Reefwear Wetsuits
Fashion Photography

A deep dive into commercial photography, I was commissioned by Watersports Warehouse to capture a range of high-quality images of wetsuits for their online shop.

Established in 1989, Watersports Warehouse is now one of the largest online retailers in the UK for watersports gear, selling everything from ear plugs and fins to the highest quality scuba equipment and stand-up paddleboards. As part of their range, they also sell an in-house wetsuit line called Reefwear.

The aim of this shoot was to create a suite of product images ready to launch on Watersports Warehouse’s e-commerce sites, including their main website and Shopify store. The goal was to create high-quality imagery consistent with their branding that accurately reflected the wetsuits and provided a useful visual reference for online shoppers.

PLANNING THE FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY

To begin the process, I liaised with Watersports Warehouse to define their brief and then created a mood board outlining each element. The wetsuits were to be worn by two models and showcased against a white backdrop. Multiple angles of each wetsuit were required (including front, side, and back), as well as close-up shots detailing the quality stitching, zips, and materials.

Accurate colour representation and style were key priorities, ensuring that any images used on the website offered the truest reflection of the product. At the same time, it was also important to create a laidback, comfortable atmosphere during the shoot so that the models (one of whom had been drafted in last-minute!) felt relaxed, and the final images felt accessible and engaging to customers.

Ahead of the shoot, timings were agreed with the client team, and I secured hire of a studio for the allocated schedule. This provided a neutral space with controlled lighting, allowing me to focus on consistency and quality throughout. On the day, I made my way over to the studio early to set up the lighting and make sure everything was ready to go once the team arrived.

During the shoot itself, I worked with one of the team’s project managers to work through the photography checklist and capture everything that was required. Each wetsuit was showcased by both models and photographed from a range of angles. To inject a sense of fun and authenticity, I also introduced props to certain scenes.

Once I downed my camera, post-production played an important part in refining the final images to maintain brand consistency and ensure utmost quality. Editing included colour correcting, adjusting the lighting, removing any creases, and subtle retouching.

The final result was a high-quality set of images that Watersports Warehouse could use online ready to showcase their wetsuits. Perfect for both marketing materials and direct sales, the full image library provided a valuable asset for the team, as well as hopefully an inspiring incentive for water-lovers to don the neoprene and enjoy the outdoors!