Upon receiving a request from the Dorset String Quartet, I was tasked with curating a collection of images tailored to their upcoming website, social media platforms, and accompanying blog articles. With a comprehensive understanding of the client's identity and objectives in mind, I initiated the project by conducting extensive background research to gain insights into the ensemble's essence and artistic vision. This preliminary phase allowed me to grasp the nuances of their musical style, aesthetic preferences, and overarching goals, laying a solid foundation for the subsequent creative process. By prioritising thorough client engagement and meticulous attention to detail from the outset, I aimed to ensure the seamless alignment of the imagery with the ensemble's brand identity and messaging across various digital platforms.
Commercial Photography for The Dorset String Quartet
The Dorset String Quartet is a group of highly talented, classically trained musicians who perform throughout the South West and have a wide-ranging repertoire. They can perform at any live event that would value a beautiful performance from some talented classical musicians.
For me, classical music always seems to conjure up an atmosphere and imagery rooted in dreams and deep thoughts.
I wanted the images to stand out from the crowd online. There are a lot of classical quartets around, and I was wondering if we could create a unique style, which would improve their visibility online.
I‘ve always admired the work of Annie Leibowitz, an incredible photographer from the USA. She puts her subjects in environments that are not always totally relevant to that particular person.
She uses artificial light outdoors, which creates a very unique feel, and it helps the subject stand out from the background.
I really liked the idea of photographing these people in an environment that is not the norm for a classical Quartet, not in a concert hall or on stage.
The Dorset Countryside
The Dorset countryside, especially the beautiful coastline, felt like a great place to start. I had been to Swanage recently and loved the old quarry at Winspit. It has amazing stone areas that have been carved away into the hillside and have left stone areas that, to me, felt like a natural amphitheatre. After showing the Dorset String Quartet some images from the quarry, they agreed it would be a great place to shoot.
Understanding the Ensemble and Creative Brief
I approached the owners of the quarry, and they were happy let us shoot there for half a day. The weather was really important, and I knew it needed to be a lovely sunny day. We had a weather call two days before the shoot day, just in case we had to postpone.
After all, I was going to be using high-powered flash heads outdoors with electricity.
The Dorset String Quartet brought a few outfit changes to add variety to the shots.
I used a diffused battery-powered flash head aimed through a soft box. Using high-speed sync, I could reduce the shutter speed so that the background was perfectly exposed and I could get that clean studio-type lighting on the subjects.
The band were pleased with the pictures and is using them throughout their website and social media.
Winspit is now being used as a location for filming a new Star Wars series.
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