Photographing for Soleheaven
Soleheaven is an independent sneaker store with its roots in Newcastle Upon Tyne. It stocks popular sports brands such as Nike, Saucony, New Balance, Vans, Diadora and Le Coq Sportif, as well as lifestyle products like Clarks Originals.
Even with a brick-and-mortar store in the heart of the city, Soleheaven takes full advantage of digital media outlets. In an online marketplace where everyone is clambering for attention, it is essential that the effort is made to stand out from the rest. A strategy chosen by Soleheaven is to have all the product imagery photographed on location, meaning that nothing is shot within a studio.
Such a process provides many challenges, including finding suitable backdrops that complement the sneakers as well as constantly being at the mercy of British weather. There have definitely been times when it has been pouring with rain or when the light has been poor and I've wished that I have been inside a dry studio and in command of the light. But at the same time, there is something about being out in the city that inspires me and sparks my imagination. There are colours and textures, reflections and shadows on the streets that I could never conjure if I was shooting in a studio.
Here are some of my favourite images I've taken for Soleheaven during August.
Check out the latest sneakers at www.soleheaven.com
Ant Tran is product and lifestyle photographer. Currently working at END.