Our recent lifestyle commercial photoshoot with 7 Deadly Swims, a female-owned swimwear brand, is a perfect case study in bringing a brand to life through it's photography. This shoot wasn’t just about showcasing swimwear—it was about telling a story of empowerment, style, and authenticity.
For small business owners, especially in the fashion industry, captivating and authentic product photography is essential to standing out in a crowded market.
How We Planned the 7 Deadly Swims Lifestyle Photoshoot
Creative Concept & Planning
Mood Board. Location. Models. Timing.
Concept: To kick things off, we took a deep dive into the 7 Deadly Swims brand to fully understand its message and how it should be reflected in the product photography. What makes this brand stand out? What makes it unique? The client’s goal was to showcase their swimwear in a way that felt authentic, sexy, and empowering, embracing all body types and personal styles. The message? Active swimwear doesn’t have to be boring or shapeless—it can be sexy, too.
Models: We carefully curated a selection of six models and worked closely with the client to choose the three who best embodied the brand’s vision.
Location: Because the brand is all about movement and confidence, we needed a location that reflected that energy — and would deliver a backdrop that would resonate with the customers buying the swimwear. We chose Greenwich Beach, the open shoreline and rolling dunes provided an ideal backdrop for our movement-based shots, reinforcing the brand’s message that fashion-forward swimwear can also be functional and empowering.
We scheduled the 2.5-hour shoot to start an hour before sunset. This timing gave us the perfect window to capture two distinct lighting styles:
HOW IT STARTED - BRIGHT & FULL SUNSHINE
HOW IT ENDED - SOFT & GOLDEN HOUR
Props and Lifestyle Integration: Understanding the brand’s identity, we incorporated props like surfboards, sunglasses, and hats, ensuring the swimwear wasn’t just worn - but brought to life through movement and action.
The Final Outcome:
Authentic, Sexy, and Empowering Swimwear for the Active Woman
Our Approach to Professional Product Photography and Lifestyle Branding
Every lifestyle commercial photoshoot we do is a blend of creativity, strategic planning, and execution. We start with the brand’s vision, gather inspiration from mood boards, and then handle everything — from model selection and location scouting to the final click of the camera. This approach ensures that every piece of swimwear product photography we produce is not only visually stunning but also true to the brand’s identity.
Our advice for small business owners?
💡 Work with professionals who understand all the intricate details that go into a successful branding shoot.
Show us your product and your vibe, and let us take it from there. We guarantee that we’ll not only meet your expectations but exceed them, delivering photos that not only look great but also resonate with your target audience.
Q: What is a lifestyle / commercial photoshoot?
A: A lifestyle / commercial photoshoot blends the elements of everyday life with product photography. It captures products in real-life situations, helping to convey a brand’s identity and message. In the case of swimwear, this might include models engaging in activities like surfing, swimming, or simply enjoying a day at the beach, all while showcasing the product in a natural and engaging way.
Q: How does a lifestyle photoshoot differ from a standard product photoshoot?
A: While a standard product photoshoot focuses solely on the product, often in a studio setting with controlled lighting and backgrounds, a lifestyle photoshoot places the product within a real-world context. This type of shoot aims to tell a story, highlighting how the product fits into the consumer's life, making it more relatable and appealing to potential buyers.
Q: Why is professional product photography important for my brand?
A: Professional product photography is crucial because it creates a lasting impression of your brand. High-quality images can significantly influence purchasing decisions, improve your brand’s credibility, and make your products stand out in a competitive market. In a lifestyle commercial photoshoot, the added elements of real-world context help potential customers envision using your products, thereby increasing engagement and sales.
Q: What kind of planning is involved in a lifestyle commercial photoshoot?
A: Planning is extensive and involves understanding the brand’s vision, choosing the right models, selecting an ideal location, and deciding on props that enhance the product’s appeal. We also coordinate with the client to create a mood board, which guides the shoot’s creative direction, ensuring that every aspect aligns with the brand’s message and marketing goals (and yes, you can come to the shoot if you want!).
Q: Can you help with the creative direction and concept for the shoot?
A: Absolutely! We handle everything from the initial concept to the final execution. We work closely with you to understand your brand and product, and then we create a comprehensive plan that includes selecting models, locations, props, and a shooting schedule. Our goal is to make the process seamless for you, so you can focus on your business while we bring your vision to life.
Q: How long does a typical lifestyle commercial photoshoot take?
A: The duration of a lifestyle commercial photoshoot can vary depending on the complexity of the shoot, the number of locations, and the variety of shots required. Typically, a shoot can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day. We plan everything meticulously in advance to ensure we make the most of our time on set.
Q: How will the photos from the shoot be delivered?
A: After the shoot, we carefully edit and retouch the photos to ensure they meet the highest standards. The final images are delivered to you in high-resolution digital format, ready for use on your website, social media, and marketing materials.
Q: How do I book a lifestyle commercial photoshoot?
A: Booking is easy! You can contact us through our website or give us a call to discuss your needs. We’ll set up an initial consultation to understand your brand and vision, after which we’ll handle all the planning and logistics to ensure your shoot is a success.
