Get it Sorted - Star Portraits Case Study

Executive Portraits:
Inspiring confidence

Star technology services Ltd. are the largest independent business ISP in the UK, with a client base of over 500,000 users. Their tailored IT packages have become a key part in the success of many businesses, tackling the mine field that is the day to day workings and predictive solutions necessary in an IT reliant world.

In addition to photography we have undertaken a wide range of campaigns for Star. Why not have a look at our Star case study?

The brief

As a well respected and high profile ISP Star was well aware of the importance of brand quality and continuity. The confidence of the potential customer is almost always affected by the brand identity and how this is maintained. A company that creates a quality brand appearance and maintains it consistently will inspire the feeling of security we all seek when investing money in a service.

Although Star maintained this quality throughout its work, they were missing one element. The photographs of their executive portraits were a disparate collection of mixed studio and candid portraits. They lacked the necessary quality and consistency that was appropriate for a company of its stature. As they were used in numerous publications, literature, presentations and on the Internet it became clear that they required updating.

The portraits were to be used across a variety of media, sizes and in both colour and black and white. Therefore, a selection of images were required that allowed a seamless transition between different media types and sizes.

The solution

Consulting with team members from Star’s marketing team the logistical details were decided. Due to the workload and unpredictable amounts of free time the executives had it was decided that creating a studio at Star’s headquarters would allow a flexible and efficient approach, requiring just two days to photograph all of the executives.

Professional lighting and backgrounds were located in a conference room. To create a strong aesthetic result it was decided to shoot the executives against a solid black background. This break from the traditional white or coloured background created an image of assured confidence, setting the Star image apart from their competition.

The photographs were taken using the latest digital equipment providing the quality and resolution necessary for large enlargements. Post processing was individually applied to each image, maintaining a consistent appearance and character. Black and white versions were then created as an alternative to the colour photographs.

Upon completion of processing Star was presented with digital files resized to a variety of dimensions, resolutions and colour spaces. This allowed the images to be used easily without the need for resizing or colour space conversions. The digital files were complemented by contact sheets, creating a quick and easy reference system for choosing the appropriate image.

Conclusions

By working in cooperation with Stars marketing department it was possible to develop a clear concept and a successful outcome. Through a flexible approach the photographs were taken quickly and efficiently, despite the hectic schedules of the executives.

Key facts

Working with Star’s marketing department the work was completed quickly and efficiently
The resulting photographs supported Star’s brand identity, creating the necessary consistency
The photographs were supplied in colour, black and white, a variety of sizes and colour spaces to allow easy use, without need for resizing or conversion, across a variety of media and sizes

About Star