Creating a mixed media national campaign | TV Commercial and advertising photography
Recently, I had the opportunity to work on a week-long digital campaign for Shearings, one of the UK’s leading coach travel holiday companies. With a team of 10 cast members and 8 crew members, we journeyed across the UK capturing some of the best holiday destinations our little island has to offer.
The Brief: To create a TV campaign with supporting advertising photography that got to the heart of what Shearings is all about... People! For this shoot, we were focussing on the amazing coach driver, Gary.. It was a creative balancing act, making sure the photography complemented the cinematic vision while maintaining its own distinct storytelling. Cinematographer, Joseph Harrington, and I worked closely to align our visuals and ensure a cohesive aesthetic across the mediums.
Collaboration was at the heart of this campaign. With so many moving parts, we needed an exceptional producer to pull it all together…. Evie Calaby… And pull it together she did! From liaising with the clients and creative teams over at the JMS Group and Accord, to keeping us on track with timings on set at each location - She was invaluable. Next up on the team we had the amazing Suzy love taking care of wardrobe and makeup to ensure that the brand identity was reflected in the styling choices throughout the cast.
One of the highlights of this shoot was the constant change in scenery. From quaint villages to rolling hills, every location was chosen to highlight Shearings’ appeal as a gateway to the UK’s most picturesque spots. This also meant adapting quickly to varying conditions... rain in one location, golden hour light in another. It kept things fresh and pushed us creatively.
For the stills, my focus was on capturing moments that felt authentic and aspirational. Whether it was a group of friends laughing as they boarded the coach or a couple soaking in a scenic view, the goal was to put the viewer right there in the middle of it!
Working alongside a TV commercial shoot brought its own set of challenges, like managing shared resources and timing shots between takes. But it also offered opportunities, like leveraging the cinematic lighting setups that Joseph’s team created. Communication was key, and I’m proud of how we navigated the demands of both productions.
This campaign was a reminder of how fulfilling it can be to work on projects that blend technical skill, creativity, and teamwork. Travelling across the UK with such a talented crew, and bringing Garys’ story to life, was an experience I won’t forget.
If you’re interested in learning more about how campaigns like this come together, or if you have a project in mind... I’d love to chat!
“CREATIVITY IS A WILD MIND AND A DISCIPLINED EYE.”