Creating Commercial Photography in Cornwall

A shot may succeed for a number of reasons that aren’t always obvious. When you step back and analyze what makes an image genuinely work in a commercial context, you begin to see the careful interplay of elements that catches the viewer’s eye without overwhelming them.

In this case, there is an absence of distractions, no boats or bathers to draw the eye away from the main subjects. The clean horizon and empty expanse of the sea keep the focus entirely where it needs to be.

The models have similar skin tones, and hair colour so there is symmetry and cohesion to the couple. We can believe in them as a couple not as two models thrown together for the shoot.

Their legs are in the same position which is pleasing to the eye and again connects them well.

The line of the waves, horizon, the board and the patterns all ‘point' in the same direction. They help to accentuate the movement.

The shutter speed was slowed to get movement in the legs, but not too much so that the subject retains some focus. This subtle blur introduces a dynamic sense of speed and action while keeping the core of the image sharp.

There is colour. A great splash of primary colour on the surfboard that gives the photograph the impact that a white surfboard could not.

Finally there is space for a commercial user to add copy if they want to use the image in their promotions. They could also easily extend the sky or the edges if they needed to, making it versatile for layout designers.

This is not the greatest shot of all time but it has a simplicity and vibrancy that makes it useful and usable. Preparation and visualisation is key to its success. (And it helps having a proper brilliant UK summer!)