Vantage Customs Photoshoot

Reflection:
For this project, I worked as a photographer in my first real-world professional experience. Going into the shoot, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves, as it was my first time working in a truly professional setting. I wasn’t entirely sure how everything would come together, but I quickly realised that the best approach was to trust my instincts, stay focused, and fully commit to the process.

The weather conditions were far from ideal, with dull skies and inconsistent lighting throughout the day. However, as I was photographing a campervan, these conditions ultimately worked in my favour. The slightly moody atmosphere complemented the purpose and lifestyle associated with van life, adding a sense of realism and authenticity to the final images. Instead of fighting the conditions, I adapted to them and used them creatively to strengthen the outcome.

During the shoot, I noticed that I was quite passive in my approach. I tended to observe and react rather than take control of the creative direction. Reflecting on this, I now understand the importance of finding a balance between meeting client expectations and confidently applying my own creative vision. Building that confidence is something I see as essential for future work.

The editing process was a particularly strong aspect of this project. My goal was to highlight the rugged nature of van life, and I focused on enhancing the greens in the environment to contrast with the white and black tones of the campervan. This created a bold and visually engaging colour palette that helped bring depth and character to the images.

Behind the scenes:
I wasn’t able to capture any behind-the-scenes content, mainly due to my unfamiliarity with the location and limited preparation time. However, this also pushed me to rely on my instincts and adapt quickly under pressure, which proved to be a valuable learning experience.

Overall, I’m very happy with how the project turned out. It gave me real insight into what it takes to work with professionals and small businesses, while also highlighting areas for growth. In future projects, I plan to take more creative control, communicate ideas more clearly, and prioritise location scouting to ensure I am fully prepared.