Vacation to coordinate the overall look and feel, including deciding on the whipped sunscreen and the traditional tube sunscreen for the shoot. I created detailed mood boards and plans, which was essential in aligning everyone in the creative direction.
The Execution
The execution of the shoot was where all the planning came to life. Initially, we were set to work with another bikini brand, but after some reconsideration and deciding to reach for the stars, I pitched LSPACE and was appalled in the best way possible when their marketing team said "YES". Their vibrant, high-quality pieces perfectly complemented the aesthetic we were going for and were ideal for both email marketing and social media content. We focused on their burnt orange, red and white bikinis, which paired beautifully with the all-red vintage theme and the whipped sunscreen from Vacation.
I searched thrift stores for the details that brought this vision to life. I found a 1963 magazine, which added a nostalgic touch to the setup. We styled the models with red scarves, red lipstick, and red sunglasses, which added the perfect touch of the retro, yet a fresh vibe we aimed to achieve. To elevate the shoot further, we included props like strawberries, cherries, and an old camcorder, adding different decades of time and story to the photos.
Shooting began early in the morning, under a gloomy sky that eventually turned into the perfect sunlight, allowing us to capture a range of moods. The entire process was seamless. There was an amazing collaboration amongst the creators, the models and of course the brands. Sami, our model, was incredibly easy to work with, bringing the energy and charisma that the shoot needed.
The outcome
The final images were everything we had hoped for and more. The vibrant reds, the vintage elements, and the nostalgic feel of the 35mm film all came together to create a series that truly captured the essence of Vacation’s brand as well as the other brands involved. Each image told a story, from the playful shots with the whipped sunscreen to the elegant poses in LSPACE bikinis. Reflecting on this shoot, I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with such creative minds and to bring a vision to life that was both visually stunning and perfectly aligned with each brands' identity.