Stills To Catch The Eye

Our goal—as per the needs of our client—was to create thumbnail images that were as clear as they were competitive. They would be a customer’s first impression after all. Therefor they had to be unapologetic—frank in their visual aspect. They had to act as a hook, something to catch the eye of the client, and draw it away from the tough competition.

These images are extremely effective in their intended purpose. They show the detail down to the last fleck of woodgrain on a bouffant door, the gleam of chrome on the feet of an end table, or the matte-textured surface of a pure white coffee table.

First Impressions

Calligaris reached out to us here at C&I Studios with a specific set of instructions to follow. First, they wanted us to quote them on a photoshoot, one which would take place indoors, ideally in a photography studio, and it would involve nothing other than a white background.

It was simplicity they were after, and we did not flinch at the challenge.

The endgame for Calligaris, a designer and manufacturer furniture of furniture who offer a wide range of products and made-to-order pieces, was to walk away with a set of well-refined still images featuring a select number of items lifted from their vast, high-end catalogue. These images would be used for online purposes; on their website and other digital market-place portals as thumbnails to foster ease in the online purchasing environment.

The purpose of the white background was not only a brand-guideline, something to follow in order to highlight the modernist style and simplistic designs which are characteristic of much of the Calligaris catalogue—it was a calculated strategy that would, if done correctly, draw the eye of the prospective customer.

In order to compete successfully in the already crowded online marketplace—particularly a field as saturated as that of high-end furniture—first impressions matter. In fact, they are paramount to driving sales and moving revenue. And we were no strangers to that. It is an imperative of many of the clients with whom we work, that their products come over easily in a visual setting, especially one as straightforward as a 2-D photograph; one glimpsed as but one item in an online market index that might seem to scroll on forever.

If you want to stand out from the crowd, the overall dimensions must be clear, and the product itself must be seen in its best and most flattering light. You might say this was in our wheelhouse…

The Shoot

Calligaris wanted to shoot a number of high-end tables positioned before a pure white background. Because thumbnails online are often small and difficult to discern, it was important that these instructions be followed to the letter.

But their concern was: would C&I have a white backdrop large enough?

Thankfully, our spacious studio in Fort Lauderdale was more than sufficient to host the items Calligaris brought in as the subjects for our shoot. And the white backdrop we unfurled blew their expectations out of the water. It was just one of many options we had in store, but true to our client’s requests, we stuck with the tried and tested white.

In all, the project took just under two days. It was done on the Monstro, our reliable, high-end RED camera with a 35.4 Megapixel CMOS Sensor and 8K quality.

White marble table with black legs on display with gray chairs and wooden cabinet

A New Mark

Beyond the camera, our work with the client carried into a full refresh of their brand identity. They came to us wanting a logo that felt as modern and considered as the pieces they make, and we set out to give the mark the same clarity we brought to their product photography.

The process was a true collaboration. The client sent us the references and inspiration that spoke to them, and we translated that direction into a set of designs that aligned with their vision. From there we worked through every note and refinement they had, shaping the mark round after round until we arrived at a logo they were proud to put their name behind.

Make the First Impression Count

Calligaris Product Photography by C&I Studios

Great products deserve images that do them justice. From catalog photography that earns the click to a refreshed brand identity built around your vision, C&I Studios brings the studio, the crew, and the creative direction to make your work impossible to scroll past.

Ready to put your best foot forward? Contact us to talk through your next photography or branding project.

Make the First Impression Count

Calligaris Product Photography by C&I Studios

Ready to put your best foot forward? Contact us to talk through your next photography or branding project.