Shooting Outdoor Lifestyle Content | Cornwall
Last week, I wrapped my biggest shoot of the new financial year so far—a two-day production in Cornwall that involved both photography and video content. While photography was the main focus (we had over 20 products to capture), I made sure to give equal attention to the video deliverables. It was a great opportunity for the client to showcase their new range across multiple platforms, and I wanted to make the most of it.
The job certainly had its challenges, but the entire process was a valuable reminder that—no matter what you're shooting—being organised is everything. Preparation sets the tone for success.
Keeping It Simple (When It’s Anything But)
With a crew of eight, a truckload of products, multiple shooting locations, and a long list of deliverables, it would’ve been easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why I kept things as simple and streamlined as possible wherever I could. Which included;
The Perfect Location
We selected a location that offered incredible variety—waterside backdrops, woodland walks, camping areas, interiors, and fireside settings—all within one place. Even better, it provided on-site accommodation for both crew and models. Being able to stay on location made those early morning call times much easier on everyone. It also came with essential amenities like toilets, showers, and self-catering facilities, which meant the team stayed well-rested, well-fed, and fully focused.
A Small but Versatile Crew
I wore multiple hats on this shoot—photographer, cinematographer, and director—which is a lot to juggle. So I made sure to include an assistant in the budget to help shoulder both the physical and mental load. I brought in a good friend and highly experienced filmmaker, who played a vital role in lighting tricky scenes, carrying gear across locations, keeping morale high, and acting as a sounding board for ideas on the fly.
Make a Plan
It may sound obvious, but planning really is the secret to a smooth shoot. I came armed with four pages of mood boards, backup location ideas, scenario options, and a detailed shot list with photo and video references. That plan stayed in my pocket—and in constant use—throughout the entire shoot.
Let the Arrow Fly
Apologies for the off-topic archery quote—but it’s a phrase I use all the time, and for good reason.
I spent a full month planning this shoot: shot lists, location scouts, mood boards, props, styling, emails, call sheets, schedules—the whole production package. It came with its fair share of stress, and throughout the month, I had moments of doubt about how everything would come together.
But that’s exactly why all the planning and prep work is so important. Once shoot day arrives, you want to be able to step back (at least a little), trust the process, and let the arrow fly. If you’ve done the work and set yourself up for success, the shoot should feel enjoyable—this is the part where you get to create, respond, and adapt.
Interestingly, it’s often the unplanned moments that end up being my favorites. They’re the shots that feel the most genuine and the ones that best represent my creative voice.
Final thoughts
In the end, shoots like this are a reminder of why I love what I do. The long hours, early starts, gear hauls, and constant decision-making all lead to those moments of creative clarity that make it worthwhile. It’s in the balance between structure and spontaneity that the best work often happens. And while no two productions are ever the same, one thing stays true—if you prepare well, stay adaptable, and trust your instincts, you’ll always be ready to let the arrow fly.
That’s a wrap.
Grateful to have such a great team on this one.