Behind The Scenes. Photographing “The Occulties”

Some shoots are all about precision. Others are about atmosphere. This recent session at Whites Hire Studio had a bit of both.

We recently welcomed the super talented photographer Jessica Zschorn into the studio to photograph a set of handmade figures called The Occulties, created by the incredibly talented James Lamb for Strange Anvil and York Armoury.

The shoot was split into two clear parts. First, the goal was to capture a clean set of e-commerce style product images for each figure. These were photographed on a white background from a range of angles, creating the kind of clear, consistent imagery that works perfectly for online listings, product pages and marketplaces. With ten different models to photograph, the setup needed to be simple, repeatable and well controlled. Crisp lighting helped keep the background bright and clean, while still showing the shape, texture and detail of each cast figure.

Once the clean product shots were complete, the shoot moved into something more styled and cinematic.

A second setup was built for a series of moody pack shots, using carefully chosen decorations and props to create a darker, more magical feel around the figures. The lighting stayed soft and relatively simple, built around a main key light with a few smaller directional lights to add shape and highlight detail. A few coloured gels were used to bring in extra atmosphere, and the small handheld smoke machine helped add that final mystical touch to the scene.

It was a great example of how the same studio session can produce two very different types of content. On one side, you have clean commercial images ready for online selling. On the other, you have styled brand imagery that helps tell a story and build interest around the product.

The Occulties will be available from their online store soon, and it was brilliant to see the range brought to life in front of the camera.

Product photography in the studio

Shoots like this are a good reminder that product photography is not just about taking a picture of an item. It is about creating the right type of image for the way the product will be used.

For online stores and catalogue listings, the priority is usually consistency, detail and a clean finish. A white background, even lighting and multiple product angles help customers clearly see what they are buying. That kind of setup is ideal for websites, marketplaces and launch pages.

For promotional content, social media and campaign visuals, the approach can be very different. Styled product photography gives you more freedom to build mood, add props, shape the light and create something with more personality. This is often where brands can show a product in a more memorable and engaging way.

At Whites Hire Studio, both approaches can be created in the same session. With flexible backdrops, lighting, modifiers and space to build simple styled setups, the studio works well for everything from clean e-commerce product photography to more creative branded content.

If you need a flexible space for product photography in Hull, from clean white background images to more styled branded content, take a look at our studio hire options and book your session.

What is product photography?

Product photography is the process of photographing items for sale, promotion or marketing. It can include clean white background images for online shops, as well as more styled shots for social media, advertising and branded campaigns.

Why use a studio for product photography?

A studio gives you more control over lighting, backgrounds and styling. That makes it easier to create cleaner, more consistent images that look professional across websites, online stores and social content.

Can I shoot both white background and styled product images in one session?

Yes. Many product shoots combine both. You can create clean e-commerce images first, then move on to more creative or atmospheric setups for promotional use.

What kinds of products can be photographed in the studio?

The studio can be used for a wide range of products, including handmade items, retail products, artwork, fashion accessories, small commercial items and branded content pieces.

Is Whites Hire Studio suitable for creative product shoots?

Yes. The studio works well for both practical product photography and more creative shoots that use props, gels, smoke effects and mood lighting to build a stronger visual style.