Professional Photography for Oxford Earth Sciences Department

The Earth Sciences Department at the University of Oxford needed a suite of new photographs to use on their website and social media. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, prospective students could not visit the department in person, so the photos needed to provide a virtual experience of the labs and social spaces.

The problem

Capturing High-Quality Photos Amid COVID-19 Restrictions

The department’s health and safety protocols during COVID-19 meant that the photography needed to be done with minimal staff interaction, ensuring strict adherence to safety measures. This presented a unique challenge in maintaining the quality of the shoot while adhering to strict health guidelines.

Limited Time and Resources for the Shoot: The photography shoot had to be completed within a few hours, a significantly shorter time frame than usual due to the department’s restricted working routines and access limitations. This required efficient planning and execution to capture all necessary content within the limited time.

Ensuring a Comprehensive Visual Representation: The photographs needed to effectively showcase various aspects of the department, including labs, social spaces, and other facilities, to provide a thorough virtual experience for prospective students. It was essential to capture a diverse range of shots to paint a complete picture of the department’s environment.

Our solution

Extensive Pre-Planning and Coordination with the Client

We held several online discussions with the client to understand their requirements and expectations. This included looking at examples from other departments and universities to generate a baseline for the desired visual style. Thorough pre-planning ensured that every aspect of the shoot was covered efficiently.

Strategic Execution of the Photography Shoot: A detailed plan was created for the shoot, including a list of rooms and contacts. The plan ensured efficient use of the limited time, allowing us to capture all necessary photos within the allotted timeframe. This strategy was crucial in maximising productivity during the shoot.

Utilising a Solo Photographer Approach: To adhere to health and safety protocols, we conducted the shoot with a single photographer. This approach minimised staff interaction while ensuring high-quality photography. The solo photographer approach allowed for greater flexibility and adherence to safety measures.

The results

Successful Completion of the Photography Shoot

The project was completed successfully within the limited time frame. The photographs provided a comprehensive visual representation of the department, helping prospective students envision the facilities. The high-quality photos effectively showcased the department’s environment.

30%+

Virtual Tour Engagement

The project was completed successfully within the limited time frame. The photographs provided a comprehensive visual representation of the department, helping prospective students envision the facilities. The high-quality photos effectively showcased the department’s environment, contributing to a 30% increase in virtual tour engagement on the website.

25%+

Social Media Interaction

The photos have been in use for over three years and continue to be circulated by the department, demonstrating the long-term value and effectiveness of the shoot. The client was highly impressed with the results and expressed a desire for future collaborations. Positive client feedback included a 25% increase in social media interactions and a 40% rise in web traffic to the Earth Sciences Department’s page.

Useful lessons for businesses

Importance of Pre-Planning and Coordination

Effective pre-planning and coordination with the client are crucial for successful project execution, especially under restricted conditions. Thorough planning ensures that all client requirements are met efficiently.

Adhering to Health and Safety Protocols

Ensuring strict adherence to health and safety protocols is essential during times of pandemic or other health-related restrictions. Adhering to these protocols ensures the safety of all involved while maintaining the quality of the project.

Providing a Comprehensive Visual Experience

Creating a detailed plan and executing it efficiently can result in high-quality visuals that provide a comprehensive experience for the audience, even in limited time frames. Comprehensive visual representation helps in engaging and informing the audience effectively.

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