FLIPPIN TOADS / PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY
The Concept /
One of the most exciting things we have the opportunity to work on are photography projects where we are able to fully develop a concept. Fleshing out an idea from start to finish. When we were contacted about this product photography shoot, for cell phone case designer Flippin Toads, we knew that we needed to create a portfolio of photographs that stood out against a backdrop of many competitors. Simultaneously we needed to showcase the functionality of the case itself, which is designed to have a retractable ergonomic grip. allowing for atypical viewing angles and added security for the device. Check them online at www.flippintoad.com
This product was absolutely amazing to work with from an advertising, branding, and photographic perspective. It all fell into place very nicely as I had very recently been playing around with dripping paint in the studio for some personal work. I have a serious affinity for serendipity! The case itself is mainly designed for functionality, by turning your phone into a physical extension of your hand. We wanted to convey this extension visually in a simple and powerful way, with the hand becoming one with the case. Scroll down for 'How it Was Made.'
Product Photography created for cell phone case designer and manufacturer Flippin Toads. Case featured for use with iPhone 7 Plus. https://www.flippintoad.com
Product Photography created for cell phone case designer and manufacturer Flippin Toads. Case featured for use with iPhone 7 Plus. https://www.flippintoad.com
How Was it Made?
The photo shoot started without the camera. The first step was to find the right faux hand and secure a neutral grey paint from a local paint store. We photographed the components separately under the same lighting setup, using a tripod to keep all of the angles and framing consistent. Starting with the hand holding the case, then removing the case and pouring the paint onto the hand by itself. We finished up by photographing the paint puddle.
The real magic happened in post production. We pulled the base components we had photographed into Adobe Photoshop for a five hour retouching marathon, sponsored unofficially by our studio Pandora account. The first step was to get the paint onto the hand, which was a bit trickier than I expected. Then it was onto the thumb, which had to be fabricated to reach around the case. Next to last, we added in the puddle (gold case) and the paint streaming from the top of the frame (purple case). The final step was an elaborate cutout of the case, so that we could recreate all of the color options offered.
The final retouching file for each photograph consists of approximately 3 base photos, 5 + cutout masks, 60 + adjustment layers, and were exported in 8 different colors each. All of the shooting and post production was handled in house, at our studio located in Western Ky.
Thanks for reading, and make sure to check out the pics below to see some of the original photos: View more product photography from our studio here.
Component 1 / Photograph of paint running down the faux hand used to composite into the final picture of the purple phone case.
Component 2 / Photograph of the puddle used to composite into the final image. Used on the Gold case it was used for the puddle below as well as on the purple case for the stream of paint coming from above.
Component 3 / Photograph of the hand holding the phone used to composite into the final image. Used in the final picture of the purple phone case.
Component 1 / Photograph of paint running down the faux hand used to composite into the final picture of the purple phone case.
Component 2 / Photograph of the puddle used to composite into the final image. Used on the Gold case it was used for the puddle below as well as on the purple case for the stream of paint coming from above.
Component 3 / Photograph of the hand holding the phone used to composite into the final image. Used in the final picture of the purple phone case.